This Shabbat is the third of the seven Sabbaths between the 9 th day of Av and Rosh HaShanah, the New Year. The Torah portion begins in a stark manner: “See – I have placed today before you a blessing ...
The Torah tells us not to add to or subtract from the commandments (Deuteronomy 13:1). This directive seems to contravene the ongoing development of Jewish law on the part of the rabbis (17:8–13).
It’s hard not to go right to Ikea for this one. The instructions that come must be followed to the letter, or your bookcase will tumble, or your sofa will protrude an extra piece up you. I ordered a ...