Rabbi Shlomo Cohen Corrected version Oct. 2023
Articles
Food that is classified as Charif חריף
Sharp or pungent foods have additional Halachos in Kashrus. Different Seforim have identified different things as being Charif. Here is a collection of those things identified as Charif.
A Pamphlet on Proficiency in Torah Knowledge
The questions in this pamphlet are fun. There is no such thing as trivia in Torah. Most of these questions are culled from traditional sources. See how many you know. There is no passing or failing. Some of the questions will be facts that you either know or don’t know. Other questions can be figured … Continue reading A Pamphlet on Proficiency in Torah Knowledge
Double Names of Hashem in the Torah
Chol or Safek Uses of Hashem in the Torah
A Kashrus Primer
The information you need to ask a Sheiyla Rabbi Shlomo Cohen Kashrus is a very important component in your kitchen. As with all kitchens, occasionally accidents happen. Are your utensils still Kosher? Is your food edible? There are a number of factors which will determine whether or not your knives, spoons, forks, dishes, pots or … Continue reading A Kashrus Primer
A Shabbos Primer
Basic Concepts in the Melachos of Shabbos Rabbi Shlomo Cohen (originally prepared in the 70s) Shabbos is a very special day. Over the millennia Jews have been known by dint of keeping Shabbos. During the Inquisition the church sent out instructions to be on the lookout for those homes in which smoke was not emanating … Continue reading A Shabbos Primer
Just How Short Must a Shever of a Shevorm Be
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen Poskim tell us that each of the Kolos of Shofar have a fixed length based on the unit of a Turmit. The Turmit is essentially the length of one ninth of a Teruah. Thus, every Ba’al Tokei’ah will have slightly differing lengths. However, while there are really no maximum lengths for a … Continue reading Just How Short Must a Shever of a Shevorm Be
Loshon Kodesh – Source of Language
English words derived from Hebrew Rabbi Shlomo Cohen, Dr. Joel BermanUpdated 12/16 The world was created with Lashon Kodesh. It was the language used until the Tower of Babel (the English word babble, perhaps). It was a major influence on both Greek and Latin. The Gemora ( Avoda Zara 10a) tells us that Latin was … Continue reading Loshon Kodesh – Source of Language
Tumah and Electricity
A Study in Analogy Rabbi Shlomo Cohenwww.HIQJEW . com The Ribbono Shel Olam created the world according to rules. Scientists spend their time seeking these rules. The discoveries in Cosmology, Physics,Chemistry, Geology, and Biology are nothing more than uncovering the rules bywhich Hashem runs the world. The Creator did not create everything with differing standards. … Continue reading Tumah and Electricity
Reality Check
[This should be posted in every home with children as well as every classroom in the country] I’m deeply afraid of a world run by adults who werenever spanked as kids and got trophies just forparticipating.
Isru Chag Shushan Purim 5778
A Shlomo Cohen Original {This is actually cuter after the first bottle of wine)One Purim the holy RovWas hit with a bolt from up aboveV’Ne’Hapecha Hu said heeb dluohs ti sdrawkcab gnihtyreve V’Ne’Hapecha Hu can really be a gameemahs a eb yllaer t’ndluow ti teg t”nod ouy fiTry reading it in a mirror, but never … Continue reading Isru Chag Shushan Purim 5778
BHT Added for Freshness
A clear definition of Chutzpa Rabbi Shlomo CohenNovember 1992 When told they have been Chutzpadik most children will look at you as if you don’t know what you’re talking about. They certainly don’t. The following was developed and given to an 8 th grade class to define what I meant by Chutzpa. After they saw … Continue reading BHT Added for Freshness
I owe My Mother
A Twelve Step Program for Shul Schmoozers
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen 6/18
Haftorah frequencies at a glance
Frequency distribution of Mitzvos by Parsha and Sefer with percentages
Shofar
Three Questions – No Answers
Rabbi Shlomo CohenSept. 2023 Over the years I have asked many, many questions and almost all of them had good answers. However, there are three questions, research as I might, asked around, but have yet to find or hear a reasonable answer. 1. Two-day Rosh Chodesh Of the twelve months in a year, about half … Continue reading Three Questions – No Answers
The Domb Family Tree
I originally did the family tree in 1973. A lot of water has gone under the dam since then, so, I’ve decided to update it. It now covers 7 generations. If you note any errors or have other info to add please pass it back to me for inclusion. As of this writing, grandma Pearl … Continue reading The Domb Family Tree
The Scheier Family Tree
I originally started the Family Tree at Josh’s Bar Mitzva in 1973. Several years later, someone, I don’t remember who, gave me a copy of an extended family tree done by Stanley Friedman in 1976. When Aunt Ruth passed away, I had a conversation with Naomi Scheier who expressed interest in the extended tree, so … Continue reading The Scheier Family Tree
The Cohen Family Tree
I originally started the Family Tree at Josh’s Bar Mitzva in 1973. So much has occurred since then, I decided to update it in 2015. Heaps of thanks to everyone for their help. If you note any errors or have other info, by all means please pass it back to me for inclusion. As of … Continue reading The Cohen Family Tree
The Chumra Syndrome
Rabbi Shlomo CohenNov. 2023 Introduction There was a Dor of Tannaim, of Amoraim, Rishonim, and Achronim. We’re going to be remembered as the generation of the Machmirim. Previous generations were not Machmir on everything. Some individuals, usually big Talmidei Chachomim, would take upon themselves various Chumrose which they felt enhanced their Avodas HaShem. Their stature … Continue reading The Chumra Syndrome
The Surprising Weight of the Aron
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen(With thanks to Dr. Joel Berman) The Gemora reports that the Aron was Nosei Es Atzmo, it carried itself. תלמוד בבלי מסכת סוטה דף לה עמוד א. נשא ארון את נושאיו ועבר, שנאמר: ויהי כאשר תם כל העם לעבור ויעבור ארון ה’ והכהנים לפני העם. ועל דבר זה נענש עוזא, שנאמר: ויבאו עד … Continue reading The Surprising Weight of the Aron
An Exposition of the First Parsha of Breishis
***********The Creation Saga****** Being a proposed synthesis of Torah sources and current scientific knowledge Rabbi Shlomo Cohenאב תשפ”ג August 2023 First draftSecond draft sept. ‘23 Before we begin, this is an attempt to elucidate the most abstruse Perek in the entire Torah. In fact, this Perek is on par with, if it doesn’t exceed, the … Continue reading An Exposition of the First Parsha of Breishis
The Mesorah Examined
IT’S ABOUT TIME
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.HIQJEW.com PART I – A HISTORY OF TRYING TO MEASURE TIME PART II – DEVELOPMENT OF THE CALENDAR PART III – UNITS OF TIME PART IV – CALENDRICAL SYSTEMS OF THE ANCIENT & MODERN WORLD PART V – A COMPARISON OF CALENDRICAL ACCURACIES PART VI THE ACCURACY OF THE JEWISH CALENDAR PART … Continue reading IT’S ABOUT TIME
TO SPANK OR NOT TO SPANK: THE VIEW OF HALACHA REGARDING CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
RABBI SHLOMO COHEN 11/14 This is probably the most controversial article I’ve put on the web. You may very well disagree with me, however, you’ll have a tough time taking the opposite viewpoint. Over the years I have received many phone calls from mothers with a problem child. On many occasions, upon hearing the nature … Continue reading TO SPANK OR NOT TO SPANK: THE VIEW OF HALACHA REGARDING CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
ODDITIES IN VARIOUS SEFORM
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen 11/14 www.hiqjew.com Over the years I’ve browsed through hundreds of Seforim. Occasionally I have run across some statement which were unusual, surprising or remarkable, to say the least. Some were quite amazing. A while ago I started keeping track of some of these Ma’arei M’komos (henceforth MM). I thought it would make … Continue reading ODDITIES IN VARIOUS SEFORM
STARTING A HOME JEWISH LIBRARY
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.hiqjew.com There is a sequence in which Seforim should be bought to maximize your learning. First off, consider that a huge number of Seforim are now available on CD. Seforim are expensive and heavy to move from home to home as you move from place to place. By far and away, most … Continue reading STARTING A HOME JEWISH LIBRARY
Obligatory Aliyos
Prepared by Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.Hiqjew.com In Ohr Samayach, each Bal Simcha is entitled to two Aliyos if possible. The Gabbai may give additional Aliyos. For a Bar Mitzva this would mean that the Bar Mitzva gets an Aliya as well as two other Aliyos. [eg father and grandfather or two grandfathers]. A Chasan would … Continue reading Obligatory Aliyos
TEMPERATURE READINGS IN A DISHWASHER AND THE HALACHIC IMPLICATIONS
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.hiqjew.com To complete the research done on the use of a dishwasher for Milchig and Fleishig, I determined that a record of the temperature during the various cycles would be necessary. I was able to borrow a thermometer with a remote sensor to accomplish this. I ran my dishwasher through one complete … Continue reading TEMPERATURE READINGS IN A DISHWASHER AND THE HALACHIC IMPLICATIONS
A Few Thoughts on Christianity
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.HIQJEW.com This article was originally meant as an approach to Christianity to be read by Jews. Jews who have questions, Jews who are searching in the wrong places for their answers, Jews who know others that need an intellectual, rather than emotional, approach to a particularly Jewish understanding of Christianity. Since it’s … Continue reading A Few Thoughts on Christianity
A Tree is Not Just a Tree
Poetree by Shlomo Cohen www.hiqjew.com Just about a week before Xmas When the goyim celebrate JC They go to any old parking lot And buy just any old tree. Had the Torah told us to get one That’s enough of a reason you see, Because then it would be a Mitzva Then a … Continue reading A Tree is Not Just a Tree
WHY AM I BEING PUNISHED? Suffering in Jewish Thought
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen WWW.HIQJEW.COM Many others have addressed the issue of suffering. The following merely purports to raise an interesting option to the question. In effect, rather than any given situation being regarded as punishment, there are a number of other possibilities that must be considered. It may well be that much of our thinking … Continue reading WHY AM I BEING PUNISHED? Suffering in Jewish Thought
REFLECTIONS ON THE PERSIAN GULF WAR
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.HIQJEW.com We often need a reminder of who really is in charge. Overt miracles are rare, yet, if we were to really be aware of reality, they are all around us. We see this reflected in the Yiddish saying “a mon tracht un Gott Lacht’, a man plans and Hashem laughs. Saddam … Continue reading REFLECTIONS ON THE PERSIAN GULF WAR
HOW COULD THEY HAVE KNOWN? The Number Of Stars reported in the Gemora
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen WWW.HIQJEW.COM More frequently than you might suppose the scientific community discovers something which turns out to be something that Chazal had already said 1,500 years ago. Sometimes this may be chalked up, by those who don’t believe in Mesora, to fortuity or a good guess. However, these statements turn up with such … Continue reading HOW COULD THEY HAVE KNOWN? The Number Of Stars reported in the Gemora
WONDER OF WONDERS, MIRACLE OF MIRACLES
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen HIQJEW,COM Miracles are a topic we’ve all thought about. How are we to begin understanding them? One individual went so far as to say to me, “I’m not a believer, however, if G-d would come down right now and perform a miracle then I’d believe.” I had to point out that if … Continue reading WONDER OF WONDERS, MIRACLE OF MIRACLES
A Letter to a Conservative Jew. Some things your Rabbi never told you
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.HIQJEW.com Conservative Judaism makes a claim to being the true keeper of the Judaic tradition. Your leaders claim to walk in the path of the prophets of old. Your movement, reminiscent of the Sadducees, Hellenists and Kairites, have maintained that, while they believe in the Written Law, they have chosen to … Continue reading A Letter to a Conservative Jew. Some things your Rabbi never told you
WHAT DO RABBINICAL SOURCES ACTUALLY SAY ABOUT WOMEN?
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.HIQJEW.com With the advent of the feminist movement in the late ‘60’s Judaism came under fire, along with just about every other ‘sacred cow’, for its purported negative view and treatment of women. In the intervening decades the vitriol has gone out of the movement and the invective has toned down … Continue reading WHAT DO RABBINICAL SOURCES ACTUALLY SAY ABOUT WOMEN?
On Moshiach and Olam HaBa
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen WWW.HIQJEW.COM There are many today who “want Moshiach now!” I often relate two pieces of advice for those who profess the ‘want’ with little understanding of the ramifications. 1- INVEST YOUR MONEY IN BUYING STOCK – Hard to believe I’m saying this. Remember, originally Wall Street was an area at the very … Continue reading On Moshiach and Olam HaBa
SHALOM BAYIS Achieving harmony and avoiding discord
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.HIQJEW.com Little girls daydream about the prince charming they will marry someday. Little boys don’t give it much thought at all…girls, yechh! Neither grows up with much of a handle on reality. The only marriage children get to see close up is their parents’. Too often, they pay little attention or, … Continue reading SHALOM BAYIS Achieving harmony and avoiding discord
WILL YOU RECOGNIZE YOUR BASHERT? Dating among older singles.
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.HIQJEW.com In Frum circles there is a pressure to marry off children fairly young (by secular standards). In most cases it is surprisingly easy to match up a couple. Part of the reason is that these children have been raised in a social milieu where this is expected, their friends are all … Continue reading WILL YOU RECOGNIZE YOUR BASHERT? Dating among older singles.
CROSS THE BRIDGE SOFTLY – A moving saga of one man’s passing.
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.hiqjew.com On Hoshana Rabba, Wednesday, October 22, 1997, we finally got word that the reason that Big Ab had been feeling weak and tired all summer was that his cancer had reoccurred and was terminal. D’vorah had been in Syracuse during Chol HaMoed and was with Savta when this news was received. … Continue reading CROSS THE BRIDGE SOFTLY – A moving saga of one man’s passing.
THE CAPSULE VERSION OF JEWISH HISTORY
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.hiqjew.com There is a fascinating tendency in Jewish history for major epochs to occur in approximate, but regular, 500- year jumps. Beginning now: If we go back 500 years we find ourselves at the beginning of the … Continue reading THE CAPSULE VERSION OF JEWISH HISTORY
HOW LONG AGO WAS THE TORAH GIVEN?
By Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.HIQJEW.com I am often asked, at seminars, how it is possible for the Torah to have been passed down, unchanged, over the course of 3,300 years. The original message must be shrouded in the mists of antiquity. A bunch of old, gray bearded Rabbis probably changed all sorts of things … Continue reading HOW LONG AGO WAS THE TORAH GIVEN?
Sheilos U’Tshuvas of Peckelach
Minutes of the Agura Convention Halachic Plenary session – May 2010 Isru Chag Shushan Purim Torah by Shlomo Cohen www.hiqjew.com Several of the world’s leading Poskim formed the panel for this session headed by Moreinu HaRav HaGaon Issusschar Henoch Tzvi Hirsh Aryeh Leib HaCohen Katzenoodlemeister Shlita (Some might remember him as Iggy from his Yeshiva … Continue reading Sheilos U’Tshuvas of Peckelach
THE OFFICIAL YESHIVA CHEVRUSA- MATCHING QUESTIONAIRE
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.hiqjew.com We have computerized your Chevrusa search. Please answer all questions as candidly as you dare. Name___________________ What does everybody call you ? _ _ _ _ey Are you an in-towner___out-of-towner___? FFB___ BT___ FFBWSL___ [Frum From Birth With Some Lapses] How many years have you been in Yeshiva?_______ How many years have … Continue reading THE OFFICIAL YESHIVA CHEVRUSA- MATCHING QUESTIONAIRE
PART THREE – DO YOU REALLY WANT THIS MINHAG?
Given the lack of Hadracha given to most young men and women, we will now proceed to outline a basic approach. If nothing else, this should give you an idea of what is acceptable, what issues need be considered and what Sh’eilos need be asked. Too often, a new BT walks into Yiddishkeit with his/her … Continue reading PART THREE – DO YOU REALLY WANT THIS MINHAG?
PART TWO MINHAG AND MESORA – REINSTITUTING LAWS AND CUSTOMS THAT HAVE TERMINATED
Rabbi Shlomo Cohen www.HIQJEW.com As Part One of this paper took shape, a series of discussions ensued regarding a connected subject; in what instances may an Ashkenazi eat Chagovim [kosher locusts]? This, in turn, led to a series of interesting questions which, in turn led to a number of conversations regarding the status of Minhagim. … Continue reading PART TWO MINHAG AND MESORA – REINSTITUTING LAWS AND CUSTOMS THAT HAVE TERMINATED