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…

And Hashem said to Avraham, go for yourself from your land, and from your birthplace, and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you. Bereishis 12:1…

Another episode of conflict, I presume? The parshah may bear the name of Korach, but we cannot overlook the volatile role of Dasan and Aviram, the troublemakers who seized every…

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,…

INGREDIENTS: One large head of white cabbage, thinly sliced One bunch of each fresh, mint, dill, and parsley, chopped Quarter cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons…

The Torah begins the story of Korah’s brazen uprising against Moshe Rabbenu by introducing him as “Korah, son of Yitzhar, son of Kehat, son of Levi.” Rashi notes that the…

In the late 1800s, French botanist, Jean- Henri Fabre, conducted a study on pine processionary caterpillars. He lined them up around the circumference of a planter. The head of each…

The Mutiny The narrative is dramatic, tragic, and unmistakably Jewish. Four individuals — Korach, Dasan, Aviram, and On son of Peles — lead a mass mutiny against Moshe, the leader…

As people preparing to leave town for vacation, this is a good opportunity to review some of the halachot relevant to praying on air travel. A. Praying in the Airplane…

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…

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…