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

Everything that will take place this year was already decreed on Rosh Hashanah, so why daven? There are many different approaches to answer this question, and many of them are…

I. Undistinguished Fathers A chazzan who leads the synagogue services represents the community before G-d, so halachah asks more of him than a good voice. Ideally he should be righteous,…

The “highlight,” so-to- speak, of the Rosh Hashanah prayers is the sounding of the shofar. In all, 100 sounds are blown over the course of the prayer service on Rosh…

Parshas Vayelech contains the six hundred and thirteenth mitzvah of the Torah – the commandment to write a Sefer Torah [Devorim 31:19]. The Pnei Yehoshua cites in his commentary on…

As we get closer and closer to Rosh HaShanah, the day that our fate and the fates of our loved ones are decided, I would like to share with my…

The Rambam describes the various steps of teshuvah: “What is teshuvah? One must leave sin… and sincerely decide that he won’t do this sin again… He must regret … and…

Since honey is produced by bees, and bees are not a kosher species, how can honey be kosher? That’s a great question which is in the Gemarah. The Gemarah says…

CROCKPOT HONEY BALSAMIC BRISKET 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…

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aharon, took the drum in her hand, and all of the women followed her with drums and dances. Shemos 15:20 Introduction A number…

Our lives – and the lives of our children – depend on it After describing the choice between “life and good” and “death and evil,” Moshe urges the Jewish people,…

The Gemara (Rosh Hashanah 11a) lists several events that occurred on the date of Rosh Hashanah, the first of Tishreh. These include Sara conceiving with a child at the age…

Israel, June 1982. The First Lebanon War. It is also known as Operation Peace in the Galilee – Shalom HaGalil, for it was fought with the hope to protect the…

The Scroll This week’s parsha (Vayalech) relates the dramatic events that transpired during Moshe’s last day on earth. Among the many things he did on that fateful day was committing…

A fascinating debate broke out online last week over a question that sounds semantic but is actually profound. Though it wasn’t framed this way, to me, the question being debated…

In this generation- the generation of the Geula, we are witnessing a remarkable and blessed phenomenon, one that would have been difficult to imagine only a few years ago. Increasing…

A member of the Jewish community in Minneapolis once brought me to give a speech in that community, and the man who picked me up at the airport was none…

It’s a Mitzvah to be Happy This week’s parsha contains the mitzvah of bringing one’s first fruits (Bikurim) to Jerusalem. The farmer must thank G-d for the bounty with which…

Every morning in Elul, the call of the shofar reminds us to use this special time wisely and fully. The Yeitzer Hara adroitly keeps us distracted with the still lazy…

The Torah discusses the mitzvah of going to the Beis HaMikdash to proclaim there that you kept all the mitzvos of terumah and maasar etc. At this time, one says,…

What is preferable? To wake up early and recite Selichos before dawn (a.k.a. alos hashachar, which is 72 minutes before sunrise), or to stay up late and recite Selichos after…

Parashat Ki-Tabo begins with the Misva of Bikkurim – the obligation upon a farmer to bring the first fruits that ripen to the Bet Ha’mikdash and present them to a…

This week’s parsha, Ki Savo, tells of the mitzva of bikurim, the giving of the first fruits to the Kohein. “Ki savo el ha’aretz…, When you enter the land that…

Make a Confession! I want to achieve an ambitious goal with this essay: I want to bring back confession to Judaism. People attribute confession to Catholicism; they think it is…

One day in 2022, Azriel was minding his own business when he got a call from Charlotte. She introduced herself as the president of Congregation Anshei Shalom, a large Conservative…

INGREDIENTS: 2.5-3 lbs boneless flanken roast 1 large onion, chopped 2-3 Yukon gold Potatoes, chopped Sauce 1/2 c bbq sauce 1/4 c honey 1 tbsp mustard Salt & Pepper Garlic…

It sounds almost like something from a bizarre movie: a prison surrounded by trenches filled with crocodiles. Yet this is precisely the unusual security proposal being advanced by Israel’s National…

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

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…

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aharon, took the drum in her hand, and all of the women followed her with drums and dances. Shemos 15:20 Introduction Singing Shabbos…

Before bidding farewell, Moshe Rabbeinu delivers the tochacha, a warning of all the horrific curses and tragedies that will befall the Jewish people should they fail in their religious responsibilities….

I. Guests and Leftovers At weddings, we serve a tremendous amount of food. Between the smorgasbord, the different courses and dessert, guests are offered more food than most can eat….

Parashat Ki-Tetzeh presents the law regarding a Ben Sorer U’Moreh– “wayward child.” This is a 13-year- old boy who not only disobeys his parents, but goes far beyond that –…

Unusual Spelling Calls Out For Our Attention This week’s parsha contains the mitzvah of sending away the mother bird prior to taking her chicks or eggs [22:6-7] (Shiluach HaKen). According…

As precious days of Elul are already slipping away, we really want to utilize this special time in the best way that we can. I would like to offer my…

One of the mitzvos of this week’s parashah is (22:10), “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.” Rashi writes that this prohibition applies to all species….

Checking Eggs for Blood Spots – What is the issue with checking eggs for blood spots? If I buy a package of eggs which is certified kosher, is this necessary?…

The Torah in Parashat Ki-Teseh introduces the subject of the Ben Sorer U’moreh – the “wayward son.” This is a delinquent 13-year-old child, whose delinquency manifests itself particularly in addictive…

Back to school. Are we up to that already? Where did the summer go? Do I spy school supplies on the store shelves? From backpacks to school shoes, we are…

Why Death? The law in this week’s parsha concerning a wayward son seems absurd and horrific. “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey the…

I receive a lot of shidduch refer- ence calls and people ask all kinds of questions. Is he kind? Is she easygoing? Is he a serious learner? Is she growth-oriented?…

This week’s parshah, Ki Tetse, teaches an inspiring lesson in emunah, one that can be particularly uplifting for anyone struggling with challenges or difficult circumstances. The Torah says: “When you…

INGREDIENTS: Dijon mustard Mince a few cloves of fresh garlic Chop some sprigs of fresh rosemary Olive oil Salt and pepper *Combine and shmear all over the meat DIRECTIONS: Do…

I don’t know what to do! I’m dating a guy who I totally adore his personality but cannot deal with his disorderliness. I come from a family where everything thing…

There is a well-known custom to recite L’Dovid Hashem Ori, the 27th chapter of Tehillim, from the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul until after Sukkos. What is the source…

I. Ferries on Shabbos There have been times in history when Jewish communities have settled on different sides of a river. The question arose whether people could cross the river…

On all of your offerings you shall bring salt. Vayikra 2:13 Introduction In today’s day and age, it is common for observant Jews to have separate ovens, sinks, and other…

Friendship is not like chicken soup One of the many, many mitzvos in Parshas Ki Seitzei is the prohibition against mistreating a person of Egyptian descent. The Torah provides a…

MI KAMOCHA YISRAEL! This is a story that I simply had to share. Last Friday morning, after I finished davening Shacharis, I turned on my phone and saw a hilarious bit about…

The pesukim with Rashi’s commentary in Parashas Shoftim describe the terrifying experience Bnei Yisroel may encounter when they go to war against their enemy. Rashi (20:3) writes, “[The opposing army]…

The King’s Torah’s In this week’s parsha, Shoftim, the Torah teaches us a fascinating mitzvah concerning every Jewish King: 18 And it will be, when he sits upon his royal…

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…

As summer draws to a close, many people take advantage of the remaining days to travel, go on vacation, and enjoy meals at restaurants before returning to their regular routines….

And Tzipporah took a sharp stone and cut off her son’s foreskin and cast it at his feet. Shemos 4:25 Introduction Although the Torah records that Tzipporah gave her son…

There is a well-known custom to recite L’Dovid Hashem Ori, the 27th chapter of Tehillim, from the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul until after Sukkos. What is the source…

In 2001, Indra Nooyi was named president of PepsiCo. Five years later, she would be promoted to CEO and, in 2007, she would become chairman of the company as well….

The Torah in Parashat Shoftim (18:15) introduces the command to obey the instructions of a prophet. Once someone has been confirmed as an authentic prophet, the Torah commands, “Elav Tishma’un”…

As we begin the month of Elul – the month when we are to introspect and make an effort to grow and improve – it is worth paying close attention…

INGREDIENTS: 2 1lb packages of red beets 1/2 large white onion 1/3 c honey 2 Tbsp white vinegar Salt to taste DIRECTIONS: Dice your beets. Thinly slice the onion. Add…

Dreams are a common part of daily life to which the Talmudic Sages attribute great importance. However, on a more careful look, we find conflicting thoughts about dreams in the…

The Following Words of Exhortation Apply to YOU! In this week’s Parsha we learn of the Command to appoint a King [Devarim 14:15-20]. This is one of 3 mitzvos that…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, We truly enjoy reading your weekly column in The Jewish Vues and appreciate the balanced advice you consistently provide. I struggle with the expectation that the…

It’s the worst aveirah in the entire Torah – at least according to our mothers and morahs. Bal Tashchis, the prohibition against being wasteful, appears in Parshas Shoftim in the…

This week, we read parshas Shoftim. It speaks of the obligation to appoint honest, ethical and moral judges. Recently, I read an article by Eli Albrecht, a DC-based lawyer. He…

What a difference a word makes! Parshas Re’eh opens on an intense note: There will be blessing for following Hashem’s mitzvos, and a curse for defying them. But there is…

A segulah for parnassah and financial success is to give maasar, 1/10th of one’s earnings, to tzedakah. It states (14:22) aser te’aser, and the Gemara (Taanis 9.) states, aser b’shvil…

How significant is the fire at the AgriStar facility, and how will it affect the kosher community? As you may have heard, this past week the OU Kosher-certified AgriStar facility…

The Torah in Parashat Re’eh commands us to give charity. It instructs that when there is a person in need, “you shall surely give to him, and your heart shall…

It was a beautiful June day several years ago. A friend and I drove to the Catskills to open our summer homes for the season. When I arrived, it looked…

David Goldberg bumps into somebody in the street who looks like his old friend Jack. “Jack,” he says. “You’ve put on weight and your hair has turned gray. You seem…

Death is a highly uncomfortable and awkward subject. As a result, most people do all they can to avoid the subject altogether. While we would prefer to see ourselves as…

Summertime is the perfect season to beat the heat by taking a refreshing plunge in the pool. But when Shabbat rolls around, things get a bit more complicated. Can we…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, We truly enjoy reading your weekly column in The Jewish Vues and appreciate the balanced advice you consistently provide. I struggle with the expectation that the…

DIRECTIONS: This is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. For the salad, you can really put anything you want in it. I use some Romaine lettuce, both green…

In recent weeks, we have become aware of various campaigns encouraging people to accept kabbalos to strengthen the sanctity of our shuls. Some campaigns focus on refraining from talking during…

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

The first pasuk of Parashat Re’eh teaches us how to look at each day of our lives: Re’eh Anochi Noten Lifneichem Hayom Bracha U’klalah See that I am placing before…

“For you shall surely open your hand to him.” (Devarim 15:8) First, the Torah tells us (15:7), “If there be a pauper among you, one of your brethren, in one…

In the second parsha of Krias Shema, we say at least twice daily, “V’haya im shamo’a tishma’u el mitzvosai – And it will be if you (plural) listen to My…

And you shall make a laver of copper and a copper stand for washing. Shemos 30:18 Introduction Throughout the generations, both men and women have had the practice of wearing…

This week marks the 10th yahrtzeit of the legendary Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis a”h, a woman whose powerful voice, unwavering faith, and unconditional love for every Jew transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands around the…

The Jewish community is mourning the passing of Holocaust survivor Mr. David Einhorn z”l, who was niftar just days after being surrounded by hundreds of family members, friends, community leaders, and admirers at a magnificent celebration…

Dozens of Federal, State and local elected officials and community leaders came together at Camp HASC in a bi-partisan show of support for an informative and uplifting day of education, conversation, networking…

Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be lengthened on the land that Hashem your G-d gives to you. Shemos 20:11 The Source The obligation to…

How much of life is really in our control? We spend an incredible amount of time worrying about things we cannot control, while often neglecting the one area that is…

Moshe’s Wealth In this week’s parsha, Eikev, Moshe recounts the dramatic tale of how, following the Revelation at Sinai, G-d carved out Two Luchot, engraved them with the Ten Commandments,…

Rav Pam (Ateres Avraham, Chayei Sar- ah) quotes Rabbeinu Bachya, who instructs us that when looking for a spouse we should not place an overem- phasis on looks, money or…

As the weather rapidly gets hotter, people tend to spend more time traveling, camping, or simply sitting in their backyard gardens. However, it’s not just people who come out when…

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

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…

War is full of tragedy. Soldiers, civilians, society — nothing remains the same. People suffer injury, loss, death and displacement. Israelis today are experiencing not just war but trauma from…

INGREDIENTS: 3 lbs spare ribs 1 chopped onion 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup of ketchup 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon hot sauce DIRECTIONS: I…

Parashat Ekev begins by promising great reward for observing the mitzvot: Vehaya Ekev Tishmaun… It shall be that as a result of your heeding these laws…Hashem will keep for You…

The One Who feeds you manna in the desert…in order to test you. (Devarim 8:16) Everyone knows that life is a test. We struggle to make a living, to raise…

The great Rav Shlomo Efraim ben Aharon Luntschitz, zt”l, zy”a, was the author of the famous commentary called Kli Yakar which graces almost every edition of the Mikra’os Gedolos Chumash….

Many people have the custom to say the perek (Tehillim 91 Yoshev Beseser Elyon after lighting Chanukah lecht. The Birchas Avraham zt’l of Slonim, who had this custom, explained to…

Does one need to tovel electric appliances? There are many different appliances; there is no one rule. For example, an urn should be toiveled. Obviously, after you toivel an urn,…

Parashat Ekeb includes the second paragraph of our daily Shema recitation (“Ve’haya Im Shamo’a”), in which the Torah promises that G-d would reward our observance of the Misvot with material…

As the debate over making Daylight Saving Time permanent continues, much of the discussion in the Jewish world has focused on the burden it would place on religious communities, particularly…

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aharon, took the drum in her hand, and all of the women followed her with drums and dances. Shemos 15:20 Introduction Singing Shabbos…

What exactly is so comforting about Shabbos Nachamu? We have just completed a painful three-week journey, culminating in Tisha B’Av, as we tried to internalize how much we have lost…

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

The Mitzvah There is a great mitzvah for one to be involved with making shidduchim between a boy and girl. Hashem was the first shadchan in the world who made…

As we discussed previously, on July 28, 1876 — 150 years ago — the Prussian parliament (part of the broader German legislative system at the time) passed a law allowing…

The Mishnah in Masechet Ta’anit (26b) describes how Tu B’Av – the 15th of the month of Av – was an especially joyous occasion, a day when shidduchim were made….

“And you shall not covet your fellow’s wife, you shall not desire your fellow’s house, his field, his slave, his maidservant, his ox, his donkey, or anything that belongs to…

Shabbos Nachamu is even more special for me than most people as it’s my Bar Mitzvah parsha. I remember how 55 years ago my parents hosted a magnificent kiddush in…

INGREDIENTS: 2 to 3 pounds of ground meat 4-5 cloves of freshly chopped garlic One bunch of chopped fresh parsley 2 teaspoons of Baharat spice Cinnamon sticks DIRECTIONS: These are…

Shabbos Nachamu An ancient sefer (written by an Italian gadol) called Sefer Minhag Tov, writes, “It is a good custom not to take a haircut before erev Shabbos Nachamu, and…

Sherry Casks: Can you please explain? Sherry is a type of wine. Wine is a very sensitive ingredient when it comes to Kashrus. There are some scotches, particularly single malt…

The Torah in Parashat Vaet’hanan (4:2) introduces the prohibitions known as “Bal Tosif” and “Bal Tigra” – adding onto the Torah’s laws and detracting from the Torah’s laws. Rashi explains…

Last week, wildfire smoke took over the skies in the US Northeast. It was eerie. The sun turn apocalyptic red. What was a vibrant blue sky, with puffs of white…

Yosef Vs. Moshe “G-d became angry with me because of you, and He did not listen to me,” Moshe states in the beginning of this week’s parsha (Vaeschanan). “G-d said…

After rising for many years, the divorce rate in the United States today is lower than it was a decade ago. But before you celebrate, the reason is not because…

I. Secession and Authority On July 28, 1876 — 150 years ago — the Prussian parliament passed a law allowing secession from a Jewish community without formally renouncing affiliation with…

One of the prohibitions that apply on Tishah B’Av is that we do not wear normal shoes. In the olden days, people would walk about barefoot on Tishah B’Av, whereas…

Once, as I was giving a class about the halachot of Tishah B’Av, I mentioned the law regarding work on this day – that Halachah permits working on Tishah B’Av,…

You shall not light a fire in all of your settlements on the Shabbos day. Shemos 35:3 Introduction Occasionally, one may find himself as a Shabbos guest in the home…

It’s easy to accuse someone else of being defensive. It is no coincidence that Parshas Devarim is always read on the Shabbos before Tisha B’Av, as Moshe recounts the tragedy…

The idea was good in my eyes. (1:23) Parashas Devarim begins with Moshe rabbeinu reviewing the main events that occurred in the 39 years since the Jewish People left Har…

As we observe the traditional and sad routine of the Nine Days, abstaining from the pleasures of music, meat, wine and swimming, we remember the recent horrific destruction of the…

The Shabbos before Tisha b’Av is called Shabbos Chazon because the haftarah begins with the words Chazon Yeshayahu, “Yeshayahu’s vision.” Nevertheless, the name is surprising because why should we name…

Beginning Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha B’Av (the Nine Days) the custom of Ashkenazim is not to eat meat or drink wine, in remembrance of the destruction of the…

In the famous Haftara of “Hazon Yeshayahu” (Yeshayahu, chapter 1) which is read on the Shabbat before Tisha B’Ab, the prophet bemoans the fact that although the people have been…

PEACH AND BURRATA SALAD DIRECTIONS: When it’s so hot outside, no one wants to cook. This peach and burrata salad is the epitome of all summer salads. Using delicious, seasonal…

“Aileh hadevarim, These are the words that Moshe spoke to all of Yisroel…” (Devarim 1:1) Aileh, these are the words. Aileh has a gematria, a numerical value of thirty-six (aleph=1;…

Willpower A woman is leaving her multimillion- dollar mansion in Beverly Hills when a poor man approaches her and cries, “Oh ma’am, I haven’t eaten in three days.” To which…

I still remember vividly one of the strangest ads I have ever seen. When I was much younger, a restaurant in my neighborhood was promoting its special menu for the…

As temperatures continue to rise and scorching summer heat settles in, many of us find ourselves preparing for Shabbat with a new set of practical questions. How should we use…

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

In this issue we will discuss the halachos that apply to the nine days. During the nine days we are not allowed to do many more actions than those that…

We are now in the middle of the period called Bein HaMetzarim, known more commonly as the Three Weeks. As a nation, we mourn the destruction of our two Holy…

Chazal (Eichah Rabba 4:14) say that the Churban was very beneficial for Klal Yisrael because “Hashem poured out his anger on wood and stone,” and not on His holy nation,…

Are medications like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss permitted according to halacha? In Maseches Bava Kama, we learn that a person is prohibited from causing harm to another individual,…

And Avraham hurried to the tent to Sarah, and he said, quickly bring three sa’ah of fine flour, knead it and make loaves. Bereishis 18:6 Hilchos Berachos are extremely important…

Torah and anger are mutually exclusive After the war against Midyan, Bnei Yisrael were taught the laws of kashering keilim. Surprisingly, Moshe Rabbeinu does not teach these halachos. Instead, Elazar…

We read in Parashat Matot of the request made by the tribes of Reuven and Gad to permanently settle in the region east of the Jordan River. Beneh Yisrael had…

My mother, Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis a”h, was shul rebbetzin, Torah teacher, and mentor to countless. She was known for her listening ear, sage advice and kind heart. Many would turn…

The Old Man Arnold had reached the age of 105 and suddenly stopped going to synagogue. Worried by Arnold’s absence after so many years of faithful attendance, his rabbi went…

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

INGREDIENTS: Chicken cut in 1/8ths 1 large onion, sliced 1/3 cup pomegranate molasses 2 tbsp silan 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp olive oil Salt and…

With profound sorrow and aching hearts, the IVDU family joins together in mourning the sudden and heartbreaking passing of our beloved principal, Mrs. Chavie Kahn, ה“ע. The news has left…

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

In Order to Live We need to eat and drink in order to live. After eating and drinking, waste must be expelled. We must have the proper approach to the…

I. Peace and Religious Crisis We live in an age of polarization, of partisan conflict and cancellation. We need to overcome these divisions through unity and peace. Jewish tradition holds…

Parashat Matot tells of the tribes of Reuven and Gad, who came to Moshe and asked his permission to permanently settle in Ever Ha’Yarden, the area east of the Jordan…

“The assembly shall rescue the killer from the hand of the avenger of the blood, and the assembly shall return him to the city of refuge where he had fled;…

Parashat Pinhas begins with Hashem announcing the reward that would be given to Pinhas, the grandson of Aharon, who save Beneh Yisrael during the tragic incident of Ba’al Pe’or. The…

Parashat Pinhas tells the story of Benot Selofhad – the five daughters of a man named Selofhad, who died in the wilderness leaving behind only these five daughters, without any…

June, graduation season. At my granddaughter’s graduation, the principal, Mrs. Jacobs, addressed the graduates with a chassidic tale. She told of a man who went to his rebbe with a…

The Verse that Says It All A fascinating Midrash credits an isolated verse in this week’s parsha, Pinchas, encapsulating the quintessence of Judaismm. The Midrash quotes four opinions as to…

Looking around the country today, the America we Jews have come to know, appreciate, and love is becoming increasingly unrecognizable. While this may have been true the last several years…

And you shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell among you. Shemos 25:8 Introduction There is a long-standing practice to permit eating in shul. Many shuls have…

When Will I See Results? One of the topics in our parashah is the request of Bnos Tzelafchad to receive a portion in Eretz Yisrael. The story is introduced with…

In the midst of recent events, a fascinating debate emerged regarding the relationship between the United States and Israel. The President of the United States declared that without America, there…

Hi! I love reading your column. So, here’s my story. I’ve been married for five months. My wife is kind, considerate, and appreciative. We work long hours and enjoy our…

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….

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 taspoon…

Twelve score and ten years ago, on July 4, 1776, the United States of America was declared with the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence. At its most basic…

The pasuk in this week’s parsha says, “Harass the Midianites and smite them. For they harassed you…” (Bamidbar 25:17-18). The Ribono shel Olam tells Moshe that he should take revenge…

In the fifth Perek of Pirkei Avos [5:9], we are introduced to a type of person described as a golem. Laterally, this is a very derogatory word which means a…

It states in Pirkei Avos (2:3) “Be careful from the government because they do not befriend someone unless it is for their own benefit. They appear like they love, when…

KOSHER MARSHMALLOWS What makes marshmallows a kashrus concern? The ingredient in question is gelatin, which gives marshmallows their signature soft, spongy texture by absorbing up to ten times its own…

According to Merriam- Webster, a grifter is “a person who swindles or cheats others through deception or fraud.” The word comes from graft, an old slang term for dishonest gain….

Cow-Free Milk A New Era in the World of Kashrut What is “New Milk”? “New Milk” is a dairy-free product made using a yeast-based fermentation process. This process produces proteins…

If only I had more… It is troubling to think that Hashem could have ever conferred His presence on Bilam, who, as the narrative makes clear, was of deplorable character….

And the sash of fine twisted linen, blue purple and crimson yarns, done in embroidery, just as Hashem commanded Moshe. Shemos 39:29 Introduction A woman purchased a mattress for a…

EASY CORN SALAD INGREDIENTS: 3 cans of corn, drained 1 red bell pepper diced 4-6 Israel pickles, diced 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill 1/2 c mayonnaise Juice of one lemon…

When History Meets Political Theology During Donald Trump’s first term as President of the United States, particularly after his historic recognition of Yerushalayim as Israel’s capital and the relocation of…

As is often the case, many if not most are interpreting the latest news about Iran through the prism of their preconceptions. If you never liked or trusted President Trump,…

In Pirkei Avos, Ben Zoma gives the famous definition, “Eizehu chacham? Halomeid mikol adam – Who is wise? He who can learn from every person.” This immediately begs the question:…

Upon hearing of the loss of a family matriarch or patriarch, or an individual who added so much to one’s family history, ever find yourself saying “end of an era”?…

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) forces us to ask how to classify it within biblical conceptions of property and responsibility. This entirely new technology, which is still forming and…

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…

Balak, the man for whom this parashah is named, was very worried. As were the people in his kingdom, Moav. The Torah tells that Balak saw Beneh Yisrael’s conquest of…

This week’s parsha contains the deaths of two out of the three great shepherds of Israel. The trustworthy shepherds who had shepherded Klal Yisrael through the latter part of their…

The Chovos Halevavos gives a mashal of a person who sees a page written with perfectly formed letters, lines that are properly aligned, and words that express a comprehensive message….

Parashat Hukat tells the famous story of Meh Meriba – Moshe Rabbenu’s sin of striking the rock to produce water after G-d had instructed him to speak to the rock….

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…

It is possible at some point in your life you might have wondered who would come to your funeral and how many people would show up. A Belgian man took…

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…

Society cannot function if witnesses remain silent. Whether the issue is a crime, a contract or a disputed transaction, justice depends on people who are willing to step forward and…

Korach was so sure he was right. Rashi (16:7) writes that what led Korach to foolishly challenge Moshe Rabbenu, to start a fight that resulted in his death and many…

All married men wear a tallis gadol in the morning when they pray and most people have a special and exclusive tallis they wear in honor of the Shabbos. Many…

The Shlah (Shaar HaOsiyos) writes, “Why do I need to elaborate on the ugliness of machlokes? All sefarim are filled with this subject! The sin of machlokes is worse than…