Many people do dangerous activities thinking that it is permitted even though it is dangerous. However, as will be discussed below this is not the case. If something is dangerous…
LOOKING UP: THE MEANING BEHIND THE SNAKE ON THE POLE NO COMPLAINING After seventy years of communist oppression and seven hours of flying, Boris, a burly immigrant from Moscow steps…
One of the stories told in Parashat Hukat is how Hashem punished Beneh Yisrael after they complained to Moshe about their conditions. Specifically, they complained about the manna which fell…
The entire chumash was dictated to Mosheh Rabbeinu word for word. The Rabbis had a tradition that the Author had more than one intention in any given passuk. “Elokim said…
Last Monday afternoon, the ground in the parking lot at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Yerushalayim opened up. Thank G-d the massive sinkhole swallowed only cars and not people. Korach…
The story of Meh Meriba, when Moshe and Aharon were punished for striking a rock in the desert to produce water for Beneh Yisrael, has baffled commentators for centuries. It…
Hashem’s mode of communication Hashem told Eliyahu HaNavi, “Go to Tzarfata in Tzidon and live there. Behold I commanded a widow who lives there to support you…” (I Malachim 17:9)….
How would you, in the Torah world, define evil incarnate? When the Torah says, “Vayikach Korach – And Korach took…” the Gemora in Sanhedrin asks What exactly did he take?…
During many eras in Jewish history, Jews converted to other religions, whether due to physical, financial or social pressure or otherwise. Many of these wayward Jews returned to the Jewish…
Many are familiar with the “golden mean” or the middle path of the Rambam. Regrettably, some misunderstand this as a prescription for religious mediocrity. Under no conditions did the Rambam…
If someone cuts an onion with a fleishig knife & puts it into a parve blender. Is the blender fleishig? This is a very popular question. Certainly, you shouldn’t put…
INGREDIENTS: 1 medium red onion, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices 1 large sweet red pepper, halved, stemmed and seeded 1 small zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices 1 yellow summer…
FAST FACTS: Name: Zachary Kapono Wilson Born: August 3, 1999 (age 21) in Draper, Utah Height: 6 ft 2 in Weight: 214 lb High school: Corner Canyon (Draper) College: BYU…
FAST FACTS: Name of Gemach: Bobby Pin Gemach Started: The Gemach started two weeks ago in time for the Busy Camp Sport Season, although we do plan on continuing this…
Two years ago, a wonderful young person I know began to spiral downward. Though they couldn’t see it or admit it at the time, alcohol was seriously hindering and sabotaging…
THE FATHER OF SPIRITUAL ANARCHY WISE OR BOORISH? This week’s portion, Korach, relates the tragic story of the mutiny staged by a man named Korach (Numbers chapter 16), who organized…
The Gemara in one place makes an astonishing remark about eating in public. It says that somebody who eats while outside in the marketplace, walking in the street with a…
If one eats a meal on Chanukah, minhag has it that ve-al ha-nissim is included in the Birkat Ha-mazon, though the Talmud clarifies that this is not a halachah. Because…
Parashat Korah tells of the revolt against Moshe’s leadership mounted by Moshe’s cousin, Korah, and a group of loyal followers. This uprising ended in tragedy, with G-d killing Korah and…
Parnassah The Midrash (Vayikra Rabba, Tzav, 9) states, “Shalom is great, for all brachos come from peace…” The Mishnah (Uktzin 3:2) states, “Hakadosh Baruch Hu didn’t find a utensil to…
When the meraglim, the spies, went to check out Eretz Yisroel, Kalev made a personal detour. He traveled to Chevron to the me’oros hamachpelah where the Avos and Imahos are…
I. What A Rabbi Does Most of us have been to enough Jewish weddings that we know how they work. We can easily officiate. Even without a big crowd, all…
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…
INGREDIENTS: 1 pie crust 1 8 oz frozen whipped topping 1 cup marshmallow fluff 6 bars of Viennese crunch, chopped Whip the frozen topping until stiff, add marshmallow fluff and…
FAST FACTS: Name: Mathew Barzal Born: May 26, 1997 (age 24) in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada Position: Center Height: 6’ Weight: 189 lb Shoots: Right NHL Draft: 16th overall, 2015…
1. Vague Terminologies in Describing the Chilazon – Once in 70 Years One reason is because everyone back then “knew” about the process without explanation required, another was to write…
There is a small, yet growing subfield within psychology called color psychology. Researchers in this field are interested in how people perceive, relate to, and respond differently to various colors….
≠†ףנכה†תיציצ≠†לע†ונתנו תלכת†ליתפÆ And they shall place upon the tzitzis of each corner a thread of†turquoise†woolÆ (Bamidbar 15:38) _____________________________ In 1887, Rav Gershon Henoch Leiner, the Radziner Rebbe, wrote the sefer…
If We Win? An anecdote: The Israeli parliament, or Knesset, some years ago convened an emergency session to figure out a solution for the broken Israeli economy. One brilliant minister…
There are few things more adorable than a newborn baby’s delicious yawn. My new granddaughter and her family are currently staying with us and little does this tiny bundle know…
In January, 1929, the United States was enjoying phenomenal prosperity. The economy was booming, industry was growing, stock investments were soaring, and many people were getting rich. However, many commercial…
Parashat Shelah tells the tragic story of the scouts whom Moshe sent to survey the Land of Israel in advance of Beneh Yisrael’s anticipated entry into the land. The scouts…
Ladders to Heaven The navi Zecharyah foresaw a great mourning in the future, as it states, “On that day, there will be a great eulogy in Yerushalayim…” (Zecharyah 12:11). The…
Here in the Diaspora, one of the highlights of the yomtov davening is the saying of Birkas Kohanim, when the whole congregation is lovingly blessed by Hashem through the conduit…
Throughout the ages, there have been different practices regarding keeping tzitzis tucked into pants or out. In addition, Chassidim wear their tzitzis garment over their shirt, while Ashkenazim wear it…
Should we be careful to wear tzitzis when praying the evening ma’ariv service? Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (Responsa Ma’amar Mordechai, vol. 2 no. 3) explores this question. I. TZITZIS WHILE DAVENING…
In Shul, many men place their tallis over their head for the entire davening. Some do so only after Barchu, while others do not cover their head with a tallis…
The Gemorah in Menochos states, “the mitzvah of tzitzis is equal to all of the other mitzvahs combined.” If one is careful with the mitzvah of tzitzis he merits being…
We would think that To-rah is so vast that no one in-dividual mitz-vah can sym-bolize all the 613 “components”. Surprisingly, the Torah designates one mitzvah as an icon for the…
A pareve soup is made with dairy utensils and a dairy pot. It’s then warmed up using a fleishig bowl and a fleishig spoon. What’s the status? The halacha is…
INGREDIENTS: Salad: 1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti 1 cup frozen shelled edamame 3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast 1 English cucumber, chopped 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped 1 small…
FAST FACTS: Name: Blake Austin Griffin Born: March 16, 1989 (age 32) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Height: 6 ft 9 in Weight: 250 lb College: Oklahoma (2007–2009) NBA draft: 2009…
A Jewish man heading to a pro-Israel rally says he thought he was going to die after a gang of pro- Palestinian demonstrators assaulted him in Midtown Manhattan, punching him…
THE ECONOMIST An architect, a surgeon, and economist are arguing who of them holds the most prominent position. The surgeon said, ‘Look, we’re the most important. The very first thing…
It’s that time of the year again!! Thoughts of driving down the “seventeen” with the beach chairs, barbecue grill, and other paraphernalia in-tow fill our minds. Or, you might be…
10 % of the people in the world are left-handed. Consequently, the amount of yiddin who are left handed is very little. However, many halachos come up on a daily…
Parashat Beha’alotecha begins with the mitzvah of kindling the menorah. Each and every day, Aharon was to clean the oil lamps of the menorah in the Mishkan and light the…
The obligation to offer a korban Pesach begins at twelve noon on erev Pesach, and the korban must be offered in the Beis Hamikdash before shkia. One is considered to…
We read in Parashat Beha’alotecha of a conversation between Moshe Rabbenu and his father-in-law, Yitro (who is called here by one of his other names, Hobab), before Beneh Yisrael’s journey…
Emunah Resolves the Problems A mashal is told about someone who was looking through a keyhole. He can’t see everything that is in the room, his range of view is…
Every few years, someone claims to have seen a UFO and the suspicion of life on other planets is raised, only to disappear as quickly as it came about. This…
Our time in this world is limited. We strive to do all the good we can and avoid doing wrong. When we sometimes misstep, we try to do teshuvah and…
When it comes to parking, a number of questions can occur. We will discuss one of the questions. Am I allowed to save a spot for my friend by standing…
“We want fish, We want fish”! These ridiculous chants boomed through the Jewish camp as an angry mob clamored for a return to Egypt. Astonishingly, the hordes demanded a return…
Do canned and frozen vegetables need a hechsher? There are a few issues when it comes to canned and frozen vegetables. One is an issue that applies to all vegetables…
INGREDIENTS: 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 4 stalks celery, chopped 1 large red bell pepper, diced 1/2 red onion, diced 1 (8.75 ounce) can sweet corn, drained 1/4 cup…
FAST FACTS: Name: Joseph Malcolm Harris Born: September 6, 1991 (age 29) in Chelan, Washington Height: 6 ft 6 in Weight: 220 lb College: Virginia (2010–2014) NBA draft: 2014 /…
As we are now just seeing Shavuos in our rearview mirror, some of us might be wondering why our Torah learning isn’t getting you anywhere. Why is it, perhaps, that…
INGREDIENTS: 3 -4 lb second cut brisket or deckle 1 1/2 cups water 2 tsp seasoned salt 2 tsp garlic powder 1 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 1 cup ketchup 1/2…
In 2007, an employee of a New Jersey Dunkin Donuts named Dustin Hoffmann (not that one) made news when the store was nearly robbed by a serial robber who jumped…
The Nuremberg Trials In the film “Judgment at Nuremberg,” American judge Dan Haywood sentences Ernst Janning, an important legal figure in Germany even before the rise of Hitler, to life…
We live in world today where it is very hard to realize what we are missing by not having the Bais Hamikdosh around. We get to comfortable with hour houses…
All of us, I imagine, find life stressful. But at least for most of us, it doesn’t have to be this way. The Torah in Parashat Naso discusses the laws…
The Gemorah (Kiddushin 2b) tells us that the phrase “harei at m’kudeshet li” that we use under the chuppah is not a biblical expression at all, rather it is a…
Parashat Naso incorporates a variety of different topics which, at first glance, appear unrelated: 1) The tribe of Levi’s responsibility to tend to the needs of the Mishkan; 2) The…
A first grade melamed was confronted with a problem; one of the students of his class was stealing. He first realized that there was a problem when the children of…
The posuk in Bamidbar 6:23 says that Hashem commanded Aharon and his sons to bless the Yidden. The Sefer Metzach Aharon discusses an interesting question. Why did Hashem choose the…
I. Misleading Messages One of the approaches to respond to the biblical challenge of the age of the universe is the theory that the world was created fully grown, so…
Jews don’t count people. Instead the Torah creates a system of tabulating the population without actually counting human beings. This indirect counting scheme is delineated in parshat Ki Tisa: each…
Is there an issue with having alcoholic seltzer? Does an alcoholic seltzer need a hechsher? We’ve already certified a very large company that makes alcoholic seltzer; it’s very popular. It…
FAST FACTS: Name: Rowan Alexander “RJ” Barrett Jr. NickName: Maple Mamba Born: June 14, 2000 (age 20) in Toronto, Ontario Height: 6 ft 6 in Weight: 202 lb Position: Shooting…
As general editors of ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications, Rabbi Nosson Scherman and Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz zt”l have led the “ArtScroll Revolution,” a major transformation in the availability of Torah literature in English….
On April 16, 1986 reactor number four at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic suffered a catastrophic explosion that exposed the core and sent clouds…
Is It Not Insensitive to Interrupt Shivah for a Holiday? Interruption of Shivah A teaching in the Mishna defines the duties of a Jew who is in mourning at the…
As we stood at Har Sinai, the Torah testifies that, “Vayichan sham Yisroel, neged haHar;” the Jews encamped in front of the mountain. The commentaries immediately pounce that the word…
There is a widespread custom to remain awake on Shavuos night to learn Torah. This custom spawns many halachic queries. Why should we stay up learning on Shavuos night? What…
A university professor once delivered a speech in front of a group of students, and he asked, “How many people in the room consider themselves leaders?” Very few students raised…
It is customary on Shabuot to read Megilat Rut, and one of the reasons given for this custom is that Shabuot marks the Yahrtzeit of King David, and Megilat Rut…
The purpose of mattan Torah is to believe in Hashem. As the Vilna Gaon zt’l (Mishlei 19:22) writes, ידכב†אוה†לארשיל†הרותה†תניתנ†רקיע†הב†םנוחטב‘†ומישיש, “The Torah was given, primarily, so that they will place their…
The Magen Avraham in Orach Chaim 494:1 asks, how can we say that Shavuos, which comes out on Vov Sivan, is the time of Mattan Torah? We pasken like Reb…
A child‘s obligation to honor his parents necessarily infringes on that child’s freedom. Choosing a spouse is one of the most important decisions of a person’s life. On the one…
Why do we eat dairy on Shavuos? The Rama on Orach Chaim 494:3 quotes a widespread minhag to eat dairy foods on Shavuos. The Mishnah Berurah (ibid. s.k.12) proffers the…
It all began on this day, atop a mountain of fire and smoke. For 2500 years, humanity failed to grasp a “One G-d” responsible for all reality. For too long,…
INGREDIENTS: 1 (9 ounce) package brownie mix 1 egg 1 tablespoon cold water 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped 1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk 2 (8 ounce)…
INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoon salted butter 4 shallots thinly sliced 2 cups coarsely chopped mixed wild mushrooms such as cremini, shitake and oyster 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 6 cups baby spinach…
Name: Jose. Alberto Pujols Alcantara Born: January 16, 1980 (age 41) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Drafted: 402nd in the thirteenth round by the St. Louis Cardinals MLB debut: April…
“Did u see the news. We hear tons of ambulances passing. We can’t even leave. This is insane. We are all so scared.” On Thursday evening, I got a flurry…
It has been a week of tears and of numbness. Every time I read the list of 45 I become dizzy and faint, wincing in disbelief. Too many names to…
The parasha states, im bechukotai teilechu. The word chok refers to the mitzvos we keep, without knowing the reason. It also means parnassah (see [Mishlei 30:8]). The Divrei Yisrael of…
Parashat Behukotai describes the blessings that G-d promises to bestow upon Beneh Yisrael in reward for their observance of the Torah. The Parasha begins with the verse, “If you follow…
The Mishnah in Pirkeh Avot (6:3) teaches: One who learns from his fellow one chapter, one law, one verse, one statement, or even one letter, must treat him with respect….
There is a widespread custom to eat dairy products on Shavuos. What is the source of this custom? What are the reasons for this custom? Does it apply to both…
After so many centuries of persecution we understand very well the question of the Jewish people (in the haftorah of parshas Eikev), “Has Hashem forsaken us? Has He forgotten about…
In the last few decades, one of the great challenges of our society has been the ever-growing problem of unemployment. Many factors have contributed to this. Recently, many lost jobs…
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…
I. Learning Torah All Night It is common practice today for men to stay up all night learning Torah the first night of Shavuos. It is not clear to me…
Is one allowed to eat meat after milk? What is the halacha if one makes Kiddush and eats dairy foods, planning to later eat a meat Seudas Yom Tov? What…
INGREDIENTS: For the crust: 2 cups crushed graham crackers 4 tablespoons melted butter 1 tablespoon sugar Cheesecake: 16 oz chocolate – melted in microwave or double boiler 1/3 c sugar…
FAST FACTS: Name: Julius Deion Randle Born: November 29, 1994 (age 26 years) in Dallas, TX Height: 6’ 8” NBA draft: 2014 (Round: 1 / Pick: 7) Position: Power forward,…
This Thursday, May 7th, known in Hebrew as Lag B’omer, the thirty-third day of the omer, is the anniversary of the passing of one of the greatest sages and spiritual…
Lag B’omer is a day which people celebrate with great simcha and joy. What is the reason for this great celebration? When does it start? At night or by day?…
In the first chapter of Pirkeh Avot, we read the following teaching of Shimon, the son of Rabban Gamliel: “My whole life I grew up among sages, and I found…
The Torah commands every Jew to be careful not to cause a chilul Hashem. When an individual Jew acts improperly, he disgraces the entire Jewish people, as well as the…
Recently, an article referencing a conversation we had on Behind the Bima referred to me as a “Modern Orthodox Rabbi.” I was taken aback by that characterization and found myself…
One of the topics discussed in Parashat Emor is the Misva which we observe each night during this period between Pesach and Shabuot – the Misva of Sefirat Ha’omer, to…
The Gemara says, “Reb Akiva had twelve thousand pairs of talmidim (24,000 students). They lived [all over in Eretz Yis-rael] from Gavas until Antifras, and they all died in the…
The Torah reveals, “V’atem tihiu li mamleches kohanim v’goy kadosh – You, Yisroel, should be to me a kingdom of priests and a Holy nation.” The million dollar question is…
Honor is best given rather than received. We are required to honor Torah scholars, older family members, and the elderly in general. However, this becomes complicated when we face conflicting…
The Gemara in Brachos 35b quotes the posuk in Krias Shema discussing gathering your crops. The Gemara asks, what is the chiddush that you will gather your crops? The Gemara…
The festival of Lag Ba’omer revolves around two celebrated personalities – Rebbi Akiva and his talmid, Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai. These two legends lived through the dark period of Roman…
INGREDIENTS: Chocolate Iced Cake Yellow, Red, & Orange hard candy Rolled wafer cookies DIRECTIONS: As we won’t be having any lag B’Omer gatherings with bonfires and activities this year…
It’s been a while since anyone wrote that the New York Knicks are the hottest team in the NBA, but the Knicks are definitely a huge surprise this year. A…
The Torah states in the weekly portion (Acharei Mot) that the High Priest had a special set of garments he donned on Yom Kippur. It was unlike the garments he…
In two locations [Masechtos Kiddushin (81a) and Bava Kama (82a)], Tosefos mentions the minhag of fasting on the first Monday, Thursday, and following Monday of the months of Marcheshvon and…
The last article dealt with many of the customs regarding certain activities during sefira. In this article we will continue to deal with other customs regarding sefira. For example: Are…
The Mishnah teaches us in Pirkeh Avot (1:13), אלד†ףיסי†≠ףיסומ†– “one who does not increase, diminishes.” In other words, if we are not moving forward, then we are moving backwards. If…
All human beings were created b’tzelem Elokim and one of the mitzvos of the Torah (in parshas Ki Savo) is “v’holacto bidrochov”, i.e. to preserve that tzelem elokim which was…
Recently, those watching the men’s NCAA basketball tournament game between Gonzaga and USC saw something that made them gasp, and it wasn’t any play on the court. In the corner…
The Torah in Parashat Ahareh-Mot presents the prohibition against the consumption of animals’ blood, and explains that this is forbidden because the animal’s “Nefesh” (“soul”) is in its blood. Why…
When Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz zy’a was old and feeble, his voice was weak, and only the people standing near him could hear his divrei Torah at the tisch….
Before leading bentching, the grace after meals, the leader typically requests permission from others more worthy to lead. The standard formula is: “With permission of our masters, our teachers and…
In Vayikra 19:13 the posuk tells us that one is not allowed to hold back a paycheck from his worker for even a single night. The Biur Halacha in Hilchos…
Q: Does marijuana need a hashgacha and does it need a bracha? A: If it is plain marijuana that you are smoking or using as vapor, it does not need…
It is literally impossible to reduce Judaism to one saying or one quick maxim. The study of G-d’s will is too intricate, while mitzvoth are too sweeping to be condensed…
FAST FACTS Name: Dean Junior Kremer Hebrew Name: דין קרמר Born: January 7, 1996 (age 25) in Stockton, California Height: 6-3 Weight: 185lb. Position: Pitcher MLB debut: September 6, 2020,…
INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoon salted butter 4 shallots thinly sliced 2 cups coarsely chopped mixed wild mushrooms such as cremini, shitake and oyster 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 6 cups baby spinach…
Where Is G-d? A couple had two little mischievous boys, ages 8 and 10. They were always getting into trouble, and their parents knew that if any mischief occurred in…
The Gemora calls our ancient sages Sofrim, people who know how to count. This seems to be an odd name for our great men who were endowed with encyclopedic knowledge,…
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…
The number 4, as we all know, features very prominently at the Pesach seder. There are four cups of wine, four questions, four sons, four pesukim from the Book of…
The Rambam (towards the end of his commentary to Mishnayot Sanhedrin) lists what he considers to be the thirteen principles of our faith, the twelfth of which is to believe…
LIKE There are 7.4 billion people on earth at this moment. When contemplating that staggering number, it is easy to feel insignificant, inconsequential, even invisible. It is only natural to…
Parashat Tazria speaks at length of the laws of the Sara’at skin disease that would descend upon a person as a punishment for Lashon Hara – speaking negatively about other…
Parashas Tazria discusses the laws of childbirth. These laws follow parashas Shmini, which discusses the laws of kashrus. The Ramban explains that this juxtaposition, (of kashrus and childbirth,) hints that…
I. Holy Profits People are motivated to do good for many reasons, among them — but hopefully not primary — is the promise of divine reward. Can that reward be…
In Vayikra 12:3 the posuk tells us that on the 8th day one should have a Bris. Would a Mohel be allowed to walk out of the tchum in order…
In life, before we move forward, we must take inventory. It is true in the business world just as it is true in many areas of life. Without examining and…
Is a Jew Allowed to Eat Synthetic Meat & Then Drink a Dairy Coffee publicly? Right now, we haven’t even finished determining the status of synthetic meat because the technology…
INGREDIENTS: 1.5 – 2lbs ground beef/lamb (you can mix or do either or) 1 cup parsley finely chopped 1 medium onion – finely chopped 1 tsp Baharat (Pereg and Lior…
Rabbi Dr. Zecharia H. Senter zt”l, CEO and founder of Kof-K Kosher Supervision Services, was niftar the last day of Pesach at the age of 84. Rabbi Senter zt”l was…
In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because…
As we engage in the seasonal mitzvah of counting the sefira, and observe the national period of mourning for the tragic deaths of the 24,000 disciples of Rabbi Akiva, we…
The Gemorah in Berochos states, “when the month of Nissin is upon us, one goes out to recite a beracha on a tree that is starting to bud.” The Shita…
Parashat Shemini tells of the events on the eighth and final day of the Mishkan’s inauguration. For seven days, special sacrifices were offered, and Aharon and his sons – the…
The Gemorah (Moed Koton 14B) understands from the pesukim in parshas Shmini that the kohein gadol does not observe aveilus over the death of a relative. (See Sefer Ginat Egoz,…
We have just completed the “season of questions.” Just a few days ago, we bid farewell to a holiday that encourages us to challenge, to inquire, and to ask. Pesach…
Parashat Shemini tells of the events that took place “on the eighth day” – meaning, the day after the seven-day Miluim process during which Aharon and his sons were prepared…
There’s a limit how much spirituality a man can endure, as it states, “Man cannot see Me and live” (Shemos 33:20). Nadav and Avihu surpassed that limit and their neshamos…
The period between Pesach and Shavuos contains a mourning period–different days depending on one’s custom–during which certain joyous behaviors are forbidden (commonly called Sefirah because this period also includes the…
Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, a leading Chassidic Rabbi was one of the most prominent Rabbinic victims of the Holocaust. A leader of the Warsaw ghetto, he secretly ran a shul…
In Vayikra 9:22 the posuk tells us that Aharon lifted his hands and bentched Klal Yisroel. The Gemara in Sotah 38a says that we learn from the word “Ko“ that…
Are Animal Rights activists onto something? Absolutely! The Torah is very concerned about Tzar Balei Chaim, and we have to be concerned about it as well; we are very sensitive…
INGREDIENTS: 1 cup warm water 1 1/2 Tbsp yeast 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup oil 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 4 cups bread flour 1/2 Tbsp salt DIRECTIONS: The…
FAST FACTS Name: Francisco Miguel Lindor Nickname: Mr. Smile or Paquito Born: November 14, 1993 (age 27) in Caguas, Puerto Rico Height: 5’ 11” Weight: 190 lbs Position: Shortstop Uniform…
Yaakov Shwekey will be busy this Pesach performing both live and virtually! He sat down with Ari Hirsch of the Jewish Vues to discuss what he has been up to,…
Not the Cookie Cutter Model “The Torah speaks of four children: One is wise, one is rebellious, one is simple and one does not know how to ask.”—Haggadah This simple,…
The annual holy narrative of the Pesach Seder is a multi-faceted experience with which we should familiarize ourselves so that we can get the most out of this rarified opportunity….
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….
One of the more intriguing stages of the seder on Pesach is yahatz – when we split the middle matzah. We take the larger piece and put it in a…
I. Berachah Rishonah on Maror Tosfos (Pesachim 115a, s.v. vehadar) raises a basic question regarding the maror eaten at the seder. Why, when we eat maror, do we not recite…
In too many homes, marror is not the most bitter thing at the seder table. There are people who suffer from chronic negativity, who drag down those around them and…
The Torah in Parashat Bo tells of the final three of the ten plagues that G-d brought upon Egypt, including the plague of darkness. The Sages tell us that this…
The Chida zt’l says that we should tell the following story at the Seder: A woman in Tzefas was once plagued by a dibuk. A spirit of a rasha had…
When we prepare for Pesach, we get rid of all of our chametz, either by selling it or destroying it. However, what about chametz in your garbage can? Is that…
The Shulchan Aruch in siman taf peh zayin, seif daled writes that we recite the complete Hallel with a bracha at the beginning and end of the first night of…
What is the status of baby formula on Pesach? Baby formula on Pesach is a very difficult question because almost all formula is kitnios and we Ashkenaz Jews don’t eat…
The Pesach tale is a story of many stories. It is a story about theology and religion: G-d introducing monotheism into an ancient pagan world. It is a story of…
INGREDIENTS: 1 large cabbage, cored and sliced 1 1/4 cups ketchup 4 cups ginger ale 2 lbs chopped meat 1 egg Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: This recipe…
INGREDIENTS 3 1/4 cups of matza farfel – you can use whole wheat 1/2 cup oil 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup margarine 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup chopped nuts…
INGREDIENTS: 9 eggs – 7 separated. Beat the 7 whites until stiff in a separate bowl. Add the remaining 2 whole eggs and 7 yolks to the rest of the…
Rav Moshe Tuvia Lieff Shlita, the Morah D’Asra of Agudath Israel Bais Binyomin in Brooklyn, New York, is a respected Talmid Chochom and a warm and dynamic individual, loved by…
There is nothing like waking up to a text that says, “Did you see what they posted about you on Instagram?” On the one hand, when you are a public…
INGREDIENTS: 3⁄4 cup oil 3⁄4 cup cocoa 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 2 cups potato starch 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 cups powdered sugar, for rolling cookies…
INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar 3 tablespoons mayonnaise This dressing is best served with a simple fresh salad of: Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, colored peppers,…
INGREDIENTS: 1 -3½–4-pound whole chicken Kosher salt 1½ pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed, thinly sliced crosswise 2 tablespoons margarine, melted 1 tablespoon thyme leaves 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided Freshly ground…
Ten Ways to Know He’s Not for Your Daughter Someone sent me this email. Here are the top ten ways to Know the guy your daughter brought home for the…
Maggid Before saying Maggid, many read the following section from the Zohar: “Every person who tells the story of yetzias Mitzrayim, and he is happy with it, will be happy…
There are two reasons why we eat matzah. Actually, there are two OPPOSITE REASONS why we eat matzah: 1) The pasuk, which we quote in the Haggadah, explains that Beneh…
The Midrash observes that in the Torah’s account of the creation of light in Parashat Bereshit, the word “Or” (“light”) appears five times. These five instances of the word “Or,”…
On the seder night we do yahcatz before we begin magid, i.e. we break the middle matza in half, and put away the larger half for the afikoman, before we…
Wow!! It’s hard to believe: Purim has come and gone, and now we are facing a job that doesn’t pass so quickly: the purifying of the home for the Pesach…
It has become trendy to post a picture of yourself receiving a Covid vaccine. This was particularly true in Israel, where people received vaccines earlier than those in America, but…
Weeks before Pesach the newspapers are full of advertisements for romaine lettuce that does not need to be inspected for insects. What is the ideal item to use for marror…
Jewish holidays recount seminal moments of Jewish history. These annual celebrations shape our collective memory just as they animate our common future. The celebration of our history creates eternal meaning…
This year, erev Pesach falls on Shabbos, as it does approximately once every nine years. With proper planning, it need not be a difficult Shabbos. If anything, it gives us…
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…
In Vayikra 5:23 the posuk teaches us that one should return an item that he or she stole. What happens if a person stole and then paid the money back,…
You can’t make this stuff up. Six of Dr. Seuss’ books “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,” “If I Ran the Zoo,” “McElligot’s Pool,” “On Beyond…
In Vayakhel-Pekudai we find an interesting continuation of the construction of the holy vessels and priestly garb from Tetzaveh. It covers the usage of gold, silver, copper, Techeiles (blue-purple wool),…
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,…
One of the most commonly accepted chumros on Pesach is to avoid gebrokts –matzah which was fully baked and then soaked in water. When did this custom start? How binding…
The Inside and the Outside A wealthy Jewish man buys a fabulous home in Beverly Hills, California. He brings in a local workman to decorate the place. When the job…
The Jewish People are known as Yehudim. The word Yehudim means ‘people who give thanks.’ Indeed, this is one of the fundamentals of our Jewish identity: namely that we are…
In this week’s Torah-portions we learn that the Jews constructed the Mishkan and prepared the bigdei kehunah. Although in both cases the Jews followed the directions they had been given,…
Several years ago, on a trip to the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan, my children and I joined a small tour. The guide who took us around patiently gave…
In Pirkei Avos (5:20) “Reb Yehudah ben Teima says, ‘Be brazen like a leopard, swift like an eagle, run like a deer, and be strong like a lion to do…
I. Shabbos Clothes We greet Shabbos and spend the entire day clean and proper, dressed in fine clothes. Do we also need to wear fine shoes that we have designated…
In Shmos 38:8 the posuk teaches us that the Kiyor was made out of copper that was originally used by the women as mirrors in Mitzrayim. The Rambam in Hilchos…
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…
Parashiyot Vayakhel-Pekudeh tell of the construction of the Mishkan, the mobile Sanctuary which Beneh Yisrael carried with them as they traveled through the wilderness. It was later replaced by the…
The wedding date had already been set. Anxiously anticipating this day, the bride and groom shopped for the furniture of their future home. Selecting the actual couches, beds and tables…
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…
INGREDIENTS: 1 large onion, chopped 2 boxes of sliced baby bella mushrooms Oil for sautéing 4 oz goat cheese crumbled 2 eggs 1/2 cup shredded cheese – any kind works…
FAST FACTS: Name: Bnai Israel Matzoh Fund Founder: Alan Hirsch Year Established: 1998 Based Out of: (Originally) Brooklyn, New York Number of Families the Matzoh Fund Provides for: 1,700 Areas…
During Corona the governor was at the peak of his powers, a rising star in the Democratic Party and the most feared figure in the state of New York. Within…
We clean our homes and rid them of all chometz as we prepare to have a simchas Yom Tov. Have we prepared our homes for a safe environment enabling a…
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…
For us on the eastern seaboard, it has been quite a cold winter but, Baruch Hashem, Purim was wondrous with it all of its warmth and merriment. Reflecting on one…
We are all familiar with the custom of kitniyos on Pesach, but who does it apply to, what is included in the custom, and what about derivatives or extracts from…
Towards the end of Parshat Ki Tissa, Moshe is told by Hakadosh Baruch Hu that he will be giving him a two-part Torah – part biketav, in writing, and part…
In December of 2018, Yehoshua Zvi Hershkowitz passed away at the age of 92. You probably never heard his name and that is exactly how he wanted it. Mr. Hershkowitz…
Did you ever wonder why Olam HaBa isn’t mentioned in Tanach? The Vilna Gaon zt”l says that this is because for Hashem, Olam HaZeh is even more important. Dovid HaMelech…
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…
Moshe descending from the mountain, clutching the Divine tablets is one of the most iconic images of the entire Torah. Finally, after close to two thousand and five hundred years,…
Parashat Ki-Tisa begins with the Misva of “Mahasit Ha’shekel” – the mandatory half-shekel tax that was imposed upon all members of Beneh Yisrael. The first time this tax was collected,…
With everything going on this year with covid, is the OU doing anything differently as far as watching over companies? We are very much operational. B”H we have been able…
In Shmos 30:12 the posuk teaches us that when counting the Jewish people, one must count them by collecting a coin from each person and the coins are then counted….
INGREDIENTS: 3⁄4 cup oil 3⁄4 cup cocoa 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 2 cups potato starch 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 cups powdered sugar, for rolling cookies…
This past Thursday, attorney David Schoen, who led the defense of President Trump’s second impeachment hearing, was interviewed by Alan Skorski and Baila Sebrow, hosts of The Definitive Rap Podcast,…
It is hard to believe that this Taanis Esther will already be the 35th yahrzeit of the Rosh Yeshiva, H a G a o n , Rav Moshe Feinstein, Zt”l,…
THE UNIQUENESS OF JEW-HATRED Hatred of the Jew has been universal, permanent and deep. Death for the Jews has been desired and plotted by the tyrants of every age. Pharaoh,…
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…
The Rabbis of the Talmud have recorded (Shabbos 88a) the tradition that although the Jewish people accepted the Torah at Mt. Sinai out of their own free will, there was,…
While Purim is normally one of the happiest days on our calendar, this year it will mark a sobering milestone. Purim will essentially mark a full year of living through…
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 בקעי†בש†,that whoever studies Torah between the megillah…
The Pri Megadim 695 says that one has to educate his son in the mitzvah of mishloach manos. It stands to reason that the same obligation would apply to matanos…
I am planning to send a glass plate with cookies for mishloach manos. Can I avoid the need for tevilah by placing the cookies on a doily or foil, such…
We read in the Megilla of how Ahashverosh wanted to repay Mordechai for saving his life, and he summoned Haman to ask him what would be an appropriate way of…
Each name of a Jewish holiday is iconic. The name Pesach evokes the transformative sacrifice which launched our national liberation. The name Chanukah captures the re-dedication of the newly purified…
We like to think that a Kiddush Hashem, a sanctification or glorification of G-d’s name, is perfectly good. It is the ultimate expression of religious virtue. In reality, this is…
Mets ace Jacob deGrom talked to the media for the first time last week from Port St. Lucie. The two-time Cy Young Award winner talked about the Mets busy offseason,…
INGREDIENTS: 4 eggs 1 cup sugar 1⁄2 c oil 3⁄4 c orange juice 1 tsp vanilla 5 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder Fillings: Apricot, Prune, Raspberry, Chocolate Chip, Cookie…
During the days and weeks before Purim the mail is full of letters requesting matanas l’evyonim. In this issue we will discuss which people one has to give to, how…
“I wouldn’t belong to a club that would have me as a member.” — Groucho Marx “The modern Jewish maxim is Incognito, ergo sum, ‘I am invisible, therefore I am.’”…
Megilas Esther is an exciting repository of contemporary advice. This is revealed to us through Esther’s request to the sages, “Kavuni l’doros – Affix me for all generations.” Although Esther…
The practice is to read Parshas Zachor with a minyan from a kosher Sefer Torah on the Shabbos before Purim. If one is unable to do so, they may read…
Milton Friedman, the great Nobel Prize-winning economist and professor at the University of Chicago, had a very simple suggestion for how to identify a person or institution’s priorities. Many people…
The mazal of the month of Adar is Dagim. The Klausenberger Rebbe zt’l said that this month, which is represented by fish, is a month of happiness, since while lions…
I. No Mention of Adar The Gemara (Ta’anis 29a) famously says that when Adar begins, we increase joy. While this saying is often quoted, standard codes omit it. Rambam (12th…
The Rema 695 says there is a mitzvah to be marbeh in seudas Purim. Any meal a person eats on Purim that is lichvod Purim is included in the above…
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 the unusual phraseology used by G-d in commanding Beneh Yisrael to donate materials to the Mishkan: Ve’yikhu Li Teruma” – literally, “They shall take for Me a…
Amalek attacked us at our most vulnerable moment. Viciously assaulting the newly freed slaves in an empty wilderness, the cruel guerrilla armies of Amalek were out for blood. Valiantly defending…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I love your column. Thanks for writing it! Up until now, I’ve been trying to meet someone the “old fashioned way.” I’d meet people at events,…
INGREDIENTS: For kreplach dough: 2 cups four Pinch of salt 2 eggs 1 T plus 1 t lukewarm water For the filling: ½ medium onion, chopped 1 lb. beef, chopped…
INGREDIENTS: 2 cups dry red wine 2/3 cups sugar 3 cinnamon sticks 5 wide strips of orange zest ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 4 medium Bosc pears, ripe but firm, peeled,…
To the surprise of almost everyone, the New York Knicks have been competitive the first half of the 2020-21 NBA season. New York hired Tom Thibodeau during the offseason, and…
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…
I think it’s safe to say that short of a Trump/Biden election, few events excite the collective Jewish community the way A Time for Music unfailingly does. And with good…
When I was young, it was common for synagogues to have large boards with plaques containing the names of the deceased and small light bulbs that were turned on for…
We live in a world dominated by thoughts of the Covid-19 virus, its spread and the mass administration of vaccine. We also have a variety of routine medical tests –…
RAGE THERAPY A man walks into a bar. He calmly orders a drink and proceeds to abruptly pick up his glass and hurl it at the shocked bartender. After a…
When Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz, the great Rosh Yeshiva of the Mir, was a young bachur (student) learning in Grodno, he went to visit to his uncle, the Rosh Yeshiva of…
On Jan. 29, 2021, there was a long article in the New York Times about Rav Chaim Kanievsky and the COVID situation in Eretz Yisroel. I was very saddened to…
Immediately following mattan Torah is parashas Mishpatim. It teaches us judicial laws, how to relate to our fellow man’s property, and to assist the poor, the widows, and the orphans….
We read in Parashat Mishpatim (24:7) of one of the most glorious moments in the history of our nation – the moment when we stood at Mount Sinai and declared…
The past year shook the world. Humanity faced a pandemic, the likes of which only occurs every hundred years. Locked in battle with an invisible but deadly virus, we also…
In Shmos 22:24 the posuk discusses the concept of lending money. The Mechilta writes that whenever the Torah uses the word “im” it is optional, except in this posuk about…
Regarding the custom of Zecher L’Machtzis Hashekel, I have a difficult time finding fifty cent coins. Can I give two quarters, or is there a different way to perform this…
INGREDIENTS: 2 large Spanish onions 3 medium carrots 1 large parsnip 2.5 lb. second-cut brisket Salt 1 cup dry red wine DIRECTIONS: Brisket is a holiday regular in all…
One Friday evening the conversation at the table turned to the Shabbat candles, whose kindling is in itself a beautiful way of ushering in the sacred day of rest. Lighting…
The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading membership organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, mourns the death of Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski, zt”l, on a day that saw the…
Klal Yisrael suffered a great loss this past Sunday with the petirah of Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski z”l. Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski zt’l , a prolific author, prominent…
CLIMBING THE HOTEL Bill, Jim and Scott were at a convention together sharing a large suite at the top of a 75-story hotel. After a long day of meetings, they…
There is a wellknown controversy surrounding the chronological timing of when Yisro arrived to visit the Bnei Yisroel in the desert. It revolves around whether he came before Matan Torah,…
Our tradition has it that maamad Har Sinai was really the culmination of Yetzias Mitzrayim. The Mishna (Avos 6:2) comments on the phrase “charus al hlauchos” (Shemos 32:16) that we…
Last week, within the span of just a few days, two individuals both became extraordinarily wealthy in an instant. A Powerball ticket-holder in Maryland won the $731 million jackpot and…
The Torah discusses Moshe’s children, “The name of one [son] was Gershom… and the name of one son was Eliezer…” (18:3-4). It seems that it should have stated “the name…
In the recently published issue of the Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society (no. 75), Rav Avraham Yeshaya Cohen writes about the impact of praying alone (during Coronavirus) on the…
In Parshas Yisro we see the topic of respecting your father and mother so that you merit to live a long life. The Chinuch in Mitzvah 33 says that the…
Q: One of my co-workers brought in a box of chocolate-covered grasshoppers to the office. Many people tried them, but since I keep kosher I begged off, saying that I…
Parashat Yitro tells of Ma’amad Har Sinai, God’s revelation to Am Yisrael at Mount Sinai, during which Moshe Rabbenu ascended to the top of the mountain to receive the Torah….
Two intriguing stories about the eternal impact of Har Sinai– one fable about two engagement rings and one actual story about a Chassidic Rebbe and a cow. First the tale…
INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. ground beef 1 red bell pepper; seeded and chopped 1/2 onion; diced 1- 14oz. can pinto beans 1- 14oz. can kidney beans 1- 14oz. can black beans…
INGREDIENTS: 3 pounds ground beef 1 small onion, grated 3 tablespoons of your favorite bbq sauce 3/4 cup Jason seasoned breadcrumbs 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1…
FAST FACTS: Name: Howard Jonas Born: June 2, 1956 (64) Family: Wife Debbie, nine children, and twenty four grandchildren (one on the way) Currently Lives In: Riverdale, Bronx Currently Davens…
Graveside funerals, or visits, often generate crowds around a grave, forcing people to search for space to stand. Are you allowed to step on someone else’s grave for a service…
The first Rebbe of Sadegur zt’l said, “…Of course this Shabbos is called Shabbos Shirah, a Shabbos of Song. There are so many miracles and wonderful things in this week’s…
THE HUMAN TREE “The human being is a tree of the field,” the Torah states. In fact, the Jewish calendar reserves one day each year, the “New Year for Trees”…
In Tehillim, Dovid HaMelech declares, “Mi chocham v’yishmar aleh v’yisboninu chasdei Hashem – Who is wise and observes these things and meditates on the kindness of Hashem?” The Hebrew letters…
When Moshe and Aharon are instructed to instigate the plagues, Hashem tells them: ־לֶא†ךְֵלָּתְבַּצִנְו†הָמְיַּמַה†אֵצֹי†הֵּנִה†רֶקֹּבַּב†הֹעְרַּפ†רֹאְיַה†תַפְׂש־לַע†וֹתאָרְקִל†– Go down to Pharaoh in the morning. Behold, he goes out to the water; and you…
In several places the Talmud records discussions and debates amongst the Tanoim regarding the inclusion of various seforim in the canon of the kisvei ha’kodesh. Before deciding which seforim to…
As the ferocious waves of the Red Sea parted, the marine floor was paved dry to welcome the passage of the Jews. Suddenly, the raging waters tumbled down upon the…
In Parshas Beshalach we see the topic of eating seudas Shabbos. We learn about the order of events concerning how the mohn came down on Erev Shabbos for Shabbos. The…
The Torah tells us in the beginning of Parashat Beshalah that at the time when Beneh Yisrael left Egypt, Moshe Rabbenu took the remains of Yosef and brought them with…
There is a custom on Tu B’Shevat to eat fruits, especially those from the seven species with which Eretz Yisroel was blessed. Can you please review the order of the…
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 of his way to…
FAST FACTS Name: Henry Louis Aaron Born: February 5, 1934 in Mobile, Alabama Nicknamed: “Hammerin’ Hank.” MLB debut: April 13, 1954, for the Milwaukee Braves Last MLB appearance: October 3,…
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,…
Ever wondered what hard inquiries are and what soft inquiries are and how they affect your credit score? Hopefully after reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of this…
FAST FACTS: Name: Yechiel Moshe Ben Avraham Mendel Family: Wife and 6 children. One married, 3 in Eretz Yisrael, one in Baltimore, 9 year old at home. Grew up in:…
I have so much to say about Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer ZT”L. At the times in my life when I was at my lowest, dealing with unimaginable decisions and pain, Rabbi…
Many words have been said and much ink has been spilled since the untimely passing of Moreinu HaRav Yehuda Kelemer. Hespedim, speeches, tributes, newspaper and magazine articles have depicted his…
As the week of shiva has ended for my revered teacher and Rebbe Rav Yehuda Kelemer ל”קוצז†, I have been moved to tears numerous times from the beautiful stories I…
The Power of a single action Wise Old Man A retired man moves near a junior high school. He spends the first few weeks of retirement in peace and quiet….
In bentching, we declare “V’dorshei Hashem lo yachsiru chol tov – Those who seek Hashem will lack from naught that is good.” The occupation of seeking Hashem, being a Dorshei…
The parsha tells us (Shemos 12:38) that when Bnai Yisroel left Mitzrayim a tremendous group of converts left with them. The Midrash explains that this was Moshe Rabbeinu’s original idea;…
I. A Time to Recharge The latest issue of the Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society (RJJ Journal), under new editorship, is devoted to Coronavirus questions. One article contains short,…
There are two types of mitzvos: obligations that people have to Hashem, and mitzvos to help one’s fellow man. Which type of mitzvah is more important and takes precedence? The…
The Jewish People are suffering through the servitude of Egypt. After being oppressed and persecuted for an extended period of time, they finally receive a message of redemption: Moshe relays…
The Posuk in Shmos 12:17 says one should guard their matzos. Rashi quotes a Mechilta that says don’t read the word “matzos,” but rather read the word “mitzvos.” The same…
Upon hearing Moshe’s warning of the eighth plague, the plague of locusts, which would destroy all the crops in Egypt that survived the plague of hail, Pharaoh expresses a willingness…
Redemption was well under way as the entire country of Egypt had been ravaged by interminable calamities. Once a superpower capable of supporting the entire planet, the Egyptian empire was…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I love your column. Thanks for writing it! Up until now, I’ve been trying to meet someone the “old fashioned way.” I’d meet people at events,…
Two weeks ago the New York Mets acquired All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland on Thursday. The six-player deal sent infielders Amed Rosario and Andrés…
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 olive oil 1 onion, sliced 6…
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….