Authors Posts by Yaakov Jaffe
Yaakov Jaffe
Yaakov Jaffe is the rabbi of the Maimonides Kehillah, and the Dean of Judaic Studies at Maimonides School.
Shavat Suru: The First Kinah, Matter and Form
Yaakov Jaffe examines how the form in the Kinnah "Shavat Suru" gives us insight into its broader meaning.
A Festive Song with an Unclear Message: Uncovering the Meaning of Maoz Tzur
Yaakov Jaffe delves into two possible themes of the song Maoz Tzur.
One Day, One Chapter; Four Recitations and Four Themes in Psalm 24
Yaakov Jaffe explores four themes of Psalm 24 as recited on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.
Modest, Ethical, Scholarly, or Inventive Perspectives on Ruth, a Biblical Heroine
Yaakov Jaffe examines different views on which of Ruth's attributes first sparked Boaz's attention, and explores what that means about how we define a Jewish hero.
Does a Women’s Friday-Night Prayer Belong As Part of Menorah Lighting?
Yaakov Jaffe advocates adding a song to those sung while lighting Hanukkah candles.
The Directional Shaking of the Lulav: Bible, Mysticism, and Religious Polemics
Yaakov Jaffe traces the origins and evolution of the custom to shake the lulav in different directions.
Beginning the day with Halakhah or with Spirituality?
Yaakov Jaffe examines how the order of our morning Tefillot can shape the way we approach our day.
What role should young children play in the post-COVID synagogue?
Yaakov Jaffe argues that kids would be better served by coming to shul for the beginning of the Shabbat davening rather than the end.
Should the Davening of the Tenth of Tevet Take Sides in a Talmudic Debate?
Several reasons are given in our tradition about the reason for the fast on the Tenth of Tevet. The liturgy for the day takes a stand on what the true reasons are, but Yaakov Jaffe questions whether this stand is the right one.
Modern Technology Meets Tehum Shabbat
In honor of yesterday's Daf Yomi Siyum on Masekhet Eiruvin, Yaakov Jaffe describes how online maps and other technological tools have better enabled communities such as Boston/Cambridge to measure their tehum shabbat.
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