Several threads come together at this time of year. First, last Shabbat we read the Torah’s command to remember Amalek— the nation that attacked us without provocation, whose hatred represents a deeper spiritual war against the very existence and mission...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thanks so much for your column. My family and I read it every week! Here’s my question. My husband and I agreed when we were engaged that we...
Bedikas Chametz If one arrives at the hotel on the night of bedikas chametz, even if they did not bring chametz, they should place out bread and check for chametz with a beracha. Many people arrive at the hotel...
One of the mitzvos of Purim is giving food to a friend. The verse says that Purim is a day of “u-mishlo’ach manos ish le- re’ehu, sending food a man to his friend” (Esther 9:22). The Sages see in...
And you shall make a laver of copper and a copper stand for washing. Shemos 30:18 Introduction Many public bathrooms and sinks are no longer equipped with paper towels for drying one’s hands but use air dryers instead....
Isn’t it a little late for that?! After spending forty days atop Har Sinai, Hashem hands Moshe the Luchos, simply described as “written by God” (Shemos 31:18). No extended praise. No poetic flourish. Just a straightforward description...
The Torah in Parashat Ki- Tisa makes the following brief comment about Yehoshua, the closest disciple and trusted attendant of Moshe Rabbenu: “...
PESACH BROWNIE S’MORES INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup oil 4 eggs 1 1/2 cup of sugar 1/2 cup of potato starch 1/2 cup of cocoa powder (use Hershey’s cocoa for the best taste!) 1 bag of mini marshmallows 1 bag of chocolate chips DIRECTIONS: What...
INGREDIENTS: 3⁄4 cup oil 3⁄4 cup cocoa 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 2 cups potato starch 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 cups powdered sugar, for rolling cookies DIRECTIONS: These cookies are easy quick and I’ve made them year round for...
This week’s parsha contains the mitzvah to donate the half- shekel coin: “This shall be given by everyone who passes through the counting, from twenty years old and up, a half shekel from the holy shekel coin, the shekel...