Erev Pesach Primer 5784/2024
Download or print this guide here THE NIGHT OF EREV PESACH - SUNDAY NIGHT, APRIL 21 Bedikat Chametz / The Search for Chametz - On the...
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FROM THE RABBI'S DESK
Notes, Insights, and Memos from the Desk of Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Mar 11
- 5 min
The Joy in Judaism and Why I Give Your Kids Candy in Shul!
Let’s be real, compelling a child (or teenager or even an adult!) to attend a lengthy, solemn service, reading from a black and white...
![[22] Hilchos Tzedaka: The Laws of Charity (Part 2 of 2)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_cceddcaee910454485aef213a350ec57~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_cceddcaee910454485aef213a350ec57~mv2.jpg)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Feb 22
- 4 min
[22] Hilchos Tzedaka: The Laws of Charity (Part 2 of 2)
IN THIS ARTICLE: Who to give, the priorities of giving, turning down requests, backround checks, how much to give, and three interesting...
![[21] Hilchos Tzedaka: The Laws of Charity (Part 1 of 2)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_0a757a3d35204f4cacb0329a06d327b4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_0a757a3d35204f4cacb0329a06d327b4~mv2.jpg)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Feb 15
- 4 min
[21] Hilchos Tzedaka: The Laws of Charity (Part 1 of 2)
IN THIS ARTICLE: The source, who is obligated, how to give, pledging verbally, pledging mentally, and when to give. INTRODUCTION The...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Feb 8
- 2 min
Two Adar’s and Mini Purim!
Rav Moshe Isserlis, the Rema (1530 - 1572), concludes his magnificent comments on the Shulchan Aruch by discussing whether one is...
![[20] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 5 of 5)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_77c7891d90174750b10e876b79c1c2ba~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/35585f_77c7891d90174750b10e876b79c1c2ba~mv2.png)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Dec 27, 2023
- 3 min
[20] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 5 of 5)
After detailing the prohibition and exceptions, we conclude with some final Halachos and also explain the reasons for the prohibition of...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Dec 21, 2023
- 3 min
[19] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 4 of 5)
Detailing the final three exceptions when one can use a non-Jew's help on Shabbos and Yom Tov, and how these can be used. BEIN...
![[18] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's help on Shabbos (Part 3 of 5)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_40722de8f7d3473a979a965958abc489~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/35585f_40722de8f7d3473a979a965958abc489~mv2.png)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Dec 14, 2023
- 3 min
[18] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's help on Shabbos (Part 3 of 5)
We continue detailing the exceptions when one can use a non-Jew's help on Shabbos and Yom Tov, and how these can be used below....
![[17] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 2 of 5)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_22bbbb175e7e46449cb7d529750ad431~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/35585f_22bbbb175e7e46449cb7d529750ad431~mv2.png)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Dec 7, 2023
- 3 min
[17] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 2 of 5)
We continue detailing the exceptions when one may use a non-Jew's help on Shabbos and Yom Tov, and how these can be used below. ILLNESS...
![[16] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 1 of 5)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_463a57878bcd4dabaea58a55b9c07504~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/35585f_463a57878bcd4dabaea58a55b9c07504~mv2.png)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Nov 30, 2023
- 2 min
[16] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 1 of 5)
Debunking common misconceptions... The first thing that we need to clarify is that there are two separate prohibitions involved in having...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Oct 2, 2023
- 1 min
Life After the Festivals
As we approach the end of this joyful festive season and embark upon the extended winter months, (this year including the additional...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Sep 20, 2023
- 2 min
Kol Nidre and Reciprocity
Dear Members and Friends, Our congregation is dedicated to making Judaism accessible and meaningful for all. Under the banner of ‘Dor...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Jul 31, 2023
- 3 min
Rekindling our Souls
As we prepare for the month of Elul and the approaching Yamim Nora'im/Days of Awe, we grapple with a perpetual paradox that has troubled...
![[15] Summary of The Laws of Tisha B’Av](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_4490a8f85eac48038a724b6eab79b9de~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_4490a8f85eac48038a724b6eab79b9de~mv2.jpg)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Jul 19, 2023
- 2 min
[15] Summary of The Laws of Tisha B’Av
Tisha B’Av 5783/2023 is on Wednesday, July 26 & Thursday, July 27 1. Eating and drinking is not allowed for all over the ages of bar/bat...
![[14] The Fast of Tammuz, Three Weeks and Nine Days](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_45614663707a7051755955~mv2_d_4000_2667_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_45614663707a7051755955~mv2_d_4000_2667_s_4_2.jpg)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Jun 26, 2023
- 2 min
[14] The Fast of Tammuz, Three Weeks and Nine Days
The three weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av are a period of national Jewish mourning, beginning on the 17th of Tammuz (which falls on Thu,...
![[13] Kiddush - Part 2 of 2: All you need to know!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b0992da96f474250b1daf452323fc4c7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/11062b_b0992da96f474250b1daf452323fc4c7~mv2.jpg)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Jun 13, 2023
- 6 min
[13] Kiddush - Part 2 of 2: All you need to know!
In this second section of the Halachos of Kiddush we will address the following questions: How to hold the cup? What is the best way to...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Jun 8, 2023
- 5 min
[12] Kiddush - Part 1 of 2: All you need to know!
One of the most beautiful scenes is the family gathering around the table on Friday night for Kiddush. Likewise, the Kiddush on Shabbos...
![[11] The Shabbos Meals: Clarifying the Obligation](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_c26633ed470f47009d316c767668ce5c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_400,h_300,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_c26633ed470f47009d316c767668ce5c~mv2.jpg)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Jun 1, 2023
- 5 min
[11] The Shabbos Meals: Clarifying the Obligation
In this article we will discuss the obligation to eat meals on Shabbos, the proper meal times, using two loaves of bread, which foods to...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- May 30, 2023
- 2 min
Semantic Satiation in Judaism
Scientists have yet to explain the phenomenon known as 'Semantic satiation'. Oxford dictionary defines this as 'a peculiar sense of loss...
![[9] Meat and Wine on Yom Tov: Including how to reconcile Shavuos!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_678c3edf0a554662a0ddec82cecd7dfd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_678c3edf0a554662a0ddec82cecd7dfd~mv2.jpg)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- May 17, 2023
- 4 min
[9] Meat and Wine on Yom Tov: Including how to reconcile Shavuos!
INTRODUCTION: THE OBLIGATION TO BE HAPPY ON YOM TOV All Jewish adults are biblically obligated to be happy throughout the three...
![[8] Timers on Shabbos: How, When, and for What Purpose?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_ce92a89e79c54c239254ea05d1603b16~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_ce92a89e79c54c239254ea05d1603b16~mv2.jpg)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- May 11, 2023
- 5 min
[8] Timers on Shabbos: How, When, and for What Purpose?
INTRODUCTION The Mishna (Shabbos 17b) records a dispute between Beis Hillel and Beis Shammai regarding whether one can leave materials in...
![[7] Heating Food and Liquid on Shabbos (inc. 'Sabbath Mode' Oven Guidelines)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_d4e6de82f87c4d6f9e2d45842aaa91f1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_361,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_d4e6de82f87c4d6f9e2d45842aaa91f1~mv2.jpg)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- May 3, 2023
- 4 min
[7] Heating Food and Liquid on Shabbos (inc. 'Sabbath Mode' Oven Guidelines)
NOTE: The laws of warming food on Shabbos are numerous and complex with a variety of opinions. This brief overview is merely a summary of...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Apr 30, 2023
- 2 min
One for All and All for One
On Shavuot, we celebrate the giving of the Torah which changed the spiritual status of our nation. We know that prior, our forefathers...
![[6] Kaddish: The Laws and Customs](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_e38c333139a040aaa050f983f55b1a6d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_e38c333139a040aaa050f983f55b1a6d~mv2.jpg)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Apr 27, 2023
- 5 min
[6] Kaddish: The Laws and Customs
The General Guidelines: The Kaddish can only be recited in the presence of a minyan (quorum of ten Jewish males over age thirteen)...
![[5] A Quick Guide to The Laws of Mezuza](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_3a665e9a19ba46d895e8be81fd75fcac~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_3a665e9a19ba46d895e8be81fd75fcac~mv2.jpg)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Apr 20, 2023
- 3 min
[5] A Quick Guide to The Laws of Mezuza
Why should I put Mezuzos? Primarily because we are commanded to, as the Passuk in Devarim 6:9 states 'וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל־מְזֻזוֹת בֵּיתֶךָ...
![[4] Wearing a smartwatch on Shabbos/Yom Tov](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_735091e00e444da08963c4d691ee9a05~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_735091e00e444da08963c4d691ee9a05~mv2.jpg)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Apr 11, 2023
- 2 min
[4] Wearing a smartwatch on Shabbos/Yom Tov
May one wear a smartwatch on Shabbos and Yom Tov? Obviously, when touching the screen or buttons, as with all electronics, this falls...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Mar 29, 2023
- 3 min
Is the Seder time wrong?
I have done the math and I think we have all been celebrating the Seder nights at the wrong time! If we travel back 3335 years to the...
![[3] The Early Shabbos Conundrum](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_a476b60aeb984506982ee31f1a4cec48~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/35585f_a476b60aeb984506982ee31f1a4cec48~mv2.png)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Mar 18, 2023
- 4 min
[3] The Early Shabbos Conundrum
Does a household automatically accept Shabbos at the time when the husband accepts Shabbos early or recites Kabbolas Shabbos?...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Mar 1, 2023
- 2 min
Thou Shalt Be Joyful!
In the leadup to Purim, the Mishna (Taanit 4:6) says “When Adar begins, we increase in joy.” The difficulty though is obvious. However,...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Jan 31, 2023
- 2 min
We Are Trees?
Dear Friends, This year, Tu B’Shevat, the 15th day of the month of Shevat, occurs on Sunday Eve, Feb 5 and Monday, Feb 6. The day is...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Dec 31, 2022
- 1 min
The Only Vegan in the Room
We all know the feeling of being under siege. It may be as innocuous as being the only vegetarian at the family reunion dinner, as...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Nov 30, 2022
- 1 min
Chanukah's Eternal Message
Dear Friends, In our long history, few individuals have threatened the spiritual survival of the Jewish people as did Antiochus IV...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Nov 2, 2022
- 1 min
Elevating the Mundane
Dear friends, The Chagim are over, and winter has begun. The weather has changed, and our car headlights have gone into overdrive. ...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Oct 6, 2022
- 3 min
Inside the Box
In Sukkot shall you dwell for seven days… (Vayikra 23:42) What is a Sukkah? I think many of us would offer a technical definition or an...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Sep 1, 2022
- 2 min
Preparing for the Days of Awe
The current month of Elul - leading up to the Days of Awe - is imperative for us. Our sages tell us that G-d feels closer to us now and...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Jul 28, 2022
- 2 min
A City Under Seige
For the last 20 centuries our nation has mourned on Tisha B’Av (Sun, Aug 7). This National Day of Mourning is a day for us to reflect on...
![[2] Eruv Update, Map, and Info](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/20bbc3_ef74562be8a5444199bae7bea671eef6~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/20bbc3_ef74562be8a5444199bae7bea671eef6~mv2.png)
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Jul 19, 2022
- 1 min
[2] Eruv Update, Map, and Info
Dear Congregation, Last week the West Ashley Eruv underwent its expert check with Rabbi Chaim Jachter and the map has been updated...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Jul 18, 2022
- 4 min
[1] The Three Weeks - Laws and Customs
Printable version: In the three weeks leading up to Tisha B’av we start diminishing our joy, beginning on the 17th Tammuz (Sun, July 17),...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- Jul 1, 2022
- 2 min
An Emotional Rollercoaster
On Thursday (June 30) we began the Hebrew month of Tammuz, a month that features many significant events throughout our history. It...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
- May 30, 2022
- 2 min
Shavuot and Ruth...
One of the main themes that appears in The Book of Ruth, which we read on Shavuot, is ‘chessed’. Now, most Hebrew speakers generally...
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