Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky

HISTORY

What’s The Truth About . . . David Hamelech Being Unable To Build The Beit Hamikdash?

Misconception: King David was not permitted to build the Beit Hamikdash because he had “blood on his hands” from all the wars he fought. Fact: David mentioned this reason to…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth About . . . Chai Nosei et Atzmo?

Misconception: On Shabbat it is permitted to carry a child in a public domain that does not have an eruv because of the principle of “chai nosei et atzmo—living beings…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth About . . . Counting a Minor with a Sefer Torah Toward a Minyan?

Misconception: Nine adult men plus a boy holding a sefer Torah constitute a minyan, thus enabling the recitation of prayers such as Kedushah and Kaddish. Fact: A minyan is defined…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about. . .Naming the First Son from Yibbum?

Misconception: The first son of a levirate1 marriage (yibbum) must be named after the deceased husband/brother. Fact: There is no such requirement, although whether it is allowed, discouraged or encouraged…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth About . . . the Jews in Egypt Keeping Their Jewish Names, Language and Dress?

Why did the Jews merit to be redeemed from Egypt?

JEWISH CULTURE

What’s the Truth About…Breaking a Glass at a Wedding?

One of the most iconic features in a Jewish wedding is the groom stomping on a glass.

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth About . . . “Ad Me’ah Ve’esrim Shanah”?

The Torah declares in an engimatic passage: “Hashem said, ‘My spirit shall not contend evermore concerning man since he is but flesh; his days shall be one hundred and twenty…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth About . . . Davening Facing Pictures, Mirrors or Reflective Surfaces?

Misconception: One may daven facing a mirror, reflective window or family pictures.  Fact: Even with one’s eyes closed, one should not daven facing a mirror, nor should one daven facing pictures of people or a reflective surface such…