This is an example of how much Rabbi Kelemer loved each and every Jew. He encouraged us to reach out to others, especially during times which we feel are challenging…
Rabbi Yehuda Lieb Kelemer, zt”l, 74, is credited with leading the West Hempstead, Long Island community to flourish over the past number of decades. Assuming the role of mara d’asra…
Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer He was my rabbi, my teacher, my guide and, for a few minutes many years ago, my brother. With extraordinary knowledge of Torah, a passion for teaching,…
This past erev shabbos , the West Hempstead Community, and Klal Yisroel at large, lost a tremendous Talmid Chochom and Tzaddik, Harav Yehuda Kelemer ZT”L. I would like to share…
My heart is broken, along with thousands of others, at the loss of my morah d’asrah Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer zt”l. I was blessed to grow up in West Hempstead, NY…
So many stories about our Rav Yehuda Kelemer Z”L have been circulating. All with the same themes of his unmatched compassion and sensitivity to us during tremendous times of sorrow…
After watching the funeral of Rav Yehuda Kelemer, zt”l, much of what was said is reflected in my own relationship with him. I am a YU musmach, so often when…
When HaRav Yitzchak Asher Twersky ztl gave a eulogy for Rav Soloveitchik ztl, he began with a Gemara recounting how Rebi told his students, אל תספדוני בעיירות , “do not…
A true giant in every sense of the word a role model, mentor, colleague and dear friend who sincerely cared about every individual like they were his own. His Ahavas…
Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer, the rabbi of the shul in which I grew up, just passed away. I want to tell you a story about Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer zt’l that I…
I feel that I could write a book about Rabbi Kelemer’s greatness. I truly hope that ArtScroll will take up the task. There are so many interactions and impressions that…
I had the zechus of spending significant time with the Rabbi for the last 19 years as one of the community Rabbis in West Hempstead. He welcomed me and our…
I once heard a story from a Menahel of a school outside of West Hempstead that he remembers when growing up, how the kids on the Lower East Side were…
I am very much deeply saddened by the petirah of Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer zt”l. I find it hard to believe that this adam gadol meod is no longer with us….
When Rabbi Kelemer zt’l saw you, he would literally cross the road to greet you. He greeted everyone with a smile and a kind word and made you feel that…
This past Friday, Klal Yisrael lost a true Tzadik. Rav Yehuda Kelemer zt”l, the Rav of the Young Israel of West Hempstead, was niftar at the age of 74. Rabbi…
I. ACCESS TO ERUV MATZAH Many people have their own private eruvin, structures that allow them to carry on Shabbos. They do this with one or more neighbors by ensuring…
Many people wonder why their tefillos should be answered. They know their sins and faults, and it’s hard for them to imagine that Hashem is interested in their tefillah. The…
Let My People Go Three Boys Those three boys are in the schoolyard bragging of how great their fathers are. The first one says: “Well, my father runs the fastest….
While necessary, wearing a mask is miserable. It is difficult to breath comfortably with a mask on and it is even harder to deliver a speech. And yet, those aren’t…
INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 teaspoons olive oil (or canola oil) 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes (about 1/2 inch) Salt and black pepper 3 tablespoons honey…
In contemporary society, respect for our leaders is almost extinct. We’ve become cynical to the extreme – feeling that our leaders frequently talk out of both sides of their mouths,…
The commentaries on the Chumash find it difficult to understand why the exodus from Egypt had to be accomplished by means of a deception. Moshe Rabbeinu only requested three days…
In the beginning of Parashat Vaera, G-d speaks to Moshe and commands him to convey to Beneh Yisrael His promises of redemption. The first promise is “Ve’hoseti Etchem Mi’tahat Siblot…
A little over a year ago a person consumed a bat and that meal changed the way we view our world. Watching the corona virus crossing over to the human…
The Rambam in Pirush Hamishnayos 5:4 says that the ten miracles were the fact that the Yidden were saved from the ten Makkos. Since every makka was exclusively for the…
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…
FAST FACTS Name: Thomas Charles Lasorda Born: September 22, 1927 in Norristown, Pennsylvania Died: January 7, 2021 (aged 93) in Fullerton, California MLB debut: August 5, 1954, for the Brooklyn…
DEPUTY CHIEF “MENTCH” SCHOLL RETIRES A great friend of the Jewish community in Brooklyn is leaving his position as NYPD Executive Officer of Patrol Boro Brooklyn South. After 41 years…
Irritation, Aggravation, and Misery A boy asks his father to explain the differences between irritation, aggravation, and misery. Dad picks up the phone and dials a number at random. When…
Our thirst for Torah has limits. We treat learning as a sanctified activity and therefore restrain our activities to ensure we use appropriate sources and texts. Are there some Torah…
As we start the second chumash of Sefer Shmos, we study the painful birth of the Jewish people. The Torah introduces this saga with the preface, “V’eila shmos bnei Yisroel…
The Mishna (Pesachim 116a) records the observance of the mitzvah of “sippur yetzias mitzrayim” on the first night of Pesach. “ Arami oveid avi” (normally recited in connection with the…
When most people think of Times Square this time of year, they picture the tremendous New Year’s Eve party usually attended by more than a million people filled with banners,…
The Kli Yakar, in this week’s parsha writes, “The brothers tried with all their might to destroy Yosef and to prevent the realization of his dreams, but all their plans…
In Shmos 2:3 the posuk tells us that Yocheved was not able to hide Moshe any longer so she made a box and placed the child in this makeshift boat…
Q: Minhagim like waiting 6 hours between eating meat & milk. Can they be changed? A: Minhagim should not be changed. Once you start changing family customs, you are on…
When G-d appears to Moshe at the burning bush and instructs him to go to Egypt and inform Beneh Yisrael of their imminent redemption, Moshe voices his concern that the…
Moshe was arguably the greatest man to ever live. He scaled the heavens and split the seas. He liberated a nation of slaves and taught them about a G-d they…
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…
Name: Aaron Charles Rodgers Date of Birth: December 2, 1983 (age 37) in Chico, California Height: 6 ft 2 in Weight: 225 lb School: University of California, Berkeley Salary in…
INGREDIENTS: 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt 3 eggs, plus 1 for the egg wash 2 tablespoons olive oil Ravioli filling of your…
With great pain, we recently heard of two more grandparents attending two different weddings of their grandchildren, contracting Covid 19 and being niftar. I do not know the total count,…
In a major victory for religious freedom, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit today issued a decision in two cases, Agudath Israel of America v. Cuomo…
What’s for Dinner? The main course at the big civic dinner was baked ham with glazed sweet potatoes. Rabbi Cohen regretfully shook his head when the platter was passed to…
At the end of Yakov Avinu’s life, he revealed to Yosef, “Re’o fonecha lo filalti, v’hinei her’ah osi Elokim gam es zarecha – To see your face I had not…
The medrash points out that the bracha which Avraham granted his son Yitzchak revolved around the verb, “natan” (“Vayiten Avraham et kol asher lo leYitzchak”). Therefore, years later when Yitzchak…
Mike Esmond, owner of a construction company in Gulf Breeze, Florida, wrote a check this month for $7,600 to pay off overdue utility balances for 114 residents of his city….
To Atone for the Unkown Rebbe Yitzchok of Vorke said, “People say that Shovavim atones for the infamous sins [of inyanei kedusha]. I say that Shovavim atones for sins that…
I. Special Power of Learning Torah We have not offered the Temple sacrifices in nearly 2,000 years but we continue fulfilling those mitzvos through our ongoing study of their laws….
In Bereishis 47:28 the posuk tells us how long Yaakov lived in Mitzrayim. It tells us he lived for 17 years in Mitzrayim and his total lifetime was 147 years….
Q: Is there a way I can use the toaster oven at work to heat up food? A: If you double wrap your food in silver foil, you may use…
The Torah tells in Parashat Vayechi of the blessings Yaakov bestowed upon his children before his passing. Surprisingly, even before he assembles his sons to bless them, he confers a…
Covid-19 has changed everything. The past year has produced a seismic shift in almost every aspect of our lives and will continue to shape our identity for years to come….
Dear Rabbi and Shira 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…
FAST FACTS Name: Philip Henry Niekro Born: April 1, 1939 in Blaine, Ohio Died: December 26, 2020 (aged 81) Nick Name: “Knucksie” MLB debut: April 15, 1964, for the Milwaukee…
INGREDIENTS: 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs (Pargiyot) (approximately 1 pound) 4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 Tablespoons teriyaki sauce 4 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce 3 cloves garlic minced…
What is the mechanism of action of the COVID vaccines? For how long will they protect? When will we be able to receive the vaccine? What took so long? These…
A fast moving blaze fire destroyed the famed Rav Felder’s shul, Bais Hamedrash Bais Aharon, in Boro Park. The blaze broke out at about 8 a.m. and quickly spread throughout…
The Bais Yosef in Siman 550 brings in the name of the Avudraham that Asarah B’teves is different than all other fast days since if it would have fallen out…
Please tell everyone about the OU’s role in making kosher establishments in the UAE? The OU has been involved in the UAE from when the Jewish community of the UAE…
In disguise There were two beggars sitting side by side on a street in Mexico City. One was dressed like a Christian with a cross in front of him; the…
In the Kisvei Rebbe Yehuda Halevi we find a scary thought. He writes that sometimes Hashem will withhold someone’s livelihood or other needs in order to motivate him to reconnect…
Some sociologists opined that money is an evil of society. The Chazon Ish (Yoreh Deah 72:2) pointed out that halacha does not share that perspective. Rather, even in an ideal…
Recently, plastic surgeons are reporting an unprecedented number of requests for procedures. Though the actual data won’t be available until spring 2021, assuming the anecdotal reporting is accurate, it could…
Parashat Vayigash begins with Yehuda’s impassioned plea to Yosef to allow his youngest brother, Binyamin, to return home to his father. Yosef, who ruled over Egypt – and whom the…
In this week’s parsha, Yaakov Avinu and his family go down to Mitzrayim. The story of the bitter galus begins. The Torah says, “Vayomer Elokim leYisrael bemaros halaylah vayomar Yaakov…
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…
INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard 1 teaspoon honey (optional) ½ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 small shallot, very thinly sliced…
One of the distinctive aspects of Judaism is its emphasis upon Torah study. Unlike other religions in which study is generally relegated for “men of the cloth”, in Judaism the…
FAST FACTS Name: Caris Coleman LeVert Born: August 25, 1994 (age 26) in Columbus, Ohio Height: 6 ft 6 in Position: Small forward /Shooting guard College: Michigan (2012–2016) NBA draft:…
I. Identifying People We use many faculties to observe the goings on about us. When one sense is unavailable, we often use others to compensate. Even if we cannot see…
For one night, over 200 families exchanged hospital bracelets for park bracelets. For a few hours, 1600 patients, parents, and siblings got off their medical roller coasters and onto amusement…
In Bereishis 43:16 Yosef told his servants to slaughter an animal and prepare. The Medrash 92:4 says that the word prepare is referring to Shabbos as the Torah tells us…
Q: What separates an OU hashgacha from other private hashgachas? A: The most significant difference is the OU is a communal non for profit organization. No one owns or has…
It is a riveting story. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, has two dreams, we learn in this week’s Torah portion, Miketz. In the first, Pharaoh sees himself standing over the…
Our last few parshios have been dealing primarily with the great personality of Yosef. He is one of the few people in the history of the Jewish people who has…
In the Al Hanisim prayer which we recite on Chanukah, we thank Hakodosh Boruch Hu for delivering the “many in the hands of the few”. This refers to the fact…
A husband and wife are getting ready to go to sleep. The wife is ready to close her eyes but her husband is standing and staring at himself in the…
Parashat Miketz begins with Pharaoh’s unusual dreams, and his desperate attempt to find out what they meant. After he was dissatisfied with the interpretations given by his advisors, the Sar…
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…
The situation has become dire. An elderly father traumatized by the death of his favored son and the imprisonment of another child, refuses to dispatch his youngest child to Egypt….
I. What’s In a Surname? Last names serve to identify an individual with greater specificity. There may be many men named Yosef ben Ya’akov in the marketplace but Yosef ben…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thanks for writing your column. I wait for it each week. Such great shabbos reading. I have a question. I’ve been dating for the past three…
INGREDIENTS: 3 large eggs 2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) margarine softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon almond extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt…
FAST FACTS: Name: James Thomas McCann Born: June 13, 1990 (age 30 years), in Santa Barbara, CA Position: Catcher Bats: Right • Throws: Right Height/Weight: 6-3, 220lb Drafted by: the…
FAST FACTS: Name: Rabbi Yoel Gold Family: Wife & four children Grew up in: Williamsburg/Boro Park Currently Lives in: Los Angeles Job Title: Motivational Speaker and Founder of Hashkifa Job…
Hi Rabbi and Shira, I’m looking for advice, I’ve been married for a few years and I feel stuck. I don’t think I’ve been the best of husbands to my…
The Gemara in Shabbos daf chof bais amud alef says, “The Halacha states one should light the menorah on the left side with the mezuzah on the right.” The Shulchan…
HALLEL: The Chochmas Shlomo teaches that if someone in jail is given the choice of either lighting the Chanukah candles in prison or to leave the jail for a day…
Many people know of my proud affiliation with the outreach organization Oorah. Since its inception in the 1970s, I’ve had, in a very humble way, a connection to the holy…
The Judah-Tamar Drama It is a fascinating story: Judah has three sons, Er, Onan and Shalah. His oldest son, Er, married a woman named Tamar, but died prematurely, without children….
The gemara (Shabbos 21b) tells us that the proper place to put the Chanukah lights is in front of one’s home, so that all the passers-by will notice the lights,…
Don’t Forget Where You Came From “Don’t forget where you came from.” It is often said at graduations, it’s the title of a country music song, and many successful people…
I. Reasons to Deviate Rav Yosef Karo (16th cen., Israel; Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 676:1) says that the first bracha on Chanukah lights is: “le-hadlik ner Chanukah, to kindle Chanukah…
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 Torah in Parashat Vayesheb tells of the sale of Yosef, which began with the brothers casting Yosef into a pit. The pit is described by the Torah as, “empty;…
The Chanukah miracle was a multi-layered experience: The ever-burning oil reminded us that even in a post-prophetic era Divine intervention still visited our people. For the very first time, we…
INGREDIENTS: 1 box potato pancake mix, plus ingredients needed on package 1 large potato, shredded and squeezed dry Cooking spray Applesauce and/or sour cream DIRECTIONS: Take your at latkes…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I’m hoping you can help me. My boyfriend just brought up the M word! While most girls would be happy with this announcement, I am not…
FAST FACTS: Name: Yuri Foreman Hebrew Name: David Uri ben Avraham Born: August 5, 1980 (age 40) in Gomel, Belarus (Soviet Union) Grew up in Israel, now lives in Crown…
FAST FACTS: Name: Richie (Yechiel) Taylor Title: Deputy Inspector Precinct: Community Affairs Bureau at One Police Plaza. Prior Precincts worked in: 1st Precinct (lower Manhattan and City Hall), 61st Precinct…
Q: Does the dill that is used in Jarred pickles and given a hechsher by the OU get checked for bugs or does it not require to be checked? A:…
Finished No English dictionary has been able to adequately explain the difference between the terms ‘complete’ and ‘finished.’ However, at a linguistic conference held in London some years ago, attended…
Before coronavirus ever arrived, levels of anxiety, particularly among young people, were disturbingly high. Indeed, nearly one in three adolescents (31.9%) will meet criteria for an anxiety disorder by the…
In Bereishis 32:11 it says that Yaakov said he is too small in stature to receive all the Chessed of Hashem. The Gemara in Taanis 20b learns from here that…
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…
When Yaakov returned to Eretz Yisroel he “encamped” (“vayichan”) on the outskirts of the city Shechem (Breishis 33:18). The rabbis of the Talmud (Shabbos 33a) understand the possuk to imply…
We recently discussed the custom in some place to respectfully burn sacred books (sheimos) that become worn out or otherwise unneeded. This practice was forbidden by most authorities, with one…
This weekend marks the 19th of Kislev- known throughout the Jewish world as ‘yat Kislev’ – a worldwide celebration of Chasidus. Approximately 220 years ago, the first Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi…
In Parasat VaYishlach, perek 33, pasuk 17, the Torah tells us that Yaakov Aveenu built himself a house and he built for his cattle Succot (huts.) In fact, Yaakov Aveenu…
INGREDIENTS: TROUT: 6 Rainbow Trout Fillets scant 1-1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper (it makes a difference) 2 tsps paprika 3 Tbs olive oil ISRAELI CABBAGE SALAD: Red…
Free at last. Precisely five years since Jonathan Pollard was released from prison after serving thirty years of an unprecedented life sentence for passing classified information to an ally, Israel,…
In Bereishis 29:18 it says that Yaakov loved Rachel and proposed that he work for seven years to be able to marry her. The Rema in Choshen Mishpat Hilchos Sechiras…
Several years ago, I was standing with our new assistant rabbi, who had just moved here from South Africa, when a stranger came over and engaged us. In the course…
Was it President Lincoln in 1863, President Washington in 1789, or the Pilgrims themselves in 1622? While historians may debate when the holiday of Thanksgiving was first instituted, the practice…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I love your column each week. It’s the first thing I read in The Jewish Vues once I pick it up on my way home from…
Q: Can one buy unflavored hot coffee both regular and/or decaf from any non-kosher establishment such as Starbucks or a Dunkin Donuts without a hechsher? This is a very complicated…
INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup chopped yellow onions 3 garlic cloves, smashed 2 heaping cups chopped carrots 1½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar…
INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound kosher sausage, (I like Jack’s) sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 onion, diced 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon…
The Blank Spaces This essay will not dissect a portion of the Torah, nor a chapter, verse, sentence, or word. We will not even focus on a letter or a…
Last week, I related the story of Reb Yosef who was childless for many years. Reb Yosef was a chasid of the Maggid MiKozhnitz, and finally, when pushed by his…
In his dream Yaakov Avinu saw angels going up the ladder that led to heaven and coming down again. The medrash offers various interpretations of this image. One of the…
Modern-day democracies have transformed civilization by introducing innovative and powerful ideas, both about our personal lives as well as about the type of society we aim to establish. Overwhelmingly, the…
Jonathan Pollard is now a completely free man, having finished last Friday his five years of parole following 30 years in jail after pleading guilty to spying on the United…
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones completed 21 of 28 pass attempts for 244 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Week 10 against the Eagles. He added nine rushes…
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…
Free Plowing Back in the ‘40s, a Jewish guy was arrested for smuggling guns into Israel, then known as Palestine. He was taken into one of the British prisons. While…
The financial impact of the pandemic has left its devastating mark on small businesses everywhere, with countless people seeing their life’s work decimated by lingering lockdowns. That impact has been…
Moderna’s vaccine against Covid-19 is strongly effective, the company said this past Monday, building excitement about the potential of controlling the global pandemic. The news comes exactly a week after…
The Medrash Tanchuma in Toldos 8 says that when Eisav came home from the fields he would ask questions of his father to make him seem steeped in learning. An…
I met Rav Dovid Feinstein zt’l for the first time when my grandmother, Joyce Hirsch, told me that her good friend Gloria Goldman was set up with her husband Rabbi…
The world is a darker place this week as two great lights have been extinguished. While Rav Dovid Feinstein zt”l and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l achieved greatness in different…
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…
INGREDIENTS: Topping: 1 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup flour 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans preferred) – you can omit if there are nut allergies 1/2 cup margarine (melted) Sweet Potato…
INGREDIENTS: Orange-Honey Glaze: • 3/4 cup honey • 1 teaspoon, orange zest • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard…
One of the methods by which we can smoothly absorb vital Torah teachings is through the vehicle of a story. I would like to share with you a welldocumented vignette…
The Torah tells us that a kosher animal is one which has split hooves and chews its cud; pigs have split hooves, but because they do not chew their cud,…
What do you do with sacred books (sheimos) that become worn out or otherwise unneeded? Technology has given the question more weight. With so many newspapers, handouts and printouts, the…
The world of religious ideas was steadily c o a l e s c i n g . Gradually, G-d introduced humanity to fundamental principles of religion. The horrific flood…
FAST FACTS: Name: Rabbi Simcha Hochbaum Born: 1966 in New York Grew up in: Staten Island Graduated: Yeshiva University with a B.S. in accounting and studied at the Azrieli Graduate…
Rabbi Sacks died on the Shabbos of Parshas Vayera, surely one of his favorite parshos — I have no doubt this is a kavod acknowledging his leadership and wisdom and…
“Though he seldom mentions it, Sacks battled cancer twice, once in his 30s, and later in his 50s. Yet unlike many other rabbis and scholars of religion, from Rabbi David…
Much is discussed and written about leadership. Historically, the Jewish people crave effective, responsible and dignified leaders. This has been especially evident, again, during the current pandemic when we hold…
Rav Feinstein served as the rosh yeshiva of Mesivta Tiferes Jerusalem, located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, since the passing in 1986 of his renowned father Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l….
Rabbi Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom for 22 years, served as a profoundly eloquent teacher of Torah and spokesman for Torah values within the Jewish community and beyond….
My father’s position was, very simply that the stopping of breathing was death. It doesn’t matter if the heart is functioning or not; as long as he stops breathing he’s…
The posuk in Bereishis 23:2 says that Avraham came to be maspid Sarah and cry over her death. Reb Reuven Feinstein, at the hesped of his brother Reb Dovid Feinstein,…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I met a wonderful man who is compassionate, kind, personable and warm. He is everything I would want in a guy and treats me like a…
The passing of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l leaves thousands if not millions of people of faith — Orthodox and non-Orthodox, Jewish and gentile — mourning their teacher and source…
LAST WISHES A woman in Brooklyn decided to prepare her will and make her final plans. She told her rabbi she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be…
Unfortunately, in the last two weeks, COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased 16 percent across the nation and coronavirus is still wreaking havoc across the world causing much of Italy to go…
The Torah tells us that when our mother, Sara, died Avraham refused to bury her in the general municipal cemetery. He insisted on designating a separate location as kever yisroel….
Two weeks ago, I wrote about why I believe rabbis should not tell people how to vote. While I feel strongly about why I think the candidate I voted for…
Parashat Chayei Sarah tells of the death of our matriarch Sarah, Avraham’s wife. Sarah was originally named “Sarai,” and only later (Bereishit, chapter 17) did G-d change her name to…
In Parshas Chaya Sarah we can study all about shidduchim. One of the primary lessons is to know that shidduchim are arranged by Hashem. It’s not because I chose, or…
Avraham’s revolution had begun to gain traction. He traversed the promised land, participating both in wars as well as in diplomacy, all the while disseminating awareness about a one G-d….
INGREDIENTS: 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, patted dry with paper towels Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 tbsp. butter 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2…
A SPECIAL COLUMN FOR THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MURDER OF R’ KAHANE It has been 30 years since the murder of Rabbi Kahane. A special column about the leader…
After their son Menachem’s birth in Yerushalayim in 2002, Ari and Naomi Zivotofksy asked for a passport that recorded his birthplace as Israel, but they were granted the document only…
The Rabbinical Alliance of America—Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis—calls upon our governmental authorities to be on high alert over recent anti-Semitic incidents. Over the past few days, a…
This past Tuesday was the petirah of Rav Yaakov Busel zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Rabbeinu Yaakov Yosef of Edison, NJ. Rav Busel led the Edison Yeshiva together with his…
For decades, large numbers of A m e r i c a n Jews and the vast majority of their leadership have been practicing the art of national suicide. Faced…
What treatment modalities are available now? Why is covid less likely to kill and cause hospitalization today than it was in March and April? Why am I a semi-optimistic pessimist?…
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…
The malochim told Sarah in Bereishis 18:10 we will return in a year and she will have a child. Sarah heard the besurah from behind the door. Why did the…
Humanity had turned the corner: after two thousand years of barbarism and heresy Avraham discovered God and launched a revolution of religious consciousness. One metropolis, however, remained unyielding, stuck in…
Through the media, we are c o n s t a n t l y bombarded by death. This preoccupation with death tends to prey on a person’s mind and…
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 many…
INGREDIENTS: Marinade: 1 cup ketchup 1/2 cup Coca-Cola 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup steak Sauce…
Nearing the End A priest and a pastor from a local church were standing by the road pounding a sign into the ground that reads: The End is Near! Turn…
This election cycle has brought us headlines such as, “Leading Orthodox rabbi endorses Trump for reelection” and “Leading Israeli Modern Orthodox rabbi condemns Trump.” We have orthodox rabbis publishing articles…
Our father Avrohom was known for his love of G-d. Yeshaya refers to him as, “avraham ohavi,” “the one who loved Me” (Yeshaya 41:8). In what way does man demonstrate…
I. Of Making Many Books There Is No End New technology brings blessings at first but then curses follow. The printing press with movable type, invented around the year 1440…
Parashat Vayera begins with the story of the three angels – who appeared as ordinary nomads – whom Abraham Abinu welcomed and hosted. The Torah describes at length the efforts…
Someone sent his butler to bring a barrel of wine as a gift to the Meor Einayim, Rebbe Nachum of Chernobyl zt’l. (In that era people would commonly send gifts,…
FAST FACTS Name: Steven A. Cohen Born: June 11, 1956 (age 63 years), Great Neck, NY Spouse: Alexandra Cohen (m. 1992), Patricia Cohen (m. 1979–1990) Education: Wharton School of the…
FAST FACTS: Name: Yisroel Lamm Title: Conductor and Arranger Currently Works For: Aaron Teitelbaum’s Orchestra Years in the Jewish Music Business: Over 50 years Number of albums arranged: Definitely in…
Jewish History is launched through an epic pilgrimage to the promised land. Having been selected by G-d, Avraham abandons his homeland, family, and culture to enter the great unknown. He…
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? …
In response to “flawed Flatbush” and “flooded in Flatbush” , I would like to share my story . I am a mother with 4 sons and 2 daughters. The boys…
The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis — calls on all eligible members of the Jewish community to vote in the upcoming elections. Every…
Bereishis 12:7 says that Avraham built a mizbeach to Hashem. Rashi explains that he was saying thanks for the fact that he was told that he will have children and…
A Chassid related the following story: I once saw a Russian soldier being whipped. His crime? While standing watch on a winter night, his feet had frozen to his boots….
In this week’s parsha, we are introduced to the father of the Jewish people Avraham Avinu. Since he is our founder, it is understandable that we can derive many fundamentals…
A very old minhag is recorded in Shulchan Aruch that when a young woman gets married the chupah should take place outside under the stars. Hakodosh Boruch Hu told Avraham…
I spoke to several rabbinic colleagues across the country this week who have all noticed a similar phenomenon. Despite shuls having re-opened in safe and cautious ways, only a fraction…
Rav Yosef Eliyahu Henkin (d. 1973) was the leading halachic decisor in America of his day. He was the address for the most difficult halachic problems. Additionally, as the President…
The Midrash (Bereishis Rabba 39) gives the following mashal: “A traveler saw a mansion on fire. He said, ‘Could it be that this home doesn’t have an owner?’ The owner…
The Torah in Parashat Lech-Lecha tells the story of Abraham Abinu’s sojourn in Egypt, where he was forced to relocate due to a famine which struck the land of Canaan….
INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup chopped yellow onions 3 garlic cloves, smashed 2 heaping cups chopped carrots 1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon apple cider…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I am responding to the lovely girl who was upset that she was not getting any dates due to the mothers of the boys who rejected…
Hashem commanded Noach in Bereishis 6:22 to bring all types of food into the Teiva for you (Noach and family) and them (all animals) to eat. The Gemara in Berachos…
In Parashat Noach, we are introduced to the rainbow. HaKadosh Barukh Hu promises that He will never destroy the world again and uses a rainbow as a reminder of this…
HENRY KISSINGER’S SUIT There is the old Jewish anecdote about former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger who decides to make for himself a custom made beautiful three-piece suit of the…
Recently, with the help of Hashem, I’ve was asked to film shiurim on the remarkable series of learning known as Chok l’Yisroel, or more simply, the Chok. This is a…
After the mabul, Hakadosh Baruch Hu entered into a bris with mankind that He would never again destroy the entire world via a flood. The rainbow was chosen to symbolize…
A month ago, I had a very uncomfortable and sad conversation, at least it started that way. Someone I consider a close friend had distanced himself and I called to…
We find in Humash two different structures that G-d commanded to build: Noah’s ark, and the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in the wilderness. Rav Yitzchak Hutner (1906-1980) noted that there is a…
Humanity is constantly searching for a better tomorrow. Dissatisfied with our current reality, we endlessly dream of a better world without hardships and sadness. This hope for a better world…
I. Lashon Ha-Ra With Legs The idea that derogatory speech can go viral — a post, video or message can be forwarded thousands of times — should more than ever…
INGREDIENTS: Poppy seed Dressing: 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 1/4 cup sugar 1 garlic clove 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons light…
Full Name: Clayton Edward Kershaw Born: Dallas, Texas on March 19, 1988 Height & Weight: 6-3, 215 Nickname: Kersh or the Claw Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy playing Ping Pong Player you…
And G-d said, “Let us make man in our image, after our l i k e n e s s … ” (Bereshit 1:26) When the Torah describes the steps…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I am so frustrated with the shidduch system . Why are the guy’s moms in charge of who I marry? Every time I am redt to…
Chumash Bereishis is also known as Sefer HaYashar – the Book of the Upright. This is because one of the primary aims of studying it is to learn from the…
Creation This week we study about Creation. What is the purpose of Creation? We look at the world and see wonders all around. But what is the purpose of it…
Is there such a thing as a mezonos bagel? The OU as a matter of policy does not believe that there is such a thing. Rabbi Belskey zt”l was very…
Rabbi David Fohrman is the Dean and founder of Aleph Beta and scholar for the Hoffberger Foundation for Torah Study. He lectures internationally on Biblical themes. Rabbi Fohrman grew up…
FAST FACTS Name: Edward Charles “Whitey” Ford Nick Name: The Chairman of the Board Position: Pitcher Born: October 21, 1928 in New York City, New York Died: October 8, 2020…
WHO’S LISTENING? “How is married life?” David asks his old buddy Abe. “It’s quite simple,” Abe responds. “When we got engaged, I did most of the talking and she did…
The Torah tells us that man was created b’zelem elokim. The Rambam (in Moreh Nevuchim) points out that this clearly cannot mean that man has the same physical features as…
Mark Twain once said: “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” Nobel prize winner Dr. Daniel…
The Torah in Bereishis 1:31 says that it was evening and then it was morning, the sixth day. This is the only day where the Torah adds the prefix heh to the number of the day. The Medrash Rabba…
The first verse of the Torah tells us that God created the world “Bereishit,” which we generally interpret to mean “in the beginning.” Rashi, however, comments that the letter “Bet”…
The creation of our world is described in the Torah as a flurry of activity. Rapidly, across a short span of six days, the Universe as we know it, is…
I. Spilling Wine Rav Moshe Isserles (Rema, 17th cen, Poland; Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 396:1) records a custom to spill Havdalah wine on the ground. He explains that the basis…
INGREDIENTS: 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter or margarine melted 3/4 cup light brown sugar 2 large…
FAST FACTS: Official Name: Simcha Yoel ben Tzvi Melech Halevi Family: Wife & 3 children Main Yeshiva: Yeshiva Ner Yisroel in Baltimore Currently Lives: Toms River, New Jersey Albums: 4…
The Torah in Devarim 14:2 teaches us that a person must give one tenth of his crops for tzedaka. Chazal learn from the additional word of “kol” that a person…
I am visiting my parents for the first days of Sukkos and my in-laws for the last days. We hung up, in my parent’s Sukkah, decorations that my children made…
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…
The Yom Tov of Succos is upon us. All over the globe, Klal Yisroel sits under the schach and reflects back to over 3000 years ago when Hashem protected us…
The halacha requires that one dwell in the sukkah for the duration of the yom tov in the same way one would live in his own home: eating, sleeping, learning,…
A woman in her seventies had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience. She had the opportunity…
There is a famous story told of an overworked, underpaid wagon driver who once found himself helplessly lost in a land with no light. He finally met a group of…
Reasons for the Mitzvah of Simchah on Succos Yom Kippur has just passed, and all Yidden are clean from sins. But we are worried and concerned: how will we maintain…
Humans often forget G-d and allow Him to slide out of consciousness. For some, the desires of this world are too powerful and G-d must be sidelined so that these…
Children are off from school and the schools are warning parents to avoid risky situations. Some are in quarantine. Many of the regular Chol Hamoed attractions are closed and those…
Hi! I enjoy reading your column each week and I was wondering if you had any advice for me. I am in my mid twenties with no propsects insights. The…
INGREDIENTS: 1 4–5-pound boneless lamb shoulder Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2 mandarin oranges or tangerines, unpeeled, thinly sliced into rounds 1 cup brine-cured black…
INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 lbs. chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into 2-inch chunks 1 Tbsp. canola oil 3 medium carrots, sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces 1 medium sweet onion, cut into…
This past Sunday, DJ LeMahieu won his second batting title. LeMahieu is the fourth Yankee to lead the majors in hitting and ninth Yankee to win an AL batting title….
One of the most popular “Fun Question” pages I have ever made was the question, “If you could have three people over to your house, anyone from the beginning of…
Did you hear about Macy’s? After C O V I D – 1 9 caused it to shut its doors for five months, the mega-retailer expected to come back booming….
In Devarim 32:48 the posuk says that Hashem spoke to Moshe in the middle of the day. Rashi quotes the Sifri that discusses that the Torah mentions that it was…
The Talmud tells us (Taanis 30b) that every year on Yom Kippur we commemorate the fact that on that very day, so many years ago, Moshe Rabbeinu came down from…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I am a single 28 year old man. I am the “black sheep of my family.” My family is very Yeshivish and my siblings have all…
What is preferable, to wake up early and recite Selichos before dawn, or to stay up late and recite Selichos after Chatzos (midnight)? Rav Yitzchak Zylberstein (Chashukei Chemed, Yoma 22a)…
The Tune The tefillos of Yom Kippur are sung in special melodies, which have been sung for centuries. The holy sefarim explain that these tunes annul the harsh judgment. As…
INGREDIENTS: 16 ounces wide egg noodles 1/2 stick butter (melted) 16 ounces cottage cheese 16 ounces sour cream 4 large eggs (lightly beaten) 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract 3/4 cup…
Personal success in life is about “stretching”: can we transcend our current confines to achieve even higher ground? In many ways, teshuva is the “greatest stretch”: can we stretch beyond…
September 14th, 2020 will be a major day of significance in the story of the New York Mets baseball franchise. On this date, news broke that the Mets and billionaire…
NO BRAINER A freshman in college started his first day of classes. His Jewish teacher was clearly an atheist, and started the day by saying the following: “Students, is there…
Please forgive me if I don’t send a mass email or group text message or Facebook post asking everyone for mechila. Also forgive me if I see you in the…
It seems that every few years, someone argues that the message of the Akedah, the binding and near-sacrifice of Yitzchak (Gen. 22), is something other than that we should follow…
In Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 583 we learn that one should eat various simanim on the night of Rosh Hashana. Upon eating black-eyed peas we say, “Yehi ratzon sheyirbu zechuyoseinu.”…
A few summers ago, my wife, Yocheved and I were in a remarkable s u p e r m a r k e t . The supermarket was larger than…
The Midrash (Vayikra Rabba) teaches that on Rosh Hashanah, G-d sits on the “throne of judgment,” ready to carefully judge and scrutinize every individual. But when we sound the shofar,…
There are so many sacred memories that stay with us from the special time that we spend in Yeshiva in Israel. I was privileged to spend one year at Yeshivas…
As we approach the Yom Hadin, I am being asked many questions regarding the Yomim Noraim and Succos so I have drafted some general guidelines for Rabbanim and lay leaders…
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 LAST WISH On Rosh Hashanah night, the Kazaks captured the rabbi, the cantor and the president of the synagogue, and granted them a final wish before they would be…
In parshas Haazinu, the Torah proclaims about Hashem, “HaTzur, tamim pa’alo – The Rock (a metaphor for Hashem Who is solid and stable like a rock), perfect are His ways.”…
The Talmud (Berachos 47b) describes the process of becoming a talmid chochom as consisting of three parts: One must be 1) koroh 2) v’shonah and 3) v’shimeish talmidei chachomin. Koroh…
Just one step Sometimes, taking just one step forward in avodas Hashem will make all the difference. Consider what happens when two people are rushing into an elevator, but one…
This year, we do not blow shofar on the first day of Rosh Hashanah because it is Shabbos. To prevent people from carrying a shofar where there is no eruv…
INGREDIENTS: 5-6 lb brisket 3 medium onions 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 3 cloves of minced garlic salt and pepper to taste 12 oz chili sauce 2 15 oz cans of…
INGREDIENTS: 8 dried figs 1/4 c orange juice 3/4 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1” sticks 3/4 lb sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1” sticks 1/2 lb parsnips,…
INGREDIENTS: 1 package yellow cake mix 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 cup applesauce 1 1/3 cups peeled and very finely chopped apples (2 medium) 1 cup…
INGREDIENTS: 8 potatoes peeled and sliced 6-8 Chicken thighs depending on the size –fat cleaned away but skin left on 4 cloves of garlic peeled and halved 4 red onions…
For many women in Israel, where currently, 1.7 million people are living below poverty level, suffering from financial and emotional distress or experiencing medical complications or high-risk pregnancies, the news…
The term “without“ best captures this year’s challenging Rosh Hashanah. Due to health guidelines so many classic features of Rosh Hashanah will be missing this year. Most regrettably, Corona limitations…
The Torah tells us in Devarim 29:9 “All Yidden are standing here before Hashem…” The Medrash says the reason why Parshas Nitzavim was placed right next to the klalos is…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, It’s that time of the year that we leave the five towns and visit my in- laws family in LA. You might think it’s great. I…
Rabbi Yehuda “Yudi” Dukes, the founder and director of JNet, the Jewish Learning Network, has spent nearly half a year in critical condition due to complications from COVID-19. He endured…
This past week, Klal Yisroel lost a Gadol, as we lost our Zaidy. Zaidy started off in Europe, born in the town of Yanova, Poland. At a young age, he…
What is preferable, to wake up early and recite Selichos before dawn, or to stay up late and recite Selichos after Chatzos (midnight)? Rav Yitzchak Zylberstein (Chashukei Chemed, Yoma 22a)…
“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…
The posuk reveals, “V’ra-u chol amei haaretz ki Sheim Hashem nikra alecha v’yaru mimeka – And all of the nations of the world will see that the Name of Hashem…
1. Shuls that must abridge Davening due to Covid-19 May suffice with the primary requirement to blow only 60 shofar blasts and not the final 40 at the end of…
The story is told of a young couple that moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman saw her neighbor hanging laundry…
The Midrash (Vayikra Rabba) teaches that on Rosh Hashanah, G-d sits on the “throne of judgment,” ready to carefully judge and scrutinize every individual. But when we sound the shofar,…
The roshei teivos of לולא†is: ונניע†ה≠ילו†ה≠יל†ונא. The Imrei Chaim zt’l said that the translation of these words “we are to Hashem and our eyes are to Hashem” insinuates the importance…
Many rabbis use the Yom Tovim sermons as an opportunity to showcase their talents and to showcase crucial ideas and themes. Considering the large crowd, rabbis may spend months preparing…
INGREDIENTS: For the Cake: Yellow cake mix 3/4 cup apple cider 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup apple sauce 3 eggs 1 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1/8 cup cinnamon…
I am tired of the viral anti-Semitic tweets. I am angry for the college kids who tell me that they are bullied when they stand up for Israel and our…
I have to admit it. I completely underestimated Jared Kushner. I thought that Jared Kushner was nothing other than a son-in-law who happened to get lucky and marry the President…
FAST FACTS: Name: Ari Goldwag Name called up to the Torah: Ari Schraga Chaim ben R’ Meir Born: April 8, 1979 Resides in: Ramat Beit Shemesh Children: Moshe Dov, Tziporah,…
Finally, the long-awaited moment has arrived. The book of Devarim forecasts the settlement of Israel, and the ensuing cultural challenges which this younger generation would face. Our specific parsha of…
The Torah tells us in Devarim 26:1,2 that when you enter Eretz Yisroel you should bring the first ripened fruit as a gift to Hashem. This comes right after the…
As we get closer and closer to Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Judgment, we try to prepare ourselves in every possible way. Of course, we engage in the making of…
The significance of this month – the month of Elul – can be understood based on the laws of “Bittul,” whereby a small amount of forbidden food becomes “nullified” when…
The Torah discusses the mitzvah of going to the Beis HaMikdash to proclaim there that you kept all the mitzvos of terumah and maaser etc. At this time, one says,…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I am dating an Instagram influencer. She’s sweet, beautiful, and “geschikt.” It might sound amazing but the problem is my life is not my own anymore….
Name: Louis Linwood Voit Born: February 13, 1991 (age 29 years) in Wildwood, MO Height: 6” 3” Weight: 225 lbs Nickname: Meathead Bats: Right-handed Position: First Base Education: Lafayette High…
INGREDIENTS: 3 lbs chicken wings, cleaned and dried 1/2 cup hoisin sauce 3 Tbsp soy sauce 3 Tbsp rice wine vinegar 2 Tbsp sugar 2 Tbsp ketchup 2 Tbsp minced…
THE JEWISH PERSPECTIVE Ammunition had run out for a unit in the Russian army, but it was still under fierce attack. “Take out your bayonets,” said the corporal, “we are…
What is preferable, to wake up early and recite Selichos before dawn, or to stay up late and recite Selichos after Chatzos (midnight)? Rav Yitzchak Zylberstein (Chashukei Chemed, Yoma 22a)…
This coming Shabbos, when we read Parshas Ki Savo, we will be fulfilling a double mitzvah: 1) We will be reading the parshas hashavua 2) We will be fulfilling the…
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” When we say one thing and communicate a different message through our…
I. Respect If a student believes that his rabbi has committed a financial wrong against him, can the student call him to a religious court? Perhaps the respect due to…
If a hotshot came in and took over your job, what would he or she immediately be doing differently? In the mid 1960’s, George Leonard conducted research for Look magazine…
Is there such a thing as a mezonos bagel? The OU as a matter of policy does not believe that there is such a thing. Rabbi Belskey zt”l was very…
The Torah tells us in Devarim 22:8 that when you build a new home you should make a “maakeh,” a special gate, for your roof so that you should not…
The official anthology of readings from the works of the Gaon of Vilna is entitled “Even Shleima”. The choice of the title is based on the acronym of the phrase:…
Summer has concluded, schools have “restarted” and the scent of Ellul is in the air- punctuated every morning by the blaring shofar and at night by solemn selichot. Our religious…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I am dating Mr. Popular. He is gregarious, funny, giving and very attentive to everyone’s needs. He is the type of guy that will go out…
TWO PHASES In a military class the professor asked the students, “What is the difference between an engagement and a battle?” No one in the group offered any answer. The…
These days we are dealing with a somersault of emotions. The summer is coming to a close and many of us say we can’t believe it’s already over. We are…
Shortly after my shul, BRS shut down in March, someone said to me, almost half-jokingly, “Imagine if things are still like this for Rosh Hashanah.” I vividly remember dismissing the…
Towards the end of Parashat Ki-Teseh, the Torah presents the Misva of Yibum, which applies when a married man dies without children. His brother is required to marry the widow,…
The parashah begins with the laws regarding wars. We know that the Torah is eternal and applicable in every generation. So how should we read this verse in our generation,…
The 1848 (5608-9) cholera epidemic has become famous in Jewish history because it was the moment when the 37-year old Rav Yisrael Salanter first took on a leadership role. Rav…
INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups watermelon, seeded and diced 1/2 cup water 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon white sugar DIRECTIONS: Blend watermelon, water, honey, lemon…
The Torah in Devarim 17:17 tells us that a king may not marry too many women as they might turn his heart away from Yiddishkeit. Similarly, he may not accumulate…
What bracha do you make on licorice? She’Hakol. It was never mezonos. Those that learned mesechtas brachos learned that any food that has one of the 5 grains is mezonos….
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…
The month of Elul is synonymous with teshuva- repentance. It is also a time when we increase our charity as best as we can. Smart people also make a strong…
One Person Serving as the Chazan For Multiple Minyanim for the Same Tefillah This year presents a unique problem for many communities, as there will be many more minyanim on…
I recently encountered an engaged young man, a friend of my son-in-law, and asked him where his kallah is. He responded, “We are not seeing each other today, because you…
The Torah in Parashat Shofetim presents the prohibition against trying to make use of any sort of magical powers: “For these nations whom you will be dispossessing listen to diviners…
It states (20:1) “When you go to war with your enemy and you see horses and chariots, a nation larger than yours, don’t be afraid…” The Rabbeinu Yonah (Shaarei Teshuvah…
The opening verse of Parshat Shoftim depicts the formation of a national and local judicial system. Judges are commanded to maintain impartiality and render truthful and accurate verdicts – “mishpat…
As Elul arrives and Rosh Hashanah approaches, we need to start thinking about teshuvah, about how we can build positively on all the events of tumultuous past year so that…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I was wondering if you could help me. I got engaged to a sweet boy from Florida right before Covid began. As all girls, I had…
DJ LeMahieu landed on the 10-day IL this past Sunday with a sprained left thumb suffered on a swing in Saturday’s win over the Red Sox. The Yankees now have…
INGREDIENTS: 1 bottle Rashi Light White Concord Wine or Moscato 1-liter mango flavored seltzer 2 cups mango nectar 1 diced ripe mango DIRECTIONS: A cool refreshing fruity summer sangria…
The Bama publication, which was established with the bracha of Hagaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, submitted a list of questions to HaRav Chaim from Roshei Yeshivos and marbetzei Torah relating to…
This past Friday we lost one of the greatest minds of our generation. Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, z”l, best known for his translation of the Talmud Bavli, was niftar last…
The Torah in Devarim 13:17 tells us that in the event there is a whole city that serves avoda zora, all its belongings will be gathered in the middle of…
Parshat Re’eh reviews Jewish dietary laws supplying a sweeping list of banned foods. It catalogues kosher and non-kosher animals, bans the drinking of blood, mentions the prohibition of mixing meat…
Is one permitted to bake his Shabbos challah in the oven at the same time or right after he’s cooking meat? If one is baking them at the same time,…
THE FIGHT A Jewish congregation was arguing over whether one should stand or sit during the Kaddish prayer. Half of the congregation said one should sit, while the other half…
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…
It is very painful to see that there is missionary activity taking place in Eretz Yisroel. The official Catholic response to the Zionist movement (when it first began) was that…
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….
The Torah in Parashat Re’eh speaks of the Misva of giving charity, in several different contexts. One of the intriguing features of this Misva is the unusual repetitive form that…
The Vision from Above Chassidim were once traveling with Rebbe Naftali of Ropshitz zt’l, and before they boarded the wagon, they agreed on a price with the gentile wagon driver….
I. Chazzanim Shlep Rabbinic literature is full of rabbis complaining about chazzanim (cantors) who sing too much, whether to enhance the prayers from their perspective or to show off their…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I met the man of my dreams. Everything was going smoothly until we got engaged. Our parents met to divide financial responsibilities for the wedding. They…
INGREDIENTS: 5 cucumbers 1 onion 1/3 cup sugar 3/4 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup water Fresh Dill or dill weed Salt to taste DIRECTIONS: Peel cucumbers in alternating strips…
FAST FACTS Name: Jeff McNeil Born: April 8, 1992 in Santa Barbara, California Nickname: Squirrel Drafted: By the New York Mets in the 12th round of the 2013 Major League…
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU HAVE EXPECTATIONS: UNDERSTANDING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR SPOUSE, FRIENDS & HASHEM FAST FACTS: Name: Rabbi Yaron Weisberg Title: Director, The Marriage Initiative Family: 8…
Six events occurred on Tu B’Av, the 15th of Av, making it a festive day in the Jewish calendar. The Mishnah tells us that: “No days were as festive for…
The Torah enumerates the seven minim of Eretz Yisroel in Devarim 8:8. The Gemara in Brachos 41b tells us that when it comes to which fruit comes first regarding brachos…
Birchas HaMazon This week’s parashah discusses the mitzvah of birchas hamazon, as it states “You will eat, be satiated, and bless Hashem your G-d.” The Magid of Mezritz zy’a said…
I. The Hungarian Apostate Are you allowed to say the name of someone wicked or should you avoid saying it? Mishlei (10:7) says, “The memory of the righteous shall be…
“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 Exodus, in…
“Don’t give me an Ayin Hora.” “I’m afraid of an Ayin Hora.” “Bli Ayin Hora.” These are all phrases and expressions we’ve heard, and probably use, very often. But what…
Four times a year we read in the Torah about ma’amad har Sinai: on Shabbos when we lein the parshas of Yisro, V’eschanan, and Eikev, and on Shavuos. According to…
Five conversations that should take place over the course of dating and even within marriage itself. What are the critical things to look for in dating to determine if someone…
Recounting the sad episode of the egel disaster, Moshe reminds the Jews that they are a people of “keshei oref”- which literally translates as a stiff-necked people. This term, is…
What bracha do you make on gluten free products? Gluten free products, by definition, don’t have flour in them. Because they don’t have flour, they are not mezonos or hamotzi….
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi! I was wondering if you could help me with this issue. I am engaged to a wonderful girl I met over a year ago. Everything…
Aaron Judge homered for the fifth consecutive game Sunday, becoming the first New York Yankees player in 13 years to accomplish the feat. The big slugger connected off left-handed reliever…
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…
Tisha B’Av commemorates the burning of both the first and second Batei Mikdosh. In addition, many other tragedies throughout our history have occurred on this day. In order to assist…
One of the most popular “Fun Question ” pages I have ever made was the question, “If you could have three people over to your house, anyone from the beginning…
Last Wednesday July 22nd, Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av was the 20th yahrtzeit of the Bobover Rebbe, Rav Shlomo Halberstam (1908-2000), son of Rav Benzion, grandson of Rav Shlomo, founder of…
We are told to teach our children, “Veshinantam levanecha,” in Devarim 6:7. The Gemara in Kiddushin 30b tells us that Rav Safra said in the name of Reb Yehoshua ben…
Q. The Mishnah Berurah (O.C. 554:41) rules that saying “Tzafra Tova” “Good Morning” is prohibited on Tisha B’Av, just as greeting one’s friend is by saying “Shalom Aleichem” (Mechaber 554:20)….
The tenth and final of the Ten Commandments recorded in this week’s portion (Vaeschanan) reads: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; you shall not covet your neighbor’s house, nor…
As we take leave of Tisha b’Av, we joyfully once again enjoy barbeque while happily listening to music. We once again can look forward to getting into the refreshing swimming…
The aseres ha’dibros were engraved by Hakodosh Boruch Hu on two tablets of stone. These two tablets are referred to as the shnei luchos ha’bris – the two stones of…
There is a good chance at various points in the hours before you read this, you have engaged in lots of judgment. You may have judged how someone looks or…
Parshat Vaet’hanan recounts the event of Matan Torah, when G-d revealed Himself to our ancestors and gave Moshe the Torah to bring to us. The Talmud famously tells of Moshe’s…
There was a bachur who was having difficulty controlling his anger, so he asked the mashgiach of his yeshiva for counsel. The mashgiach told him the following mashal: A band…
Most mitzvoth mandate our behavior – which actions are obligated and which are banned. The second more challenging set of mitzvoth regulate our thought and our belief system: which ideas…
I. The Happiness of Tisha B’Av Tisha B’Av contains contradictory themes that, when considered, completely changes our perspective about this day. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 659:4) says that we…
Dear Rabbi and shira, I made it to the finish line. When I reached the age of 19 I hit the ground running, looking for a partner to share my…
