Second Day of Yom Tov

Question: I understand that in ancient times the rabbis decreed that Jews in the Diaspora should celebrate holidays for two days, because of some confusion about the correct day to celebrate. Nowadays, however, we have a fixed calendar, so why do we still...

Get ready to reexamine everything you ever assumed you knew about Rosh Hashanah

Why is Rosh Hashana observed for two days in Israel? Why do we customarily eat a new fruit on the second night of Rosh Hashanah? How is the mystery of Rosh Hashanah expressed in a law regarding a simple egg? This class addresses the history, Halacha and K...

According to Biblical command, Passover is to be observed for 7 days, beginning on Nissan 15, with the first and seventh days being observed as yom tov, when work is not performed. Since ancient times, rabbinic tradition mandates that the holidays be cele...

I’m wondering if it’s permitted to begin defrosting on the afternoon of the first day of Yom Tov something that we will eat that night?

Rosh Hashanah is observed as a two-day holiday, on the first and second of Tishrei, even though the Torah ordains only one day, as the verse (Vayikra 23:24) states: And in the seventh month, on the first of the month, you shall observe a cessation of work...

Ready to challenge some things you think you always knew? Let's go!

“Thank you for your book on the Laws of Passover. Moshiach should come; then you won’t need to write anymore about the laws that apply in the Diaspora.”

By the Grace of G‑d 10th of Adar, 5723 [March 6, 1963] Brooklyn, N.Y. Greeting and Blessing: I received your letter of the 26th of Shevat in which you present the question in regard to Pesach, as it affects you and other boys in a similar position. It is ...