Today is Thursday, Kislev 7, 5786 · November 27, 2025
Today's Laws & Customs
• Sanctification of the Moon
Once a month, as the moon waxes in the sky, we recite a special blessing called Kiddush Levanah, "the sanctification of the moon," praising the Creator for His wondrous work we call astronomy.
Kiddush Levanah is recited after nightfall, usually on Saturday night. The blessing is concluded with songs and dancing, because our nation is likened to the moon—as it waxes and wanes, so have we throughout history. When we say this blessing, we renew our trust that very soon, the light of G‑d's presence will fill all the earth and our people will be redeemed from exile.
Though Kiddush Levanah can be recited as early as three days after the moon's rebirth, the kabbalah tells us it is best to wait a full week, till the seventh of the month. Once 15 days have passed, the moon begins to wane once more and the season for saying the blessing has passed.
Links:
Kiddush Levana: Sanctification of the Moon
Brief Guide to Kiddush Levanah: Thank G‑d for the Moon!
Today in Jewish History
• Jehoaikim Burnt Lamentations (3321/-440)
Jehoaikim, King of Judah, burnt a scroll dictated by the
prophet Jeremiah
and written by his disciple Baruch son of Neriah. This scroll was the book of Lamentations,
and was written to forewarn the king of the imminent destruction of Jerusalem.
(Jeremiah ch. 36. Megilat Taanit, perek
ha’acharon. It should be noted that other sources provide alternate
dates—see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 580:1 and Magen Avraham ad
loc.)
Link: Jehoahaz
and Jehoaikim
• Death of King Herod (3760/-1)
Death of Herod, King of Judea. Herod seized the rule from
the Hasmoneans, after killing them all. Fearing that the rabbis would challenge
his authority, he killed them all, leaving only Bava ben Buta. Later, out of
remorse for his cruelty, he had the Holy Temple completely
renovated.
Link: Herod
the Great
Daily Quote
In everything that G-d taught Moses, He would tell him both the manner of contamination and the manner of purification. When G-d came to the laws concerning one who comes in contact with a dead body, Moses said to Him: "Master of the universe! If one is thus contaminated, how may he be purified?" G-d did not answer him. At that moment, the face of Moses turned pale.
When G-d came to the section of the Red Heifer, He said to Moses: "This is its manner of purification." Said Moses to G-d: "Master of the universe! This is a purification?" Said G-d: "Moses, it is a chok, a decree that I have decreed, and no creature can fully comprehend My decrees."
— Midrash Rabbah
Daily Torah Study
Chumash: Vayeitzei, 5th Portion Bereshit (Genesis) 30:28-31:16 with Rashi
•
English / Hebrew Linear Translation
•
Video Class
•
Daily Wisdom (short insight)
Tehillim: Chapters 39 - 43
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Hebrew text
•
English text
Tanya: Kuntres Acharon, middle of Essay 4
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English Text (Lessons in Tanya)
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Hebrew Text
• Audio Class:
Listen |
Download
•
Video Class
Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvot:
• 1 Chapter A Day: Sanhedrin veha’Onashin haMesurin lahem Sanhedrin veha’Onashin haMesurin lahem - Chapter 14
• 3 Chapters A Day: Mechirah Mechirah - Chapter Twenty Eight, Mechirah Mechirah - Chapter Twenty Nine, Mechirah Mechirah - Chapter Thirty
Hayom Yom:
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English Text |
Video Class
Audio: 
