Today is Wednesday, Adar 8, 5786 · February 25, 2026
Today in Jewish History
• Oath on Torah Permitted (1674)
In the 1660's the Jewish community of Barbados gained considerable importance. However, they had a decided disadvantage in that their testimony was not admissible in court due to their refusal to take an oath on a Christian Bible. In October 1669, the Jewish community presented a petition requesting permission to take oaths on the Five Books of Moses, the Jewish Bible.
Several years later, on Wednesday, February 14, 1674, Barbados passed a law granting the Jewish community the permission they requested.
• Jews Enabled to Serve in Public Office in Maryland (1825)
In 1715, the Crown Colony of Maryland enacted a law requiring any citizen who wished to hold public office to take an oath of abjuration, which contained the words, "upon the true faith of a Christian." In 1776, the new constitution of the State of Maryland reaffirmed this law, requiring any oath of office to contain a declaration of belief in the Christian religion.
In the decades that followed, the struggle to repeal this law attracted national attention.
On February 26, 1825 an act "for the relief of the Jews in Maryland," was passed by Maryland's House of Delegates. The bill allowed every Jewish citizen to take an oath which professes his belief in a "future State of Rewards and Punishments, in the stead of the declaration now required by the Constitution and form of Government of this State."
• Passing of R. Eliyahu Hakohen (1729)
R. Eliyahu HaKohen was a preacher and author who lived in
Izmir, Turkey. He was known for his weekly sermons which inspired many people
to repentance, and for his efforts in
collecting and distributing charity to the poor. His ethical
work Shevet Mussar—only one of the
thirty-plus works he authored—is widely studied and has been translated into
multiple languages. He passed away on 8 Adar II.
Link: In Appreciation
Daily Quote
When the people of Israel said, "All that G-d has spoken, we will do, and we will hear" (Exodus 24:7) -- giving precedence to "we will do" over "we will hear" -- a heavenly voice issued forth and exclaimed: "Who revealed to My children this secret, which is known only to the angels?"
— Talmud, Shabbat 88a
Daily Torah Study
Chumash: Tetzaveh, 4th Portion Shemot (Exodus) 29:1-29:18 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 44 - 48
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Hebrew text
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English text
Tanya: Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 31
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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: De'ot De'ot - Chapter 1
• 3 Chapters A Day: Tefilah and Birkat Kohanim Tefilah and Birkat Kohanim - Chapter 5, Tefilah and Birkat Kohanim Tefilah and Birkat Kohanim - Chapter 6, Tefilah and Birkat Kohanim Tefilah and Birkat Kohanim - Chapter 7
Hayom Yom:
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