Author Archives: tasteofyeshiva

About tasteofyeshiva

RABBI YAIR FRIEDMAN teaches in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in YES and is the president of Visionary Reading. He was a Rebbi at The Torah School of Greater Washington, and a founding member of the Greater Washington Community Kollel and the owner of Camp Gevaldig LLC.

Commentary on the Haggadah based on the writings of the Chofetz Chaim Zt”l: 5773

“Tzai Ulimad” (Go out and learn) The Hagadah is telling us that we should go out and learn about Galus. The Chofetz Chaim asks a few questions about Galus: What can we learn from the way the Avos went to … Continue reading

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Purim 5774: 14 Adar 5774/ March 16, 2014

Why is Purim celebrated on two different days?  Why is there a day called Shushan Purim?  The Megillah tells of how the people of Shushan extended their battle one day longer than any other area in the kingdom.  We can … Continue reading

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Dvar Torah for Chanukah 5774

In Maoz Tzur we say, “L’ais Tachin Matbaiach Mitzar Ha’ Menabayach.”  “We will have a new Chanukas Hamizbaiach when   we will be saved from an enemy that barks.” What does this mean and who is it talking about? Rav Moshe … Continue reading

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A Taste of The Mir Yeshiva in Yerushalayim:

The discussion of the sin of Mei Merivah in this week’s parashah comprises only a few pesukim, but it’s a fascinating topic. The Midrash says that Moshe Rabbeinu asked that Hakadosh Baruch Hu should specify the reason he was not … Continue reading

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B’Ha’alosicha 5773: A Flash of Light

Taste of Talmud There are some actions that we are required to do which are a Mitzvah, some are an Obligation, some a Good Idea, some a Custom, and others which are merely Permissible.  Where does the act of  lighting … Continue reading

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Emor 5773: A Taste of Kehuna

Taste of Parasha “Speak to the Kohanim.”  Who are the Kohanim, and why do they have added restrictions?  The following story, as told by Rabbi Yissochor Frand Shlita, sheds some light on the matter. When Rav Shimon Schwab (1908-1995) was … Continue reading

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Tzav 5773: A Taste of Chometz

Taste of Talmud Chometz comes in many shapes and sizes.  The Talmud (Pesachim 43) discusses their varying levels of prohibition.  Rabbi Eliezer says the punishment of Kares is only for one who eats Chometz that can be seen.  For eating … Continue reading

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Vayikra 5773: A Taste of Celestial Accounting

Taste of Parasha “And it will curry favor for him to atone for him.” (Leviticus 1:4).  What is currying favor for whom? The Malach Hamaves is the same entity created by G-d to prosecute a sinner; it is also the … Continue reading

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Tetzaveh 5773: Finding Success in Succession

Taste of Parasha In this week’s Parasha, we learn about the office of the Kohen Gadol.  This position was often times passed down from father to son.  How was it decided whether to give the position to his son or … Continue reading

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Terumah: A Taste of the Chachma of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Zt”l

Taste of Parasha “Take for ME a Terumah.  Take My Terumah. A Terumah shall be taken” (Exodus: 25: 2-3). Did you notice the change in syntax?  Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson Zt”l did.  The repetition to give of oneself to G-d … Continue reading

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