In whatever manner one understands the saying about walking four amot in Israel, it is clear that Chazal placed great emphasis and value on the physical Land of Israel and creating a personal connection with it.
Author: Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky
What’s the Truth about . . . “Walking Four Amot in the Land of Israel”?
What’s the Truth about …“A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey”?
Misconception: In the Biblical phrase, which praises the Land of Israel, “Eretz zavat chalav udevash, a land flowing with milk and honey,” the honey refers to bee’s honey, and the milk to cow’s milk.
What’s The Truth About . . . David Hamelech Being Unable To Build The Beit Hamikdash?
Misconception: King David was not permitted to build the Beit Hamikdash because he had “blood on his hands” from all the wars he fought. Fact: David mentioned this reason to his son Shlomo, who eventually built the Beit Hamikdash, but that was not the reason G-d conveyed...
What’s the Truth About . . . Chai Nosei et Atzmo?
Misconception: On Shabbat it is permitted to carry a child in a public domain that does not have an eruv because of the principle of “chai nosei et atzmo—living beings ‘carry’ themselves.”
What’s the Truth About . . .Counting a Minor with a Sefer Torah Toward a Minyan?
Misconception: Nine adult men plus a boy holding a sefer Torah constitute a minyan, thus enabling the recitation of prayers such as Kedushah and Kaddish. Fact: A minyan is defined as ten adult male Jews. Whether a child can be counted is a long-standing controversy.
What’s the Truth about. . .Naming the First Son from Yibbum?
Misconception: The first son of a levirate1 marriage (yibbum) must be named after the deceased husband/brother. Fact: There is no such requirement, although whether it is allowed, discouraged or encouraged is subject to debate. This misconception may have arisen due to a comment made by Rashi in Bereishit.
What’s the Truth About…the Jews in Egypt Keeping Their Jewish Names, Language and Dress?
Why the Jews merited to be redeemed
What’s the Truth About…Breaking a Glass at a Wedding?
One of the most iconic features in a Jewish wedding is the groom stomping on a glass.
What’s the Truth About . . . “Ad Me’ah Ve’esrim Shanah”?
The Torah declares in an engimatic passage: “Hashem said, ‘My spirit shall not contend evermore concerning man since he is but flesh; his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.’”
What’s the Truth About . . . Davening Facing Pictures, Mirrors or Reflective Surfaces?
Misconception: One may daven facing a mirror, reflective window or family pictures. Fact: Even with one’s eyes closed, one should not daven facing a mirror, nor should one daven facing pictures of people or a reflective surface such as a glass breakfront or a window at night.