Today is Tuesday, Adar 28, 5786 · March 17, 2026
Today in Jewish History
• Decree Against Ritual Circumcision Rescinded (2nd century)
In Talmudic times, Adar 28 used to be celebrated to commemorate the rescinding of a Roman decree against ritual circumcision, Torah study and keeping the Shabbat. The decree was revoked through the efforts of Rabbi Yehudah ben Shamua and his fellow rabbis. (Megillat Taanit, Rosh Hashanah 19a)
• Purim Cairo (1524)
Ahmed Pasha was the governor of Egypt under Selim II "The Magnificent," the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Ahmed plotted to cede from the Ottoman Empire and declare himself Sultan of Egypt. He requested of his Jewish minter Abraham de Castro to mint new Egyptian currency stamped with his image. Instead, De Castro went to Constantinople, and informed Selim II of Ahmed’s plot.
Ahmed decided to exact revenge against Cairo's Jewish community. He imprisoned many of their leaders, and threatened to execute them unless he was paid an outrageously large ransom.
The Jews of Cairo fasted and prayed to G-d. A large sum of money was collected but it did not approach the amount of money Ahmed demanded. Before the planned executions, Ahmed visited his bathhouse. As he was leaving the bathhouse he was attacked and severely wounded by a group of his own advisors and governors. Ahmed escaped but was later captured and beheaded.
From then on, the Jews of Cairo observed the 28th of Adar as a day of celebration. A special megillah (scroll) written to commemorate the miracle was read in Cairo every year on this day.
Daily Quote
So says G-d: The heavens are My chair, and the earth is My footstool; which is the house that you could build for Me, and where could be the place of My rest?
— Isaiah 66:1
Daily Torah Study
Chumash: Vayikra, 3rd Portion Vayikra (Leviticus) 2:7-2:16 with Rashi
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English / Hebrew Linear Translation
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Video Class
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Daily Wisdom (short insight)
Tehillim: Chapters 135 - 139
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Hebrew text
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English text
Tanya: Likutei Amarim, middle of Chapter 37
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English Text (Lessons in Tanya)
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Hebrew Text
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Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvot:
• 1 Chapter A Day: Avodat Kochavim Avodat Kochavim - Chapter 7
• 3 Chapters A Day: Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter 18, Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter 19, Shabbat Shabbat - Chapter 20
Hayom Yom:
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