The Musical Menorah - Dec 11, 2022 - Why do we avoid using the light of the Menorah? And how does that affect the halachah regarding using scented candles, or candles that produce music? Based on an article by Zvi Ryzman.

Ketuvot b'iyun #3: Biah Rishonah, Ochel Nefesh and MiToch - Dec 9, 2022 - Why does Kesuvos 7a begin by trying to permit biah rishonah on Yom Tov via MiToch, and then veer off to discuss its permissibility in terms of ochel nefesh? Looking at Rash, Tosafos and Rambam on MiToch, via the Kehillos Yaakov.

Giants Of #10: Rav Saadia Gaon's Relevance Today - Dec 8, 2022 - Concluding Rav Saadia Gaon's response to Chivi haBalki, and seeing how his philosophy and parshanut are still discussed today. Note: The history is more overview than granular, and certainly not academic.

Shemuel #146 - Chapter 28:20-25 - Shaul's Acceptance - Dec 8, 2022 - Why is Shaul punished with death in battle? How does Shaul respond to the message he receives via the Ov, and what does it tell us? A final acceptance.

Parshah Questions: Vayishlach 5783 - Malachim or People? Does It Matter? - Dec 8, 2022 - A quick look at questions on the parshah. Parshat Vayishlach: Why do Chazal debate whether Yaakov sent celestial malachim or human beings? And what can we learn from this debate?

Jews and Clothes #6b: Shaatnez - Dec 7, 2022 - How have our Sages explained the shaatnez prohibition banning clothing made of wool and linen? And why does the clothing of the kohen gadol include shaatnez? And why does the Eishet Chayil seek wool and linen? Geared toward a group including people who lack strong background in Torah text study.

Jews and Clothes #6a: Chassidic Clothing - Dec 7, 2022 - What is the motivation behind the bekishe and kapota, shtreimel and spodek? Looking at multiple layers in the clothing of chasidim. (But not looking at different groups and their individual garb in depth.) And is there anything wrong with wearing fur? Geared toward a group including people who lack strong background in Torah text study.

Shir haShirim 9: Malbim's Lesson in Philosophy and Tanach - Dec 6, 2022 - Malbim reads Shir haShirim as a guide to how the soul can draw close to Hashem, as well as a running commentary on the spiritual life of Shlomo HaMelech with its ups and downs.

Giants Of #9: Rav Saadia Gaon's War on Ignorance - Dec 1, 2022 - Rav Saadia Gaon's war on Jewish ignorance and against attacks on Judaism, in particular regarding Chivi haBalki. Note: The history is more overview than granular, and certainly not academic.

Parshah Questions: Vayetze 5783 - Flowers on a Flag? - Dec 1, 2022 - A quick look at questions on the parshah. Parshat Vayetze: Why does a midrash place the Dudaim on the flag of Reuven? What is their significance? Multiple approaches, based on different readings of the story