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    Jacobson

    PINCHAS: THE MISSION STATEMENT OF JUDAISM “ONE SHEEP YOU SHALL OFFER IN THE MORNING AND THE SECOND SHEEP IN THE AFTERNOON”

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

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    THE INDIGNITY OF INDIFFERENCE

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

    Rabbi Shay Tahan

    RED HEIFER AND RED BLOOD: SIGNS OF THE FINAL REDEMPTION

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

    Rabbi Reuven and Shira Boshnack

    DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

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

    LEBOVITS

    THE “THREE WEEKS”

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

    Screenshot 2024-04-02 133409

    AI AND EMAIL PRIVACY

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

    Joey Haber

    PINCHAS: EXPERIENCING THE NEXT WORLD

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

    Screen Shot 2025-07-15 at 11.32.12 AM

    PASTRAMI BURGERS

    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…

    R' Frand

    PINCHAS: BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

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

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    A THREE WEEK OBJECTIVE

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

    Biderman

    PINCHAS: HASHEM ARRANGES EVERYTHING FOR THE GOOD

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

    Rabbi Moshe Elefant

    KASHRUS QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

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

    R' Eli Mansour

    PARASHAT PINHAS: DRAWING ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE “MISSING” HOLIDAY

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

    CS Jungreis

    SAYING GOODBYE

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

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    THE PULPIT MUST NOT BE A POLITICAL PODIUM…. MOST OF THE TIME

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

    Rabbi Reuven and Shira Boshnack

    DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

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

    LEBOVITS

    THE HALACHOS OF A FAST DAY

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

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    CAN AI BE A MASHGIACH?

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

    Joey Haber

    BALAK: OUR LIVES ARE BLESSED!

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

    R' Frand

    BALAK: A “TENSE” EXCHANGE AND THE LIMITATIONS OF BILAAM’S POWER

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

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    THE SUBJECT OF HISHTADLUS

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

    Biderman

    BALAK: CONCEALED MIRACLES

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

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    OMA’S FAMOUS PANCAKES

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

    Rabbi Moshe Elefant

    KASHRUS QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

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

    R' Eli Mansour

    PARASHAT BALAK: BEING HONEST WITH OURSELVES

    Many years ago, I was learning with a peer in the Deal Synagogue, and we were having an argument regarding the laws of Mukseh on Shabbat. Suddenly, one of the…

    CS Jungreis

    BE LIKE A LION

    In this week’s parsha, we meet Balak, king of Moav. Though he was a king, the Chumash introduces him as Balak, son of Tzipor – sans the title melech, king….

    Jacobson

    BALAK: THE TEMPORARY JEW WHY G-D APPRECIATES TENTS MORE THAN HOMES

    The Sleeper Izzy is sitting in shul one Shabbos morning when he falls asleep and starts to snore. The shul caretaker quickly comes over to him, taps him softly on…

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    Rabbi Shay Tahan

    NEGATIVE PUBLICITY PAYS: USING HATRED FOR PROMOTION

    It’s hard to miss the growing trend among prominent American figures: some who were once clearly pro-Israel have shifted positions and now promote anti-Israel or even antisemitic rhetoric. Others, who…

    PHOTO-2025-07-01-17-17-13

    THANK YOU OFFICER RICHARD PRATTI

    For over a decade, Officer Richard Pratti has been a familiar and trusted presence on Main Street in Woodbourne, managing traffic and building strong connections with the community during its…

    Joey Haber

    CHUKAT: LIFTING PEOPLE UP

    Parashat Hukat tells the famous story of Moshe’s hitting the rock. To briefly review – Beneh Yisrael found themselves without water in the desert, and they argued with Moshe, demanding…

    R' Frand

    CHUKAS: A PERPLEXING FAST DAY

    A Guide To The Perplexing Fast Day Of Erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas The Magen Avraham cites a ‘practice of individuals’ to fast on the Friday prior to the reading of…

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    MAKING YOUR SPOUSE FIRST

    In the Eishes Chayil (Woman of Valor) ballad where our wives are serenaded before Friday night kiddush, we praise them that they are tzofiah halichos beisa, they oversee the ways…

    Biderman

    CHUKAS: TEMIMUS

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

    Rabbi Moshe Elefant

    KASHRUS QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

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

    R' Eli Mansour

    PARASHAT HUKAT: SWEETENING THE BITTERNESS

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

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    ONE PAN CHICKEN AND GNOCCHI DINNER

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

    CS Jungreis

    LESSONS FROM A ROCK

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

    Jacobson

    CHUKAT: CAN I SEE ANXIETY AS AN OPPORTUNITY? 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 off the plane in a free land to begin his…

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    ANTISEMITISM UNCENSORED: LET THEM AND LET US

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

    Rabbi Shay Tahan

    WAKE UP CALL; LAZINESS AT THE BALLOT BOX: HOW MAMDANI GOT ELECTED

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

    Rabbi Reuven and Shira Boshnack

    DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

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

    LEBOVITS

    BATHING ON SHABBOS

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

    Screenshot 2024-04-02 133409

    AI, COPYRIGHT AND HALACHAH

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

    Biderman

    KORACH: PUNISHMENTS FOR MACHLOKES

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

    Rabbi Moshe Elefant

    KASHRUS QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

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

    R' Eli Mansour

    PARASHAT KORACH: KORACH & SISIT

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

    CS Jungreis

    WORD POWER

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

    Jacobson

    WHERE OTHERS SAW THE END, HE SAW THE BEGINNING IN TRIBUTE TO THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE, FOR HIS 31ST YAHRZEIT

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

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    THE TRIUMPH OF ISRAEL AND THE SPIRIT OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE

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

    Rabbi Shay Tahan

    FROM PROPHECY TO REALITY: IRAN, THE WEST, AND THE FINAL CONFLICT

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

    Rabbi Reuven and Shira Boshnack

    DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

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

    Screenshot 2025-06-23 220239

    SHEET PAN CHICKEN WITH CABBAGE, ONIONS AND ZUCCHINI

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

    LEBOVITS

    THE MITZVAH OF CANDLE LIGHTING

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

    Screenshot 2024-04-02 133409

    AIR FORCE BASES IN HALACHAH

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

    Joey Haber

    KORACH: THE STRENGTH TO DO IT ALONE

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

    R' Frand

    PARSHAS KORACH: A PERSON CAN GAIN OR LOSE HIS WORLD IN ONE MOMENT

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

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    THE QUESTION OF CHARITY-GIVING DURING DAVENING

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

    CS Jungreis

    SIMCHAS AND SIRENS

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

    Jacobson

    SHLACH: DANCE TO THE BEAT OF CREATIVITY WHY WERE THE SPIES CONDEMNED FOR REPORTING THE FACTS?

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

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    THE 6/13 STRIKE AGAINST IRAN: ISRAEL’S MODERN-DAY MIRACLE

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

    Rabbi Shay Tahan

    NATION RISES LIKE A LION — WHO SHALL STAND BEFORE IT?

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

    Rabbi Reuven and Shira Boshnack

    DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

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

    LEBOVITS

    THE UPSHERIN

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

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    WHEN TO ATTACK IRAN

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

    Screenshot 2025-06-17 062430

    BLUEBERRY LEMON LOAF

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

    Joey Haber

    SHELACH: HOW WE SEE WHAT WE SEE

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

    R' Frand

    SHLACH: MESSAGE OF THE YUD

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

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    A SUMMER WARNING

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

    Biderman

    SHELACH: YETZER HARA – AN ILLUSION

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

    Rabbi Moshe Elefant

    KASHRUS QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

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

    R' Eli Mansour

    PARASHAT SHELEAH: STAYING FOCUSED ON THE ETERNAL

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

    Rabbi Shay Tahan

    WHEN THE PRESIDENT IS MOCKED, THE TORAH SPEAKS

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

    Rabbi Reuven and Shira Boshnack

    DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

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

    LEBOVITS

    RESPECTING A SEFER TORAH

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

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    ARE INTERFAITH CHAPELS KOSHER?

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

    Joey Haber

    BEHALOTKHA: WHEN EVERYONE ELSE IS MAKING A SPLASH

    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…

    R' Frand

    BEHAALOSCHA: TWO APPROACHES FOR STAYING ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT MITZVOS

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

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    ONE PAN JAMBALAYA

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

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A MINHAG

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

    Biderman

    BEHA’ALOSCHA: STOP COMPLAINING!

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

    Rabbi Moshe Elefant

    KASHRUS QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

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

    R' Eli Mansour

    PARASHAT BE’HA’ALOTECHA: MOSHE’S EXTRAORDINARY HUMILITY

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

    CS Jungreis

    THE SUPER-SPECIALIST

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

    Jacobson

    BEHAALOSCHA: EVERY CHILD NEEDS A MIRIAM A SINGLE GESTURE TOWARD A BABY REVERBERATES THROUGHOUT HISTORY

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

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    I LOVE YOUR EARRINGS

    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…

    Screenshot 2024-04-02 133409

    MY LENIENCY AND YOUR STRINGENCY

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

    Joey Haber

    NASO: TORAH COMES FIRST

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

    R' Frand

    PARSHAS NASO: ACHIEVING SANCTITY

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

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    INVESTING IN “H-LL INSURANCE”

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

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    TIPS FOR A SWEETER AND MORE PRODUCTIVE SUMMER

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

    Biderman

    NASO: KABBALOS TOVOS

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

    Rabbi Moshe Elefant

    KASHRUS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

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

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    HONEY MUSTARD BARBECUE FLANKEN

    INGREDIENTS: 6-8 strips of flanken meat 3 to 4 Yukon gold potatoes cut into cubes 2 leeks using only the white part sliced them 10 cloves of garlic Sauce One…

    R' Eli Mansour

    PARASHAT NASO: WE ALL HAVE AN IMPORTANT JOB TO DO

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

    CS Jungreis

    TO BLESS AND BE BLESSED

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

    Jacobson

    NASO: HARMONY, EXPULSION, FRUSTRATION DON’T GET FRUSTRATED BY YOUR FRUSTRATION

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

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    DO THEY SEE OUR SOUNDS?

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

    Rabbi Shay Tahan

    WHEN WISDOM ROTS AND VILENESS REIGNS: TORAH INSIGHTS INTO THE MORAL COLLAPSE OF ELITE INSTITUTIONS

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

    Rabbi Reuven and Shira Boshnack

    DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

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

    LEBOVITS

    THE HALACHOS AND KASHRUS OF CHOCOLATE

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

    images

    SHABBOS KESTENBAUM: HARVARD GRAD, JEWISH ADVOCATE, AND KIDNEY DONOR MAKING WAVES NATIONWIDE

    Shabbos Kestenbaum is quickly emerging as one of the most compelling young voices in the American Jewish community — a rare blend of intellect, activism, and personal courage. Raised in…

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    A CENTRAL THEME OF SHAVUOS

    Shavuos is the celebration of the great gift of the Torah that Hashem continues to give us. The Rambam, in Hilchos Chanukah, says that the central theme of the Torah…

    Biderman

    SHAVUOUS: THE JOY OF MATAN TORAH

    Chazal (Pesachim 68:) say, “All opinions agree that one needs to enjoy [good food] on Shavuos because on this day the Torah was given to the Jewish nation.” Rashi explains,…

    Rabbi Moshe Elefant

    SHAVUOS KASHRUS QUESTIONS WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT FROM THE OU

    Is one allowed to have dairy meals on Yom Tov? When the Beis Hamikdash stood, the mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov (Rejoicing on Yom Tov) was fulfilled by partaking of…

    R' Eli Mansour

    SHAVUOT- THE CHALLENGE – AND REWARDS – OF TORAH COMMITMENT

    Tradition teaches that the souls of all Jews who would ever live until the end of time were present at Mount Sinai when the Torah was given. This concept actually…

    shavuot

    UNDER THE MOON

    Shavuos is in the air. Z’man mattan Torahseinu. The Yom Tov we celebrate the giving of the Torah. Our receiving the Aseres HaDibros, Ten Commandments to live by. Commandments that…

    Jacobson

    ENTERING INTO THE WILDERNESS THE FEEL-GOOD JUDAISM OF THE MODERN JEW

    The Desert What was the significance of the fact that Torah was given in a wilderness, in a barren and infertile desert, not in a civilized terrain, nor on soil…

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    WHAT THEY’LL NEVER UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE JEWS

    Chaim Lindenbaum, a 77-year-old man from Haifa, was diagnosed with aggressive leukemia in 2022. Doctors said the grandfather could only survive with a life- saving bone marrow transplant. Dr. Daniel…

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    SPECIAL SHAVUOS RECIPES:

    FOCACCIA INGREDIENTS: FOR DOUGH 1 tbsp active dry yeast 2 tbsp sugar 1 1/2 -2 cups lukewarm water 4 cups flour 1 tbsp salt 4 tbsp olive oil FOR THE…

    Rabbi Shay Tahan

    SAY CHEESE: HALACHIC CLARITY FOR SHAVUOT DAIRY DELIGHTS

    As Shavuot approaches—a time when dairy foods take center stage on many Jewish tables—it’s important to review the relevant halachot that often arise during this yom tov. From the proper…

    Rabbi Reuven and Shira Boshnack

    DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

    Dear Rabbi and Shira , Hi. I’m not sure what to do. I’m having a culinary crisis. My Hatan, (Chosson for your Ashkenazi readers,) cannot stand Morrocan Fish, nor does…

    LEBOVITS

    EATING DAIRY ON SHAVUOS

    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…

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    CAN AI WRITE A SEFER?

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

    Joey Haber

    BAMIDBAR: LET’S DIVE INTO TORAH!!

    Is it ok for a husband not to enjoy running the errands that his wife sends him on? Is it enough to get them done, even if he does so…

    R' Frand

    SHAVOUS: ANONYMOUS JEWS PRODUCE REDEEMERS

    Megillas Rus begins with the narration that a man from Bethlehem in Yehudah went to live in the fields of Moav, because of the famine in Eretz Yisrael. Chazal, our…

    R' Eli Mansour

    PARASHAT BEHUKOTAI: THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR KNOWLEDGE

    The opening verses of Parashat Behukotai describe the beautiful blessings that G-d promises to bestow upon Beneh Yisrael in reward for their compliance with the Torah’s laws. The Torah introduces…

    CS Jungreis

    LIVE THE MESSAGE

    Parshas Behar… The mountain…. Har Sinai… Mount Sinai. As Shavuos is approaching, the lessons of Sinai are ever so relevant and meaningful. The parsha opens with HaShem speaking to Moshe…

    Jacobson

    BECHUKOSAI: THE FIGHTER STILL REMAINS ARE YOU STILL THE CHOSEN PEOPLE?

    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…

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    A PLANE WITH STRINGS ATTACHED: WHEN A GIFT IS NOT A GIMME

    Heads turned last week at the news that President Trump is planning to accept a $400 million luxury plane, as a gift from the Qatari government, to serve as Air…

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    ONE BITE OF A MITZVAH – WHAT DAVE PORTNOY GOT WRONG

    Dave Portnoy is a s u c c e s s f u l businessman with a large following online. He sold the company he founded, Barstool Sports, for $500…

    Rabbi Shay Tahan

    BEFORE THE INK DRIED: TRACING THE TORAH’S JOURNEY FROM SPEECH TO SCRIPT

    The reading of Parashat Behar comes at a perfect time, just before Shavuot. The first Rashi teaches us how the Torah was given to our nation, offering many insights into…

    Rabbi Reuven and Shira Boshnack

    DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

    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….

    LEBOVITS

    KRIAH UPON SEEING YERUSHALAYIM AND THE KOSEL HAMARAVI

    In Order to Live We live in world today where it is very hard to real- ize what we are missing by not having the Bais Hamikdosh around. We get…

    Screenshot 2024-04-02 133409

    CAN YOU TEACH TORAH TO AI?

    The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) raises new and sometimes unexpected halachic questions. Among them is whether it is permissible to teach Torah to an AI. On the one…

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    SPECIAL SHAVUOS RECIPES:

    BAKED COD WITH LEMON & CAPERS INGREDIENTS: 4 cod fillets, each 6 ounces 1 lemon 1 teaspoon chicken-flavored soup consume powder 1 cup hot tap water 1 tablespoon butter, softened…

    Joey Haber

    BECHUKOTAI: WORKING INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING

    There is a halachah which, at first glance, does not seem to have any practical relevance to us, but in truth, as the Vilna Gaon explained, conveys a vitally important…

    R' Frand

    BEHAR BECHUKOSAI: MISERY LOVES COMPANY

    Parshas Behar contains both the mitzvah of the Shmitah [Sabbatical] year and the mitzvah of the Yovel [Jubilee] year. The Yovel year follows seven of the seven- year Shmitah cycles….

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    WHY IS SHAVUOS DIFFERENT

    As we draw nearer to the conclusion of our countdown of sefira, our thoughts are turning more and more to the culmination of these seven weeks of waiting, namely Shavuos….

    Biderman

    BECHUKOSAI: “THE PREPARATION FOR A MITZVAH IS GREATER THAN THE MITZVAH.”

    Tzaddikim said that the preparation for a mitzvah is greater than the performance of the mitzvah. Proof of this concept is that Chazal (Tanchuma, Emor 2) tell us that the…

    Rabbi Moshe Elefant

    SHAVUOS KASHRUS QUESTIONS WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT FROM THE OU

    Is one allowed to have dairy meals on Yom Tov? When the Beis Hamikdash stood, the mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov (Rejoicing on Yom Tov) was fulfilled by partaking of…

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    LAG B’OMER & GRATITUDE

    Years ago, someone gave me a Tony Robbins cd to listen to. I was excited to hear what one of the most inspirational people of modern times would have to…

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    CALLED UP YET AGAIN

    This past week, tens of thousands in Israel received the message from the IDF that they are being called up, yet again, not for a few days, but for several…

    Rabbi Shay Tahan

    ELOKAI, RABBI SHIMON: UNDERSTANDING THE CONTROVERSY

    The following article addresses an issue raised regarding a popular song about Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, often sung on Lag BaOmer. As with previous articles—such as the discussion on the…

    Rabbi Reuven and Shira Boshnack

    DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

    Dear Rabbi and Shira, I started dating a wonderful man in the autumn and things were all falling into place. I was so excited for our future to begin together….

    LEBOVITS

    LAG BAOMER

    Lag B’omer 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…

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    AI COMPANIONS: ETHICAL AND HALACHIC REFLECTIONS

    Recent technological developments have enabled the creation of increasingly lifelike AI-powered companions, ranging from chatbots to humanoid robots. As usual, technology continues to progress without consideration of ethics. While these…

    Joey Haber

    EMOR: PREPARING OUR KIDS FOR LIFE’S BURDENS

    The Mishnah in Pirkeh Avot (3:5) cites the following teaching from Rabbi Nehunya Ben Ha’kaneh: Whoever accepts upon himself the yoke of Torah – the yoke of the government and…

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    LAG BA’OMER CAMP FIRE CAKE

    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 bon res and activities this year…

    R' Frand

    PARSHAS EMOR: A TALMID CHACHAM OF CHILUL HASHEM

    Chofetz Chaim to His Son: “To Create A Chilul Hashem, You Are Enough of A Talmid Chochom” The Rambam (1135- 1204) in his Sefer HaMitzvos (Negative Commandment #63) defines three…

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    THE HARSH LESSON OF THE DEATH OF THE TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND TALMIDEI REBBI AKIVA

    Lag b’Omer marks the conclusion of the time period of the tragic deaths of the twenty-four thousand holy talmidim of Rebbi Akiva. This horrific tragedy even trumps the mourning period…

    Biderman

    REDEEMING US FROM PUNISHMENT

    The Gemara (Succah 45:) states: Reb Shimon bar Yochai said, “I can free all people from judgment [that they won’t be punished for their aveiros]. Together with the merits of…

    Rabbi Moshe Elefant

    KASHRUS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

    How does one determine what bracha to make on a product? If it’s not obvious, you have to know the ingredients that are used to make the product and you…

    R' Eli Mansour

    PARASHAT EMOR: THE OMER AND THE MANNA

    The Torah in Parashat Emor introduces the Misva of the Korban Ha’omer – the special sacrifice which was offered on the 16th of Nissan, the second day of Pesach. This…

    CS Jungreis 5.11

    THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM

    Ever think it’s too late…. I can’t start over again… how do I even begin? Rabbi Akiva teaches us otherwise. Rabbi Akiva was an uneducated shepherd, who at age forty…

    Jacobson

    LAG B’OMER: THE QUANTUM MECHANICS OF JUDAISM WHAT IS KABBALAH? WHAT IS CHASSIDUS?

    In the Beginning A man comes to the psychiatrist, shouting that he is in dire need of help. The psychiatrist attempts to calm him down but to no avail. The…

    LEBOVITS

    CUSTOMS DURING SEFIRA PART 1

    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…

    Screenshot 2024-04-02 133409

    AI, GOLEM AND FRANKENSTEIN’S MONSTER

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

    Joey Haber

    AHAREH-MOT: YOU COME FIRST!

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

    R' Frand

    ACHAREI MOS/KEDOSHIM: HASHEM AS OUR FATHER

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

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    MAKING FRIENDS – A LOOK BACK AT LAST WEEK’S PARSHA

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

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    THE GREAT TREASURE OF PIRKEI AVOS

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

    Biderman

    ACHAREI MOS: FOR THE GOOD

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

    Rabbi Moshe Elefant

    THE LAWS OF HAFRASHAS CHALLAH WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT / OU

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

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    WINGS

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

    R' Eli Mansour

    PARASHAT AHARAE-MOT: AVOIDING JEALOUSY

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

    CS Jungreis

    BETTER NOT BITTER

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

    Jacobson

    ACHAREI MOT: A REBBE’S BLESSING TO ELI WIESEL THE COURAGE TO START ALL OVER

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

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    MOTHER’S DAY WITH SENSITIVITY FOR THOSE NOT YET MOTHERS

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

    Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

    MEETING WITH BEN-GVIR

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

    Rabbi Shay Tahan

    BURNING QUESTIONS: SHABBAT ON FIRE AND THE MODERN DILEMMA

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

    Rabbi Reuven and Shira Boshnack

    DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

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

    Screen Shot 2025-04-29 at 5.27.0

    ITAMAR BEN-GVIR VISITS THE U.S. —AND SHAKES THINGS UP IN BROOKLYN AND BEYOND

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

    R' Frand

    TAZRIA METZORAH: A BLIND KOHEN CAN

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

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    DON’T DELAY

    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…

    Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss

    THE GREAT TREASURE OF PIRKEI AVOS

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

    Biderman

    TAZRIA: BITACHON WITH CONFIDENCE

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

    Rabbi Moshe Elefant

    KASHRUS QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

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

    R' Eli Mansour

    PARASHAT TAZRIA-MESORA: REVEALING OUR HIDDEN TREASURES

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

    CS Jungreis

    TMI

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

    Jacobson