It is preferable to recite Hallel with the community; when doing so, certain verses are repeated.

The blessings recited over Hallel; half- vs. full Hallel; reciting Hallel alone vs. with a minyan.

Part of proper kavanah includes enjoyment of the mitzvah as well as awareness of both love for and awe of Hashem.

Salt shakers, sugar shakers, drain filters, tea bags, and coffee presses.

Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Moshe Chaim ben Rivka.

Principles, parameters, and examples of the malacha of tochen on shabbos.

Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Moshe Chaim ben Rivka.

Proper orientation of tefillin straps; review and summary of halachot in the proper wearing of tefillin.

Exactly where on the head should the Tefillin shel Rosh be placed?

Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Moshe Chaim ben Rivka.

Exactly where on the arm should the Tefillin shel Yad be placed?

Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Moshe Chaim ben Rivka.

Final issues and examples in tochen; summary of all tochen principles.

The impact of a grinder or grater with regard to tochen as a malacha.

One of the most common applications of tochen is the cutting or chopping of vegetables for salad.

The principles and parameters of the malacha of tochen on shabbos; permitted ways of grinding.

The significance of Tisha b'Av goes beyond fasting and even beyond mourning. What are we to learn from Tisha b'Av?

Having kavanah -- intentionality, intellectual focus, emotional presence, and spiritual concentration -- is essential for proper mitzvah observance.

Summary and overview of all the special aspects of Shabbos Erev Tisha b'Av.

On motzei shabbos erev Tisha b'Av, we cannot drink wine. How do we make havdala?

On Shabbos, the third meal usual extends past sunset into the night; on Erev Tisha b'Av, we begin fasting at sunset. So what do we do when Erev Tisha b'Av falls on Shabbos?

In general, we don't launder or wear clean clothes, take haircuts, or wash during the nine days. What about lichvod shabbat?

On Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, do we read the haftarah for Rosh Chodesh or for the Tlat d'Puranuta? Also: the brachot for the haftorah and musaf on Shabbos Rosh Chodesh.

The importance of a fruit being recognizable; summary of the laws of brachot for fruit.

The principle of bal tosif -- adding on to mitzvot and claiming the additions are Torah requirements.

Does a fruit keep its bracha if the fruit is in a form that is no longer recognizable as the fruit?

Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Moshe Chaim ben Rivka.

Some fruits are meant to be picked before they are fully grown; others are meant to be picked after they are overripe.

Understanding and completing a mitzvah in its entirety.

Brachot for orange peels, grape leaves, capers, caper leaves, and more -- what is the main part of the fruit or tree?

What is the bracha for a spice that comes from a tree? Is it a "fruit extract" like juice? Does it matter if it comes from the fruit or some other part of the tree like the root?

Sugar, like fruit, is a product from a tree (or at least a plant). What is its correct bracha?

Overview and summary of the history and halachot of the Three Weeks

At what point is juice the "normal" way of eating a fruit? What about stewing or seeping? Plumbs, figs, and oranges; kanata a'da'ta d'hechi.

Juice that seeps or is squeezed from fruit or that comes from crushing or cooking fruit -- what is its bracha?

Figuring out the correct bracha on a mixture is complex and includes the intricacies of ikkar v'tefel, kavanah, ta'am, ikkar hapri, and more.

Concepts in brachot related to juices and medicines; also, more on ikkar v'tefel.

One who is zealous to be close to Hashem performs mitzvot with enthusiasm and alacrity.

Is a seed part of the fruit and hence subject to the same brachah, or is it a different food? Is the seed tafel to the fruit? Why is the tree grown?

Hashem answers all our prayers, granting us whatever we need -- if we focus on the right needs.

What is the brachah for an immature, inedible nut that becomes edible when cooked? Concept: natay a'da'ta.

What is the brachah for a nut? Concepts: ikkar and tefel; griuta and maalyuta; tzurato nikeret.

What is the brachah for a fresh fruit that is better when cooked? A cooked fruit that tastes better when fresh?

What is the brachah for a fruit that is eaten either cooked or fresh?

What is the brachah for fruit that is sour, bitter because it is unripe? What if it is so bitter that it is inedible?

At what point during a fruit's maturation process does it become the "main" fruit that receives the brachah borei pri ha-etz?

Halacha l'ma'aseh: there are four requirements that, if met, make raisin wine pri ha-gefen by all opinions.

Each mitzvah has its own inner beauty, and we should seek to express that beauty in our observance of the mitzvah by performing it in a pleasing manner.

Is the brachah for raisin wine borei pri hagafen or shehakol?

Knots.

At some point in mixing wine with other liquids, its brachah changes from borei pri ha-gefen. Just when does that happen?

Does wine still get a special brachah if it is concentrated? Mevushal? Pasteurized? Mixed with other flavors?

Why does wine get a special bracha? Why does fruit from a tree get a different bracha from other plants?

The general rules for brachot on fruit -- when the brachah is pri ha'etz, pri ha'adamah, and shehakol. Also: what to do if you don't know what brachah to make -- the answer will likely surprise you!

Eating without saying a bracha prior to eating is like stealing from Hashem.

Chinuch for Birkat HaMazon is unique in that a child can fulfill his father's obligation.

Chinuch is all about relationships -- relationships with ourselves, with our children, spouses, friends, and with Hashem.

Summary of various topics, including: handing a child an issur; handing a child an issur by way of a non-Jew; issurei d'rabbanan for a sick child; and circumstances where it is forbidden to eat (such as prior to kiddush and fast days.

All Jews are responsible for one another, so there are situations where every adult Jew has an obligation to educate every Jewish child. Two common cases: when a child does an issur for an adult; mitzvot ben adam l'chaveiro.

We make havdala following Yom Tov, but we don't include the candle or spices. Why?

If you are engaged in performing a mitzvah, you have no obligation to interrupt to perform other mitzvot, even if their time will pass, even if they are "more important."

Staying awak all night on Shavuos may compensate for our oversleeping when the Torah was given. Also: handling the morning blessings for those who haven't slept.

We do not "bundle" mitzvot together and perform multiple mitzvot at once.

Malachot dealing with thread and cloth on shabbos.

On the 61st anniversary of the establishment of modern Jewish sovereignty in Jerusalem, what should we be thinking with regard to the Holy City?

Every Jew has a designated role in the Jewish people.

The Chayei Adam views chinuch for mitzvot lo ta'aseh as an obligation of every Jew -- and Rav Dovid adds, this mitzvah of chinuch is not just for children.

Dedicated as a zechut for Tzipporah Feiga bas Chana Breina that she should have the privilege of raising children in a life of Torah.

Chinuch for mitzvot lo ta'aseh begins as soon as the child understands "no." We protect our children from physical dangers; should we not be equally careful of spiritual dangers?

The Aron Kodesh -- the Holy Ark in which the Torah was kept -- always travelled in the center of the Israelite camp. Of what relevance is this to us today?

A child picks up a forbidden food or begins to perform a forbidden act. Need we stop the child? Reprimand him or her? What if it isn't your child?

Dedicated for a refuah shleimah for Chaya Sarah Dinah bas Alta Bas Sheva

Under no (ordinary) circumstances can you hand a child a forbidden food or an opportunity to violate a Torah prohibition.

L'ilui nishmat Zissel Devorah bas Avraham Abish on the occasion of her yahrzeit.

We must always regard mitzvot respectfully, never putting ourselves above a mitzvah.

In some situations, we need not prevent a child from eating something when he shouldn't.

The opportunity to perform a mitzvah in the most ideal fashion later is a legitimate reason to delay its immediate observance.

When choosing between two mitzvot, both timing and mitzvah "importance" count.

The first principle of mitzvah observance is to never pass up the opportunity to do a mitzvah.

Educate a child according to his way; even when he ages, he will not depart from it.

We don't teach children before they are ready.

Chinuch for different mitzvot varies with the age and understanding of the child.

Introduction to chinuch: a look at Kiddush Lavana and Kriat Shema.

Kiddush Lavana customs are all about the joy of the relationship between Hashem and His people, and the joy associated with Kiddush Lavana reflects this relationship.

Kiddush Lavana is a time of joy, and many of its halachot and customs reflect this. So can a mourner say Kiddush Lavana? We are supposed to enjoy the light of the moon as part of the reason for the blessing, but do we look at the moon while reciting Kiddush Lavana?

Kiddush Lavana is ideally said on Motzei Shabbos or Motzei Yom Tov. What about after a fast day? This shiur discusses Yom Kippur, Tisha B'Av, Asara B'Tevet, Ta'anit Ester, and other Taaniot.

What are the earliest and latest dates in the monthly lunar cycle when Kiddush Levana can be recited? Why?

The ideal time for Kiddush Lavana is Motzei Shabbos -- within reason. Also: a brief summary of the works of Rav Yosef Caro, plus a bit of angeology.

L'ilui nishmat Moshe ben Hirsh on the occasion of his yahrzeit.

This class covers the first two malachot involving dealing with cloth on shabbos.

Who is obligated to recite Kiddush Levana? Do you have to see the moon to say it? When is it said?

Introduction to Kiddush Levana -- the mitzvah of sanctifying the new moon.

The "Ot-Bosh" of Pesach is one of the many wonders of the Jewish Calendar.

Why do we eat eggs at the seder? Why is there an egg on the seder plate?

Dedicated for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frieda.

What makes "Tzora'as Bayis" -- "leprosy of the house" -- different from other forms of tzora'as?

If you forget to make up for havdala in the second bracha, you have additional opportunities through the meal, the seder, and beyond. Also: washing hands for kiddush.

If you forget to make Havdala in Kiddush, how do you make up for your ommission?

The Kiddush of Pesach on Motzei Shabbos is special in that it includes both Shehechiyanu and Havdala.

Dedicated as a zechut l'ilui nishmat Shaul ben Chana z"l for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frieda.

In the middle of the Pesach Seder, we recite Hallel; in the middle of Hallel, we interrupt to eat. How can we interrupt Hallel in the middle? Also: There are two special changes in Maariv for Pesach: many communities recite Hallel, and there is no Kiddush in shul.

Dedicated for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frieda and Tamar bat Sigalit.

Just what is tumah, what causes it, and why?

The special evening prayers for Erev Pesach.

Dedicated for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frieda.

On a weekday Erev Pesach, if you forgot to discard some chometz, you burn it up as soon as you remember. What do you do on shabbos?

Dedicated for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frieda.

Speaking badly of others impacts our souls in ways we cannot fathom.

It's shabbos Erev Pesach, I swept up my chometz crumbs, but after halachic 10:00 AM I found more chometz! Now what do I do!?

Dedicated for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frieda and Aliza Sali bas Tsippora.

Chometz crumbs must be swept away after the morning shabbos meal. What if there is actual food -- challah -- left over?

Dedicated for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frieda, Aliza Sali bas Tsippora, and Zev Velvel ben Shirley.

Kneading is a relatively straightforward malacha with application in just a few circumstances.

When Erev Pesach is on shabbos, how do we wash up dishes from the chometz meals?

Dedicated for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frieda.

In most years, we burn and nullify our chometz on the day before Pesach. When Erev Pesach is on shabbos, when and how do we burn and nullify chometz?

We usually have Shalosh Seudos after Mincha on shabbos with bread. When Erev Pesach is on shabbos, how do we have challah at three shabbos meals?

When Erev Pesach is on shabbos, we certainly cannot check for chometz by the light of a candle on Friday night. What do we do? And do we make a bracha?

Erev Pesach is the Fast of the Firstborn. When it falls on shabbos, when do the firstborn fast, if at all?

Chazal made a general gezeira regarding medical treatment on shabbos based on the prohibition on grinding. This shiur discusses why and goes into the details of medications and medical treatment on shabbos.

If Erev Pesach falls on shabbos, it leads to many, many halachic questions. This shiur introduces the topic with a story from the Talmud of one such occurence.

Who was Ahashveirosh who made a 180-day party? Why is it important that he sat on his throne in Shushan, his capitol city; isn't that what all kings do?

An introduction to the first few verses of the Megilla as an example of the rabbinic exegetic process.

If you must be away for Purim such that you won't have an opportunity to hear the megilla at the right time, what should you do?

When Shushan Purim falls on Shabbos, Jews in walled cities celebrate Purim for three days!

A dweller of a walled city who goes to a village for Purim or vice versa... when does he read the Megilla? Also: Two Biblical walled cities of questionable status.

Halachot for situations when you are unsure whether to observer Purim on the 14th or 15th of Adar, including questionably walled cities, and an introduction to people who travel to or from walled cities for Purim.

The status of various cities -- modern Jerusalem, Shushan, Jaffa, Tiberias, Hebron, and more.

An introduction to the malacha of grinding, including its application to a variety of foods and circumstances.

Most of us celebrate Purim on the fourteenth of Adar, but certain cities, like Shushan, celebrate on the fifteenth.

The halachic implications of the added month in a leap year: Bar Mitzvah, bechor, rentals, mourning, korbanot, and more.

During a leap year, just how long is a "year," and what are the halachic implications of the added month?

When constructing the mishkan Betzalel knew things which Moshe hadn't even told him. How did he know, and what is the lesson for us?

Keeping our promises is not just about our interpersonal and business relationships; it is a spiritual necessity for the entire Jewish People and the entire world. We must always be of one voice in heart and speech.

Dedicated in honor of Rabbi Hager, the rabbi of the Wall Street Synagogue, and in honor of Yoel ben Ephraim Mordechai.

We must use a hin tzedek in all of our business dealings -- whether literally or figuratively.

We should love Hashem's House -- the Mishkan and Beis HaMikdash -- like we love our own homes.

Part of emes entails being true and honest, and that means keeping our promises.

Betzalel and all the artisans and engineers for the construction of the Mishkan needed to have a "wise heart." We normally think of "wisdom" as an intellectual faculty. Just what is a "wise heart"?

We may only possess accurate weights and measures. Based on the same verse, Chazal admonish us: say only what you mean.

Parshat VaYakhel demonstrates three types of people who give tzedakah.

Changing our words or deviating from the truth does not mean that we are deviating from emes. A proper understanding of emes at times includes deviations from what in English is called "truth."

The juxtaposition of the sanctity of Shabbos, even in the face of the tremendous mitzvah of construction of the Mishkan, teaches us several important principles in emunah and bitachon.

Using a series of questions and scenerios, this class reviews the various halachot of cooking as covered previously in the shabbos series.

Sometimes we can deviate from the truth, so long as we stick within appropriate halachic boundaries. But making a habit of such deviation is dangerous.

Rabbeinu Yonah differentiates among different types of untruth, distinguishing between that which is permitted and that which is forbidden. But even the permitted should be avoided, as it accustoms our tongues to falsehood.

If Tefillin come off or out of place, do you make a new bracha before putting them back?

In certain circumstances, food can cook even in a kli sheini or kli shlishi.

There are times when we are allowed to deviate from the truth, but knowing how and when is generally extraordinarilly difficult to judge.

Dedicated l'ilui nishmat Geula Yehudis Malka Rivka bas Chaim Mordechai on the occasion of her yahrzeit.

We have two mitzvot regarding truth and falsehood: "Do not lie" and "Distance yourself from falsehood. Why two mitzvot and what is the difference between them?

A review, summary and overview of halachot of shacharit, from Shema through Aleinu.

A review, summary and overview of halachot of morning conduct, from waking up through the recitation of Shema.

How do we record the date in halachic documents during the two months of Adar in a leap year? What about the two days of Rosh Chodesh? Also: a general overview of the Jewish Calendar.

Why is kaddish recited by mourners? The Midrash of Rabbi Akiva / Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai and the merit of kaddish. Also: important halachot when multiple people recite kaddish together.

In a leap year, are there any customs associated with Purim Katan, the 14th and 15th of Adar I?

In a leap year, are events observed in Adar 1 or Adar 2?

Choosing whole matzos from among broken matzos is a problem of borrer that presents itself every Pesach.

The order of the Torah reading, the reason for four aliyot, and the division of the aliyot on Rosh Chodesh.

A review of many of the halachot of bishul, including chazara in detail; cooking in hot food off the fire.

Dealing with common situations of borrer that occur during a meal: removing waste from food and peeling.

Parshat Mishpatim is almost entirely about mitzvot ben adam l'chaveiro -- human interactions and civil law. So why, in the middle of the partsha, are we told not to mix milk and meat?

According to the Chayei Adam, separating the parts of milk -- curds, whey, cream -- is all considered borrer.

In yesterday's shiur (Borrer 8), we struggled to understand the confusing case of separating egg yolk and white by way of a mustard strainer. In today's shiur, Rav Dovid shares his chidushim that make sense of this difficult case.

Strainers and filters can be used on shabbos in some circumstances but not others. This is an area where there is a very fine line between mutar l'chatchila and chayav chatas, and most of us often don't understand the differences.

Practical applications of the malacha of cooking continued, including hatmana (insulating) and the use of a "buffet cart" for warming food.

Is there a permitted way to pour off a liquid from unwanted sediment or to remove fat from gravy on shabbos? How do you avoid borrer in such cases?

Right after the revelation of Divine Law in the Ten Commandments, we are given a long set of civil laws regarding many aspects of human interactions. What is the connection?

If Hashem fought for Am Yisrael at the Red Sea, how is it that Amelek were able to attack immediately thereafter?

Even though it is a utensil made for separating, under some circumstances an actual strainer may be used on Shabbos.

Dedicated l'ilui nishmat Aharon ben Meir on the occasion of his yahrzeit.

Some liquids may be strained with a handkerchief without violating borrer, but straining others is an issur d'oraita.

In this brief yahrzeit l'chaim, Rav Dovid explains how conflicting midrashim on the drowning of the Egyptians in the Red Sea provides insights into our relationship with this World, the Next World, and Justice.

Borrer also applies when separating between two foods when one is desirable and one is not.

Chazal teach that parshas B'Shalach proves the ultimate ressurection of the dead at the time of the Redemption. What is the proof, and how should we prepare?

Applying the rules of borrer to a common shabbos situation: separating good fruit from bad, or wilted lettuce from crispy.

Given as a zechut for a refuah shleima for Tamar bat Sigalit.

This class goes through many of the practical aspects involved in having hot food to eat on shabbos, including blechs, crockpots, hotplates, shehiya, chazara, and reheating.

For borrer to be permissible, three conditions must be met: the separation must be done by hand, by taking good from bad, and for immediate use. The Chayei Adam adds another condition: taking the lesser quantity from the greater.

The malacha of zoreh (winnowing) has very few practical implications today. Borrer (selecting or sorting) is among the most difficult malachot to apply because it is so subtle.

Halachic details regarding the proper blessing for the recitation of half-hallel, including when to make and not make a bracha on hallel.

Given as a zechut for a refuah shleima for Tamar bat Sigalit.

What if you accidentally include ya'aleh v'yavo in a weekday amidah?

If ya'aleh v'yavo is forgotten on Rosh Chodesh at mincha, can you make up for it in the following ma'ariv?

We previously learned that you can make up for a missed shabbos amidah in the subsequent weekday amidah. But what if you mistakenly davened a weekday amidah on shabbos -- can you correct that error in a subsequent weekday amidah?

If Hashem hardens Pharoah's heart so that he doesn't let the Jewish people go, how is it fair that Hashem then punishes Pharoah for not letting the Jewish people go? If Pharoah has no free will, how is he responsible?

A review of all the halachot we have learned with ragard to making up for missed prayers, and a recap of the examples found in the Shulchan Aruch.

In memory of Tzippora bat Meir on the occastion of her yahrzeit.

According to Rashi, Moshe rabbeinu makes his first mistake as a leader by speaking lashon hara about the Jewish people. The Chofetz Chaim explains just how Moshe is punished for this act.

If you miss mincha on shabbos, can you make up for it with a second ma'ariv after shabbos?

If you miss mincha on erev shabbos, can you make up for it with a second ma'ariv shabbos amidah? Also: Clarification on who is a meizid and instructions for tashlumin for chozrim b'teshuva.

In memory of Aharon ben Leib HaCohen on the occasion of his yahrzeit.

There are special halachot regarding a missed musaf and tashlumin. Also, one who intentionally skips a tefilla cannot make up for it.

Can you daven a make-up prayer for more than one missed tefilla? What if you forget your tashlumin? Can you daven a tashlumin at musaf?

The proper time for a make-up amidah is during the following prayer. But what time is the following prayer? And is this l'chatchila or b'dieved?

The halachot of making up for a missed mincha or ma'ariv.

One who forgets aneinu on a fast day does not go back to insert it. But the halacha is quite different for an individual as compared to the shaliach tzibbur.

In memory of Tamar Rivkah bas Sheur Zalman on the occasion of her yahrzeit.

The malacha of cooking is very complex. While the rules are straightforward, there are many, many rules to remember and apply -- more than any other malacha.

We make up for a missed shacharit by davening mincha twice, but what is the best way to go about that?

One who accidentally misses shacharit makes up for the lost prayer by davening mincha twice.

Sometimes we daven the amidah twice in a row, such as davening shacharit followed immediately by musaf if you aren't in shul on shabbos. This shiur introduces some of the parameters for such a situation, such as how long to pause in between.

On the eigth day of Chanukah, we read "Zot Chanukah", the dedication of the mishkan, including the lighting of the menorah. There is more to this then the obvious similarity of the events.

In memory of Moshe ben Chaim on the occasion of his 36th yahrzeit.

On Rosh Chodesh Chanukah, we read from two sifrei Torah. But how do we divide up the aliyot between Rosh Chodesh and Chanukah? Also: what if we accidentally take out only one sefer Torah or begin reading from the wrong sefer Torah?

Common applications of borrer and how to handle them.

Oils and wicks that are prohibited for shabbos candles are permissible for Chanukah candles. What is the difference between Chanukah and shabbos that we treat the halacha of their candles differently?

While we don't know exactly when Yosef was sold into slavery, there are hints that he was sold on Chanukah.

If squeezing liquid from a cloth is a form of dosh, sponges cannot be used on shabbos. How do we wash dishes? Clean a counter of table? Also: straining.

Applications of dosh related to melting include cracking ice, melting butter, and dissolving sugar. Also: cleaning up spills.

Beehives are categorized as something that "grows from the ground," which makes honeycomb subject to dosh. This shiur details the halachot involved. As usual, we extract principles that are applicable elsewhere in dosh.

Join Rav Dovid for a "Lunch and Learn" discussion of the Torah view of Marriage and Love. Rav Dovid gives a Torah perspective on relationships, including reflections on his own marriage, in this seminar discussion designed to bring the Torah view down to a practical level that we can all apply either in marriage or in preparation for marriage. The divorce rate in the U.S. is over 50%, but in the Torah world it is 6%. Just what is the secret of a successful marriage?

The juice that seeps from grapes on shabbos is rabbinically prohibited. However, you can soak the grapes in existing wine and enjoy the new wine that comes out. NOTE: This lecture mentions a chasid who drank Southern Comfort. That story goes back to the 1980s; Southern Comfort is not considered kosher today due to wine-based additives.

Nursing is obviously permissible on Shabbos in spite of the dosh issues it presents. How are those issues handled when they come up? Also: the reason why cows are considered as growing from the ground; general parameters of pikuach nefesh as illustrated by several actual cases.

Dedicated as a zechut for Tzipporah Feiga bas Chana Breina that she should have the privilege of raising children in a life of Torah.

Common applications of borrer and how to handle them.

Cows and other animals are considered as growing from the ground, and this means that milking a cow is considered to be removing food (milk) from its natural container (cow). What are the parameters of dosh in this context?

Liquids absorbed in food, like oil in a fried food, have a different status from liquids naturally in food or even brine in pickles.

Dedicated to Yechiel Isser ben Tuvia on the occasion of his yahrzeit.

Is there a permitted way to squeeze lemon onto fish or into tea? To make lemonade? Can I squeeze the excess brine from my pickles?

The first toldah of dosh is squeezing fruits for juice. How is this dosh? It is the process of removing the desired part (the juice) from its natural container (the fruit).

Winnowing, selecting, and sifting together constitute "borrer", one of the most detailed and challenging malachot to understand and master. The distance between a permitted act and a Torah prohibition, says the Mishna Brura, is but a hair's breadth in width.

The av malacha, principles, and several examples of dosh (threshing).

Birkat HaMazon on shabbos when Rosh Chodesh falls on Sunday (part 2). Do we include r'tzei for shabbos, Ya'aleh v'Yavo for Rosh Chodesh, or both?

When Rosh Chodesh falls on Sunday, there is a special haftara reading. Also: Birkat HaMazon on shabbos when Rosh Chodesh falls on Sunday (part 1).

What should you do if you need to daven early in the morning, prior to MiSheYakir (the earliest time for shema), which is much before netz (the earliest time for the amidah).

Dedicated to Ariella Rivka bas Avroham, may her neshoma have an aliya.

It is a bit surprising to learn that it is permissible to take a haircut or a bath prior to dawn, even within the half hour approaching the time to daven. Why is this?

The conclusion of "Plowing, Planting, and Picking": Dealing with Houseplants; the next group of agricultural malachot: gathering and threshing.

Being careful about davening shacharit at the right time is of such high priority that one shouldn't even learn Torah prior to davening. But what about learning at night, or waking up before dawn?

We have learned that we cannot eat prior to davening Shacharit, but what about eating prior to dawn?

Though in general we do not eat or drink anything prior to Shacharit, there are many leniencies that allow one to do so.

Just as we don't go to greet friends, so too we don't tend to our own business or even eat or drink prior to davening.

An midrashic overview of the priority of greeting Hashem before greeting others; the halachot of going to a friend's home prior to going to shul and of responding to someone else's greeting.

This class covers the first three agricultural malachot: plowing, planting, and picking.

Upon awakening in the morning, our priority is to daven. As such, there is a prohibition on stopping to see a friend before davening.

The shacharit amidah must be completed by the fourth hour of the day. What if that time has passed and you haven't yet said the amidah?

The earliest time for the amidah is netz hachama ("third dawn"). What if you can't wait until then and need to daven early?

The amidah follows different times from the shema. What are these times, and why are they different? What if you need to daven early? Also: a review and overview of the times for shema; what to do if you need to put on tallis and tefillin prior to misheyakir.

If you are unable to complete shema on time, or even if you purposely miss the required time, you can still say shema later in the day.

If you forget to daven ma'ariv, you can daven until dawn, but this impairs the permission to daven shacharis early. Also: The yahrzeit of Methushelah.

Sometimes you have no choice but to daven before netz or to start davening before misheyakir. What should you do? Also: an actual example of how Rav Dovid handled such a situation.

What should you do if you have no choice but to read shema prior to the earliest permissible time?

Includes: review and overview of the four morning halachic times: the three "dawns" and the end of the time for kriat shema. Situations where you have to daven before the appropriate time.

The perfect time to recite the shema is just before the sun peeps over the horizon. This time is so ideal that one can daven at this time at the expense of davening with a minyan.

The entire Shema must be recited in full before three halachic daylight hours have passed.

In memory of Leah bas Yechezkel on the occasion of her yahrzeit.

Why was the Haftara for Rosh Chodesh on Shabbos chosen?

An introductory level guide to Shabbos observance. This class covers a basic overview of the mitzvah of keeping Shabbos and the origins of the prohibited activities.

When Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos we add Ya'aleh v'Yavo, read a special Rosh Chodesh Maftir, and recite a special haftara.

Dedicated in memory of Shnuer Zalman ben Shlomo on the occasion of his yahrzeit.

The proper time for the recitation of the morning Shema is unfortunately a time when few of us can awaken ourselves to pray on a regular basis.

Dedicated in memory of Feigel bas Aharon HaKohen on the occasion of her yahrzeit.

The earliest time that one can recite the morning Shema is the time when we can recognize each other.