Two Attributes of Successful Mitzvah Agents Moshe sent 12 tribal representatives to spy out the land. Their mission was a disaster that we still pay for to this very day….

As we continue to enjoy the wisdom of Pirkei Avos through the spring and the summer, we experience an exercise of mining the pearls and diamonds from the familiar words…

The meraglim told Klal Yisrael about the giants who lived in Eretz Canaan. They said (13:33), “We felt like grasshoppers, and that is how they perceived us.” The Midrash states,…

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…

Parashat Shelah tells the famous story of the Meragelim – the twelve spies sent by Moshe to see the Land of Israel and report back to the nation. Unfortunately, ten…

In this week’s parsha, we are introduced to the meraglim, the scouts chosen to explore Eretz Yisroel prior to the Jewish nation settling there. Meraglim comes from the word regel,…

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…

And G-d said: “This is the sign of the covenant, which I am placing between Me and between you, and between every living soul that is with you, for everlasting…

You gotta read this! Sefer Bamidbar is filled with one tragic mistake after another. This week’s disaster is the episode of the spies who convinced Bnei Yisrael to reject Eretz…

INGREDIENTS: 1 quart cherry tomatoes One bunch chopped scallions 1/2 small red onion, chopped 1/4 cup each olive oil, white vinegar, sugar DIRECTIONS: Tomatoes scream summer! These are all from…

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…

This past Friday night, many people followed the big game and eagerly awaited the scores. From a Torah perspective, one should ideally not be preoccupied with sporting events, especially on…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, My son has a friend who lives from outside the new york area who she knows from camp. He comes for shabbos a lot and due…

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…

I. AI as a Human Tool Lately, people are rightly debating the moral and philosophical questions raised by Artificial Intelligence (AI). We need to keep one point firmly in mind…

Parashat Shelach is famous for the story of the meraglim – the spies sent by Moshe Rabbenu to scout the land. They returned with a frightening report, insisting that Beneh…

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…

We read in Parashat Behaalotecha of the formal consecration of the Leviyim as G-d’s special servants who would work in the Mishkan. This process included the offering of sacrifices –…

We all have memories of firsts. For a child, it may be something as simple as opening a brand-new box of Crayolas. The wow of seeing the crayons seamlessly lined…

Open-Mindedness Much has been written about the apparent absence in our society of passion directed toward any ideal beyond our personal needs and pleasures. Nothing in the contemporary secular conversation…

Recently, Pope Leo XIV and President Trump found them- selves on opposite sides of another major issue, this time, artifi- cial intelligence. In his new encyclical, Mag- nifica Humanitas, a…

After the remarkable capture of Beaufort Castle in Lebanon—a symbolic stronghold long associated with Hezbollah—the bravery and determination of Israeli soldiers once again came into focus. Alongside the military achievement,…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, My wife came from a frum household and prefers to cover her hair with a teichel, however she doesn’t cover all her hair and half of…

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…

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…

INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons sesame oil Two bags defrosted, cauliflower rice One bag mixed frozen vegetables, defrosted 2 teaspoons soy sauce 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon ginger Two eggs scrambled…

And to the entire Jewish People, a dog shall not wag his tongue, at human or beast, so that it be known that Hashem distinguishes between Egypt and Yisrael. Shemos…

Even in their 80s, siblings don’t always get along. At the end of the parshah, Miriam and Aharon speak lashon hara about their brother, Moshe, and are swiftly struck with…

The final pesukim of Parashat Behaalotecha tell the famous story of Miriam speaking inappropriately about her brother, Moshe Rabbenu. Miriam was punished with tzara’at for speaking lashon ha’ra about her…

This week’s parsha contains the positive Biblical command [Rambam Hilchos Ta’anis Chapter 1] of “crying out and blowing trumpet blasts regarding every calamity that befalls the community”. According to some…

Here, on the eastern coast, early summer finally seems to be here. As the plants start to bloom and the temperatures rise, Klal Yisroel continues to collectively learn Pirkei Avos…

It states (12:15) “Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days [when she had tzaraas]. The nation did not travel until Miriam had been readmitted to the camp.” Rashi…

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

The Torah in Parashat Naso tells of the special gifts and sacrifices brought by the Nesi’im – the leaders of the tribes – in honor of the inauguration of the…

“HaShem spoke to Moshe: Speak to Aaron and his sons. This is how you shall bless Bnei Yisroel. Say to them: May HaShem bless you and protect you. May HaShem…

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…

After many years of attending weddings, I’ve come to appreciate how small changes in behavior and attitude can have an enormous impact on the simcha and success of this auspicious…

The Israel Day Parade on Fifth Avenue is one of the most visible annual expressions of solidarity with the Jewish community and the State of Israel in New York City….

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi, Thanks for your column, I enjoy reading it on Shabbos. I have a question for you. I recently “dropped the shadchan” and now am dating…

While preparing a dish for cooking, one is often unsure if he has to check the eggs for blood spots. In addition, companies receive eggs in various forms and the…

The Orthodox Jewish world is watching closely as the House of Representatives, once again, addresses a proposal for all- year Daylight Saving Time, a change that could have profound implications…

INGREDIENTS: 4 to 5 pounds of beef back ribs For the dry rub 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper Your favorite…

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…

How far are we willing to go for peace? One of the intriguing topics in the Torah’s longest parshah is the sotah, a woman accused of infidelity. The suspicious husband…

Parashat Naso includes birkat kohanim the special blessing with which the kohanim are commanded to bless the rest of the nation. The first portion of this berachah is: Yevarechecha Hashem…

An Important Rokeach to Know When Listening to Birkas Kohanim Outside Eretz Yisrael, we only say Birkas Kohanim on limited occasions—the Shalosh Regalim, Rosh HaShanah, and Yom Kippur. Rav Zalman…

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 teaching, transmitted to us by…

In this week’s parashah there is birkas kohanim, which emphasizes shalom, peace, as the final words state (6:26) “Hashem will… establish peace for you.” Chazal say, “If there isn’t peace,…

The Nightingale The story is told of a king who once decided to reward a peasant who had done him a great service. “Shall I give him a sack of…

A year ago, the Jewish world followed the heartbreaking story of Tze’ela Gez, Hy”d. She and her husband, Chananel, were driving to the hospital for the birth of their fourth…

We wrote in the past that the Torah teaches us that we have three types of relationships with Hashem: that of a servant and master, a son and father, and…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, My friend recently got engaged to a woman I don’t approve of and I’m very disappointed in him. He’s been on over 100 dates and decided…

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…

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…

This article is dedicated to the memory of my longtime friend, Stephen Tolany, who passed away on May 14, 2026. I discussed this issue with him many times, and he…

It is customary on Shavuot to read Megilat Rut, which tells the famous story of Rut, a woman from the nation of Moav who decided to join the Jewish Nation….

If Not For This Day, We Would Just Be ‘Another Joe’ All brachos, with the exception of Birchas HaMazon, are Rabbinic in origin. However, The Shaagas Aryeh (Rav Aryeh Leib…

NO BAKE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE 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…

As we celebrate the wonderful Yomtov of Shavous, one of the things that we recall is the historical and admirable proclamation of Klal Yisroel, “Na’aseh v’Nishmah – We will do…

The purpose of mattan Torah is to believe in Hashem. As the Vilna Gaon zt’l (Mishlei 19:22) עיקר נתינת- התורה לישראל- הוא ,writes was Torah The “, בכדי שישימו -’בטחונם…

If someone has only one oven at home and it is used for fleishigs, how can they bake milchig foods for Shavuos? The easiest option is to double-wrap the dairy…

And Yosef prepared his chariot and he went up to greet his father Yisrael. And he appeared to him and he fell on his neck and he wept profusely on…

It turns out, Har Sinai wasn’t so small after all. Young children are taught many songs before Shavuos, including the classic where Har Sinai cries that it is not tall…

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…

The upcoming chag of Shavuos is also known as “Z’man Matan Toraseinu”, the Yom Tov that commemorates the giving of the Torah. It is asked, why the name “Matan” Toraseinu,…

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…

We live in a world today where it is very hard to realize what we are missing by not having the Bais Hamikdosh around. We get too comfortable with our…

I. Kosher Isn’t Always Kosher Lately, I’ve seen kosher pizzerias offering vegetarian pepperoni pizza. Additionally, more and more kosher restaurants are serving kosher cheeseburgers, either with vegetarian burgers or non-dairy…

The Mishnah in Pirkeh Avot (6:4) teaches: This is the way of Torah: You eat bread with salt, you drink water in rations, you lie on the ground, and you…

The Medrash Rabbah in Parshas Bamidbar says that when Hashem’s Presence descended upon Har Sinai, 22 rivivos (units) of 10,000 malachim (angels) descended with Him – each with flags. This…

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

Hashem said to the nation (Shemos 19:11) “Be prepared for the third day.” Be prepared for matan Torah. Every year, on Shavuos, Hashem gives us the Torah again, and we…

CAULIFLOWER CHEESE BAKE INGREDIENTS: 2 heads cauliflower in florets 1 package boursin garlic and fine herbs cheese Olive oil Salt and pepper 3/4 cup water DIRECTIONS: Move over feta pasta…

Do I need to wait six hours before I can eat meat after having eaten pizza? What about after eating eggplant parmesan? Pizza is typically made with mozzarella cheese, which…

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…

It’s the secret to Jewish success and survival The Book of Numbers begins with yet another census which, Rashi explains, demonstrates Hashem’s great love for us. Just as a person…

The Mechilta famously tells that before G-d gave the Torah to Beneh Yisrael, He offered it to other nations. He first asked the descendants of Esav if they wanted the…

I heard a beautiful Midrash that tells of two neshamos facing the Heavenly Court after 120. As the first neshama stood before the court, a voice called out, “You receive…

The Desert This week’s parsha, named “Bamidbar,” which means “in the desert,” is always read preceding the holiday of Shavuos, when we celebrate the giving of the Torah at Sinai,…

Human beings are naturally drawn to joy. We gravitate toward people who radiate positivity, warmth, and happiness. A smiling face, an encouraging word, genuine enthusiasm—these qualities make us feel safe,…

In an unprecedented moment, a sitting president, Donald J. Trump issued an official proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month alongside America’s 250th anniversary, expressing profound appreciation for Judaism and urging…

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…

Following the laws of the Sabbatical and Jubilee years, the Torah writes: “You shall perform My decrees and observe My ordinances and perform them; and you shall dwell securely on…

One of the special features of the wonderful upcoming Yom Tov of Shavuos is the reading of Megilas Rus. While it is a fascinating and delightful story, its linkage to…

Rebbe Shlomo of Bobov zy’a said in the name of his holy father, the Kedushas Tzion zy’a hy’d, that there is a Midrash (it is also written in the sefer…

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…

Parashat Behar begins with the Misva of Shemita, which requires farmers to refrain from agricultural activity for an entire year every seven years. The Torah refers to this year as…

Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow… Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead… Just walk beside me, and be my friend… And, together we will…

The Endless Quest A story: It was Simchat Torah, and the disciples of Rabbi Mendel of Horodok, many of whom had journeyed for weeks to spend the Yom Tov with…

You may know the feeling: you climb into bed exhausted, convinced you’ll be out in minutes, and then suddenly it’s an hour later and you’re still staring at the ceiling….

INGREDIENTS: 1.5 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 large ripe bananas 1 egg 1/3 cup melted margarine or you can use 1/3…

A man once complained to his wife: “Why do the kids make such a fuss over Mother’s Day, but barely notice Father’s Day?” She smiled and replied: “Fathers don’t need…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I met the man of my dreams. Everything was going smoothly until we got engaged. Our parents met to divide financial responsibilities for the wedding. They…

We all know that the topic of standing up for one’s parent is, for one reason or another, not as widely practiced among Jews as other areas of halacha. In…

The halachos of maris ayin arise quite frequently. For example, one may go into a kosher supermarket and see kosher shrimp with excellent hashgachos. It has become very common today…

And I will remember my covenant with Yaakov, and even my covenant with Yitzchak, and I will even remember my covenant with Avraham, and I will remember the land. Vayikra…

When is it appropriate to NOT believe in Hashem? Parshas Behar opens with the laws of shemitah, including Hashem’s promise to provide for the Jewish people throughout the year that…

The prayers were originally taught orally, like all Jewish texts other than the Bible. Their publication involved a process that took place over time and had certain unexpected impacts on…

Israeli-born, Jewish mentalist Oz Pearlman described a terrifying moment when a routine performance at the White House Correspondents Dinner turned into a scene of chaos. What began as an intimate demonstration for the President…

We are currently observing the period of sefirat ha’omer, when we refrain from festive celebrations and from haircutting and shaving, as we mourn the tragic death of Rabbi Akiva’s thousands…

In the beginning of Parshas Emor, HaShem told Moshe to “Speak to the Kohanim, the sons of Aharon” [Vayikra 21:1]. The Medrash comments on that pasuk that this teaches that…

We are presently living through the days of sefira. For 33 days, we practice trappings of mourning by abstaining from weddings, listening to music, and refraining from cutting our hair….

A Yid from Eretz Yisrael was once in Ruzhin, and he described Lag b’Omer to the Ruzhiner. He said, “Inside it is like Yom Kippur and outside it is like…

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…

Lag Ba’omer is observed as the “Hilula” of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai, following the view that this marks the day of his passing. Already the Arizal (Rav Yishak Luria, 1534-1572)…

Mi K’amcha Yisroel… Who is like Your people, Yisroel. How proud I am to be part of nation that treasures the mitzva of v’ahavta l’rei’acha kamocha, you shall love your…

The Birth of Jewish Mysticism Lag B’Omer, the thirty-third day of the omer, is the anniversary of the passing of one of the greatest sages and spiritual giants in Jewish…

INGREDIENTS: Chocolate Iced Cake Yellow, Red, & Orange hard candy Rolled wafer cookies DIRECTIONS: In honor of Lag Ba’Omer, make this adorable camp re cake. Use your favorite chocolate cake…

A man once tried to convince his friend to start exercising. Every time they met, he’d shake his head: “You really should take care of yourself. This isn’t healthy.” The…

Last week, Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, visited Israel. During his trip, he also requested to visit Chevron Yeshiva, an event that drew significant attention. A visit from the…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I truly enjoy reading your weekly column in The Jewish Vues and often find your perspective very grounding. I recently went on a shidduch date, and…

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…

When I was in yeshiva high school many decades ago, some students occasionally went to the racetracks to watch the horse races and bet on them. They bet very little;…

And one who kills an animal must pay for it, a life for a life. Vayikra 24:18 Introduction There are many different reasons why one might be interested in killing…

What is the “right” way to perform mitzvos? Parshas Emor lists the qualifications and regulations necessary for a Kohen to serve in the Beis HaMikdash. One requirement is that a…

It’s an emotional story of divergence, and it ends on a cliffhanger. Every year on Yom Kippur, two identical goats were brought to the Beis HaMikdash where lots were drawn…

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…

May I use a warming drawer on Shabbos? Warming drawers on Shabbos is indeed a serious issue. There are a number of things to consider. First of all, you have…

We find in Parashat Kedoshim (19:17) the command “Hochi’ah Tochi’ah Et Amitecha” – to reprimand one’s fellow who acts improperly, so that he will improve his behavior. King Shlomo, in…

Springtime is known to be the season for school trips. Trips to parks and museums. Lag B’Omer trips and graduation trips. I think of my own school days, the memorable…

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…

There are 8.3 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 wonder,…

There is no doubt that we are experiencing a moment in history unlike any our nation has seen since the days of King David and Shlomo. For two thousand years,…

Dear Rabbi and Shira , My mother in law has caused a lot of problems in our marriage. She is divorced herself and only got divorced years ago because she…

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup Israeli couscous 2 cups water 1/2 tsp turmeric 1 tsp olive oil salt and pepper Assorted Vegetabes DIRECTIONS: This salad is not only beautiful but also tastes…

The Gemorah says that one may not earn money on Shabbos. Money earned on Shabbos is called sechar shabbos and is prohibited in order to prevent one from conducting business…

I. The Promise This week, Israel is celebrating the 78th anniversary of its independence. It was not always a given that there would be a first anniversary, much less a…

A fable is told of an egg in an eagle’s nest high in the branches of a towering tree, that fell out of the nest and landed in the middle…

The end of Parshas Achrei Mos contains the section of the Parsha that deals with forbidden relationships (Arayos). This parsha, which is also read during the Mincha service of Yom…

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…

And Hashem spoke to Moshe after the death of Aharon’s two sons, when they drew close to the presence of Hashem and they died. Vayikra 16:1 Introduction Due to the…

I was tossed 15 feet by an unexpected gust of wind into the street with moving cars and sustained serious injuries requiring a joint replacement. I wrote a piece from the heart which…

The Kohen shall order two live pure birds, cedar wood, crimson stuff, and hyssop to be brought for the one to be purified. Vayikra 14:4 Since tzara’as comes as a…

Think before you tweet.A most unusual ritual is performed as part of the purification process of a Metzora, a person stricken with tzaraas as a consequence of speaking lashon hara….

The Pesach memories are slowly fading. Our calendar is moving on. We are in the midst of counting Sefira, the days leading up to Shavuos, the yom tov commemorating HaShem’s…

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 stories emerging today are nothing short of startling. In a recent report, individuals described as “screenmaxxers” openly admit to spending virtually every waking hour on their phones: watching, scrolling,…

The widespread minhag not to take haircuts during the days of the Omer is rooted in the mourning customs observed in this period. These practices commemorate the tragic deaths of…

Dear Rabbi and Shira , Thank you for your weekly column in the Jewish & Country Vues. I read it weekly. I’ve gotten myself into a bit of a situation….

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

For many singles who deeply wish to marry but have not yet found the right partner, the pain is not only personal. It carries a broader dimension as well. There…

MEDITERRANEAN EGGPLANT CHIPS INGREDIENTS: 6 baby eggplants or 2 regular eggplants 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/4 teaspoon…

The Vilna Gaon, in his commentary to the Book of Mishleh (16:1- 4), discusses how each and every person is created as a unique and distinct being, different from all…

At the end of Parshas Tazria, when the Torah states the laws of the Tzaraas affliction affecting clothing, the pasuk says, “the Kohen shall look, after the affliction has been…

Imagine, if one was to gather the ultimate anthology, he would go to Rav Sholom Mordechai HaKohen Shvadron, zt”l, zy”a, and ask him to sift through all his teachings and…

During the days of Sefirah, as we mourn the petirah of the students of Reb Akiva who were niftar because they didn’t sufficiently honor one another, we must increase achdus…

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…

Parashat Tazria discusses the laws regarding Sara’at – a type of skin infection that brings Tum’a (impurity) upon a person. The Rabbis explain that in ancient times, Sara’at would befall…

As Klal Yisrael prepares to sit at the Seder table this coming week, retelling the story of our nation’s birth and recommitting ourselves to emunah and mesorah, the timing of…

Therefore, say to the Bnei Yisrael: I am Hashem. And I will take you out from under the burdens of Mitzrayim, and I will save you from their work, and…

Before purchasing wine for the Seder, one must realize that this is not merely a matter of taste or preference, but a halachic decision with many layers. From the type…

Leil HaSeder stands at the heart of the Pesach experience. Around the world, Jewish families gather at their tables, united by the same Haggadah, the same matzah, and the same…

The first day and the seventh day shall be holy for you; all work shall not be done on them. Only that which is consumed by all people, it alone…

It’s a first-hand account of the Exodus – thousands of years later. The Torah instructs us to tell the next generation about the miracles that “Hashem did for me when…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Thanks for your column, I read it every week. Maybe you can help me with a problem that I’m having. Since I came home from Yeshiva,…

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….

For many singles who deeply wish to marry but have not yet found the right partner, the pain is not only personal. It carries a broader dimension as well. There…

As we approach a three day Yom Tov, people are thinking about their hygiene and comfort, including showering and brushing teeth. I will discuss here the longstanding debate about the…

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

FLANKEN INGREDIENTS: 3 lb. flanken beef-short ribs  1/4 c. reduced-sodium soy sauce 1/4 c. orange juice 1/4 c. brown sugar 2 tsp garlic 1 tbsp sesame oil DIRECTIONS: This incredibly…

Next Year In Jerusalem – If: The Symbolism of the “Two Dippings” Every Passover Seder begins with a plea: “This year we are here; next year (may we be) in…

The centerpiece of Pesach is certainly the matzah and the villain of Pesach is the chometz. The difference between chometz and matzah is a mere moment. One of the great…

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

Must I use wine for the four cups, or may I use grape juice instead? There are two schools of thought among the Poskim. R’ Moshe Feinstein (Hagaddah Kol Dodi…

Toward the end of Maggid – the main section of the Haggadah, when we discuss Yesiat Misrayim in fulfillment of the obligation to speak about the miraculous Exodus from Egypt…

It’s almost Pesach, so much to plan, so much to prepare. On our to-do list is purchasing wine for the seder. Some like it sweet, others appreciate a dry wine….

What If? “If the Holy One, blessed be He, had not taken our fathers out of Egypt, then we, our children and our children’s children would have remained enslaved to…

I once attended a funeral for a woman whose life had been marked by tension and complexity. There was a palpable strain among her children and grandchildren, and speaker after…

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Diaspora Yeshiva Band, a group that transformed the landscape of Jewish music and inspired a generation of seekers to connect to Yiddishkeit through song. Emerging from the…

I. Danger in Yeshiva? It is now common for many American yeshiva students to spend a “gap year” in Israel after high school. This year usually fosters religious growth through…

As the child observes during the singing of Ma Nishtana, there are two points during the seder when we dip some food before eating it. Early in the seder, after…

An earthen vessel in which it was boiled shall be broken; if it was boiled in a copper vessel, [the vessel] shall be scoured and rinsed with water. Vayikra 6:21…

What can we possibly be thankful for at a time like this? Parshas Tzav continues the discussion of korbanos that we began last week, and it’s always nice to see…

DELICIOUS ROAST CHICKEN WITH CRISPY POTATOES INGREDIENTS: 1 -31⁄2–4-pound whole chicken Kosher salt 11⁄2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed, thinly sliced crosswise 2 tablespoons margarine, melted 1tablespoon thyme leaves 2 tablespoons…

This week’s parsha begins with the mitzvah of the Korban Olah. Aharon and his children are given the tremendous responsibility of the avodah in the Bais Hamikdash, but after the…

On the night of the Seder, something awesome occurs which happens only once a year. The Chid”a sites the Zohar that by the Seder Hashem himself comes to each Jewish…

The first avodah performed each day in the Beis HaMikdash was trumas hadeshen, and it is discussed in this week’s parashah, as it states (6:3) “He shall lift out the…

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…

The Torah in the beginning of Parashat Sav describes the Kohen wearing “Mido Bad” – a fitted linen garment, referring to the special priestly vestments worn by the Kohanim. The…

“Vehi sheh’am’da la’avoseinu v’lanu…… And this is what stood by our fathers and us…” (From the Pesach Haggadah) This past week, a four-year-old, recognizably Jewish boy was violently shoved to…

The Jewish father calls his son a couple of days before Passover and says, “David, I hate to ruin your day, but I must tell you that your mother and…

While most of the people I encounter this time of year are excited for Pesach, too many confuse eating Marror, bitter herbs on Pesach, with being bitter people about Pesach….

When staying in hotels, there are many halachic concerns that must be addressed beyond the laws of Pesach. These include, for example, issues of Shabbat such as automated lights, electronic…

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…

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…

Many times one is faced with different questions as to what requires tevilah. For example, glass, china, stoneware etc. The halachos of how to tovel were dealt with in a…

On my last trip to Eretz Yisrael, I had the immense privilege of spending time with Harav Aharon Bina, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh in Jerusalem’s Old City, just…

The wonderous Haggadah Otzros Pla’os HaTorah writes it was the minhag of the Minchas Elazar, following the opinion of the Darchei Chaim Vhasholom, that after eating the egg at the…

The first word in Parashas Vayikra is Vayikra, “And [Hashem] called…” where the alef is small. The Yismach Yisrael zt’l explains that this hints that even the small and seemingly…

On all of your offerings you shall bring salt. Vayikra 2:13 Introduction There is an almost universal Jewish practice to sprinkle salt on the challah at the Shabbos table. Is…

What’s that smell? As we begin the chumash of korbanos, we encounter a phrase that appears again and again: “rei’ach nicho’ach laHashem – a pleasing aroma to G-d.” The Torah…