Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth About . . . Standing for a Chatan and Kallah?

With regard to wedding celebrations, the overriding mitzvah is to bring joy to the new couple.

OPINION

What’s the Truth about . . . Muslim Anti-Semitism?

Misconception: Unlike the Jews of Christian Europe who suffered pogroms, blood libels, Crusades, et cetera, the Jews living under Islamic rule were not persecuted. It was the rise of the…

JEWISH LAW

“What’s the Truth about . . . Starting to Wear Tefillin?”

Misconception: All boys must begin putting on tefillin thirty days before their bar mitzvahs. Fact: There are two main opinions in halachah: boys should either begin laying tefillin several years…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about . . . A Woman Bentching Gomel?

Misconception: After childbirth, a woman’s husband should bentch Gomel on her behalf. Fact: According to most authorities, a woman after childbirth should personally recite Birkat HaGomel. Background: Birkat HaGomel is…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about . . . the Sale of Chametz on Pesach?

Misconception: Along with chametz food that one sells to his rabbi, one also sells chametzdik dishes for the duration of Pesach.

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about . . . Mishloach Manot?

Misconception: The two foods sent on Purim for mishloach manot must be from two different categories of blessings. Fact: This widespread misconception has no halachic basis. Background: Mishloach manot is…

HISTORY

What’s the Truth about . . . Mordechai and Esther Being Related?

Misconception: Mordechai and Esther, the Purim heroes, were uncle and niece.1 Fact: According to Megillat Esther, Mordechai and Esther were first cousins. Background: This is a widespread misconception, even found…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about . . . the Korbanot?

  Misconception: Leading authorities including Rambam and Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook maintain that korbanot, animal sacrifices, will not be reinstated in the time of the Third Temple but will…