Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about . . . the Arba Minim?

Misconception: It is ideal to hold the lulav (along with the hadasim and aravot) and the etrog together in one hand. Fact: It is preferable to hold them in separate…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about . . . Giving a Levi the First Aliyah?

Misconception: If there is no Kohen, it is preferable to give the first aliyah to a Levi. Fact: Most authorities rule that it is equally acceptable to call upon a…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth About . . . Reading the Megillah on Purim Morning?

Misconception: Of the two Megillah readings on Purim, the one at night is the more important one. Therefore, one should be careful to attend the nighttime reading even if he…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about . . . Checking Tefillin?

Misconception: Tefillin must be checked twice every seven years to ensure that they are kosher. Fact: The halachah is that tefillin that have been checked and found to be kosher…

JEWISH LAW

What’s the Truth about . . . Wearing Leather on Yom Kippur?

Is it prohibited to wear all leather items, such as a leather belt or yarmulke, on Yom Kippur?

CHURBAN

What’s the Truth about . . . the Legend of Two Brothers and the Temple Mount?

Misconception: God’s choice of Mount Moriah as the site for the Beit Hamikdash is based on a midrash involving two brothers who expressed their mutual devotion to each other by…

CHURBAN

What’s the Truth about . . . the Cause of the Destruction of the Beit Hamikdash?

What really caused the destruction of the Second Beit Hamikdash?

PASSOVER

What’s the Truth about . . . Eliyahu HaNavi at the Seder?

  MISCONCEPTION: According to ancient tradition, Eliyahu HaNavi makes a furtive appearance at every Pesach Seder. FACT: There is no classical (Talmudic or midrashic) source stating that Eliyahu pays a…