The time from Pesach to Shavuos is a time of minimizing joy. However, many question arise as to what is included in this, such as what are the reasons for…

I. AI Interfaces One of the most persistent motifs in science fiction is the Frankenstein plot: a human creates a machine, which then becomes independent and ultimately turns against its…

Parashat Ahareh-Mot begins with the description of the special Yom Kippur service in the Bet Ha’mikdash. The service was performed by the kohen gadol, who offered a series of special…

The pasuk in Parshas Acharei Mos says, “For on this day atonement shall be made for you, to cleanse you, from all your sins before Hashem.” (Vayikra 16:30). The Ribono…

There are many people who agonize over why they don’t have friends. This is no small issue at all. Chazal teach us, “O! chavrusah O! misusah – Either companionship or…

At this time of the year, Klal Yisroel breaks out one of its national treasures: the Mishnayos of Pirkei Avos. This anthology of select ethical teachings, transmitted to us by…

A man came to Rebbe Hirsh of Riminov zt’l and said, “My wife is in labor, and she is Miksha Leileid. The doctors say that her life is in danger…

Hafrashas challah is a huge mitzvah and a wonderful opportunity to do a mitzvah. The most important issue you have to know about hafrashas challah is that you can only…

INGREDIENTS: 2-3 lbs of wings Garlic powder Onion powder Paprika Cayenne Cumin Salt Pepper. Oregano Consume mix Olive oil DIRECTIONS: Sprinkle all the spices generously over your wings and coat…

We read in Parashat Ahareh-Mot of the special service that the Kohen Gadol would perform in the Bet Ha’mikdash each year on Yom Kippur. This service included two goats which…

We are living in the world of October 8, the aftermath. While October 8 is often understood as being synonymous with a world of increased anti-Semitism and Jew- hate, I…

Used Only Once The Torah states in this week’s parsha (Acharei Mot) that the Kohen Gadol had a special set of garments he donned on the holiest day of the…

While some are counting down to Mother’s Day this Sunday with great excitement and anticipation, many are looking at the calendar with dread and anxiety. For those desperately longing to…

There are few more polarizing people in the Jewish world today than Itamar Ben-Gvir. The firebrand national security minister of Israel attracts attention, protests, headlines, and controversy wherever he goes….

Lately, the world seems to be going up in flames—literally. Wildfires are breaking out across many countries: from Los Angeles, where homes have been destroyed, to New Jersey, where vast…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I am dating a girl with a generalized Anxiety Disorder. She was very upfront and casually mentioned it after we dated for a month. I appreciated…

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to the United States this past week sent shockwaves through Jewish communities and political circles alike. From impassioned speeches and packed shuls to heated protests on Ivy League campuses…

A Blind Kohen Can’t Rule On Negaim Even Though A Kohen Shoteh Can The majority of this week’s parsha deals with the laws of Tzoraas (commonly translated as leprosy, which…

Imagine, if one was to gather the ultimate anthology, he would go to Rav Shvadron, Zt”l, and ask him to sift through all of his teachings and choose the most…

At this time of the year, Klal Yisroel breaks out one of its national treasures: the Mishnayos of Pirkei Avos. This anthology of select ethical teachings, transmitted to us by…

A person bought a lottery ticket, saying that he had bitachon he would win the grand prize of a hundred thousand rubles. Reb Yisrael Salanter zt’l asked him, “Would you…

With the FDA potentially stepping back from its oversight of commercially produced milk, how might this change affect the kosher community’s long-standing reliance on government regulation to ensure milk meets…

Parashiyot Tazria and Mesora describe several different kinds of manifestations of Sara’at – discolorations on a person’s skin, garment or home, which, under certain conditions, brings a state of impurity….

Have I got news for you… Want to hear the latest… Did you hear what she did? Do you know what he said? I shouldn’t be sharing this, but… practically…

Two Birds This week’s parsha, Metzorah (Vayikra chapters 12-15), discusses the laws of tzaraas, usually translated as “leprosy.” Tzaraas was an illness whose identifying mark was a white patch (or…

ONE PAN CAULIFLOWER SHAWARMA DINNER INGREDIENTS: Cauliflower Onion Pargiot Shawarma Spice Olive Oil DIRECTIONS: Who doesn’t love a dinner that takes ve minutes to prep and only uses one pan…

According to the recently released Anti- Defamation League (ADL) report, antisemitic incidents broke a record for 4th straight year in 2024. Last year, they identified 9,354 antisemitic incidents, a 5%…

Following Holocaust Remembrance Day, a leading Jewish organization combating antisemitism revealed that incidents of Jew- hatred and violence are at their highest since the Holocaust. This sobering reality forces us…

Dear Rabbi and Shira Hi, I read your column every week. It prompts much conversation over the Shabbos table. I’m a regular Flatbush/Midwood guy who is into the Sifrei Chassidus….

Ever since the State of Israel came into existence, there has been a debate whether or not to recite Hallel on Yom Ha’atzma’ut. We will discuss the reasoning of those…

I. Golem and Minyan We are witnessing a major transformation of information and technology with the growth of artificial intelligence (AI). To my frustration, much of the Jewish discourse on…

Much of Parashat Tazria is devoted to the laws of tzara’at – a type of plague which came in various forms, affecting either a person’s skin, his clothing, or his…

Rabbi Joey Haber has emerged as a prominent voice of wisdom and guidance in today’s world, offering deep insights rooted in both his Syrian heritage and yeshivish Ashkenazi education. Raised…

Does purified water enhanced with minerals require Pesach certification? Although the OU approves bottled and distilled water without Pesach certification, when it comes to enhanced water an OU-P is required….

In the Haggadah, we emphasize the point that the plague of the firstborn was wrought by G-d Himself, and not by an angel or other agent. We cite the verse…

It was a week before Pesach, and my twelve- year-old granddaughter was in a class play. No matter how busy a bubby is, there is always time for a school…

Afikoman For children, it is the highlight of the Passover Seder. Over the years they discovered that because the seder could not be concluded until this final piece of matzah…

Tariffs and free trade. AI and the proliferation of technology. There are many issues of our day that remain complicated. But for each issue that is truly complex, there are…

Much ink has been spilled over the interpretations of the Passover Haggadah! The Haggadah is written in a way that raises numerous perplexities on various levels, containing contradictions and passages…

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…

One of the most interesting customs of the Pesach seder is to “steal the afikoman.” Weeks before Pesach the children plan their afikoman present and where to hide the afikoman….

When you eat matzah at the Pesach Seder, you have to eat matzah that you own. How much do you have to own it? The Gemara (Pesachim 38a) equates the…

As part of the introductory section of Maggid – the main part of the seder, during which we talk about Yetziat Mitzrayim – the Haggadah teaches us, Vchol Hamarbeh Lesaper…

We Are What We Do One of the perennial topics that come up at the Seder is the nature of the dialog between the Wise Son and his father in…

In the blessings that we say after Krias Shema in the morning liturgy, we include a puzzling statement. “V’Yam Suf bakata, v’zeidim tibata, vy’didim he’evarta, vay’chasu mayim tzoreihem – Hashem…

Baruch Hamakom, Baruch Hu. Baruch she’nosan Torah l’amo Yisroel, Baruch Hu. K’neged arba bonim dibra Torah. Echad chochom, echad rasha, echad tam, v’echad sh’eino yodei’a lishol. — Blessed is Hashem…

One of the halachos of baking matzah is (Shulchan Aruch 459:2), Don’t leave the dough idle without working it – even for a moment.” Working with the dough prevents it…

Receiving a diagnosis of irreversible kidney failure can be devastating. The uncertainty, medical complexities, and urgent need for a transplant can leave patients and their families feeling overwhelmed. This is…

A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.—Max Lucado When, Not If This week’s parsha, Vayikra (and much of the book of Vayikra)…

The Auburn Tigers are going to the Final Four, the coveted final rounds of the annual March Madness, NCAA College Championship Basketball. For the first time, three of the final…

When the 14th of Nissan falls on Shabbat, certain halachot must be adjusted to ensure proper observance of both Shabbat and Pesach preparations. Bedikat Chametz (Checking for Chametz) • Bedikat…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi, I’ve recently dated a guy four times, and I’m not sure what to do. I find him interesting to speak with, we have a good…

In Yiddish a potato is called a kartufel. The reason why it is called a kartufel is because the potato which was meant to be a tufel food has been…

The night before Pesach, we search for chametz on our property (bedikas chametz). By rabbinic decree, it is not enough to nullify our chametz but we must also search for,…

The first chapters of Parshat Vayikra discuss the various forms of sacrifices which people would bring under various circumstances. The Rabbis in the Midrash comment that when children are brought…

PESACH YAPCHIK INGREDIENTS: 8 large Russet potatoes 1 Spanish onion 7 eggs 1 cup water 11⁄4 cups olive oil 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon salt 1.5 pounds kolichel, cubed DIRECTIONS:…

The Medrash Rabbah, on the opening words of Sefer Vayikra (“Vayikra Hashem el M o s h e … “ ) , mentions that Moshe Rabbeinu actually had ten different…

This year, instead of doing the bedikas chometz on the night immediately before Pesach, we will do our search for chometz a day early, on Thursday night, since erev Pesach…

A chassid of Reb Michel of Zlotchev zt’l was poor and had to collect money to support his family and to cover the costs of his son’s chasunah. He asked…

What is the origin of the custom of not eating gebrochts (matzah dipped in water)? The Shulchan Aruch (OC 463:3) rules that flour made from roasted wheat kernels may not…

Pesach. So many special recollections. Warm memories of family gathering together. A beautifully set Seder table. A bubby’s special Pesach recipes. Singing the familiar Seder songs. A night to follow…

The Torah in Parashat Vayikra speaks about the procedure for offering sacrifices. Describing a person who brings a sacrifice to the Temple, the Torah uses the term “Yakrib Oto” (“He…

We are all familiar with the customs of kitniyos on Pesach, but who does it apply to, what is included in the custom, and what about derivates or extracts from…

This year, Erev Pesach falls on Shabbos. What unique halachic challenges does this present? Let’s discuss them, starting with Bedikas Chametz. As we know, Bedikas Chametz is usually done on…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I have been dating a someone for several months, and I think she might be the “one.” We get along well, she’s very sweet, and we…

Erev Pesach Falls on Shabbos When staying in a hotel for Pesach, it can be difficult to have everyone eat chametz, as cleaning up afterwards can be challenging. Therefore, one…

I. Thirty Days Before A Holiday Holidays are much like other things in life in the sense that the more you put into it, the more you get out of…

Parashat Pekudeh begins with a detailed accounting of the precious metals that were donated for the Mishkan, and how were they used. The Torah tells us exactly how much gold,…

You Don’t Necessarily Get What You Pay For In Terms of Divine Presence Being Present The pasuk in Parshas Pekudei says, “All the gold that was used for the work…

Last week, we looked at twenty-six ways that our lives could change because of our sincere pursuit of the chometz that is in our midst prior to Pesach. The pursuit…

INGREDIENTS: * 1 tsp onion powder * 1 tsp garlic powder * 2 Tbs whole-grain mustard * 2 Tbs honey * 1/4 cup olive oil * 3 lbs baby Yukon…

Those who have jealousy, suffer. The Reishis Chachmah writes, “Someone who has kinah (jealousy) is ‘robbing’ himself. He is always sad. Everyone finds sweetness in life, except for the person…

The opening verses of Parashat Pekudeh present an accounting of the precious metals that Beneh Yisrael donated for the construction of the Mishkan. The Torah introduces this section by saying,…

This Shabbos, we read Parshas Pikudei, completing the second book of the Torah, Sefer Shemos. The final pasuk of the parsha tells us of the anan, the Divine cloud that…

The Long Journey The drama was almost complete. The people exiled in a foreign country for more than two centuries, and for much of that time in unbearable conditions, experienced…

Adriana Fernandez had a unique path to social media fame. For years, her almost-90,0000 followers online have enjoyed her posts, pictures, and videos reflecting her insights and experiences as a…

One who leaves his home for the days of Passover may sell his house, including all its contents to a non-Jew in the Mechirat Chametz, thus being exempt from cleaning…

Parashat Vayakhel begins with Moshe Rabbenu assembling Beneh Yisrael to convey to them the commands for the building of the Mishkan. But before speaking about the Mishkan, Moshe first told…

Why Didn’t the Mishkan Have a Spare Parts Warehouse? The Torah says that after Moshe told the people to donate to the Mishkan, the voluntary donations surpassed the amount of…

Once again, we are beginning to engage in the gigantic task of cleaning our homes of chometz, of leaven, searching in earnest every nook and cranny of our possessions for…

It is known that we must have hakaras hatov. When someone does you a favor, you must feel indebted to him, seek to help him, and certainly never harm him….

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…

The Torah in Parashat Vayakhel relates how Beneh Yisrael responded Rabbi Eli Mansour enthusiastically to Moshe’s call for donations to the Mishkan. The people generously donated all the materials that…

Purim is behind us. What’s left of the shalach manos goodies are packed away. The costumes are in storage bins, and now we are getting ready to make Pesach. “Shloshim…

INGREDIENTS: 2 spaghetti squash 1 red pepper 1 onion 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted, diced tomatoes with garlic 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese DIRECTIONS:…

Preserving a Letter There is something very intriguing about these parshios Vayakhel & Pekudei. Anybody even slightly familiar with the Torah is aware of its unique conciseness. Complete sagas, rich,…

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,…

(The following is a small excerpt and a preview of the upcoming book I’ve written about Megillat Esther.) Let’s share some afterthoughts on Megillat Esther from a new perspective. While…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi. I love reading your column. I’m having an issue. I’m newly married and am having difficulty getting anything done. My wife calls me all the…

Many people are not familiar with the halachos of shaimos. The problem with the volume of shaimos, only developed fairly recently with the advent of cheap, commonly utilized printing methods….

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…

Zevi Samet is a dynamic yeshiva student and celebrated basketball star whose journey is as inspiring off the court as it is on. He had an outstanding season with the…

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…

WHAT TIME SHOULD I BEGIN THE PURIM SEUDA? The Rema writes that when Purim falls out on Erev Shabbat, it is preferable to begin the Purim seuda in the morning…

Tradition teaches that Mordechai was a descendant of King Shaul, who lived centuries earlier and was the first king of Beneh Yisrael. As we read in Sefer Shemuel I (15),…

“Though I walk through the valley overshadowed by death, I feel no harm, for You are with me.” (Tehillim 23:4) “Va’tilokach Esther, And Esther was taken”. (Esther 2:8). Esther was…

Start the Party: Learning From an Uncouth Dictator How to Celebrate Life The Farmer A Texas farmer was touring England. He happened to meet an English farmer and asked him,…

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…

“Thank you for donating almost $7 million to our Boca Raton Synagogue community.” Chaim didn’t know what I was talking about when I called him to thank him. $7 million?…

During President Trump’s address to Congress last week, there was a notable moment where he said that Democrats were unlikely to applaud his statements no matter what he did—even if…

Dear Rabbi and Shira , I’m not sure what to do. My husband does not want to take my boys to our shuls main shul megilla reading. He said he…

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…

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…

The Tikkunei Zohar makes the astounding statement, “Kippurim kaPurim – The Day of Atonement is like Purim. The Arizal elaborates: Yom Kippurim, the holiest day of the year is k’Purim,…

Of all the twenty-four books of Tanach, Megilas Esther is the most enigmatic. One must be a Biblical cryptographer in order to discover the many secrets lurking under the surface…

Mishehnichnas Adar, marbim b’simcha. When the month of Adar arrives, we increase our simcha. Does the onset of Adar being instantaneous happiness? Magical joy? Does Adar wash away all our…

DEALING WITH THE TENSION OF THE HUMAN PERSONALITY Linking the apron and the breastplate There is an intriguing mitzvah (commandment) recorded in this week’s Torah portion: “And they shall bind…

When the Founding Fathers included the pursuit of happiness as an American right and entitlement, it is almost as if they conceded that happiness can be pursued, but it is…

During a press conference at the White House, a reporter posed a pointed question to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: “Mr. President, why don’t you wear a suit? You’re at the…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I’m hoping you can help me. I have been friends with this guy for the past few years. We get along well and I have strong…

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…

You have heard from others how Rav Elazar Mayer Teitz was a respected community rabbi and accomplished educator who impacted the lives of thousands in his community. I am here…

BEER MARINATED DRUMSTICKS INGREDIENTS: 8-10 chicken drumsticks 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tsp onion salt 1 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp cayenne 1/2 tsp ground black pepper…

The Megillah introduc- es Mordechai as an איש יהודי and also as an איש ימיני. The Gemara ex- plains this to mean that from his mother’s side, Mordechai descended from…

In Parashat Tetzaveh, the Torah elaborates at great length on the topic of the bigdeh kehuna, the special garments worn by the kohanim. Every kohen was to wear four special…

The Symbolism of Haman’s Offer of Silver Shekels The Megillah [Esther 3:9] states that Haman offered to increase the King’s coffers by 10,000 kikar silver in exchange for the right…

The Chasam Sofer (Drushim p.245) writes, “I received from Reb Mendele Lilig zt’l, the Rav of Frankfort, who received the tradition from the יעקב שב that who- ever studies Torah…

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…

Many commentators noted that Parashat Tesaveh is unusual, in that Moshe Rabbenu’s name does not appear anywhere in this Parasha. It is one of the only Parashiyot since the account…

On Shabbat Zach- or, we read the final three verses in Para- shat Ki-Teseh which command us to remember the unprovoked attack launched against our ancestors when they left Egypt…

This past Shabbos, we blessed the new month of Adar. The month we celebrate the miracle of Purim. The month we are commanded to read Zachor – Remember. To remember…

The heartbreaking tragedy of the Bibas babies has shattered Jewish communities around the world, leaving us to grapple with immense sorrow and loss. At its core, what devastated so many…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I was dating a guy for 3 months, and I fell hard for him. We had common goals, and enjoyed speaking about all things pre-law. We…

Purim is a very exciting time, and some people spend a lot of time planning their costumes. What is the source of this custom? What are some of the reasons…

I. Artificial Intelligence and School Work Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made great progress over recent years. The trickle that began in late 2022 has now become a torrent of…

Parashat Teruma tells about the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary which Beneh Yisrael built at Mount Sinai, and which they took with them as they traveled through the wilderness and crossed…

What Was Wrong With The Offer Of The Princes? The pasuk in Parshas Vayakhel says “And the Princes brought the Shoham stones and the Miluim stones for the Ephod and…

Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, shlit”a, posed a very contemporary question to Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman, zt”l, zy”a. He asked, “Since the Torah is described as, ‘Misukim m’devash v’nofes tzufim – It…

INGREDIENTS: 1.5 – 2 lbs pargiot trimmed and cut in half 3-4 potatoes (any variety works) – chopped 1-2 red onions – chopped 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce 1/2 cup…

This week’s parashah discusses the building of the Mishkan. We want every Jewish home to be a sanctuary where Hashem resides. The Gemara tells (Bechoros 7) about a debate between…

Can a frum person be a vegan? What potential problems could they have? A frum person can be a vegan. The two main points I’d like to make is a)…

Anyone who has attended a fundraiser and browsed through the dinner journal knows that the largest donations are always featured first. The journal begins with the special full-page ads, and…

THE THREE LAYERS OF SELF The Jew and the General A Jew ends up sleeping in the same cabin as a Russian General of the Czar’s army. He tells the…

The IDF uniform is not simply a costume and it should never be confused with a symbol of warmongering. It’s the holy garb of a holy nation charged with a…

Is a rabbi allowed to officiate at an intermarriage, a wedding between a Jew and a gentile? Nearly all halachically observant Jews will instinctively answer no. Despite that, I would…

Many years ago, a father brought his son before his bar-mitzvah to meet a certain Hassidic Rebbe. The Rebbe, to the boy’s astonishment, turned to him and asked if he…

One Who Cheats In His Business Doesn’t Believe in G-d Our Parsha begins “And these are the statutes that you shall place before them.” There is a very famous Rashi…

Last week, we elaborated from the Tzror Hamor regarding the verse which says that tefillin are totafos bein einecha, frontlets between our eyes. He informs us that in Egyptian the…

The Noam Elimelech writes in Tzetel Kattan (16) “Man was created in the world to change his nature.” The Tzetel Kattan gives examples of stubbornness, laziness, shamefulness, someone who doesn’t…

Can one clean off a throw-up from your suit from an infant that spit up on Shabbos? That’s a very complicated question! One is not allowed to clean anything on…

Parashat Mishpatim presents a lengthy series of civil laws governing a wide range of circumstances. These laws deal with situations such as theft, property damage, bodily harm, lending money, people…

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 pack defrosted phyllo dough (1 roll) 1 cup Greek yogurt 1/2 cup milk (I used 2% – but you can use any type) 4 eggs 1 cup crumbled…

It was the mid-1940s. The horrific days of the Holocaust were coming to a close, yet the cruel acts of Nazi Germany left its mark. It was time to pick…

WHEN YOUR INNER THIEF STEALS YOUR LIFE, YOU CAN RECLAIM A DOUBLE PORTION OF IT The Jewish Parrot After his wife died, an old Jew received a parrot from his…

When I meet with people in my office, I leave my phone on my desk, behind us and out of reach. This week during a meeting, my phone rang. As…

Our parasha, Mishpatim, is perhaps the first to clearly indicate that Am Yisrael should proceed to conquer and settle the Land of Israel. The pasuk states (23; 20- 31): “Behold,…

Dear Rabbi and Shira , I’m feeling sad and unsure of how to proceed, and I’d appreciate some advice. For context, I got married a little less than a year…

One of the most common areas of halacha which people have different customs is in regard to drinking cholov stam. What is cholov stam? How is cholov Yisroel made? Do…

Parashat Yitro tells of Ma’amar Har Sinai – Hashem’s revelation to Beneh Yisrael at Mount Sinai, and the Aseret Ha’dibberot. Rashi, in his commentary to Shir Hashirim (4:5), makes a…

The release of hostages in recent instances h a s o f t e n taken place on Shabbat. Footage of these events is being viewed worldwide, and as a…

The Rabbeinu Efraim teaches us that the letter shin embedded on the tefillin shel rosh, the tefillin that goes upon the head, has a numerical value of 300. This number…

After the Torah told of Beneh Yisrael’s departure from Egypt, it spoke of their experiences in the desert. It described the great miracles performed for them, showing us how G-d…

I. Anger Is Bad Anger is a destructive force. It does not just cloud judgment, which would imply reliance on instinct. Anger overwhelms judgment, taking you in directions to which…

Our Sages teach that the reason why Yisro merited to have a parsha in the Torah named for him was because of the counsel that he gave to his son-in-…

In particular, two miracles brought Yisro to convert. Rashi (18:1) writes that Yisro heard about kriyas Yam Suf and the war against Amalek, which inspired him to come. Several explanations…

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…

When Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz, the great Rosh Yeshiva of the Mir, was a young bachur (stu- dent) learning in Grodno, he went to visit to his un- cle, the Rosh…

INGREDIENTS: -2 heads cauliflower cut into small florets 1/3 c sweet chili sauce 1/3 c soy sauce 1/4 cup maple syrup 2 tsp garlic powder Juice of 1 lemon DIRECTIONS:…

Recently certain kashrus agencies have begun to offer courses for women to make them mashgichot. These roles can be either to visit certain plants or to maintain the kosher program…

Our Sages teach that the reason why Yisro merited to have a parsha in the Torah named for him was because of the counsel that he gave to his son-in-…

Yisro Was Impressed By G-d’s Harsh Treatment of Moshe “Yisro… heard all that G-d did for Moshe and for the Jewish people.” As a result, Yisro was very impressed and…

May one have a dog or a cat as a pet? Is there an issur to feed bossur b’chalav to a pet animal? What other issues can potentially be a…

I recently heard a true life story that spoke volumes. It was in the mid-70s. A young successful entrepreneur went to the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt”l for a bracha. A bracha…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I don’t know what to do. My younger sister is engaged to one of the first guys she dated and honestly, I’m jealous. We are three…

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…

CHICKEN WITH OLIVES, FIGS & DATES INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1⁄4 cup honey 1 chicken, cut in 1/8’s Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons…

Yonatan Zigelboum, known by his stage name Yoni Z, is a singer, composer, producer, and dancer whose prodigious talent has firmly established him as a maestro and performer in the…

They told me this morning at the Daf that Super Bowl Sunday is the busiest pizza day of the year. And 1.33 billion chicken wings will be consumed! As everyone…

There is no space between parashas Vayigash and parashas Vayichi, which is why it is called a Parashah S’Tumah, a closed parashah. Rashi (47:28) writes, “Why is this parashah closed?…

How does Tu B’Shevat impact the counting of years of orlah (prohibition of eating fruit from a tree during its first three years)? One may not eat fruit that grew…

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…

“Vayehi beshalach Pharaoh es ha’am, And it was when Pharaoh sent out the nation…” (Shemos 13:17). The Talmud teaches that when the word “vayehi… and it was” is used, it…

With my youngest child approaching his teenage years I thought my Disney days were over, but when my grandchildren came to me asking, “Zayda, can you come with us to…

POTSTICKERS INGREDIENTS: 1 lb ground chicken 1 bunch chopped scallions 1/3 cup hoisin sauce 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 Tbsp garlic 1 tsp ginger 1 tsp sesame oil 1 package…

Lately, a major c o n t r o v e r s y erupted when a highly renowned and influential rabbi stated that G-d needs us. He explained that…

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…

In illustrating both the importance of honoring our parents and the extent to which we must go to honor them, the Gemara tells a story that seems difficult to comprehend….

The first place Beneh Yisrael came to after crossing through the sea, as we read in Parashat Beshalah, was a place called Marah. The Torah tells us that during the…

This week’s parsha contains the famous “Song of the Sea” (Az Yashir). The Medrash says that Moshe told G-d “I know that I sinned against You with my use of…

Rabbi Efrem Goldberg is the Senior Rabbi of the Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS), a rapidly-growing congregation of over 1,000 families in Boca Raton, Florida. BRS is the largest Orthodox Synagogue…

Before the tenth and final plague, Makat Bechorot, Moshe came before Pharaoh and warned him about the impending calamity that G-d would bring upon Egypt. Moshe then predicted that this…

This week’s parsha, Bo, tells us of the mitzva of V’higadeta l’vincha, and you shall tell your son…” (Shemos 13:8). The story of the Exodus. The story of a people…

Is Time a Storm in Which We Are All Lost? Always Late Sarah was always late to work no matter how much she tried to be on time, or how…

Why are we so captivated by a presidential inauguration? In 1797, after John Adams was inaugurated as second president of the United States, succeeding George Washington, he wrote to his…

Since the inaugu- ration of President Trump, we have w i t n e s s e d numerous pro- Jewish and pro- Israel initiatives from his administration. Among these,…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I am dating a guy who wants to be a rabbi. He’s a smart individual with sterling middis and a big heart. At the beginning of…

INGREDIENTS: 1.5 – 2 lbs pargiot trimmed and cut in half 3-4 potatoes (any variety works) – chopped 1-2 red onions – chopped 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce 1/2 cup…

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…

Great thinkers convince people and do not try to intimidate them. In the introduction to his Guide for the Perplexed, Rambam issues a command to the reader, invoking G-d’s name….

Immediately after Beneh Yisrael left Egypt, Hashem presented a number of commands that are intended to commemorate and memorialize this miraculous event. One of these mitzvot is pidyon ha’ben –…

Following Moshe’s warning to the King of Egypt of the impending plague of Locusts, the pasuk says, “And he turned and went out from Pharaoh” [Shemos 10:6]. The Ramban writes:…

In this week’s parsha, the Torah sometimes says, “Moshe and Aharon,” and other times it says, “Aharon and Moshe,” putting Aharon first. Rashi explains that the switch is to convey…

Reward and Punishment are also largely dependent on what one thinks. We will offer a couple of examples: A spy hid his maps and papers in the pocket of a…

Taking ozempic, wegovy, and the new wave of weight loss treatments. Is it allowed halachically? Those of us who are learning Daf Yomi are now learning Mesechata Bava Kama and…

FAST FACTS Name: Ritchie John Torres Born: March 12, 1988 (age 36) in the Bronx, NY. Nationality: Puerto Rican. Father is Puerto Rican and mother was born in the Bronx…

On Oct. 7, Michael Gottesman was shot and thought he didn’t have long to live. With minutes left, this is what he said. On October 7, as a member of…

You don’t need to be a doctor to dispense the medicine of friendship. You simply have to care to look them in the face for eight minutes to make them…

Question I’ve heard that some people recite the brachot of “Matir Asurim” upon the return of captives. My question is whether it is permissible to recite this blessing, and if…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi, I’m engaged to a wonderful guy. He treats me well. He gets along well with my family, but I’m having a problem with how sensitive…

The tefillah of Aleinu is said daily after each tefillah, as well as during the Yamim Nora’im. During the week one can see many people leave shul before reciting this…

Even those with only a passing knowledge of the Five Books of Moses recognize the death penalty applied to various sins. The Oral Torah, committed to writing centuries later, explains…

Parashat Vaera begins in the middle of a difficult exchange between Hashem and Moshe Rabbenu. To briefly review, Hashem had sent Moshe to come before Pharaoh and demand that he…

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…

There is a direct link between the beginning of Parshas Vaera and the end of Parshas Shemos. At the end of Shemos, Moshe Rabbeinu and Aharon finally appear in front…

In this week’s parsha, the Torah sometimes says, “Moshe and Aharon,” and other times it says, “Aharon and Moshe,” putting Aharon first. Rashi explains that the switch is to convey…

A wife told her husband, “Our wall isn’t soundproof, and our neighbors hear our conversations. We don’t have privacy. We need a new wall.” The husband replied, “There is nothing…

Before beginning the story of the ten plagues which G-d brought upon Egypt, it presents the genealogy of the first three tribes of Israel – Reuben, Shimon and Levi. Rashi…

Baruch Atah HaShem….. matir assurim. Blessed are you HaShem…. Who releases captives. One of the brachos we say every morning during Shacharis. Following the tragic day of October 7, I…

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…

Today we access Torah texts in many more ways than in the past. Of course, we primarily use printed texts (sefer, sefarim) in our learning. But very often we also…

Parashat Shemot tells of the first time Hashem spoke to Moshe Rabbenu. He appeared to Moshe in the sneh, the burning bush, appointing him Beneh Yisrael’s prophet and leader, who…

Parshas Shemos can be considered a historic parsha. A seminal event in Jewish history occurred in this week’s parsha that has effects until today: This is the parsha in which…

This week, we take leave of Chumash Bereishis and start Chumash Shmos. As we close the final aliya of sefer Bereishis, we say in shul three times, “Chazak.” The Elya…

It states (2:23) “Bnei Yisrael sighed from the labor, and they cried out, and their cry ascended to Hashem from the labor.” The Rabbeinu b’Chayei notes that it states twice…

Is there an issue with having a cleaning person in your house when you are not home? A cleaning lady is always an issue. There’s a fundamental issue with having…

INGREDIENTS: for dough: 1 tbsp active dry yeast 2 tbsp sugar 1 1/2 -2 cups lukewarm water 4 cups flour 1 tbsp salt 4 tbsp olive oil For the top…

We read in Parashat Shemot of the successful attempt made by Yochebed, the mother of Moshe Rabbenu, to rescue her beloved infant. After Pharaoh decreed that all newborn boys among…

Mexico City 2025. The Museo de Cera, the city’s wax museum. Like so many wax museums, it houses life-like wax statues of personalities from the sports, entertainment and political arenas….

Moshe Faced Two Enemies: One He Could Handle; the Other Eluded Him The War Is Over? A man in Germany felt that he needed to confess, so he went to…

Earlier this week, I was standing right next to a large trash can in a public area when something startling happened. A seemingly put-together man walked up, removed the lid,…

As wildfires rage across Los Ange- les, leaving de- struction in their wake, the raw power and unpre- dictability of fire come to the forefront of our minds. Fire, while…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi. I read your column all the time. I hope you can help me. I’m not sure what to do. I’ve gone out with this guy…

When Yaakov gave his Bracha to Ephraim and Manashe he said, “May the Angel who redeems me from all evil bless the lads, and may my name be declared upon…

The Gemora teaches us, “Im ein daas, havdala minayin – Without knowledge, how does one differentiate?” This is the reason why in the Shemone Esrei on Motzoi Shabbos we say…

Moments before Yaakov Avinu’s petirah, he gathered his children and said (Bereishis 49:1) “Assemble yourself…” The Zohar (Bereishis p.234.) says that Yaakov instructed his children to assemble and daven with…

If one made a bracha on food and then remembered that it is a fast day, what should he do? This situation presents a dilemma. On the one hand, it…

Many parents observe the beautiful, time- honored practice to bless their children every week on Friday night. The blessing they give is, “Yesimcha Elokim Ke’Efrayim Ve’chi’Mnashe” – that Hashem should…

End of life plans. Wills, last requests. Not things that are pleasant to think about. Decisions we tend to delay and push off. Discussions with our loved ones we want…

Culminating Words Thus are the culminating words of the first—and in many ways the foundational—book of the Torah, Sefer Bereishit: “Yosef died at the age of one hundred and ten…

My family loves soup! It’s a great way to start off any meal and sneak some extra veggies into the kids. One of their favorites is butternut squash soup. I…

While print book sales were up less than 1% last year, sales of the Bible rose 22% in the U.S. through the end of October, compared with the same period…

There is a halachic dispute regarding the leftover oil from the Chanukah menorah: 1. Kedusha of the Leftover Oil: One opinion holds that oil left over after the candles have…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Is marriage supposed to be happy or are we all supposed to suffer all the time? We recently had our 2nd child and it has made…

ASARA B’TEVES IS THIS FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 Many people feel that a fast day is a day to sleep and relax. However, a fast day is really a time for…

Over the past half century, the Orth- odox community has grown tremendously in its practice of married women covering their hair. At what point must a bride start covering her…

Before Yaakov Avinu’s death, Yosef came to visit him with his two sons, Efrayim and Menashe. Yaakov gave them a blessing, and then pronounced, “that forever more, when Jews bless…

Pizza: Hamotzi versus Mezonos. Which bracha? If the dough for the pizza is old fashioned dough, flour and water, it’s going to be a question of hamotzi. If it’s made…

Parashat Vayigash features one of the most dramatic stories in the entire Torah – Yosef’s revelation to his brothers. Many years earlier, when Yosef was just seventeen-years-old, his brothers threw…

This Shabbos, Parshas Vayigash, we read of the emotional moment when Yosef revealed his true identity to his brothers. “Ani Yosef, I am Yosef, ha’od avi chai, is my father…

Do You Know Who I Am? It was the final examination for an introductory Biology course at the university. Like many such freshman courses, it was designed to weed out…

In his book, “The Anatomy of Hope: How People Prevail in the Face of Illness,” Dr. Jerome Groopman shares the following story: Barbara received another three courses of chemotherapy, but…

Someone in a place where songs associated with idolatry are played, such as during the Christian holiday season, is not prohibited from hearing them. However, it is correct to refrain…

Dear Rabbi and Shira , Hi. I’m engaged to a great guy. My issue with him is that he seems very indecisive in terms of which career to pursue. After…

INGREDIENTS: 2lbs of beef chuck cut into cubes 1/4 cup of flour 1 teaspoon each of ground coriander, cumin and sweet paprika 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Salt and pepper to…

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 Chanukah menorah has eight lights for the eight days of the holiday. There is a ninth light, the shamash, which is not an actual Chanukah light. A box of…

Parashat Vayigash tells the dramatic story of Yosef’s revealing his identity to his brothers. In the years after they sold him a slave, Yosef miraculously rose to the position of…

“And Yehudah approached him…” [Bereishis 44:18]. Binyamin was about to become a hostage. Yehudah recognized the consequences of that eventuality, so he approached Yosef and presented what amounted to a…

The Torah tells us, “Va’yechi Yaakov be’eretz Mitzrayim – And Yaakov lived in the land of Egypt.” The Baal HaTurim reveals that the gematria, the numerical value, of the word…

It states (45:1) “Yosef couldn’t restrain himself in the presence of all who stood before him…” The Sfas Emes notes that it seems that Yosef wanted to conceal his identity…

There is something strange about the Chanukah celebra- tion. The festival of C h a n u k a h commemorates an extraordinary victory — of the Mac- cabees, a…

Ask Americans what the greatest threat we face is and you will get a range of answers. Some will say it is global warming and climate change. Others think it…

From My Upcoming Sefer: The Traveler’s Guide If a person is traveling and their spouse or children light the Chanukah candles at home, they fulfill their obligation through that lighting….

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,…

As we all know, we use olive oil to light the Chanukah menorah. Recently, olive oil has become very popular for its health benefits. Olive oil has many other uses…

I. Reasons to Deviate Rav Yosef Karo (16th cen., Israel; Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 676:1) says that the first blessing on Chanukah lights is: “le-hadlik ner Chanukah, to kindle Chanukah…

Rav Shalom Schwadron, who was known as “the Maggid of Yerushalayim,” once worked as a teacher in a yeshiva, and he noticed that a certain student did not attend the…

EASY HOMEMADE DONUT HOLES INGREDIENTS: FOR THE GLAZE: 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar 3 1/2 tablespoons whole milk or soy milk to keep pareve 2 teaspoons vanilla extract FOR THE…

I would like to share a beautiful insight from Rav Matisyahu Solomon relating to the popular Chanukah liturgical poem, Maoz Tzur. Perhaps the most familiar stanza of this poem (owing…

As we get ready for the very sweet festival of Chanukah, it behooves us to brush-up on its spiritual messages. In this way, we can ensure that it doesn’t become…

The Beis Aharon (p.45:) said, “Once, on Zos Chanukah, my father [Rebbe Asher of Stolin zt’l] asked his chassidim to sing, ‘We will return to you, masechta Chanukah, and return…

When is the optimal time to light Chanukah candles? The Talmud (Shabbos 21a) relates that Chanukah candles should be lit when the sun disappears from view, and should remain lit…

The Misva of lighting the Hanukah candles features an unusual component, one which is unique to this specific Misva. Namely, the Rabbis instituted three different standards of observing the Misva….

I was Chanukah gift shopping for my grandchildren. A friend approached me, and asked if I was experiencing what she was going through. She shared that her children’s requests and…

Abaya said that “a child’s words in the street are invariably [repeated from what he or she has heard] from his father or mother.” (Sukkah 56b). Children will do as…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thank you for your column! I read it with my family every week and we enjoy discussing it! I am in a relationship with a wonderful…

Chanukah lights are kindled in most shuls. This has also expanded to public Chanukah lightings in many cities throughout the world. There is also a large Chanukah lighting in the…

I. Obligations to Give Giving charity, sup- porting those in need, is a great mitzvah. It is important not only in order to help those who need financial assistance but…

Parashat Vayeshev tells the tragic story of mechirat Yosef – the brothers’ selling Yosef as a slave. They at first plotted to kill him, but eventually they decided to lift…

G-d Measures Out Punishment — Exactly The Torah tells us that when Yosef’s brothers were about to sell him, they lifted their eyes and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites carrying…

In our Parsha this week the Torah relates, “Vayavey Yosef es dibasom ra-ah el avihem-Yosef brought villainous tidings (about his brothers) to their Father (Yaakov)”. This act of loshon hora-…

CAULIFLOWER CHEDDAR LATKES INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. Cauliflower, chopped and steamed 1 russet potato, peeled and grated 1 small onion, diced 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs 2 eggs 1/2 tsp. black pepper…

The sar ha’ofim, Pharaoh’s chief baker, told Yosef (40:15-16) that in his dream, he was carrying baskets of bread on his head, and birds were eating from the basket. Yosef…

Can a person who is invited on Chanukah to a wedding eat at the wedding before they light candles in their house? The right thing to do is light candles…

We read in Parashat Vayeshev of the hatred that Yosef’s brothers felt toward him. The background to their hatred is the special love shown to Yosef by their father, Yaakob,…

On recent trips to Eretz Yisroel, I noticed a change in the simple greeting of boker tov, good morning. Instead of receiving a boker tov in return, I would hear…

Dreams Once Bereishit hits its second half, everyone starts dreaming. Yaakov has two dreams. Yosef has two dreams. Paraoh’s butler and baker are dreaming. And Pharaoh himself is dreaming. “I…

A couple of months ago, when the conflict between Israel and Lebanon erupted, we published an article titled ‘Is Lebanon Part of Israel’s Promised Territory?’ We discusses how Hashem promised…

On Chanukah, we insert Al Hanissim into our davening and bentching. It is very practical for us to discuss all the halachos that apply to this. Some questions we will…

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…

When a country sends its army to war, they don’t just teach the soldiers how to shoot and then tell them, “Go to the front!” The great minds of the…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi! I’m a big fan of your column and enjoy reading it on a weekly basis. I’m having a problem dating. My next-door neighbor, Moshe and…

Time to go home. After twenty long years in the house of Lavan, Yaakov was finally able to return home. While Lavan made the years challenging and difficult, at the…

This week’s parsha contains the pasuk: “And Yaakov remained alone and a man wrestled with him until dawn” [Bereishis 32:25]. The Medrash sees a connection between Yaakov remaining alone and…

We read in Parashat Vayishlah that as Yaakov Avinu made his way back to Eretz Yisrael, a mysterious man attacked him, and wrestled with him throughout the night. Yaakov ultimately…

FRIED COOKIE DOUGH BALLS INGREDIENTS: For the Cookie Dough • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature •…

Yaakob Abinu was making his way back to Eretz Yisrael with his family when he learned that his brother, Esav, was coming to meet him with an army of four…

Brother’s Keeper One day the zookeeper noticed that the orangutan was reading two books, the Bible and Darwin’s Origin of Species. Surprised, he asked the ape, “Why are you reading…

Last week, my doorbell rang but when I answered it, there was nobody there. Instead, I found a vase of flowers outside the front door with a note. Flowers on…

This week’s parsha relates the encounter of Yakov with his dangerous and murderous brother Eisav, and Yakov’s admitting that he was fearful of Eisav. These events connect directly to our…

Parashat Vayetzeh begins with Yaakov Avinu fleeing from his home, as his brother, Esav, was trying to kill him. The Torah tells us: Vayifgah Bamakom Vayalen Sham Ki Va Hashemesh…

This week’s parsha opens with Yaakov escap- ing the wrath of his brother Eisav. “Vayeitzei Yaakov m’Beer Sheva, And Yaakov left Beer Sheva, vayeilech Charana, and he went to Charan….

In Yaakov’s famous dream of a ladder at the beginning of Parshas Vayeitzei, Hashem appears to him and tells him – among other things – “Your offspring shall be as…

Students of the Torah are well aware that there is nothing superfluous in the language of the Torah. Every phrase comes to teach us a myriad of lessons. Therefore, when…

going through a hard time, he should be happy with the yesurim and believe it is all for the good. However, when one hears about other people’s problems, it is…

Can one bake an open pan of chicken/ meat in a hot oven immediately after fish was baked in an open pan? What about the opposite, fish after meat, if…