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ב"ה
FROM THE RABBI'S DESK
Notes, Insights, and Memos from the Desk of Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran


Erev Pesach (on Shabbat) Primer 5785/2025
This year, Erev Pesach falls on Shabbat - a rare occurrence that last happened in 2021 and won't happen again until 2045! But it raises...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Mar 203 min read
![[27] A Kosher Haircut: The Halachos of Peyos](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_5d676ac653c24ac2b26d7b29b77c7833~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/35585f_5d676ac653c24ac2b26d7b29b77c7833~mv2.webp)
[27] A Kosher Haircut: The Halachos of Peyos
Going to the barber or trimming a child’s hair may seem straightforward, but it’s easy to unintentionally transgress Torah prohibitions....
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Jan 295 min read


Remarks at Not Your Bubbie's Shakshuka 2025
They tell a story (joke) about a Rabbi who calls a wealthy individual for a donation. He starts with a long, awkward pitch, rambling...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Jan 286 min read

![[26] ASARAH B'TEVET - עשרה בטבת](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_ab0f07a1988741d7bc083ea8a489e00e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_ab0f07a1988741d7bc083ea8a489e00e~mv2.webp)
[26] ASARAH B'TEVET - עשרה בטבת
Dear friends, A fast on Erev Shabbat is a fairly rare phenomenon, occurring only once every 5.1 years on average. Remarkably, it happened...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Jan 92 min read

![[25] Laws and Customs of the Chanukah Candles](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_d51d9d247df74fc9b515e146c032ce39~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_d51d9d247df74fc9b515e146c032ce39~mv2.webp)
[25] Laws and Customs of the Chanukah Candles
Chanukah 5785 begins Wednesday evening, December 25 (Kislev 25), and concludes Thursday, January 2. Where and Who? One should place the...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Dec 24, 20243 min read


Marking One Year Since October 7, 2023
Dear Community and Friends, October 7, 2023, became a date forever etched in the memory of our nation, marking the bloodiest day for...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Oct 7, 20242 min read


The Essential Art of Appreciation
That piece of clothing we bought with little thought, is the very same that someone is saving up in the hopes that one day they will be...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Sep 23, 20245 min read


Anti-Semitism, now what?
Dear Friends, Many Jews across the diaspora are grappling with the alarming rise in anti-Semitism since the tragic events of Simchat...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Sep 4, 20242 min read

![[24] The Fast of Tammuz, Three Weeks, Nine Days, and Tisha B'Av](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_45614663707a7051755955~mv2_d_4000_2667_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_45614663707a7051755955~mv2_d_4000_2667_s_4_2.webp)
[24] The Fast of Tammuz, Three Weeks, Nine Days, and Tisha B'Av
IN THIS POST The Fast of Tammuz The Three Weeks The Nine Days Tisha B'Av The three weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av are a period of...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Jul 22, 20243 min read


The Sun and Tammuz: Yosef vs Esav
Yosef’s story teaches us that even in the darkest times, Hashem’s guiding hand is at work, leading us toward redemption.
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Jul 5, 20243 min read


Be Holy!
Let us strive to be a beacon of light and righteousness in a world often clouded by darkness and confusion.
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
May 10, 20242 min read

![[23] Erev Pesach Primer 5784/2024](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3c299b3d7e004bb0902ef96c0a563fa1.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/3c299b3d7e004bb0902ef96c0a563fa1.webp)
[23] Erev Pesach Primer 5784/2024
Download or print this guide here THE NIGHT OF EREV PESACH - SUNDAY NIGHT, APRIL 21 Bedikat Chametz / The Search for Chametz - On the...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Apr 22, 20242 min read


The Jewish Year's Cycle
If we delve deeper, the cycle of each year is a microcosm of our history.
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Apr 9, 20242 min read


The Joy in Judaism and Why I Give Your Kids Candy in Shul!
Let’s be real, compelling a child (or teenager or even an adult!) to attend a lengthy, solemn service, reading from a black and white...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Mar 12, 20245 min read

![[22] Hilchos Tzedaka: The Laws of Charity (Part 2 of 2)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_cceddcaee910454485aef213a350ec57~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_cceddcaee910454485aef213a350ec57~mv2.webp)
[22] Hilchos Tzedaka: The Laws of Charity (Part 2 of 2)
IN THIS ARTICLE: Who to give, the priorities of giving, turning down requests, backround checks, how much to give, and three interesting...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Feb 22, 20244 min read

![[21] Hilchos Tzedaka: The Laws of Charity (Part 1 of 2)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_0a757a3d35204f4cacb0329a06d327b4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_0a757a3d35204f4cacb0329a06d327b4~mv2.webp)
[21] Hilchos Tzedaka: The Laws of Charity (Part 1 of 2)
IN THIS ARTICLE: The source, who is obligated, how to give, pledging verbally, pledging mentally, and when to give. INTRODUCTION The...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Feb 15, 20244 min read


Two Adar’s and Mini Purim!
Rav Moshe Isserlis, the Rema (1530 - 1572), concludes his magnificent comments on the Shulchan Aruch by discussing whether one is...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Feb 9, 20242 min read
![[20] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 5 of 5)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_77c7891d90174750b10e876b79c1c2ba~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/35585f_77c7891d90174750b10e876b79c1c2ba~mv2.webp)
[20] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 5 of 5)
After detailing the prohibition and exceptions, we conclude with some final Halachos and also explain the reasons for the prohibition of...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Dec 27, 20233 min read
![[19] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 4 of 5)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_77c7891d90174750b10e876b79c1c2ba~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/35585f_77c7891d90174750b10e876b79c1c2ba~mv2.webp)
[19] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 4 of 5)
Detailing the final three exceptions when one can use a non-Jew's help on Shabbos and Yom Tov, and how these can be used. BEIN...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Dec 21, 20233 min read
![[18] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's help on Shabbos (Part 3 of 5)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_40722de8f7d3473a979a965958abc489~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/35585f_40722de8f7d3473a979a965958abc489~mv2.webp)
[18] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's help on Shabbos (Part 3 of 5)
We continue detailing the exceptions when one can use a non-Jew's help on Shabbos and Yom Tov, and how these can be used below....
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Dec 14, 20233 min read
![[17] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 2 of 5)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_22bbbb175e7e46449cb7d529750ad431~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/35585f_22bbbb175e7e46449cb7d529750ad431~mv2.webp)
[17] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 2 of 5)
We continue detailing the exceptions when one may use a non-Jew's help on Shabbos and Yom Tov, and how these can be used below. ILLNESS...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Dec 7, 20233 min read
![[16] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 1 of 5)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_463a57878bcd4dabaea58a55b9c07504~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/35585f_463a57878bcd4dabaea58a55b9c07504~mv2.webp)
[16] Amira L'Akum: A Non-Jew's Help on Shabbos (Part 1 of 5)
Debunking common misconceptions... The first thing that we need to clarify is that there are two separate prohibitions involved in having...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Nov 30, 20232 min read


Life After the Festivals
As we approach the end of this joyful festive season and embark upon the extended winter months, (this year including the additional...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Oct 3, 20231 min read


Kol Nidre and Reciprocity
Dear Members and Friends, Our congregation is dedicated to making Judaism accessible and meaningful for all. Under the banner of ‘Dor...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Sep 20, 20232 min read


Rekindling our Souls
As we prepare for the month of Elul and the approaching Yamim Nora'im/Days of Awe, we grapple with a perpetual paradox that has troubled...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Aug 1, 20233 min read

![[15] Summary of The Laws of Tisha B’Av](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_4490a8f85eac48038a724b6eab79b9de~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_4490a8f85eac48038a724b6eab79b9de~mv2.webp)
[15] Summary of The Laws of Tisha B’Av
Tisha B’Av 5783/2023 is on Wednesday, July 26 & Thursday, July 27 1. Eating and drinking is not allowed for all over the ages of bar/bat...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Jul 19, 20232 min read

![[14] The Fast of Tammuz, Three Weeks and Nine Days](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_45614663707a7051755955~mv2_d_4000_2667_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/nsplsh_45614663707a7051755955~mv2_d_4000_2667_s_4_2.webp)
[14] The Fast of Tammuz, Three Weeks and Nine Days
The three weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av are a period of national Jewish mourning, beginning on the 17th of Tammuz (which falls on Thu,...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Jun 26, 20232 min read

![[13] Kiddush - Part 2 of 2: All you need to know!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b0992da96f474250b1daf452323fc4c7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/11062b_b0992da96f474250b1daf452323fc4c7~mv2.webp)
[13] Kiddush - Part 2 of 2: All you need to know!
In this second section of the Halachos of Kiddush we will address the following questions: How to hold the cup? What is the best way to...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Jun 13, 20236 min read

![[12] Kiddush - Part 1 of 2: All you need to know!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_b0992da96f474250b1daf452323fc4c7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/11062b_b0992da96f474250b1daf452323fc4c7~mv2.webp)
[12] Kiddush - Part 1 of 2: All you need to know!
One of the most beautiful scenes is the family gathering around the table on Friday night for Kiddush. Likewise, the Kiddush on Shabbos...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Jun 8, 20235 min read

![[11] The Shabbos Meals: Clarifying the Obligation](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_c26633ed470f47009d316c767668ce5c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_400,h_300,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_c26633ed470f47009d316c767668ce5c~mv2.webp)
[11] The Shabbos Meals: Clarifying the Obligation
In this article we will discuss the obligation to eat meals on Shabbos, the proper meal times, using two loaves of bread, which foods to...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Jun 1, 20235 min read


Semantic Satiation in Judaism
Scientists have yet to explain the phenomenon known as 'Semantic satiation'. Oxford dictionary defines this as 'a peculiar sense of loss...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
May 30, 20232 min read

![[9] Meat and Wine on Yom Tov: Including how to reconcile Shavuos!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_678c3edf0a554662a0ddec82cecd7dfd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_678c3edf0a554662a0ddec82cecd7dfd~mv2.webp)
[9] Meat and Wine on Yom Tov: Including how to reconcile Shavuos!
INTRODUCTION: THE OBLIGATION TO BE HAPPY ON YOM TOV All Jewish adults are biblically obligated to be happy throughout the three...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
May 18, 20234 min read

![[8] Timers on Shabbos: How, When, and for What Purpose?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_ce92a89e79c54c239254ea05d1603b16~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_ce92a89e79c54c239254ea05d1603b16~mv2.webp)
[8] Timers on Shabbos: How, When, and for What Purpose?
INTRODUCTION The Mishna (Shabbos 17b) records a dispute between Beis Hillel and Beis Shammai regarding whether one can leave materials in...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
May 11, 20235 min read

![[7] Heating Food and Liquid on Shabbos (inc. 'Sabbath Mode' Oven Guidelines)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_d4e6de82f87c4d6f9e2d45842aaa91f1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_361,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_d4e6de82f87c4d6f9e2d45842aaa91f1~mv2.webp)
[7] Heating Food and Liquid on Shabbos (inc. 'Sabbath Mode' Oven Guidelines)
NOTE: The laws of warming food on Shabbos are numerous and complex with a variety of opinions. This brief overview is merely a summary of...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
May 3, 20234 min read


One for All and All for One
On Shavuot, we celebrate the giving of the Torah which changed the spiritual status of our nation. We know that prior, our forefathers...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
May 1, 20232 min read

![[6] Kaddish: The Laws and Customs](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_e38c333139a040aaa050f983f55b1a6d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_e38c333139a040aaa050f983f55b1a6d~mv2.webp)
[6] Kaddish: The Laws and Customs
The General Guidelines: The Kaddish can only be recited in the presence of a minyan (quorum of ten Jewish males over age thirteen)...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Apr 27, 20235 min read

![[5] A Quick Guide to The Laws of Mezuza](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_3a665e9a19ba46d895e8be81fd75fcac~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_3a665e9a19ba46d895e8be81fd75fcac~mv2.webp)
[5] A Quick Guide to The Laws of Mezuza
Why should I put Mezuzos? Primarily because we are commanded to, as the Passuk in Devarim 6:9 states 'וּכְתַבְתָּם עַל־מְזֻזוֹת בֵּיתֶךָ...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Apr 20, 20233 min read

![[4] Wearing a smartwatch on Shabbos/Yom Tov](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_735091e00e444da08963c4d691ee9a05~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/35585f_735091e00e444da08963c4d691ee9a05~mv2.webp)
[4] Wearing a smartwatch on Shabbos/Yom Tov
May one wear a smartwatch on Shabbos and Yom Tov? Obviously, when touching the screen or buttons, as with all electronics, this falls...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Apr 11, 20232 min read


Is the Seder time wrong?
I have done the math and I think we have all been celebrating the Seder nights at the wrong time! If we travel back 3335 years to the...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Mar 29, 20233 min read
![[3] The Early Shabbos Conundrum](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/35585f_a476b60aeb984506982ee31f1a4cec48~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_95,enc_auto/35585f_a476b60aeb984506982ee31f1a4cec48~mv2.webp)
[3] The Early Shabbos Conundrum
Does a household automatically accept Shabbos at the time when the husband accepts Shabbos early or recites Kabbolas Shabbos?...
Rabbi Sholom S. Mimran
Mar 19, 20234 min read
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