Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth About . . . Jews Counting Years Starting from Creation?

The earliest year-counting system used by the Jewish people, found in Tanach, counted from Yetziat Mitzrayim.

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about . . . Invitations to a Brit Milah?

There is a centuries-old custom not to “invite” guests to a brit and the accompanying meal but rather to merely “inform” them when and where it will be taking place.

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about . . . “Planting” Knives to Kasher Them?

While there are specific instances where thrusting a knife into hard soil ten times will kasher it, that does not work for other cutlery, and there is no halachic basis…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about. . .Fasting Forty Days Upon Seeing a Torah Scroll Fall?

The layers that have been added continue to develop. Irrespective of who fasts or for how long, this custom is a testament to the respect the Jewish people afford a…

JEWISH THOUGHT

What’s the Truth about . . . Joseph’s “Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”?

Was the ketonet passim an “Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat?” There are traditional interpretations that describe it as multi-colored, although that is not the prevalent opinion. But it was certainly not a…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about … Using Horseradish for Maror?

Misconception: Horseradish (chrain) is the preferred item to use to fulfill the mitzvah of eating maror at the Seder.

FOOD

What’s the Truth about . . . Eating a Sandwich Wrapped in a Napkin?

What do you do if you need to wash before eating bread but you don't have water?

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about . . . How Much to Open the Torah for Hagbah?

Misconception: During hagbah, when the Torah is lifted in shul, the more columns of text visible to the assembled, the better. Fact: According to many authorities, when the Torah is…