January 12, 2025

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Rabbi Haim Jachter

Rabbi Haim Jachter is the spiritual leader of Congregation Shaarei Orah, the Sephardic Congregation of Teaneck. He also serves as a rebbe at Torah Academy of Bergen County and a dayan on the Beth Din of Elizabeth.

Articles by Rabbi Haim Jachter

Was Shevet Shimon Disbanded?

A Glaring Omission The omission of Shevet Shimon from the Shevatim blessed in parshat VeZot HaBracha screams for an explanation. Rashi (to Devarim 33:7) and

Healthy Coping With Loss

Self-Mutilation Prohibited The tools necessary to cope with bereavement are inherent in Devarim 14:1. This pasuk tells us: “You are children to Hashem, do not

The Case of the Dropped Slurpee

A Dropped Slurpee During the pandemic, a favorite Jachter family activity was to order Slurpees delivered from a local store (see https://oukosher.org/kosher-slurpee-list/ for more information

Does the Torah Reject Democracy?

Secular writers claim that the Torah is incompatible with democracy, since it calls for a king. This misguided conclusion stems from a superficial understanding of

Why Not Cheat?

An Upset Talmid A talmid walked into the room very upset. The talmid’s math teacher returned his test, and the results were less than stellar.

Precision in Our Halachic Observance

During a two-day deep dive into OU kosher’s policy to certify “dairy English muffins,” a thoughtful talmid raised a fundamental question: Does Hashem truly care