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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

Parashat Beha’alotecha begins with the mitzvah of kindling the menorah. Each and every day, Aharon was to clean the oil lamps of the menorah in the Mishkan and light the…

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

Several years ago, on a trip to the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan, my children and I joined a small tour. The guide who took us around patiently gave…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

The Blind Golfer Charlie Boswell was a great athlete who became blind during World War II while rescuing his friend from a tank that was under fire. When he returned…

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

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

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

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I am dating an Instagram influencer. She’s sweet, beautiful, and “geschikt.” It might sound amazing but the problem is my life is not my own anymore….

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

INGREDIENTS: Chocolate Iced Cake Yellow, Red, & Orange hard candy Rolled wafer cookies DIRECTIONS: As we won’t be having any lag B’Omer gatherings with bon res and activities this year…

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

The time from Pesach to Shavuos is a time of minimizing joy. However, many question arise as to what is included in this, such as what are the reasons for…

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Imagine, if one was to gather the ultimate anthology, he would go to Rav Shvadron, Zt”l, and ask him to sift through all of his teachings and choose the most…

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

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

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

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

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

Two Birds This week’s parsha, Metzorah (Vayikra chapters 12-15), discusses the laws of tzaraas, usually translated as “leprosy.” Tzaraas was an illness whose identifying mark was a white patch (or…

ONE PAN CAULIFLOWER SHAWARMA DINNER INGREDIENTS: Cauliflower Onion Pargiot Shawarma Spice Olive Oil DIRECTIONS: Who doesn’t love a dinner that takes ve minutes to prep and only uses one pan…

According to the recently released Anti- Defamation League (ADL) report, antisemitic incidents broke a record for 4th straight year in 2024. Last year, they identified 9,354 antisemitic incidents, a 5%…

Following Holocaust Remembrance Day, a leading Jewish organization combating antisemitism revealed that incidents of Jew- hatred and violence are at their highest since the Holocaust. This sobering reality forces us…

Dear Rabbi and Shira Hi, I read your column every week. It prompts much conversation over the Shabbos table. I’m a regular Flatbush/Midwood guy who is into the Sifrei Chassidus….

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…

I. Golem and Minyan We are witnessing a major transformation of information and technology with the growth of artificial intelligence (AI). To my frustration, much of the Jewish discourse on…

Much of Parashat Tazria is devoted to the laws of tzara’at – a type of plague which came in various forms, affecting either a person’s skin, his clothing, or his…

Rabbi Joey Haber has emerged as a prominent voice of wisdom and guidance in today’s world, offering deep insights rooted in both his Syrian heritage and yeshivish Ashkenazi education. Raised…

Does purified water enhanced with minerals require Pesach certification? Although the OU approves bottled and distilled water without Pesach certification, when it comes to enhanced water an OU-P is required….

In the Haggadah, we emphasize the point that the plague of the firstborn was wrought by G-d Himself, and not by an angel or other agent. We cite the verse…

It was a week before Pesach, and my twelve- year-old granddaughter was in a class play. No matter how busy a bubby is, there is always time for a school…

Afikoman For children, it is the highlight of the Passover Seder. Over the years they discovered that because the seder could not be concluded until this final piece of matzah…

Tariffs and free trade. AI and the proliferation of technology. There are many issues of our day that remain complicated. But for each issue that is truly complex, there are…

Much ink has been spilled over the interpretations of the Passover Haggadah! The Haggadah is written in a way that raises numerous perplexities on various levels, containing contradictions and passages…

I’m engaged to wonderful woman, who shares the same values as I do, is caring, kind, and sensitive. We had a great vort, but as we begin talking about the…

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….

When you eat matzah at the Pesach Seder, you have to eat matzah that you own. How much do you have to own it? The Gemara (Pesachim 38a) equates 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…

We Are What We Do One of the perennial topics that come up at the Seder is the nature of the dialog between the Wise Son and his father in…

In the blessings that we say after Krias Shema in the morning liturgy, we include a puzzling statement. “V’Yam Suf bakata, v’zeidim tibata, vy’didim he’evarta, vay’chasu mayim tzoreihem – Hashem…

Baruch Hamakom, Baruch Hu. Baruch she’nosan Torah l’amo Yisroel, Baruch Hu. K’neged arba bonim dibra Torah. Echad chochom, echad rasha, echad tam, v’echad sh’eino yodei’a lishol. — Blessed is Hashem…

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…

Receiving a diagnosis of irreversible kidney failure can be devastating. The uncertainty, medical complexities, and urgent need for a transplant can leave patients and their families feeling overwhelmed. This is…

A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.—Max Lucado When, Not If This week’s parsha, Vayikra (and much of the book of Vayikra)…

The Auburn Tigers are going to the Final Four, the coveted final rounds of the annual March Madness, NCAA College Championship Basketball. For the first time, three of the final…

When the 14th of Nissan falls on Shabbat, certain halachot must be adjusted to ensure proper observance of both Shabbat and Pesach preparations. Bedikat Chametz (Checking for Chametz) • Bedikat…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi, I’ve recently dated a guy four times, and I’m not sure what to do. I find him interesting to speak with, we have a good…

In Yiddish a potato is called a kartufel. The reason why it is called a kartufel is because the potato which was meant to be a tufel food has been…

The night before Pesach, we search for chametz on our property (bedikas chametz). By rabbinic decree, it is not enough to nullify our chametz but we must also search for,…

The first chapters of Parshat Vayikra discuss the various forms of sacrifices which people would bring under various circumstances. The Rabbis in the Midrash comment that when children are brought…

PESACH YAPCHIK INGREDIENTS: 8 large Russet potatoes 1 Spanish onion 7 eggs 1 cup water 11⁄4 cups olive oil 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon salt 1.5 pounds kolichel, cubed DIRECTIONS:…

The Medrash Rabbah, on the opening words of Sefer Vayikra (“Vayikra Hashem el M o s h e … “ ) , mentions that Moshe Rabbeinu actually had ten different…

This year, instead of doing the bedikas chometz on the night immediately before Pesach, we will do our search for chometz a day early, on Thursday night, since erev Pesach…

A chassid of Reb Michel of Zlotchev zt’l was poor and had to collect money to support his family and to cover the costs of his son’s chasunah. He asked…

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…

Pesach. So many special recollections. Warm memories of family gathering together. A beautifully set Seder table. A bubby’s special Pesach recipes. Singing the familiar Seder songs. A night to follow…

The Torah in Parashat Vayikra speaks about the procedure for offering sacrifices. Describing a person who brings a sacrifice to the Temple, the Torah uses the term “Yakrib Oto” (“He…

We are all familiar with the customs of kitniyos on Pesach, but who does it apply to, what is included in the custom, and what about derivates or extracts from…

This year, Erev Pesach falls on Shabbos. What unique halachic challenges does this present? Let’s discuss them, starting with Bedikas Chametz. As we know, Bedikas Chametz is usually done on…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I have been dating a someone for several months, and I think she might be the “one.” We get along well, she’s very sweet, and we…

Erev Pesach Falls on Shabbos When staying in a hotel for Pesach, it can be difficult to have everyone eat chametz, as cleaning up afterwards can be challenging. Therefore, one…

I. Thirty Days Before A Holiday Holidays are much like other things in life in the sense that the more you put into it, the more you get out of…

Parashat Pekudeh begins with a detailed accounting of the precious metals that were donated for the Mishkan, and how were they used. The Torah tells us exactly how much gold,…

You Don’t Necessarily Get What You Pay For In Terms of Divine Presence Being Present The pasuk in Parshas Pekudei says, “All the gold that was used for the work…

Last week, we looked at twenty-six ways that our lives could change because of our sincere pursuit of the chometz that is in our midst prior to Pesach. The pursuit…

INGREDIENTS: * 1 tsp onion powder * 1 tsp garlic powder * 2 Tbs whole-grain mustard * 2 Tbs honey * 1/4 cup olive oil * 3 lbs baby Yukon…

Those who have jealousy, suffer. The Reishis Chachmah writes, “Someone who has kinah (jealousy) is ‘robbing’ himself. He is always sad. Everyone finds sweetness in life, except for the person…

The opening verses of Parashat Pekudeh present an accounting of the precious metals that Beneh Yisrael donated for the construction of the Mishkan. The Torah introduces this section by saying,…

This Shabbos, we read Parshas Pikudei, completing the second book of the Torah, Sefer Shemos. The final pasuk of the parsha tells us of the anan, the Divine cloud that…

The Long Journey The drama was almost complete. The people exiled in a foreign country for more than two centuries, and for much of that time in unbearable conditions, experienced…

Adriana Fernandez had a unique path to social media fame. For years, her almost-90,0000 followers online have enjoyed her posts, pictures, and videos reflecting her insights and experiences as a…

One who leaves his home for the days of Passover may sell his house, including all its contents to a non-Jew in the Mechirat Chametz, thus being exempt from cleaning…

Parashat Vayakhel begins with Moshe Rabbenu assembling Beneh Yisrael to convey to them the commands for the building of the Mishkan. But before speaking about the Mishkan, Moshe first told…

Why Didn’t the Mishkan Have a Spare Parts Warehouse? The Torah says that after Moshe told the people to donate to the Mishkan, the voluntary donations surpassed the amount of…

Once again, we are beginning to engage in the gigantic task of cleaning our homes of chometz, of leaven, searching in earnest every nook and cranny of our possessions for…

It is known that we must have hakaras hatov. When someone does you a favor, you must feel indebted to him, seek to help him, and certainly never harm him….

Why is mechirat chametz for a supermarket that continues to sell chametz during Pesach a valid sale? It isn’t. The regular mechiras chometz that you and I do does not…

The Torah in Parashat Vayakhel relates how Beneh Yisrael responded Rabbi Eli Mansour enthusiastically to Moshe’s call for donations to the Mishkan. The people generously donated all the materials that…

Purim is behind us. What’s left of the shalach manos goodies are packed away. The costumes are in storage bins, and now we are getting ready to make Pesach. “Shloshim…

INGREDIENTS: 2 spaghetti squash 1 red pepper 1 onion 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted, diced tomatoes with garlic 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese DIRECTIONS:…

Preserving a Letter There is something very intriguing about these parshios Vayakhel & Pekudei. Anybody even slightly familiar with the Torah is aware of its unique conciseness. Complete sagas, rich,…

Now that Purim is behind us, the countdown to Pesach has official begun complete with its angst, anxiety, stress, and Sadly, many people associate Pesach with backbreaking work, exorbitant expenses,…

(The following is a small excerpt and a preview of the upcoming book I’ve written about Megillat Esther.) Let’s share some afterthoughts on Megillat Esther from a new perspective. While…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi. I love reading your column. I’m having an issue. I’m newly married and am having difficulty getting anything done. My wife calls me all the…

Many people are not familiar with the halachos of shaimos. The problem with the volume of shaimos, only developed fairly recently with the advent of cheap, commonly utilized printing methods….

Is a mourner, within a year for a parent or thirty days for another close relative, allowed to lead synagogue prayers on Purim? A man who is in mourning is…

It is well-known that Hashem is never mentioned explicitly in Megilat Ester. The omission of His Name is by design, as the story told in the Megilah appears to unfold…

Zevi Samet is a dynamic yeshiva student and celebrated basketball star whose journey is as inspiring off the court as it is on. He had an outstanding season with the…

One year, Reb Yeiva of Ostra’a wanted to be happy on Purim, but it was hard for him as he was struggling financially. A happy person arrived, they celebrated Purim…

WHAT TIME SHOULD I BEGIN THE PURIM SEUDA? The Rema writes that when Purim falls out on Erev Shabbat, it is preferable to begin the Purim seuda in the morning…

Tradition teaches that Mordechai was a descendant of King Shaul, who lived centuries earlier and was the first king of Beneh Yisrael. As we read in Sefer Shemuel I (15),…

“Though I walk through the valley overshadowed by death, I feel no harm, for You are with me.” (Tehillim 23:4) “Va’tilokach Esther, And Esther was taken”. (Esther 2:8). Esther was…

Start the Party: Learning From an Uncouth Dictator How to Celebrate Life The Farmer A Texas farmer was touring England. He happened to meet an English farmer and asked him,…

MISO GLAZED SALMON INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds salmon filets Salt and pepper 1/4 cup miso paste 2 Tablespoons soy sauce 1 Tablespoon brown sugar 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar 1 teaspoon sesame…

“Thank you for donating almost $7 million to our Boca Raton Synagogue community.” Chaim didn’t know what I was talking about when I called him to thank him. $7 million?…

During President Trump’s address to Congress last week, there was a notable moment where he said that Democrats were unlikely to applaud his statements no matter what he did—even if…

Dear Rabbi and Shira , I’m not sure what to do. My husband does not want to take my boys to our shuls main shul megilla reading. He said he…

For some reason, people think that drinking is acceptable at certain times, such as on Simchas Torah, at a Shalom Zochor, at a wedding, and on Purim. Many people become…

One of the mitzvos of Purim is giving food to a friend. The verse says that Purim is a day of “u-mishlo’ach manos ish le- re’ehu, sending food a man…

The Tikkunei Zohar makes the astounding statement, “Kippurim kaPurim – The Day of Atonement is like Purim. The Arizal elaborates: Yom Kippurim, the holiest day of the year is k’Purim,…

Of all the twenty-four books of Tanach, Megilas Esther is the most enigmatic. One must be a Biblical cryptographer in order to discover the many secrets lurking under the surface…

Mishehnichnas Adar, marbim b’simcha. When the month of Adar arrives, we increase our simcha. Does the onset of Adar being instantaneous happiness? Magical joy? Does Adar wash away all our…

DEALING WITH THE TENSION OF THE HUMAN PERSONALITY Linking the apron and the breastplate There is an intriguing mitzvah (commandment) recorded in this week’s Torah portion: “And they shall bind…

When the Founding Fathers included the pursuit of happiness as an American right and entitlement, it is almost as if they conceded that happiness can be pursued, but it is…

During a press conference at the White House, a reporter posed a pointed question to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: “Mr. President, why don’t you wear a suit? You’re at the…

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…

The Mitzvah One is obligated to send mishloach manos on Purim to his friend etc. This mitzvah was introduced during the time of Mordechai and Esther and is considered a…

You have heard from others how Rav Elazar Mayer Teitz was a respected community rabbi and accomplished educator who impacted the lives of thousands in his community. I am here…

BEER MARINATED DRUMSTICKS INGREDIENTS: 8-10 chicken drumsticks 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tsp onion salt 1 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp cayenne 1/2 tsp ground black pepper…

The Megillah introduc- es Mordechai as an איש יהודי and also as an איש ימיני. The Gemara ex- plains this to mean that from his mother’s side, Mordechai descended from…

In Parashat Tetzaveh, the Torah elaborates at great length on the topic of the bigdeh kehuna, the special garments worn by the kohanim. Every kohen was to wear four special…

The Symbolism of Haman’s Offer of Silver Shekels The Megillah [Esther 3:9] states that Haman offered to increase the King’s coffers by 10,000 kikar silver in exchange for the right…

The Chasam Sofer (Drushim p.245) writes, “I received from Reb Mendele Lilig zt’l, the Rav of Frankfort, who received the tradition from the יעקב שב that who- ever studies Torah…

Is one permitted to bathe, take a haircut or listen to music on Taanis Esther? The Meiri (Sefer Magen Avos 23) writes that Taanis Esther is different than other communal…

Many commentators noted that Parashat Tesaveh is unusual, in that Moshe Rabbenu’s name does not appear anywhere in this Parasha. It is one of the only Parashiyot since the account…

On Shabbat Zach- or, we read the final three verses in Para- shat Ki-Teseh which command us to remember the unprovoked attack launched against our ancestors when they left Egypt…

This past Shabbos, we blessed the new month of Adar. The month we celebrate the miracle of Purim. The month we are commanded to read Zachor – Remember. To remember…

The heartbreaking tragedy of the Bibas babies has shattered Jewish communities around the world, leaving us to grapple with immense sorrow and loss. At its core, what devastated so many…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I was dating a guy for 3 months, and I fell hard for him. We had common goals, and enjoyed speaking about all things pre-law. We…

Purim is a very exciting time, and some people spend a lot of time planning their costumes. What is the source of this custom? What are some of the reasons…

I. Artificial Intelligence and School Work Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made great progress over recent years. The trickle that began in late 2022 has now become a torrent of…

Parashat Teruma tells about the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary which Beneh Yisrael built at Mount Sinai, and which they took with them as they traveled through the wilderness and crossed…

What Was Wrong With The Offer Of The Princes? The pasuk in Parshas Vayakhel says “And the Princes brought the Shoham stones and the Miluim stones for the Ephod and…

Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, shlit”a, posed a very contemporary question to Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman, zt”l, zy”a. He asked, “Since the Torah is described as, ‘Misukim m’devash v’nofes tzufim – It…

INGREDIENTS: 1.5 – 2 lbs pargiot trimmed and cut in half 3-4 potatoes (any variety works) – chopped 1-2 red onions – chopped 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce 1/2 cup…

This week’s parashah discusses the building of the Mishkan. We want every Jewish home to be a sanctuary where Hashem resides. The Gemara tells (Bechoros 7) about a debate between…

Can a frum person be a vegan? What potential problems could they have? A frum person can be a vegan. The two main points I’d like to make is a)…

Anyone who has attended a fundraiser and browsed through the dinner journal knows that the largest donations are always featured first. The journal begins with the special full-page ads, and…

THE THREE LAYERS OF SELF The Jew and the General A Jew ends up sleeping in the same cabin as a Russian General of the Czar’s army. He tells the…

The IDF uniform is not simply a costume and it should never be confused with a symbol of warmongering. It’s the holy garb of a holy nation charged with a…

Is a rabbi allowed to officiate at an intermarriage, a wedding between a Jew and a gentile? Nearly all halachically observant Jews will instinctively answer no. Despite that, I would…

Many years ago, a father brought his son before his bar-mitzvah to meet a certain Hassidic Rebbe. The Rebbe, to the boy’s astonishment, turned to him and asked if he…

One Who Cheats In His Business Doesn’t Believe in G-d Our Parsha begins “And these are the statutes that you shall place before them.” There is a very famous Rashi…

Last week, we elaborated from the Tzror Hamor regarding the verse which says that tefillin are totafos bein einecha, frontlets between our eyes. He informs us that in Egyptian the…

The Noam Elimelech writes in Tzetel Kattan (16) “Man was created in the world to change his nature.” The Tzetel Kattan gives examples of stubbornness, laziness, shamefulness, someone who doesn’t…

Can one clean off a throw-up from your suit from an infant that spit up on Shabbos? That’s a very complicated question! One is not allowed to clean anything on…

Parashat Mishpatim presents a lengthy series of civil laws governing a wide range of circumstances. These laws deal with situations such as theft, property damage, bodily harm, lending money, people…

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 pack defrosted phyllo dough (1 roll) 1 cup Greek yogurt 1/2 cup milk (I used 2% – but you can use any type) 4 eggs 1 cup crumbled…

It was the mid-1940s. The horrific days of the Holocaust were coming to a close, yet the cruel acts of Nazi Germany left its mark. It was time to pick…

WHEN YOUR INNER THIEF STEALS YOUR LIFE, YOU CAN RECLAIM A DOUBLE PORTION OF IT The Jewish Parrot After his wife died, an old Jew received a parrot from his…

When I meet with people in my office, I leave my phone on my desk, behind us and out of reach. This week during a meeting, my phone rang. As…

Our parasha, Mishpatim, is perhaps the first to clearly indicate that Am Yisrael should proceed to conquer and settle the Land of Israel. The pasuk states (23; 20- 31): “Behold,…

Dear Rabbi and Shira , I’m feeling sad and unsure of how to proceed, and I’d appreciate some advice. For context, I got married a little less than a year…

One of the most common areas of halacha which people have different customs is in regard to drinking cholov stam. What is cholov stam? How is cholov Yisroel made? Do…

Parashat Yitro tells of Ma’amar Har Sinai – Hashem’s revelation to Beneh Yisrael at Mount Sinai, and the Aseret Ha’dibberot. Rashi, in his commentary to Shir Hashirim (4:5), makes a…

The release of hostages in recent instances h a s o f t e n taken place on Shabbat. Footage of these events is being viewed worldwide, and as a…

The Rabbeinu Efraim teaches us that the letter shin embedded on the tefillin shel rosh, the tefillin that goes upon the head, has a numerical value of 300. This number…

After the Torah told of Beneh Yisrael’s departure from Egypt, it spoke of their experiences in the desert. It described the great miracles performed for them, showing us how G-d…

I. Anger Is Bad Anger is a destructive force. It does not just cloud judgment, which would imply reliance on instinct. Anger overwhelms judgment, taking you in directions to which…

Our Sages teach that the reason why Yisro merited to have a parsha in the Torah named for him was because of the counsel that he gave to his son-in-…

In particular, two miracles brought Yisro to convert. Rashi (18:1) writes that Yisro heard about kriyas Yam Suf and the war against Amalek, which inspired him to come. Several explanations…

The Story of Yisro The opening of this week’s parsha tells the story of the priest of Midian, Yisro, who chooses to come to the wilderness to spend time with…

When Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz, the great Rosh Yeshiva of the Mir, was a young bachur (stu- dent) learning in Grodno, he went to visit to his un- cle, the Rosh…

INGREDIENTS: -2 heads cauliflower cut into small florets 1/3 c sweet chili sauce 1/3 c soy sauce 1/4 cup maple syrup 2 tsp garlic powder Juice of 1 lemon DIRECTIONS:…

Recently certain kashrus agencies have begun to offer courses for women to make them mashgichot. These roles can be either to visit certain plants or to maintain the kosher program…

Our Sages teach that the reason why Yisro merited to have a parsha in the Torah named for him was because of the counsel that he gave to his son-in-…

Yisro Was Impressed By G-d’s Harsh Treatment of Moshe “Yisro… heard all that G-d did for Moshe and for the Jewish people.” As a result, Yisro was very impressed and…

May one have a dog or a cat as a pet? Is there an issur to feed bossur b’chalav to a pet animal? What other issues can potentially be a…

I recently heard a true life story that spoke volumes. It was in the mid-70s. A young successful entrepreneur went to the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt”l for a bracha. A bracha…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I don’t know what to do. My younger sister is engaged to one of the first guys she dated and honestly, I’m jealous. We are three…

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General warned the country that we collectively are suffering from an “epidemic of loneliness.” He claimed that the negative health effects of loneliness are on…

CHICKEN WITH OLIVES, FIGS & DATES INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1⁄4 cup honey 1 chicken, cut in 1/8’s Salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons…

Yonatan Zigelboum, known by his stage name Yoni Z, is a singer, composer, producer, and dancer whose prodigious talent has firmly established him as a maestro and performer in the…

They told me this morning at the Daf that Super Bowl Sunday is the busiest pizza day of the year. And 1.33 billion chicken wings will be consumed! As everyone…

There is no space between parashas Vayigash and parashas Vayichi, which is why it is called a Parashah S’Tumah, a closed parashah. Rashi (47:28) writes, “Why is this parashah closed?…

How does Tu B’Shevat impact the counting of years of orlah (prohibition of eating fruit from a tree during its first three years)? One may not eat fruit that grew…

Rabbi Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1869), in his work Mo’ed Le’kol Hai (chapter 30), discusses a number of different laws and customs relevant to the month of Shevat. He begins by…

“Vayehi beshalach Pharaoh es ha’am, And it was when Pharaoh sent out the nation…” (Shemos 13:17). The Talmud teaches that when the word “vayehi… and it was” is used, it…

With my youngest child approaching his teenage years I thought my Disney days were over, but when my grandchildren came to me asking, “Zayda, can you come with us to…

POTSTICKERS INGREDIENTS: 1 lb ground chicken 1 bunch chopped scallions 1/3 cup hoisin sauce 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 Tbsp garlic 1 tsp ginger 1 tsp sesame oil 1 package…

Lately, a major c o n t r o v e r s y erupted when a highly renowned and influential rabbi stated that G-d needs us. He explained that…

Dear Rabbi and Shira, I just spent Shabbos at my future in-laws, and I don’t know what to do. They are a wonderful family, sweet, and welcoming. The only problem?…

Gambling is very widespread today. People go to casinos, and bet on horses and sporting events. They gamble at slot machines and play various card games. Until recently, gambling was…

In illustrating both the importance of honoring our parents and the extent to which we must go to honor them, the Gemara tells a story that seems difficult to comprehend….

The first place Beneh Yisrael came to after crossing through the sea, as we read in Parashat Beshalah, was a place called Marah. The Torah tells us that during the…

This week’s parsha contains the famous “Song of the Sea” (Az Yashir). The Medrash says that Moshe told G-d “I know that I sinned against You with my use of…