Kashrut Unveiled: Unraveling Contemporary Kashrut (2024)
There is no halachic matter that fills a Jewish life more than kashrut. It defines our daily routine more than any other mitzvah. Observant Jews carefully and lovingly adhere to these precious laws but often are unaware of the logic behind their practices.
Although there are several fine English-language works on hilchot kashrut, large gaps remain that Kashrut Unveiled: Unraveling Contemporary Kashrut fills for both Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews. Discussions set forth the roots of our practices in the classic sources and show how contemporary poskim and kashrut organizations remarkably apply the ancient and eternal Torah law to our rapidly changing world.
Readers will emerge with an enhanced ability to discern halachic issues and accurately present questions to their rav. hashkafic explorations of our practices are included to more deeply cherish kashrut adherence and better explain it to beginners, both young and old.
At Har Sinai, we promised Hashem “Na’aseh v’nishma,” that we would observe and understand. We do an outstanding job of fulfilling the na’aseh portion of our commitment. Kashrut Unveiled: Unraveling Contemporary Kashrut enables us to match our na’aseh excellence with outstanding nishma understanding.
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In the King's Court: Exploring Megillat Esther — Our Most Subtle Victory (2024)
Megillat Esther holds a special place in the Jewish People’s heart. The story is especially appealing and resonant; observant Jews know it well. Many, though, do not learn it in further depth than what they imbibed as children. For this group, Megillat Esther has not graduated from being a compelling children’s story. Others learn the Gemara’s insights about Megillat Esther without accompanying analysis. Still others have read more recently published books focusing on Megillat Esther’s political lessons or peshat interpretations that insufficiently address Chazal’s insights.
In In the King’s Court: Exploring Megillat Esther — Our Most Subtle Victory, Rabbi Chaim Jachter fills the gaps by uncovering intertwined spiritual and political lessons, and revealing the relevance of Chazal’s insights alongside peshat approaches to the text. Megillat Esther is a magnificent fount from which never-ending deep teachings emerge, and boundless enjoyment never ceases. Chazal (Megillah 21b) state that more than any sefer in Tanach, Megillat Esther is exceptionally beloved. In the King’s Court: Exploring Megillat Esther — Our Most Subtle Victory reveals insights that magnify our love for the profound and superlative Megillat Esther.
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Torat Chaim Dov – Bringing the Chumash to Life: Devarim (2023)
Even learned Jews often find it difficult to grasp Sefer Devarim’s purpose and goal. WithTorat Chaim Dov: Devarim,Rabbi Chaim Jachter addresses this challenge and clarifies where confusion reigns. He shows how Sefer Devarim records the most impactful speeches of human history and how its hundreds of crucial messages resonate deeply with enduring vitality, generation after generation. In what is the product of twenty years of teaching Sefer Devarim, Rabbi Jachter analyzes nearly one hundred topics of keen interest and notes their contemporary relevance. Rabbi Jachter’s analysis develops a richer understanding of Sefer Devarim and a deeper love for learning Chumash, and is essential for every English-speaking Jew’s home.
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Gray Matter Volume Five: Exploring Contemporary Halachic Challenges (2023)
The Gray Matter Halacha series has emerged as a premier source for in-depth Halachic discussion. Rabbi Chaim Jachter selects topics of relevance and interest to contemporary Jews and, in his characteristically clear and readable style, comprehensively surveys the issues and the varying views of contemporary scholars. Instead of simply presenting the rules, Rabbi Jachter fully explains the sources of the Halacha from the Gemara, to the Rishonim and Acharonim and then to current rabbinic authorities. Rabbi Jachter has created a new style of Halachic literature which not only tells you what to do but allows readers to understand how and why great rabbis arrive at their conclusions, including a wide range of Halachic authorities. A stunningly wide-range of topics are addressed in this volume, including: the bracha on granola, the Halachic Date Line, Beit Din basics, programming a self-driving car to kill one to save many, and performing a get procedure via Zoom.
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The Aggadic Mindset: How Talmudic Tales Shape the Jewish Outlook (2022)
The deceptively simple nature of the Aggada leads many to mistakenly view it as an entertaining diversion from the Halachic portions of the Talmud. Quite the contrary is true. The stories of the Talmud are Chazal’s exquisite manner of expressing profound lessons of Hashkafa, Torah outlook. In The Aggadic Mindset, Rabbi Chaim and Binyamin Jachter extract meaning from more than sixty Talmudic tales and show their contemporary relevance. Their analysis develops a rich appreciation for the Aggada and a life-enhancing Aggadic mindset and worldview.
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The Power of Shabbos: Shabbat and Electricity in the 21st Century (2022)
While discussion of the use of electric devices on Shabbat is a matter of paramount importance, there is a dearth of writing on the topic. The Power of Shabbos: Shabbat and Electricity in the 21st Century comes to fill the gaps. The product of years of extensive research, The Power of Shabbos addresses both classic and cutting-edge issues. Topics include refrigerators, elevators, dishwashers, electronic card keys, fitbits, Alexa, smart homes, e-commerce websites, smart locks, motion detectors, baby monitors, water meters and much more. Comprehensive yet clear, detailed yet easy to follow, this book belongs in the home and library of every Jew.
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From Chaos to Kingship: An In-Depth Exploration of Megillat Rut (2022)
In From Chaos to Kingship: An In-Depth Exploration of Megillat Rut, Rabbi Chaim Jachter offers new solutions to both classic and previously unaddressed issues in the study of Megillat Rut and Tanach. Combining traditional commentaries with innovative interpretations, From Chaos to Kingship provides key insights into the challenges courageously faced and overcome by Rut, Naomi, Boaz and the people of Beit Lechem during a very difficult time period, and applies the lessons to contemporary Hashkafic issues. From Chaos to Kingship comprises an intensive study of how Rut, a wise and kind newcomer, helped transform Am Yisrael from the chaos of the Shofetim era to the greatness of the Davidic monarchy.
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Bridging Traditions: Demystifying Differences Between Sephardic and Ashkenazic Jews (Koren Publishers Jerusalem 2022)
As the rabbi of a Sephardic synagogue for over twenty years who is himself of Ashkenazic descent and trained in Ashkenazic yeshivot, Rabbi Haim Jachter has a unique vantage point from which to observe the differences in customs and halachot between Ashkenazim and Sephardim. In Bridging Traditions, Rabbi Jachter applies his wide-ranging expertise to explicating an encyclopedic array of divergences between Ashkenazic and Sephardic halachic practice, while also capturing the diversity within different Sephardic communities. Bridging Traditions is essential reading for Jews of all origins who are interested in understanding their own practices and appreciating those of their brethren, and in seeing the kaleidoscope of halachic observance as a multi-faceted expression of an inner divine unity.
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Opportunity in Exile: An In-Depth Exploration of Sefer Daniel
In Opportunity in Exile, Rabbi Chaim Jachter offers new solutions to both classic and previously unaddressed issues in the study of Sefer Daniel and Tanach. Combining traditional commentaries with innovative interpretations, Opportunity in Exile provides key insights into the spiritual challenges faced by the Jewish leadership and nation during the period of the Babylonian Exile, and applies the narratives of Sefer Daniel to contemporary Hashkafic issues. Opportunity in Exile: An In-Depth Exploration of Sefer Daniel comprises an intensive study of Daniel, Chanania, Misha'el and Azaria, Nevuchadnetzar, Belshatzar, Daryavesh HaMadi, the expected arrival time of the Mashiach, and more.
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The Halachic Haircutting Handbook: A Breakthrough Exposure of an Obscure Mitzvah
Much confusion persists regarding the laws of pe'ot and electric shavers. Unanswered questions abound regarding these two areas of halachah. The product of thorough halachic and technological research, The Halachic Haircutting Handbooksets out to present what constitutes baseline halachah with respect to these issues.
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Walking the Line: Hilchot Eruvin from the Sources to the Streets
Learning and mastering Hilchot Eruvin is a daunting challenge. Walking the Line: Hilchot Eruvin from the Sources to the Streets sets forth a practical path to conquer this challenge by bringing Hilchot Eruvin to life. The product of over thirty years of experience helping communities design and maintain their eruvin, Rabbi Chaim Jachter demonstrates how the concepts of Hilchot Eruvin are applied in the field. This work is an indispensable guide for anyone interested in eruvin, whether they are learning the masechet, the Halachah, or are simply interested in helping their community create, expand, or maintain its eruv.
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From David to Destruction: Mining Essential Lessons from Sefer Melachim (Kol Torah Publications, 2019)
In From David to Destruction, Rabbi Chaim Jachter presents new solutions to both classic and previously unaddressed issues in the study of Sefer Melachim and Tanach. Combining traditional commentaries with innovative interpretations, From David to Destruction provides key insights into the spiritual challenges faced by the Jewish leadership and nation during the First Temple period, and applies the narratives of Sefer Melachim to contemporary Hashkafic issues. From David to Destruction: Mining Essential Lessons from Sefer Melachim comprises an intensive study of Shlomo HaMelech, Yarav’am ben Nevat, Beit Achav, Eliyahu HaNavi, Elisha, Yeshayahu HaNavi, Achaz, Chizkiyahu, Menashe, Yoshiyahu, Yirmiyahu HaNavi, and more.
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Depths of Yonah: Unleashing the Power of Your Yom Kippur (Kol Torah Publications, 2018)
Depths of Yonah is a fresh and thorough exploration of what is for many a highlight of the Yom Kippur service, the book of Yonah. This work is a beautiful blend of classic, contemporary and new insights into the beloved book of Yonah with an eye as to why Yonah cuts to the core of what we should be accomplishing on Yom Kippur. Readers of Depths of Yonah will emerge with a deep appreciation for the richness of the book of Yonah and invigorated for a more meaningful Yom Kippur.
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Reason to Believe: Rational Explanations of Orthodox Jewish Faith (Menorah Books, 2017)
Reason to Believe is veritable tour de force in defense of Orthodox Jewish faith. The author, a veteran teacher of Judaic Studies, an internationally known rabbi and dayan, faces the tough questions and perennial doubts head-on and offers compelling evidence in favor of Orthodoxy from science, philosophy, history, and Jewish tradition. A valuable and timely resource for those who seek answers, Reason to Believe will also anchor and amplify the faith of those who feel secure in their Orthodox beliefs and lifestyle.
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Gray Matter Volume IV: Exploring Contemporary Halachic Challenges
Rabbi Chaim Jachter selects topics of relevance and interest to contemporary Jewsa and in his clear and readable style comprehensively scholars. A wide range of Halachic authorities are included in these broad studies. Instead of simply presenting the rules, Rabbi Jachter fully explains the sources of the Halacha from the Gemara, to the Rishonim and Achronim and then to current rabbinic authorities. Rabbi Jachter has created a new style of Halachic literature which not only tells you what to do but allows readers to understand how and why great rabbis arrive at their conclusions. Comprehensive yet clear, detailed yet easy to follow, this book belongs in the home and library of every thoughtful Jew. This volume is not currently in print.
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Gray Matter III: Exploring Contemporary Halachic Challenges (Kol Torah Publications, 2008)
Rabbi Chaim Jachter selects topics of relevance and interest to contemporary Jews and in his characteristically clear and readable style comprehensively surveys the issues and the varying views of contemporary scholars. A wide range of Halachic authorities are included in these broad studies. Instead of simply presenting the rules, Rabbi Jachter fully explains the sources of the Halacha from the Gemara, to the Rishonim and Acharonim and then to current rabbinic authorities. Rabbi Jachter has created a new style of Halachic literature which not only tells you what to do but allows readers to understand how and why great rabbis arrive at their conclusions. Comprehensive yet clear, detailed yet easy to follow, this book belongs in the home and library of every thoughtful Jew. The book is divided into eight sections: Music, Health and Medicine, Cosmetics, Family Minhagim, Gittin, Challav Yisrael, Beit Din Procedures, and Heritage and Planning.
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Gray Matter II: Discourses in the Complex Halachic Issues of Today (Kol Torah Publications, 2006)
Tough questions often yield different answers. Rabbi Chaim Jachter selects topics of relevance and interest to contemporary Jews and, in his characteristically clear and readable style, comprehensively surveys the issues and the varying views of contemporary scholars. Torah authorities from a broad spectrum of Jewry are included in these broad studies. Topics covered range from how and when to save lives on Shabbat including whether one may return from the hospital, the complex Agunah cases that emerged from the World Trade Center tragedy, when Halachah causes infertility, the use of lawyers in a Beit Din, and much more. This book contains the first extensive English discussion of the contemporary theoretical and practical issues involved in building and maintaining Mikva'ot.
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Gray Matter: Discourses in Contemporary Halachah
Tough questions often yield different answers. Rabbi Chaim Jachter selects topics of relevance and interest to contemporary Jews and, in his characteristically clear and readable style, comprehensively surveys the issues and the varying views of contemporary scholars. Torah authorities from a broad spectrum of Jewry are included in these broad studies. Topics covered range from copyrights in Jewish law, casino gambling, proposed solutions to the Agunah problem, and much more.
This volume is not currently in print.
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