Many years ago, I was learning with a peer in the Deal Synagogue, and we were having an argument regarding the laws of Mukseh on Shabbat. Suddenly, one of the leading Halachic scholars of our time, Rav...
In this week’s parsha, we meet Balak, king of Moav. Though he was a king, the Chumash introduces him as Balak, son of Tzipor – sans the title melech, king. Ramban explains that Balak...
The Sleeper Izzy is sitting in shul one Shabbos morning when he falls asleep and starts to snore. The shul caretaker quickly comes over to him, taps him softly on his shoulder and says, “Please stop your snoring, Izzy,...
It’s hard to miss the growing trend among prominent American figures: some who were once clearly pro-Israel have shifted positions and now promote anti-Israel or even antisemitic rhetoric. Others, who were always critical, have become far more extreme. Influential voices...
For over a decade, Officer Richard Pratti has been a familiar and trusted presence on Main Street in Woodbourne, managing traffic and building strong connections with the community during its...
Parashat Hukat tells the famous story of Moshe’s hitting the rock. To briefly review – Beneh Yisrael found themselves without water in the desert, and they argued with Moshe, demanding water. Hashem commanded Moshe to assemble the people...
A Guide To The Perplexing Fast Day Of Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas The Magen Avraham cites a ‘practice of individuals’ to fast on the Friday prior to the reading of Parshas Chukas [Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Chapter 580]. In...
In the Eishes Chayil (Woman of Valor) ballad where our wives are serenaded before Friday night kiddush, we praise them that they are tzofiah halichos beisa, they oversee the ways of their home. Even stronger are the words in...
The parashah begins with the words Zos Chukas HaTorah, “This is the law of the Torah...