A Chassid related the following story: The loyalty of Russian soldiers to the Czar was legendary. I once saw a Russian soldier being whipped. His crime? While standing watch on…

Voice notes are an incredibly convenient way to communicate a short thought, a quick question, or a brief response. They are not meant, however, for long expositions, deep thoughts or…

Last week, a Jewish reporter at a White House briefing posed an intriguing question to the press secretary: “Since President Trump will be remembered for generations as the greatest leader…

We understand the importance of casting a ballot on Election Day, but not everyone is familiar with the Torah’s perspective. Should people voice their opinion on who should be their…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I don’t know what to do! I’m dating a guy who I totally adore his personality but cannot deal with his disorderliness. I come from a…

Looking around the shul during chazaras hashatz, we can see people learning Torah or simply not paying attention. Sometimes we have no idea where the shaliach tzibbur is up to….

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become a part of daily life, influencing the information we consume and the decisions we make. And the process is just starting. This places significant…

Parashat Lech-Lecha begins with Hashem speaking to Avraham Avinu and commanding, Lech Lecha – to go forth from his homeland, and journey to an unknown place, which, of course, turned…

In enumerating those who a c c o m p a n i e d Avram on his journey from Charan, the Torah mentions that he took his wife Sarai,…

Every morning at the end of our Birchas HaShachar, we petition Hashem, “Us’neinu hayom uv’chol yom l’chein, ul’chesed, ul’rachamim b’Einecha… – Grant us today and every day that we find…

INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds thinly sliced chicken cutlets 1/2 cup flour Salt and pepper to taste 2 pints cherry tomatoes 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, minced 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata…

Hashem told Avram to go El Ha’aretz Asher Arecha, “To the land that I will show you.” The Baal HaTurim writes that arecha is gematriya 222, the same as b’ananim,…

May I use a warming drawer on Shabbos? Warming drawers on Shabbos is indeed a serious issue. There are a number of things to consider. First of all, you have…

And your name will no longer be called Avram, and your name will be Avraham for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. Bereishis 17:5 The…

Breakups are never easy This week’s parsha tells the story of Avraham and his nephew, Lot. For many years, the two had lived together in harmony, until a bitter fight…

We read in Parashat Lech-Lecha of Hagar, an Egyptian woman who become the maidservant of Sara Imenu. The Midrash teaches that Hagar was actually a princess, Pharaoh’s daughter, and Pharaoh…

Now that all the living hostages are home, we are learning more and more about their amazing inner strength, and their powerful spirit. My zeide, HaRav Avraham Jungreis zt”l, used…

Last week, on Shemini Atzeres, Rabbi Moshe Hauer was niftar suddenly at his home in Baltimore from a heart attack. He was 60 years old. Rabbi Moshe Elefant is the…

Going into Shemini Atzeres this year, people were filled with joy as live hostages were finally released. Outside of Hakadosh Baruch Hu, there are many to thank for making this…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thanks for your column. I look forward to reading it each week in The Jewish Vues. Here is my issue. At what point should a person…

Although we do not usually bathe or take showers on Shabbos, this topic is discussed in halachah and has modern applications. What is the prohibition of bathing? Is it ever…

On Shemini Atzeres of 5786, the Jewish world lost Rabbi Moshe Hauer zt”l, one of the wisest and most quietly pious people I have ever had the privilege of knowing….

The Zohar tells of a conversation that took place between Noach and Hashem after the flood. Noach turned to Hashem and asked, “I thought You were a merciful, benevolent G-d….

The name Noach was introduced and explained in last week’s parsha [Bereishis 5:28-29]. “And (Lemech) called the name (of his son) Noach saying: This one will comfort us from our…

The tragic demise of mankind during the era of the flood was not just a punishment for that wicked generation. Even more so, it was perhaps a series of powerful…

The Tiferes Shlomo (Rosh Hashanah) writes that in the future, we will discover the goodness that was concealed in the galus, and the hint is (Tehillim 96:11) Yism’chu Hashamayim V’tagel…

RAINBOW SPRINKLE COOKIES INGREDIENTS: 2 cups (10 ounces) all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup…

“Tzohar Ta’aseh La’teivah” Make a tzohar for the ark. Rashi “Yesh Omrim Chalon” There are those who say it is a window. Bereishis 6:16 Many wonderful shuls are blessed to…

How can we “extend a hand” even when we are frustrated? After the conclusion of the Flood, Noach needed a way to determine how far the waters had receded. Enter…

Parashat Noach tells the famous story of Noach, the lone righteous person in a corrupt, sinful generation, and who was thus saved by the flood which G-d brought upon the…

Back to Bereishis. Last Shabbos, we rolled the Sefer Torah to the very beginning. We began a new cycle of weekly Torah readings. The Midrash teaches, Shivim panim laTorah, there…

As the flood waters recede, Noach opens the window of the ark and sends out the raven, which “kept going and returning until the waters dried from upon the earth.”…

Coming off a joyous Simchas Torah, the excitement of the Yom Tov heightened with gratitude for the return of the twenty living hostages, I turned on my phone after Havdalah,…

This week’s Torah portion takes us to the first communist regime in history, revealing how such systems gradually, and with great cunning, take shape. The story unfolds some time after…

And G-d made the beasts of the earth according to their kind and the cattle according to their kind, and all the creeping things of the ground according to their…

First things first Parshas Bereishis is all about the beginnings: First creation, first light, first day, first person, first commandment, and of course, first sin. After blessing mankind to be…

At a black-tie affair, all the guests are wearing tuxedos or expensive gowns. They all look pretty much the same. But there are two groups of people at this affair….

The pasuk in Parshas Ha’azinu says, “Remember bygone days; understand the years of each generation; ask your father and he will tell you, your grandfather and he will say it…

As we approach the joyous festival of sukkos, we reflect back at the long, hard period of Elul and the High Holy Days. We put in a lot of effort…

The Gemara tells us that after one’s demise, he will be asked, “Did you wait for the salvation (for Moshiach)?” The Imrei Emes of Gur zt’l said that the question…

Is a canvas sukkah kosher if the walls move in the wind? Sukkah walls that move in a regular wind are not valid walls. There are different opinions as to…

The Gemara in Masechet Sukka (11b) brings two views as to whether the Misva of Sukka commemorates “Sukkot Mamash” – the actual huts in which our ancestors dwelled during the…

It was Rosh HaShana night, and our family was enjoying sweet apples and honey. The conversation around the table turned to why apples from all the fruits. Though there are…

ONE POT LEMON CHICKEN WITH ORZO INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs pargiot diced salt, pepper, onion, garlic and paprika Olive Oil 1 cup orzo 2 cups chicken broth juice of one lemon…

The Blind Golfer Charlie Boswell was a great athlete who became blind during World War II while rescuing his friend from a tank that was under fire. When he returned…

Israeli war hero and statesman Moshe Dayan was once stopped for speeding by a military policeman. Dayan protested: “I only have one eye. What do you want me to watch—the…

A person is permitted to go on outings during Sukkot and to eat outside the sukkah when necessary for refreshment or for the sake of Shalom Bayit. The Gemara (Sukkah…

Someone suggested to me that I should write to the two of you. Although, I’m not sure what my questions are. I started seeing a girl only two weeks ago…but…

The subject of whether one should sit in the sukkah on Shemini Atzeres has been the topic of debate and discussion since time immemorial. There are many who have the…

I. Who May Duchen? The Torah commands kohanim, male descendants of the priestly families, to bless other Jews while raising their hands and reciting a specific formula, i.e. to duchen,…

Does the prohibition against washing dirty clothes on Chol Ha-Mo’ed, the intermediate days of the holiday, still apply today when doing laundry is relatively quick and easy?1 In theory, washing…

Erev Yom Kippur afternoon, the Chasam Sofer zt’l once asked his daughter to arrange a shidduch between two orphans. “I will do it immediately after Yom Kippur” she said. The…

What foods should one eat at the seuda ha’mafsekes (last meal) on erev Yom Kippur? Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 608:4) writes that on erev Yom Kippur, one should eat light…

MISO GLAZED SALMON INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds salmon filets Salt and pepper 1/4 cup miso paste 2 Tablespoons soy sauce 1 Tablespoon brown sugar 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar 1 teaspoon sesame…

Many of us find Teshuba to be a difficult, grueling process. We often feel too intimidated to even begin thinking about Teshuba and changing who we are. And yet, ironically…

Yizkor. To remember. On Yom Kippur we remember the loved ones who are no longer with us. Those who are fortunate to still have their parents, leave the shul prior…

The Cantonist Abraham Lewin, the author of a book in Yiddish e n t i t l e d , K a n t o n i s t e…

“No regrets” is a popular motto, a badge of honor, and for some, a way of life. It is even a popular tattoo, a slogan people literally engrave on their…

The correct way to prepare for Yom Kippur is to do Teshuva, perform more Mitzvot, and get closer to Hashem. However, in a generation where one can buy and sell…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thank you for your weekly column in the Jewish Vues, I enjoy reading it with my family. I’d like your help on a problem that I’m…

As we approach the Yom Tov of Yom Kippur, thoughts of the day’s significance occupy our minds. At the same time, we’re also concerned about how we will make it…

I. Teshuvah and Nineveh C o n v e n t i o n a l wisdom has it that the book of Yonah is about the power of teshuvah,…

Lehman Brothers was one of the most powerful financial institutions in the world until it filed for bankruptcy and folded during the crisis of 2008. The story goes that the…

I would like to share a thought about Yom Kippur. As Rav Dovid Kronglass used to say, this is the most important week of the year. We have a tremendous…

One of the most urgent segments of our Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur liturgy is the proclamation we say with great feeling, “Us’shuvah us’filah u’tzedakah ma- avirin es ro-ah hagizeirah…

As we approach a string of three three-day yamim tovim, people are thinking about their hygiene and comfort, including showering and brushing teeth. I will discuss here the longstanding debate…

As we find ourselves deep in the heart of Elul—the month of reflection, preparation, and return—Ashkenazic communities around the world are preparing to begin Selichos this coming Motzei Shabbos. A…

On both Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur, we recite Unesaneh Tokef, one of the most stirring and heartrending tefillos. We live in a time where every line feels not like…

“Coronation Night” – that is how one of the great spiritual masters would define the night of Rosh Hashanah. In a 1974 sermon, Rabbi Yosef Dov Soleveitchik (1903-1993), one of…

A little over a year ago, I got an ice bath and I am proud to say I hardly miss a day of spending three minutes immersed in 45-degree water….

There are various aspects to the relationship we share with Hashem: at times it is compared to that of a child and father, at other times to a servant and…

Dear Rabbi and Shira I’m engaged to a great young woman. We connect well, have similar life goals, and are excited to get married and spend the rest of our…

The Custom of Tashlich We all know that when it comes to Rosh Hashanah there is a custom to go to tashlich and say tefillos there. Those who don’t go…

The posuk in the Torah says that melacha is generally forbidden on Yom Tov, although melacha which is needed to prepare food to eat is permitted. Once these melachos (cooking,…

Many rabbis use the High Holiday sermons as an opportunity to showcase their talents and to showcase crucial ideas and themes. Considering the large crowd, rabbis may spend months preparing…

POMEGRANATE BRAISED SHORT RIBS INGREDIENTS: 5 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs, cut into 3-inch pieces (8 to 12) Salt and pepper 1 large yellow onion,…

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has hit the Jewish world in a very real way. I think there are two reasons why. The first reason is the incredible man he…

For many of us, the period of Yamim Noraim is like a door that constantly opens and closes, but always remains in the same place. We constantly “move” – we…

The Haftorah for the first day of Rosh Hashana is the story of Chana (Shmuel I Chapter 1). Chana was barren for so many years. Finally, she goes up to…

As we approach Rosh HaShanah, the Day of Judgement, I want to share with my dear readers some last minute strategies that I believe can make a very significant difference…

On Rosh Hashanah night, we eat simanim, such as an apple dipped in honey, among other simanim. The origin of this custom is the Gemara (Krisus 6), which states, symbolic…

This month many of the bakeries sell raisin challah. Many local bagel stores recently stopped selling cinnamon raisin bagels. Are raisins kosher to eat? The OU’s position is that raisins…

The Torah never directly commands sounding the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah. Instead, it tells us, in Parashat Emor (Vayikra 23:24), that we must observe the first of Tishri as a…

The parsha opens with the mitzvah of bringing bikkurim, the first fruits of the seven species of Eretz Yisrael. A farmer brings them to the Beit HaMikdash in a basket,…

I’m engaged to wonderful woman, who shares the same values as I do, is caring, kind, and sensitive. We had a great vort, but as we begin talking about the…

We all are familiar with the custom of reciting Selichos from before Rosh Hashanah until Erev Yom Kippur (and some communities even from Rosh Chodesh Elul). The question arises each…

This year, many people are going to try to learn lessons about how to do teshuvah from artificial intelligence (AI). I am going to go in the other direction and…

Parashat Ki-Tavo begins with the mitzvah of bikkurim – the requirement that a farmer bring the first of his fruits that ripen each year to the Bet Ha’mikdash, and present…

In the middle of the terrible string of curses in this week’s parsha, the pasuk says, “Because you did not serve Hashem, your G-d, with gladness and with goodness of…

FALL OFF THE BONE BEEF BACK RIBS INGREDIENTS: 4 to 5 pounds of beef back ribs For the dry rub 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder,…

In the tochechah, the curses in this week’s parsha of Ki Savo, there is a fascinating pasuk. “Yisa Hashem alecha goy mei’rachok mik’tzeh ha’aretz ka’asher yideh hanasher – Hashem will…

A poor couple received a letter from the king. The letter informed them that the king would visit their home in thirty days. The couple was very excited and honored…

What is preferable? To wake up early and recite Selichos before dawn (a.k.a. alos hashachar, which is 72 minutes before sunrise), or to stay up late and recite Selichos after…

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Tabo describes the great rewards that G-d promises to bestow upon our nation if we faithfully observe the Misvot. The Or Ha’haim (Rav Haim Ben-Attar, 1696-1743)…

Sharon and I came from different backgrounds. I was the rabbi’s daughter, and Sharon grew up in a traditional home. Since her family were members of my parents’ shul, Sharon…

Make a Confession! I want to achieve an ambitious goal with this essay: I want to bring back confession to Judaism. People attribute confession to Catholicism; they think it is…

Our hearts were broken by the news that two evil terrorists i n d i s c r i m i n a t e l y opened fire on…

I. AI and Unemployment Predictions vary widely about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment. All agree that AI will replace some jobs, particularly those open to the automation…

The story is told of a man who once approached a Rabbi and asked a question which we have likely all asked ourselves at one point or another, in some…

Ammon and Moav: What Was So Bad About Not Giving Us Bread and Water? The verse in Parshas Ki Seitzei reads, “Neither an Ammonite nor a Moavite shall enter the…

We are now in the midst of the most critical month of the year: the month of Elul. It is the time that we have to prepare ourselves for the…

We are now in Chodesh Elul, blowing the shofar and waging war against the yetzer hara. Like every war, strategies are required to help us win this great battle. Let’s…

Checking Eggs for Blood Spots – What is the issue with checking eggs for blood spots? If I buy a package of eggs which is certified kosher, is this necessary?…

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Teseh introduces the obligation of “Malkut” – the lashes given to sinners who are found guilty of certain transgressions. In the times of the Sanhedrin, there…

INGREDIENTS: 8 chicken bottoms – I used only the thighs feel free to use whatever pieces you prefer. 1.5 pounds of baby potatoes, cut in half 1 lemon, juiced 1…

Finders keepers, losers weepers. A child’s chant, but for those immersed in Torah and mitzvos, hashavas aveidah, returning a lost item is a way of life. In this week’s parsha,…

Holding Space For All My Parts, While Anchored in My Divinity, Brings Me a Double Portion of Light Who’s Doing the Talking? “Does marriage change one’s personality?” Greg asked his…

Each year, our shul coordinates a men’s Mevakshim trip to New York to meet diverse Roshei Yeshiva, Rabbanim, and community leaders—to listen, learn, challenge, and grow. Before each interaction, I…

As the school year begins, we are once again reminded of the importance of educating our children in the proper way. Education is not only about sending them to the…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thank you for your column, we read it weekly and enjoy discussing it on Shabbos. What should I tell my daughter? Baruch Hashem, my daughter, has…

The beracha of shehechiyanu applies to many different areas such as Yom Tov, purchasing new items, performing mitzvahs and eating new fruits. This issue will focus on the beracha of…

Incredibly, we are already in the thick of Elul. We know it is very serious, for we are taught in Yiddishkeit, “Hakol holeich achar ha’chasom – Everything goes after the…

The sefarim discuss the great fear that Yidden experience in Elul. The Beis Aharon (p.130:) writes, “The main thing is that everyone should draw fear onto himself during these days…”…

May one buy cut fruit from a store that does not have a Hechsher? No! We get this question all the time. People are invited all the time to meetings…

Toward the beginning of Parashat Shoftim, the Torah famously commands, “Sedek Sedek Tirdof” – “Justice, justice shall you pursue” (16:20). The plain meaning of this verse is that the Torah…

Sometimes, you hear a story that touches your heart, uplifts your spirit and stays with you for years. Rabbi Yakov Bender, Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah, shared one such…

First Anecdote: A man goes out with a woman on their first date. For the first three hours, he talks only about himself, his history, accomplishments and interests. Finally, he…

INGREDIENTS: 3-3.5 lb. Delmonico roast 3 Cloves Garlic, minced 1 tbsp. Prepared white Horseradish 1 tbsp. Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped 3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Kosher Salt and Pepper…

If your child or grandchild ask you – do you care more about my being happy and successful or my being kind – what would you answer? Our Parsha tells…

The month of Elul is characterized by the pasuk from Shir HaShirim: “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” But is this verse only symbolic because its initials…

Hi Rabbi and Shira, My wife is constantly late to literally everything in her life. She’s had trouble holding employment due to her tardiness. I’m so sick of being late…

There is a well-known custom to recite L’Dovid Hashem Ori, the 27th chapter of Tehillim, from the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul until after Sukkos. What is the source…

I. The Cost of Secular Education The high cost of yeshiva tuition remains a significant challenge to many in the community. Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises a potential solution: it can…

I was once in a post office, and started chatting with the fellow working there behind the counter. Over the course of our conversation, he mentioned that he had served…

In Parshas Shoftim, the Torah introduces us to the concept of a Jewish Monarchy. “When you come to the land that Hashem your G-d gives you, and possess it and…

Parashat Re’eh concludes with the command to celebrate the festival of Sukkot. The Torah instructs: “You shall rejoice on your festival… For seven days, you shall celebrate for Hashem your…

While it still be hot outdoors, and the sun is shining brightly, summer is slowly coming to an end. The back-to-school sales are being advertised, and the shelves are already…

No Gashes There is a fascinating verse in this week’s parsha Reah: Re’eh 14:1: Banim Atem L’Hashem Elokeichem Lo Sisgodedu V’Lo Sasimu Karcha Bein Eineichem L’Meis You are children of…

In 2001, Indra Nooyi was named president of PepsiCo. Five years later, she would be promoted to CEO and, in 2007, she would become chairman of the company as well….

Last week we spoke about the challenges of praying while traveling, and this week we would like to discuss a few common kashrut concerns on the road. When traveling with…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi! I really enjoy reading your column each week and I’m hoping you can help me. I’ve been dating a guy for about a month and…

A visitor to a supermarket is struck by the vast array of chocolate items for sale, such as candies, chocolate cake, chocolate milk, chocolate cookies and the like. There is…

INGREDIENTS: 1 medium red onion, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices 1 large sweet red pepper, halved, stemmed and seeded 1 small zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices 1 yellow summer…

OpenAI recently released ChatGPT-5, which faced a number of public challenges. One of its features is that users can now choose from five preset Artificial Intelligence (AI) “personalities.” The list…

Parashat Re’eh begins with Moshe Rabbenu making the following pronouncement to Beneh Yisrael: “Re’eh Anochi Notein Lifneichem Hayom Bracha U’klala.” See that I am placing before you today a blessing…

The pasuk in Parshas Re’eh says, “You are Children to Hashem your G-d, you shall not cut yourselves and you shall not make a bald spot between your eyes for…

At the recent Question & Answer session for the Irgun Shiurei Torah, (which you can see on TorahAnytime. com), I fielded the following question: Why would Hashem allow such a…

Reb Eliezer Eichler zt’l, Rav of the Boyan yeshiva in the United States, tells the following story. Before that, he was the Rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Tosh, in the Tosh…

Is there an issue with having alcoholic seltzer? Does an alcoholic seltzer need a hechsher? We’ve already certified a very large company that makes alcoholic seltzer; it’s very popular. It…

FAST FACTS Name: Simon (Sholom) Hyman Born in: Rochester, New York Father: Rabbi Chaim Hyman, Chief Rabbi of Rochester Yeshiva Growing Up: Chofetz Chaim in Rochester Camp Growing Up: I…

As many take advantage of the weeks after Tisha B’Av and before the start of the school year to travel, a frequent challenge presents itself — how to daven properly…

Yellowstone National Park, which is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined, contains its own Grand Canyon, considered by many to be the most breathtaking sight inside…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi, I have a question. I am a newly ,married man, and my wife said that her Kallah teacher taught in class that she should have…

The beracha of shehechiyanu applies to many different areas such as Yom Tov, purchasing new items, performing mitzvahs and eating new fruits. This issue will focus on the beracha of…

I. AI and Transformation Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world and already beginning to transform the workplace, a process that is widely expected to be dramatic. Will Torah study…

In Parashat Ekev, Moshe Rabbenu commands the people that after they cross into the Land of Israel, they must remember what their lives were like in the desert. They must…

And you shall write them on the doorposts of your homes and your gates. (Devarim 11:20) The Mezuzah stands like a sentinel at the door, we pass it whenever we…

INGREDIENTS: 4 tablespoons unsalted margarine 1 heaping cup chopped shallots or sweet onion 6 cups chicken broth 6 ears fresh corn 1-1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste 1/2…

In the Kedushah of Mussaf, we say in unison, “Mimikomo Hu yifen b’rachamav l’amo – From His place He turns to His Nation, V’yachon am hami’yachadim Shemo – And shows…

A counsel for joy is to learn to get along with others. This will save you from much pain and hardships. Reb Avraham G e n a c h o…

Is one allowed to cook meat and fish together in the same oven at the same time? The issue of eating fish and meat together is described in Halacha as…

Minhagim like waiting 6 hours between eating meat & milk. Can they be changed? Minhagim should not be changed. Once you start changing family customs, you are on a slippery…

The Torah in Parashat Ekeb (8:10) introduces the Misva of Birkat Ha’mazon – the obligation to recite a series of special Berachot after eating a certain quantity of bread. The…

“V’achalta v’savata, u’veirachta es HaShem…, And you will eat and be satisfied, and you shall bless HaShem….” (Devarim 8:10) To bentch. The mitzva of reciting Birchas HaMazon, thanking HaShem upon…

“The world breaks everyone, and afterwards some are stronger in the broken places.” — Ernest Hemingway Broken The simple reading of the story (recorded twice in Torah, in Shemot, and…

The Mitzvah There is a great mitzvah for one to be involved with making shidduchim between a boy and girl. Hashem was the first shadchan in the world who made…

I. AI Authorship Is it permissible to study Torah from a sefer, a text of Torah scholarship, written by artificial intelligence (AI)? There are different ways an AI could author…

In Parashat Va’et’hanan, Moshe Rabbenu recalls the event of Ma’amad Har Sinai, when Hashem spoke to Beneh Yisrael at Mount Sinai, and pronounced the Aseret Ha’dibberot. The final of these…

Honor your father and mother, as the L-rd your G-d has commanded you, so that you may live long. (Devarim 5:16) Why should we honor our fathers and mothers? The…

INGREDIENTS: 8 chicken bottoms – I used only the thighs feel free to use whatever pieces you prefer. 1.5 pounds of baby potatoes, cut in half 1 lemon, juiced 1…

With great relief, we’ve arrived at Shabbos Nachamu, 5785. The days of mourning are behind us and we experience a Shabbos Nachamu, a Shabbos of comfort, which falls this year…

The rule is that after a difficult period, better times follow. For example, the Ramchal teaches, “After a hunger year, Hashem brings a lot of rain to the world.” Also,…

How might the upcoming regulatory changes and volatile trade policies impact the ingredients used in kosher-certified foods? Proposed bans on certain synthetic food additives and rising tariffs on plant-based ingredients…

P a r a s h a t Va’et’hanan begins with Moshe’s impassioned plea to G-d that he be allowed to enter the Land of Israel. Speaking to Beneh Yisrael…

Shema Yisroel… This week’s parsha, Va’eschanan, contains the opening paragraph of Shema, a prayer that has been on our lips throughout the ages. “V’shenantam l’vanecha, And you shall teach them…

Yosef Vs. Moshe “G-d became angry with me because of you, and He did not listen to me,” Moshe states in the beginning of this week’s parsha (Vaeschanan). “G-d said…

After rising for many years, the di- vorce rate in the United States today is lower than it was a decade ago. But be- fore you celebrate, the reason is…

Rav Pam (Ateres Avraham, Chayei Sar- ah) quotes Rabbeinu Bachya, who instructs us that when looking for a spouse we should not place an overem- phasis on looks, money or…

After the harsh day of Tisha B’Av, when we mourn the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and express our yearning for its rebuilding and for the Shechinah to return and…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I don’t know what to do! I’m 21, have returned from seminary and have completed 2 years of college.. My parents, friends and family are all…

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES INGREDIENTS: 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup oil 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 2.5 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1…

“May G-d, the Lord of your fathers, add a thousandfold more like you and bless you, as He spoke to you.” (Devarim 1:11) The Jewish people, Rashi informs us, were…

As we head to Tisha b’Av, we are acutely aware that all the tragedies connected to the saddest day of the year have their root in the lashon hara spoken…

A group of people spoke with the Brisker Rav zt’l about the tzaros the Jewish nation was suffering, and someone said, “We need Moshiach to come quickly to save us.”…

Beginning Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha B’Av (the Nine Days) the custom of Ashkenazim is not to eat meat or drink wine, in remembrance of the destruction of the…

On Tisha B’Ab, as we know, we observe a fast and mourn the destruction of the Bet Ha’mikdash. Although this calamity occurred many generations after the Torah was given, nevertheless,…

I recently received a clip featuring Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, who shared a story of the Baal Shem Tov’s childhood. The Baal Shem, whose given name was Yisroel, was tragically orphaned…

WILLPOWER A woman is leaving her multimillion dollar mansion in Beverly Hills when a poor man approaches her and cries, “Oh ma’am, I haven’t eaten in three days.” To which…

Of course, we daven from the bottom of our hearts that by Tisha B’Av the hostages will all be home, our soldiers will all be with their families, and our…

Seudah Shlishit (Third Meal): This year, Tisha B’Av falls on Sunday and begins immediately after Shabbat ends. Since it is forbidden to display any signs of mourning on Shabbat, there…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I’m not sure what to do. I’ve been married for a year and a half. When we dated, I felt like we had better communication, but…

In this issue we will discuss the halachos nine days. During the nine days we are not allowed to do many more actions than those that are customarily not done…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how we approach complex problems across a wide range of fields. From diagnosing rare diseases to reconstructing lost languages, AI has proven itself capable of…

One of the prohibitions that apply on Tishah B’Av is that we do not wear normal shoes. In the olden days, people would walk about barefoot on Tishah B’Av, whereas…

Once, as I was giving a class about the halachot of Tishah B’Av, I mentioned the law regarding work on this day – that Halachah permits working on Tishah B’Av,…

Beginning Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha B’Av (the Nine Days) the custom of Ashkenazim is not to eat meat or drink wine, in remembrance of the destruction of the…

Parashat Maseh begins with a list of Beneh Yisrael’s 42 journeys from their initial trek out of Egypt, until their final station at the banks of the Jordan River, before…

This Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, marks the beginning of the Nine Days, concluding with Tisha B’Av. It is a period of mourning for the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash….

“Moshe wrote their departures according to their journeys … and these were their journeys according to their departures.” — Bamidbar 33:2, this week’s parsha, Maasei. “While the reasonable man adapts…

I still remember vividly one of the strangest ads I have ever seen. When I was much younger, a restaurant in my neighborhood was promoting its special menu for the…

As we enter the month of Av, which commemorates the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash—brought about, in part, by division and conflict among the Jewish people—I would like to reflect…

Dear Rabbi and Shira , My husband and I have very different roles. He’s out early and comes home late from work to provide financially for our family. He’s home…

HOMEMADE RAVIOLI INGREDIENTS: 1 pound fettuccine (reserve 1 cup of pasta water) 6 tablespoons butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling) 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 2/3…

In this issue we will discuss the halachos that apply to the nine days. During the nine days we are not allowed to do many more actions than those that…

Seeing is believing, until that too is taken away from us. The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has produced powerful new tools, among them the ability to create “deepfakes,”…

The first section of Parashat Maseh lists all the different places where Beneh Yisrael encamped during the forty years they spent in the desert, from the time they left Egypt…

“The children of Reuven and Gad had abundant livestock – very great. They saw the land of Yaazer and the land of Gilad, and behold! – the place was a…

In Masechtas Nedarim [81a], the Gemara cites a verse in Yirmiyah [9:11], “Mi ha-ish hechacham v’yavein es zos… al ma avda ha’aretz – Who is the man who is wise…

There is a parable about a bridge that lacked a railing. Many people fell off, resulting in broken arms and legs. A solution was desperately needed. One ‘wise’ person suggested,…

The Verse that Says It All A fascinating Midrash credits an isolated verse in this week’s Torah p o r t i o n , Pinchas, encapsulating the quintessence of…

9-1-1… When we see those numbers, every one of us thinks the same thing – Emergency Hotline. Our children know from a young age that if there is a problem,…

Rabbi Leib Mintzberg writes (in his sefer Ben Melech) that there are five primary stumbling blocks in Jewish history— five major tragedies that shaped the identity of the Jewish nation….

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I have been dating a guy for 2 months now. We really get along well, but I am curious to meet his family. I feel like…

The time of the three weeks is a time when activities. Why do we refrain from activities? What are included in these activities? Below we halachos of the three weeks….

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping our world, raising new and complex questions. One such issue is whether it is permissible to use AI tools that analyze email and message…

If we would ask people the question, “Which is the holiest day if the year in Judaism?” most people would immediately point to Yom Kippur. But this is wrong. The…

INGREDIENTS: 3 pounds ground beef 1 small onion, grated 3 tablespoons of your favorite bbq sauce 3/4 cup Jason seasoned breadcrumbs 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1…

The Pitfall of Consistency: Been There; Done That Parshas Pinchas contains a long list of sacrifices that are brought on various occasions. The first offering the Torah discusses is the…

We are now in the midst of the sad calendar period known as the Three Weeks. In Hebrew, it is referred to as the period of Bein HaMetzorim, the time…

In this week’s parashah, the shevatim are counted, and we find the count of Shevet Levi (see 26:57-62) to be much less than the other shevatim. The Rishonim asks, “Why…

Can one barbecue fish at the same time as meat on a grill? In short, it is not recommended. The Gemara states that cooking fish and meat together can be…

Parashat Pinhas is almost always read on the first Shabbat of the period known as “Ben Ha’mesarim,” the three weeks between Shiba Asar Be’Tammuz and Tisha B’Ab, when we mourn…

How does a great man say his final goodbye? What are his wishes, his concerns, his worries. In Parshas Pinchas, HaShem tells Moshe that his days in this world are…

The IRS announced it will break with a long- standing rule and now allow houses of worship to endorse candidates for political office without losing their tax-exempt status. Since 1954,…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, In high school we were told that when we start dating, never to talk to friends about it for multiple reasons such as it can cause…

SHIVA ASAR B’TAMUZ IS THIS SUNDAY, JULY 13TH Many people feel that a fast day is a day to sleep and relax. However, a fast day is really a time…

I. AI and Video Supervision As artificial intelligence (AI) makes its way into the workforce, it is worth asking whether it can serve as a mashgiach, a kosher inspector. While…

The Hovot Ha’levavot writes that when a person goes out to work in the morning, he should have kavanah that he is now performing a mitzvah, fulfilling Hashem’s command that…

A “Tense” Exchange Between Balak and Bilaam Reveals the Limitations of Bilaam’s Power When Balak is trying to entice Bilaam to curse Klal Yisrael, he says to Bilaam: “…I know…

The subject of hishtadlus, how much effort should one make for certain objectives, is a very complex subject. Let’s take, for example, the hishtadlus for our parnassah, our livelihood. Quoting…

(Yorah Deiah 356) writes, “Everything written in the Torah we, ourselves, saw it occur. The exception is the story of Bilaam… “The miracles of yetzias Mitzrayim and the miracles that…

INGREDIENTS: 7 eggs 2 cups of flour 1/4 cup of sugar 1 and 1/4 cup of milk DIRECTIONS: No they’re not fluffy pancakes… They’re kinda like a mix between a…

What is casein? Casein is one of the main proteins found in milk. It’s commonly processed into sodium caseinate, which is often used in “non-dairy” creamers and other food products….

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…

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….

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The parashah begins with the words Zos Chukas HaTorah, “This is the law of the Torah…” and it goes on to discuss the laws of tumah and taharah, related to…

May one buy cut fruit from a store that does not have a Hechsher? No. We get this question frequently. People are often invited to meetings in non-kosher establishments. They…

The opening section of Parashat Hukat introduces and discusses the Misva of Para Aduma, a special cow which was required for the process of purifying people or utensils who had…

INGREDIENTS: 4 pieces chicken thighs 4 pieces chicken drumsticks 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 package of gnocchi 2 tablespoons each: Onion soup mix, Silan Soy sauce, and Olive oil Salt…

It was the beginning of the fortieth year of Bnei Yisroel’s trek through the vast desert. This week’s parsha, Chukas, tells of the death of Miriam, older sister of Aaron…

No Complaining After seventy years of communist oppression and seven hours of flying, Boris, a burly immigrant from Moscow steps off the plane in a free land to begin his…

Last week, Piers Morgan, whose show has over 4 million subscribers on Youtube, hosted virulent and unapologetic antisemite Candace Owens. Seething with hate for the Jewish state and the Jewish…

The recent Democratic primary elections underscore the critical importance of our Jewish community showing up at the voting booths. The danger is no longer theoretical—we are witnessing the rise of…

My fiance and I have been engaged for about a 6 months now and have been together for about 2 years total. I work as an accountant and he is…

Although we do not usually bathe or take showers on Shabbos, this topic is discussed in halachah and has modern applications. What is the prohibition of bathing? Is it ever…

Lawsuits are in progress about whether AI developers infringe on the rights of content creators when training models on copyrighted material. If my book, Articles of Faith: Traditional Jewish Faith…

The Shlah (Korach, Derech Chaim Tochachas Mussar, 26) writes, “From the story of Korach’s dispute, we learn mussar to avoid machlokes. Think about the severe punishment that came to Korach……

May one use a microwave for both milchig and fleishig? There are two issues to consider. The first is the issue of kashering: if the microwave has become fleishig or…

Rashi, commenting to the opening verse of Parashat Korach, explains the connection between this Parasha and the immediately preceding section – the final verses of Parashat Shelah, which introduce the…

“Vayikach Korach, and Korach took…..” In this week’s parsha, we learn of Korach, a first cousin to Moshe and Aaron. A man who was consumed by the green-eyed monster of…

Stop Pounding Rabbi Sam Wolfson was giving his speech to the Jewish Federation about the “Tragedy of Jewish Assimilation.” Toward the end of his long speech, the Rabbi clapped his…

Israelis, Jews, and decent people around the world breathed a great sigh of relief and were filled with euphoria at the news that the spectacular American military, at the courageous…

As we witness the American military becoming increasingly involved in the conflict with Iran, it is an opportunity to revisit the ancient prophetic texts that spoke of these events long…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I’m engaged, and I’m not sure what to do. You see, my chasan, who is a lovely guy, who is very sincere, and I had a…

INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs pargiot cut into pieces 1/2 cabbage chopped 2 zucchini’s diced 1 onion chopped DIRECTIONS: I’ve been really loving sheet pan dinners lately. I enjoy only having one…

There is a mitzvah to light neiros on Erev Shabbos in honor of the holy Shabbos. Some poskim maintain the obligation is d’orasia, however, most poskim say it is a…

I. Military Encampments in Halachah With the recent stunning military success in Israel’s initial attack on Iran, it is an opportunity to celebrate the Israeli Air Force by examining one…

Parashat Korah tells the tragic story of the uprising led by Korah against Moshe Rabbenu. The first pasuk in the parashah lists the names of the other prominent figures in…

The Ramban on the pasuk “And the earth opened its mouth and it swallowed them and their houses and all the men that were with Korach…” (Bamidbar 16:32) points out…

It has been my practice, with the help of Hashem, throughout my Rabbonus, to give a variety of shiurim throughout the night of Shavuos. This year, from 2:30 to 4:00…

It was last Friday afternoon. I was in my kitchen, peeling, slicing, chopping, mixing. Getting ready for Shabbos. While my hands were going through the motions, my heart and soul…

The difficult we do immediately; the impossible takes a little longer. — General Montgomery The Hole in the Roof A rabbi stands before his congregation and reports to them that…

In a breathtaking operation rivaling the miracles of the Six Day War, Israel’s audacious pre-emptive strike on Iran’s nuclear program defied the odds — and world expectations. There is much…

הן עם כלביא יקום וכארי יתנשא Throughout history, the Jewish people have carried many titles—“a nation of priests,” “a light unto the nations,” and “a stiff-necked people.” But among the…

Dear Rabbi & Shira I’m a Baalas Teshuva struggling to find “the one.” Many people won’t date me because of my family background. The ones that do date me, I…

A male child’s first haircut is called an upsherin, which is taken from the German words “sherr” (cut) and “up” (off). It is also called chalakah. The mitzvah accomplished by…

I. A Time for War Early morning last Friday, Israel attacked Iran in a multi-pronged effort that was wildly successful in its initial stages and we pray will continue to…

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 stick melted margarine. 1 cup vegan sour cream. 2 eggs Zest and juice of 1 lemon 3 cups flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1…

Parashat Shelah tells the tragic story of Chet HaMeraglim – the sin of the spies. Moshe sent twelve spies into the Land of Israel to see what it was like…

Sarah’s Message Passes to Yehoshua by Way of the Yud Many of us are familiar with a very famous Chazal, a statement of our Sages, in this week’s parsha. Before…

When a boy is born, we wait eight days before making a bris. While we might take this for granted, it is still very surprising. The eight-day wait is not…

Kalev and Yehoshua told the nation that they don’t have to be afraid of the nations living in Eretz Canaan because (14:7-9) Sar Tzelem M’aleihem, “Their shadow has left them.”…

Does the OU allow music to be played at restaurants they certify? Many restaurants want to have an ambiance and they want to have live music playing. What’s the OU’s…

Toward the end of Parashat Shelah (15:32-36), we read the disturbing story of the “Mekoshesh Esim,” the man who publicly desecrated Shabbat by collecting wood. The Torah tells that it…

Last week, we witnessed a disgraceful barrage of insults directed at President Trump by Elon Musk. While the president is known for never remaining silent in the face of personal…

Dear Shira and Rabbi, When I graduated high school I said to myself and my parents that I did not want to date right away. I wanted to wait until…

The Mishnah in Pirkei Avos states “anyone who honors the torah will be honorable in the eyes of the world, and if one does not honor the torah, he will…

Hospitals, airports and universities often include interfaith chapels which are intended to accommodate individuals of all faiths for individual or group prayer. This religious accommodation raises an important question: May…

Parashat Beha’alotecha begins with the mitzvah of kindling the menorah. Each and every day, Aharon was to clean the oil lamps of the menorah in the Mishkan and light the…

There is a famous Rashi at the beginning of Parshas Beha’alosecha which we comment on almost every year. Aharon was given the mitzva of lighting the Menorah every day in…

INGREDIENTS: 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into small cubes 1 package sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces 3 stalks of celery, chopped. 1 yellow onion, chopped. 1…

The late Munkatcher Rebbe, Grand Rabbi Chaim Elazar Spira, zt”l, zy”a (1871-1937), known as the Minchas Elazar, one of the great pre-war Chassidic Rebbes, was once traveling on a train….

A young child was crying at the bus station. Someone came by and asked him why he was crying. The child said that he didn’t have money to buy a…

What is Pas Yisrael and why do people specifically observe it during Aseres Yemei Teshuva? What is and what isn’t included in Pas Yisrael? During Aseres Yemei Teshuva, where all…

The final section of Parashat Behaalotecha tells the story of the inappropriate remarks made by Miriam and Aharon about their brother, Moshe Rabbenu. They criticized Moshe’s decision to separate from…

Parshas Beha’aloscha, 1991. The Shabbos of my son’s bar mitzva. Family and friends joined together for a memorable simcha. We had the z’chus of having my father, HaRav Meshulem ben…

Miriam’s Skin Disease At the end of this week’s parsha (Behaaloscha), we catch a rare and fascinating glimpse into the interpersonal relationship of Moshe, his brother Aaron, and their sister…

Several years ago, on a trip to the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan, my children and I joined a small tour. The guide who took us around patiently gave…

The complex nature of halachah leads to multiple opinions on various issues — expert judgment often varies. We expect that two scholars who legitimately disagree still respect each other’s right…

(I once sat with a couple that was struggling in their marriage and came to me for help. The core of the problem was that the wife did not get…

The Nazir: Achieving Sanctity Through One’s Own Efforts Parshas Naso contains the laws of the “Nazir.” Any Jew has the ability to accept upon himself the Kedusha of Nezirus, exceeding…

Every month, we pray when we bentch Rosh Chodesh that Hashem should grant us “Yiras Shamayim v’yiras cheit – Fear of Heaven and fear of sin.” Practically speaking, fear of…

In our Maariv prayers, we thank Hashem for being, “Machalif es hazmanim – Changing the seasons.” Since it adds spice and variety to life, we acknowledge our appreciation for this…

The Torah says about a nazir (6:8) that throughout the time that as he is a nazir, he is kodesh to Hashem. The Lev Simchah of Gur zt’l (Naso, 5743)…

Can I drink coffee at a restaurant? It is not possible to make one universal statement about the kashrus of coffee prepared in a non-certified restaurant because each establishment is…

Parashat Naso begins in the middle of the section that tells of the census taken of the tribe of Levi. This tribe was assigned special roles, including the role of…

We were just blessed on Shavuos by the kohanim. How uplifting it was to receive their bracha, and listen to their melodious chants. It truly felt that we were the…

The Levi Family Tree Levi, one of the 12 sons of Yaakov (the third of our forefathers, a grandson of the first Jew Avraham), had three sons – Gershon, Kehas…

Every year, about 11 million children in the United States participate in school- level spelling bees. The most prestigious competition is the annual Scripps National Bee that has been held…

In recent months, President Donald Trump has taken aim at elite academic institutions—most notably Harvard—accusing them of moral hypocrisy, Woke indoctrination, and tolerance of antisemitism. His rhetoric reflects the growing…

Dear Rabbi and Shira I’m engaged to a great young woman. We connect well, have similar life goals, and are excited to get married and spend the rest of our…