Now that Purim is behind us, the countdown to Pesach has official begun complete with its angst, anxiety, stress, and Sadly, many people associate Pesach with backbreaking work, exorbitant expenses,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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….

The Torah in Parashat Ki- Tisa makes the following brief comment about Yehoshua, the closest disciple and trusted attendant of Moshe Rabbenu: “…and his servant, the young lad Yehoshua bin…

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…

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…

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…

My veteran readers will remember that sometimes I imagine a simulated, fictional interview with the Yeitzer Hara to give us an inner look into the machinations of the one whose…

The Gemara (Brachos 32.) says that immediately after Hakadosh Baruch Hu told Moshe that the Yidden made an egel, he began praying for Hashem’s compassion. Hashem said (32:10) “and now…

Why is mechirat chametz for a supermarket that continues to sell chametz during Pesach a valid sale? It isn’t. The regular mechiras chometz that you and I do does not…

Parashat Ki- Tisa begins by completing the Torah’s discussion of the construction of the Mishkan. In the previous Parashiyot, we read of the building and its furnishings, as well as…

Last Shabbos, in cities around the globe, from NY to LA, from London to Paris, from Sydney to Sao Paulo, Jews gathered in shuls to hear Parshas Zachor. Zachor, to…

Whence Such a Transformation? It was one of our lowest points in history, the nadir of the Jewish people. Forty days earlier, they heard the voice of G-d; they vowed…

What are the guidelines for mishloach manot? Both men and women are required to fulfill the mitzvah of mishloach manot. One must send two different portions of food or drink…

For some reason, people think that drinking is acceptable at certain times, such as on Simchas Torah, at a Shalom Zochor, at a wedding, and on Purim. Many people become…

Is a mourner, within a year for a parent or thirty days for another close relative, allowed to lead synagogue prayers on Purim? A man who is in mourning is…

It is well-known that Hashem is never mentioned explicitly in Megilat Ester. The omission of His Name is by design, as the story told in the Megilah appears to unfold…

The last pasuk in the Megillah reads “For Mordechai, the Yehudi, was viceroy to King Achashveirosh; he was a great man among the Jews, and found favor with the multitude…

My veteran readers will remember that sometimes I imagine a simulated, fictional interview with the Yeitzer Hara to give us an inner look into the machinations of the one whose…

One year, Reb Yeiva of Ostra’a wanted to be happy on Purim, but it was hard for him as he was struggling financially. A happy person arrived, they celebrated Purim…

Introduction The Shulchan Aruch (OC 282:3) rules according to the opinion that a katan – a child who is under the age of bar mitzvah – is permitted to receive…

What can the light of the menorah teach us about avoiding “burnout”? Parshas Tetzaveh opens with the mitzvah to light the menorah in the Mikdash, which must be done “tamid”…

HARVEY WALLBANGER CAKE INGREDIENTS: Cake: 1 Box yellow cake mix 1 cup vegetable oil 4 large eggs 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur 1/4 cup vodka 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix…

The Midrash (Ester Rabba 7:13) draws a connection between the Purim story and the story of Mechirat Yosef – the sale of Yosef as a slave by his brothers. After…

In this week’s parsha, Tetzaveh, we learn of the special garments worn by the Kohein Gadol, and the Kohanim. Elaborate clothes worn while they did their avoda, sacred work in…

Money Two Jews, Yankel and Shmerel, were walking past a church. A sign on the church read “$20,000 to all who convert today!” Both were out of work and had…

Based on a talk I delivered at the Aish Legacy Summit in Bal Harbour on February 11, 2026 I want to begin by a c k n o w l…

Last week, the Israeli Supreme Court issued a forceful order requiring the state to advance long- stalled plans for a permanent egalitarian prayer area at the Kotel- the Western Wall,…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I am a lady in my late 20s, and I would very much like to get married. Baruch Hashem, I come from a wonderful family, but…

Is It Permissible to Block Roads? Recently in Israel, blocking roads has become a common phenomenon, and therefore the halachic perspective on this matter must be clarified. From a number…

Over the past decade, something subtle but profoundly consequential has shifted in our collective mindset. There was a time when “free” felt like a gift: unexpected, generous, and almost miraculous….

Parshas Terumah concerns itself with the Mishkan and the vessels used therein. The truth of the matter is that for the next five parshiyos — Terumah, Tezaveh, a good part…

With great excitement, Purim is rapidly approaching! So, as we take out our copies of Megilas Esther and the many amazing commentaries, I’d like to share with you a powerful…

The Zohar (Chadash 7:) writes, “Klal Yisrael gives parnassah to their Father in heaven.” The Nefesh HaChaim (2:6) explains that just as food makes the connection between body and neshamah…

Is one permitted to bathe, take a haircut or listen to music on Taanis Esther? The Meiri (Sefer Magen Avos 23) writes that Taanis Esther is different than other communal…

The Torah in Parashat Teruma presents the laws for the construction of the Mishkan, which is where sacrifices were offered until the building of the Bet Ha’mikdash in Jerusalem. Later,…

I am writing these lines from Ir HaKodesh, the holy city of Yerushalayim. A city where spirituality is in the air. Where one can’t help but be uplifted. A Shabbos…

The Smuggler Tony comes up to the Mexican border on his bicycle. He’s got two large bags over his shoulders. Joe, the border guard, stops him and says, “What’s in…

And you shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell among you. Shemos 25:8 Introduction Yeshiva students have a tendency to keep late hours, often diligently extending their…

Now that we’ve read Mishpatim, we can proceed to Terumah. The Beis HaLevi, Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik zt”l (d. 1892), makes a sharp point in his opening remarks on this…

STEAK TIPS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS INGREDIENTS: For the Marinade • 1 cup ketchup • 1⁄2 cup Coca-Cola • 1⁄2 cup sugar • 1⁄2 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1⁄4…

Stop pursuing it and start experiencing it. When the Founding Fathers included the pursuit of happiness as an American right and entitlement, it is almost as if they conceded that…

We are finally entering the happiest month of the year — Adar. This month is inherently joyful, yet even those who do not feel that joy are obligated to rejoice,…

Dear Rabbi and Shira , I’m not sure what to do. After a very long three months of both of us working on large professional projects, my husband and I…

During the days and weeks before Purim the mail is full of letters requesting matanas l’evyonim. In this issue we will discuss which people one has to give to, how…

Drinking coffee raises a surprising halachic difficulty. Coffee seems to have entered the Jewish world during the 15th and 16th centuries. Yet it was only in the 17th century that…

Parashat Terumah tells of the construction of the Mishkan, the place where Beneh Yisrael offered sacrifices to Hashem in the desert and until the Bet Ha’mikdash was built. The commentaries…

Walking through the Boca Raton Synagogue grounds, one immediately senses that something extraordinary is unfolding. The rapid expansion, the diversity of its minyanim, and the unmistakable energy of its community…

There is some confusion as to the appearance of OU D on non-cholov Yisroel brands of milk. Does this certification on a milk container signify that a mashgiach from the…

As part of the event of Matan Torah, when G-d revealed Himself to Beneh Yisrael and gave the Torah, Moshe constructed an altar and had sacrifices offered. We read that…

This week’s parsha, Mishpatim, opens with the words “V’eileh hamishpatim, And these are the ordinances.” (Shemos 21:1) “V’eileh, And these.” One little letter, vav, meaning and, connects the previous parsha…

The Jewish Parrot After his wife died, an old Jew received a parrot from his sons to keep him company. After a time, he discovered that the parrot had heard…

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General warned the country that we collectively are suffering from an “epidemic of loneliness.” He claimed that the negative health effects of loneliness are on…

This year’s Super Bowl commercial focuses on combating antisemitism. The ad portrays a young Jewish teenager named David walking through a public school hallway, where two bullies shove into him…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Help, I don’t know what to do. I’m supposed to start dating soon, but I’m really nervous about talking to anyone. This hasn’t started recently—as long…

The Mitzvah One is obligated to send mishloach manos on Purim to his friend etc. This mitzvah was introduced during the time of Mordechai and Esther and is considered a…

INGREDIENTS: 48 oz. package cubed butternut squash 6 peeled and diced sweet potatoes 3 lbs peeled and cubed carrots 2 15 oz cans pumpkin puree 2 chopped onions 1 tbsp…

I. Shul Sanctions Shuls (synagogues) need funding in order to maintain the building and provide services to members. This is clear and obvious. It is uncomfortable to talk about such…

If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, do not act toward them as a creditor; exact no interest from them. Shemos 22:24 Introduction Reuven was…

We are obligated to feel as if there is no obligation at all. One of the many laws in Mishpatim is the mitzvah to provide interest- free loans to those…

Parashat Mishpatim begins with the subject of Eved Ivri – the Jewish servant. In ancient times, there were certain situations in which a person who fell into financial straits would…

Were The Sages Using an Antonym or a Synonym? At the end of six years of work, all Jewish servants go free from their masters. (A Jew becomes a servant…

“There are many reasons given why the Torah is compared to water.” In these parshious of Yisro and Mishpatim, we are given much information about the Torah. A famous metaphor…

The Tzlach writes, “There is no greater rebellion against the King of the world than to speak in his heichel, in His presence. He is making the holy air tamei,…

The Story of Yisro The opening of this week’s parsha tells the story of the priest of Midian, Yisro, who chooses to come to the wilderness to spend time with…

The Torah’s description of Matan Torah, the most seminal moment in human history, a moment that defined not only a nation but gave meaning and purpose to the very creation…

There are a few passages in the Torah and other sources that deal with prophecies regarding the time of Mashiach’s arrival. Never before in history have these prophecies appeared so…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I just spent Shabbos at my future in-laws, and I don’t know what to do. They are a wonderful family, sweet, and welcoming. The only problem?…

Gambling is very widespread today. People go to casinos, and bet on horses and sporting events. They gamble at slot machines and play various card games. Until recently, gambling was…

I. The Maximal Tzadik A recent saying has it that every Jew is a tzadik, righteous. Taken literally, the statement strains credulity. Jews, like everyone else, commit sins, some grievously…

Parashat Yitro describes a situation that is quite common – a father-in-law giving his son-in-law unsolicited advice. Yitro – the father of Moshe Rabbenu’s wife, Tzippora – observed how Moshe…

As an aside to the mention of Yisro’s arrival in the camp, the Torah records the names of the two sons of Moshe, and the reasons why they were called…

SUPER BOWL WINGS INGREDIENTS: 2-3 lbs of wings I like to cut them in half so that you have two pieces per Wing. It’s easier to eat that way. Garlic…

The idea that out of 613 mitzvos Hashem handpicked ten for special highlighting on the two luchos, the two tablets, leads to a lot of fascinating speculation. Let me share…

A person came to the Yismach Yisrael zt’l and cried, “Holy Rebbe! I owe money to the entire world! To all my friends and banks! My business is collapsing. What…

The beer aisle doesn’t look the way it once did. Beyond the classic ingredients of malted grain, hops, yeast and water, today’s beers increasingly feature fruit, spices, dairy derivatives and…

And Hashem spoke all of these words saying. Shemos 20:1 Introduction Although a minority of poskim hold that one is generally obligated to stand for all of krias HaTorah, the…

Would anyone describe Kabbalas HaTorah as “groovy”? Long before the 1960s, the Torah used the phrase “seeing sounds” (ro’im es ha’kolos) to describe the Jewish people’s experience at Har Sinai…

Parashat Yitro recounts one of the most pivotal events, if not the most pivotal event, in Jewish history—the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai. The Midrash famously teaches that…

Parshas Yisro. The parsha that tells of our nation receiving The Aseres Hadibros. A most monumental moment in the history of our people. A time when HaShem Himself spoke to…

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…

When one begins construction in an area which contains fruit trees the question arises if one is allowed to cut them down. This is a very common issue when doing…

I. Shabbos and Popular Culture Stop, in the Name of G-d is a surpris- ing book of praise for a traditional Jewish practice by a leading Christian figure. Charlie Kirk,…

In the beginning of Parashat Beshalah, we are told that as Beneh Yisrael left Egypt, Moshe made a point of bringing with him Yosef’s remains. Many years earlier, before Yosef…

I would like to share a Medrash in Shemos Rabbah that does not refer directly to a verse in Parshas B’Shalach, but rather refers to a pasuk in Psalms regarding…

Last week, we started discussing the fundamental attribute of middah k’neged middah, measure for measure; how Hashem punishes and rewards to exactly match a person’s own behavior. We cited the…

The Chofetz Chaim asks: Why did Hakadosh Baruch Hu split the sea only after Bnei Yisrael entered it? This is a lesson for all generations: A person must do hishtadlus;…

If a kitchen has only one sink, what halachic considerations apply regarding milk and meat? There are several important considerations. Residue from milchig and fleishig utensils can mix in the…

See that Hashem has given you the Shabbos; therefore, He gave you two days’ worth of bread on the sixth day. Shemos 16:29 The Source The Gemara in Pesachim (100b)…

How can surrender lead to victory? During the war against Amalek, Bnei Yisrael prevailed only as long as Moshe’s hands remained raised; when his hands fell, the Jews began to…

Rabbi Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1869), in his work Mo’ed Le’kol Hai (chapter 30), discusses a number of different laws and customs relevant to the month of Shevat. He begins by…

This past Sunday brought a fierce winter storm across much of the U.S. We got hit with a whopper. An Arctic blast, frigid temperature, strong winds and a sizable snowfall,…

“The human being is a tree of the field,” the Torah states. In fact, the Jewish calendar reserves one day each year, the “New Year for Trees” on the 15th…

This week, Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, took out a full page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal titled, “To Those I’ve Hurt.” In it, he addressed years of…

A GPS application that includes an option to alert users to the presence of police should not make use of that option. The poskim discuss whether it is permitted to…

Before Beneh Yisrael left Egypt, Hashem spoke to Moshe and gave him a series of instructions that Beneh Yisrael were to follow in preparation for the great moment of Yetziat…

In this week’s parsha, Moshe Rabbeinu is told by G-d, “Please speak into the ears of the people and a man shall ask from his neighbor and a women shall…

As we learn the parsh- ios regarding the pun- ishment of the Egyp- tians, a central theme that runs through them is the attribute of treat- ing people middah k’neged…

When we receive good things from Hashem, we say the brachah Baruch Ata Hashem…. Hatov V’hameitiv, and when something unfortunate happens, the brachah is Dayan Haemes. Chazal say that both…

Throughout the year—and especially during yeshiva break—many people travel and stay in hotels or motels over Shabbos. Modern technology has introduced numerous halachic questions. Ari Hirsch of The Jewish Vues…

Parashat Bo tells of the final three plagues that Hashem brought upon Egypt, culminating with the final plague, the plague of the firstborn, which led Pharaoh to permit Beneh Yisrael…

Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, a former Chief Rabbi of Israel, is a most inspiring speak- er, with a special knack for telling great stories. I had the good fortune of…

Always Late Sarah was always late to work no matter how much she tried to be on time, or how many times her boss scolded her. She just could not…

On a recent night in Miami Beach, something unfathomable unfolded. Videos surfaced from a crowded nightclub showing a group of controversial online figures, including Nick Fuentes, Andrew Tate, and others,…

INGREDIENTS: 8-12 bone in chicken pieces – I used thighs 3 sweet potatoes cut into spears 2 onions, sliced Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, grilled chicken spice Olive oil DIRECTIONS:…

At this time of year, many people take advantage of the winter season to go on vacation and travel away from home. While such breaks can offer rest and renewal,…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thank you so much for your column. I enjoy reading it each week. I have been in the dating parsha for about a year now. My problem…

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…

The first day and the seventh day shall be holy for you; all work shall not be done on them. Only that which is consumed by all people, it alone…

Was Pharaoh really roaming around in pajamas in the middle of the night? We may not have a way to verify that bold claim, but the sentiment is certainly true….

I. Shabbos and Popular Culture Stop, in the Name of G-d is a surpris- ing book of praise for a traditional Jewish practice by a leading Christian figure. Charlie Kirk,…

Avraham Chaim “Abe” Eisner, known simply as Abe, has spent almost 40 years, as part of the team, in shaping and nurturing one of the most vital institutions in the…

Parashat Vaera begins with Hashem’s response to Moshe Rabbenu, who, in the final pesukim of last week’s parashah, expressed his angst over the plight of Beneh Yisrael in Egypt. Hashem…

The plague of Hail is foretold in this week’s parsha with the following words: “Behold at this time tomorrow I shall rain a very heavy hail, such as there has…

In the parshios that we are reading these days, we learn about arguably the greatest person to ever live, Moshe Rabbeinu. Did you ever wonder why we call him Moshe…

The Kamarna (Heichal HaBrachah Vayechi) writes, “I heard my Rebbe say to someone, “Accept everything that happens to you with love, and then you will have both Olam HaZeh and…

My wife purchased French fries from a pizza store and put them in the refrigerator. When I came home, she said dinner would be leftovers. I combined various fleishig foods…

In the opening verses of Parashat Vaera, we find Hashem’s pronouncement of the “Arba Leshonot Geula” – “four expressions of redemption.” He told Moshe to convey to Beneh Yisrael His…

This Shabbos, Shabbos Mevorchim, we bless the oncoming month of Shevat. Shevat, spelled Shin-Beis-Tes, is often read as an acronym for “She’nishma Besoros Tovos, May we hear good news. A…

Three Boys Three boys are in the schoolyard bragging of how great their fathers are. The first one says: “Well, my father runs the fastest. He can fire an arrow,…

While returning to school from a class trip, a third-grade student from Yeshivat Noam in Paramus was severely injured when a rock was thrown at her school bus on the…

One of the greatest heavenly gifts bestowed upon our generation is the emergence of an extraordinary talmid chacham who possesses a comprehensive mastery of the entire Torah—Tanach, Mishnah, Gemara with…

INGREDIENTS: 2 to 3 pounds of chicken wings 1/2 cup brown sugar 6 ounces pineapple juice 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon ground garlic 1 teaspoon ground ginger Salt and…

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…

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. The Illusion of a Free Gift There is a fairly common practice for charity organizations to send people free gifts—calendars, books, Chanukah candles—and expect a donation in return. If…

Therefore, say to the Bnei Yisrael: I am Hashem. And I will take you out from under the burdens of Mitzrayim, and I will save you from their work, and…

They don’t call them “the magic words” for nothing. Continuing our theme from last week, Rashi (Shemos 7:19) writes that Moshe Rabbeinu could not be the one to set off…

How could Moshe be the right man for the job?! We are so used to the idea of Moshe leading the Exodus, that we might not realize that he was,…

Hashem told Moshe to tell the nation (3:16) Pakod Pakadti Eschem, “I have surely remembered you…” Rashi (3:18) writes, “As soon as you say this phrase [Pakod Pakadti] to them,…

Should a hashgacha put on the product they certify the beracha one should make on that product? We at the OU are constantly getting calls about what’s the right bracha….

Parashat Shemot tells of the Egyptians’ enslavement of Beneh Yisrael. We read that as Beneh Yisrael rapidly reproduced, and their population grew, Pharaoh feared that they would turn against the…

Fargess nisht dein numen…. Fargess nisht dein numen…. Don’t forget your name…. Don’t forget your name…. I was by my mother’s – Rebbetzin Esther bas Harav Avrohom HaLevi a”h –…

The Inaugural Vision The inaugural vision in which Moshe was appointed to become the leader of the Jewish Nation and its eternal teacher, we should assume, contains within it the…

On Sunday night in Pittsburgh, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers’ seasons came down to one kick. Tyler Loop, the Ravens’ rookie kicker who had not missed a single field…

Recent reports describing a dramatic U.S. operation against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—planned over months, executed with precision strikes, intelligence superiority, and minimal open confrontation— highlight a familiar lesson: even when…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi. I’m a weekly reader of your column. I figured this was the right place to ask my question. On my friend’s very first date, she…

INGREDIENTS: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion chopped 2 large carrots, diced 3 stalk celery diced 4 cloves minced garlic 2 lbs ground lamb 1 cup red wine 2…

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…

The recent worldwide growth of open antisemitism has prompted many Jews to hide their identity. Out of fear of harassment or violence, many Jews have started hiding their identity in…

Hashem’s first prophecy to Moshe Rabbenu occurred at the “burning bush.” While tending to his father-in-law’s flocks, Moshe came across an unusual sight – a bush that was on fire…

The Mishna [Sotah 9b] discusses the concept of Divine reward and punishment that is “measure for measure”. One example cited is because Miriam waited to see what would happen to…

Let me ask you a question, my dear readers. What would you consider to be the core limb of the body? I was greatly surprised when I saw in the…

And the midwives feared Hashem, and they did not do as the king of Egypt told them, and they let the boys live. Shemos 1:17 And Moshe consented to stay…

The angel who redeemed me from all evil should bless the children and may my name be called in them, and the names of my fathers Avraham and Yitzchak, and…

It’s easy to play “Monday morning quarterback” – or is it? As Sefer Bereishis comes to a close, Yosef is approached by his brothers who beg for forgiveness and mercy….

In parshas Vayechi, Yaakov faces his end of life. “…It was said to Yosef, behold, your father is sick…” (Bereishis 48:1) The Midrash teaches that Yaakov prayed for illness. But…

A Bribe for Your Professor A professor was giving a big test one day to his students. He handed out all of the tests and went back to his desk…

I have a confession to make. For most of my life, I bought into a stereotype. Supported by headlines and history, reinforced by wars, terror, and the chilling rhetoric that…

How should a person act if he works in an office that holds a New Year’s Eve party? Is he permitted to attend if he eats only kosher food and…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi, Thanks for your column, I enjoy reading it on Shabbos. I have a question for you. I recently “dropped the shadchan” and now am dating…

The Purpose of Snow In many places around the world with cold climates, one will see snow falling from the sky. Many times these snowstorms occur during the week, and…

I. The Spiritual Power of the Land of Israel Living in Israel is a religious ideal, even a mitzvah. But the Gemara goes even further, saying it has additional spiritual…

INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds of colorful cherry tomatoes 1 dozen chopped Kalamata olives 2 tablespoons capers 2 pounds of trimmed green beans DIRECTIONS: Green beans are such a fantastic vegetable. Anyway…

We read in Parashat Vayechi the special berachot that Yaakov gave to his sons just before his passing. He addressed each son individually, and delivered a specific blessing that was…

In this week’s Parsha, the blessing given to Yehuda reads, [Bereishis 49:8] “Yehuda — your brothers will praise you…” (yoducha achecha). This is the simple translation of the verse, that…

This Shabbos we will be completing Chumash Bereishis. Bereishis is also called Sefer Yesharim, the Book of Upright. This is because of the great men and women such as Avraham,…

Chazal (Bava Metzia 58:, 59.) say, “Whoever turns his fellow man’s face to white [from embarrassment] it is like murder… and he doesn’t have a portion in the world to…

Can I buy non-kosher pet food to feed my pets? Yes. You can purchase non-kosher pet food. However, make sure that the pet food is not Basar B’chalav. This is…

The Torah in Parashat Vayechi tells us of the special blessings that Yaakob Abinu pronounced to each of his sons just before his passing. In his blessing to Yosef, Yaakob…

At just 23 years old, Mendel “Reggie” Richter, better known online as Reggie Torah Shorts, has already made waves in the world of Jewish comedy. Growing up in Queens, New…

If one happens to be in a place where songs or melodies associated with idolatrous worship are played, as is customary during the holiday season, he does not need to…

And Yisrael traveled with all that he had to Be’er Sheva, and he offered korbanos to the G-d of his father Yitzchak. Rashi One is obligated to honor his father…

Does the Torah know how to count? It might not seem so, as Parshas Vayigash lists the 69 people in Yaakov’s family who came down to Egypt and then refers…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thanks for your column, I read it every week. Maybe you can help me with a problem that I’m having. Since I came home from Yeshiva,…

ASARA B’TEVES IS THIS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30TH Many people feel that a fast day is a day to sleep and relax. However, a fast day is really a time for…

Is it proper to enjoy good food or should we avoid worldly pleasures and focus on spiritual success? The Talmud contains a plethora of seemingly contradictory indications on whether it…

Parashat Vayigash tells of how Yaakov and his sons moved from Eretz Yisrael to Egypt. A terrible famine struck the region, and the only country which had food was Egypt,…

Yosef sent gifts to his father upon wagons (agalos). When Yaakov saw the wagons, his spirit was rejuvenated because he was convinced that Yosef was still alive. Rashi cites the…

The Gemora teaches us, “Smuchin min HaTorah.” There is significance when two subjects are juxtaposed by Hashem in our Torah. The Birchas Ish therefore wonders why the laws not to…

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup olive oil 3 yellow onions, thinly sliced 2 tsp crushed garlic cloves 1 tbsp fresh thyme 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 tbsp all purpose flour 2…

It states (Mishlei 26:14) “The door turns on its hinges, and a lazy person on his bed.” Reb Shimshon Pinkus zt’l asks about the connection between the hinges and a…

Can I use my leftover challah to make dairy French toast? So, there’s really two questions about the challah. Let’s talk about how it was baked. If it was baked…

When Yaakob’s sons returned to Egypt and informed him that his beloved son, Yosef, was still alive, he at first didn’t believe them (45:26). But Yaakob then saw the wagons…

“Vayigash, and he approached”. The parsha opens with Yehuda pleading to Yosef on behalf of his youngest brother, Binyamin. Picture it. Yosef, Viceroy to the Pharaoh, sitting on a regal…

Transformation of a Brother Yosef could not contain his tears, nor can we, when we read each year the story of how after a feud and separation that endured for…

Patrilineal descent and intermarriage are the problem, not the solution. The recent Jewish People Policy Institute study found that outside of Orthodoxy, fewer Jews are getting married, those marrying are…

I. Home For Chanukah Chanukah occupies an unusual place in halachah. Most mitzvos fall on the individual. Chanukah’s primary mitzvah devolves on the location, not the person. The Gemara (Shabbos…

Chanukkah is one of two holidays that the Rabbis instituted to celebrate great miracles that happened to our nation, the other, of course, being Purim. Several differences exist between the…

And my silver goblet, you shall place in the knapsack of the youngest… Bereishis 44:2 Every once in a while, when a new product is developed and its halachic status…

With great responsibility comes great power! The drama continues. A disguised Yosef is keeping Shimon locked up and threatening to deny any more food to Yaakov’s family until the youngest…

Pharaoh had troubling dreams. None of his sorcerers or dream interpreters could satisfactorily explain them. Finally, the Sar HaMashkim (wine butler), who had been released from prison a couple of…

At this time of the year, many American homes are lit-up in a sea of brilliantly colored lights. When our children pass by these homes they are likely to comment…

The Rebbe of Ruzhin zt’l said, “What tzaddikim are able to accomplish on Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur, a simple Yid can accomplish on Zos Chanukah.” The explanation may…