In recent days, the Beis Hora’ah of the Schlesinger Institute received a fascinating question. I asked Rabbi Raziel Fredman, a member of the Institute, to address the issue and provide a thorough, well-reasoned response. I am presenting it here for...

In recent years, an increasing number of Halachic questions have arisen concerning children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These children may possess average – or even above-average – intellectual abilities, yet at the same time...

As we emerge from Tisha b’Av and read the seven Haftaros referred to as “Shiva d’Nechemta” on the Shabbosos until Rosh Hashana, we present the following thoughts on the meaning of Nechama – a subject that is unfortunately always relevant, both on...

Speech is among the most basic human faculties. It enables people to communicate, express thoughts and emotions, and fulfill core elements of Avodas Hashem – including Tefila, Brachos, Krias Shema, and Talmud Torah. A range of common medical...

[Editor’s note: In last week’s essay, we began the discussion of activating air conditioning systems during a hot summer Shabbos (or heating during a cold winter Shabbos) when necessary. We reviewed the principle that “everyone is considered a...