INGREDIENTS: 1 (9 ounce) package brownie mix 1 egg 1 tablespoon cold water 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped 1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk 2 (8 ounce)…
INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoon salted butter 4 shallots thinly sliced 2 cups coarsely chopped mixed wild mushrooms such as cremini, shitake and oyster 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 6 cups baby spinach…
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…
Shabbos Together with observing the laws of Shabbos, it’s important to tap into the joy and the spirituality of Shabbos. Those who experience the joy of Shabbos, enjoy a taste…
Is one allowed to eat meat after milk? What is the halacha if one makes Kiddush and eats dairy foods, planning to later eat a meat Seudas Yom Tov? What…
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…
As we make final preparations for Shavuos, including a fervent desire to come away from the yom Tov with a renewed commitment to the “learning” of Torah, we need to…
The question of having limited supply of liquid and how to allocate it to dehydrating people should be purely theoretical in 2022, and yet the country is currently suffering a…
Parashat Behukotai is famous for the “blessings” and “curses,” the description of the great rewards promised to Beneh Yisrael for obeying G-d’s commands, and the punishments the Torah warns would…
The Mishnah in Pirkeh Avot (4:22) teaches: – ךרצי†ךחיטבי†לא – סונמ†תיב†לואשהש – ךחרכ†לעש†¨ךל – לעו†רצונ†התא – יח†התא†ךחרכ¨ התא†≠†ךחרכ†לעו†¨†תמ†≠†התא†ךחרכ†לעו יכלמ†ךלמ†≠†ינפל†ןובשחו†ןיד†≠†ןתיל†דיתע . אוה†≠†ךורב†שודקה†≠†םיכלמה Do not let your evil inclination assure you that…
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…
We learn in Parshas Bechukosai that among the blessings that G-d gives to us is “You will eat your bread and will be satisfied [Vayikra 26:5].” Rashi (1040-1105) explains that…
It’s Pirkei Avos season. On the long Shabbos afternoons of spring and summer, we open the Book of Ethics, ready to learn its Torah values. While each chapter imparts different…
The Gemorah (Kiddushin 2b) tells us that the phrase “harei at m’kudeshet li” that we use under the chuppah is not a biblical expression at all, rather it is a…
This week’s Parsha, Parshas Behar discusses Shemittah & Yovel. The Torah forbids many agricultural activities in Eretz Yisroel during Shemitah, such as planting, pruning and harvesting. Chazal added many other…
THE MORTGAGE “My buyer told me that he lived in the same house for 10 years. When I checked, I found out he’d still be there today if the Governor…
The posuk describes the pursuit of Torah study as being, “Yikara hi mipninim – More precious than pearls.” Homiletically, the Gemora interprets this posuk to mean, “M’kohein G-dol hanichnas lifnei…
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…
The Torah in Parashat Behar speaks of the obligation to support a fellow Jew in financial straits, adding, “Ve’heh Ahicha Imach” – “and your brother shall live with you” (25:36)….
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…
The Gemara in Masechet Kiddushin teaches us, אמלע†יאהב†הוצמ†רכש†אכיל†– the reward for observing mitzvot comes not in this world, but rather in the next world. Commentators raised the question of how…
The Gemara (Gittin 45b) says that we must burn a Torah scroll written by a heretic. In contrast, if a gentile wrote a Torah, then we either bury it (put…
The Mishna states “Exile comes to the world because of Idoltary, Immorality and Incest, Murder, and the (violation of) the Sabbatical of the Land (Shmitas haAretz)” [Avos 5:11]. The Ramban…
Mikrah – coincidence. But we know that there are no coincidences in life. That all is b’yad HaShem – in HaShem’s hands. In fact, our rabbis teach that the word…
This week’s parashah teaches us to be cautious from from hurting people with words. As the Torah says, “Don’t harm your fellow man [verbally]…” (25:17). There are many forms of…
FAST FACTS: Name: Mika Zibanejad Born: April 18, 1993 Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden Position: Defense Shoots: Right Shoots: Right Draft: 2011 OTT, 1st rd, 6th pk (6th overall) Salary: Signed a…
INGREDIENTS: Chocolate Iced Cake Yellow, Red, & Orange hard candy Rolled wafer cookies DIRECTIONS: Use your favorite chocolate cake recipe. Baking in 2 9 inch rounds. Frost the cake…
One of the major goals of life is to achieve many victories against the Yeitzer Hara, the Evil Inclination. The thinking Jew knows that one of his or her greatest…
In the days of the Beis Hamikdash, every erev Shabbos twelve challas would be baked in a special shape (“lechem hapanim”) and would be placed on the Shulchan in the…
The country was stunned last week when the draft of a Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade was leaked. The sharing of something private is not only a potentially…
We find in Parashat Emor one of the most important commands in the entire Torah: “Ve’lo Tehalelu Et Shem Kodshi” – “You shall not desecrate My sacred Name” (22:32). The…
The last article dealt with many of the customs regarding certain activities during sefira. In this article we will continue to deal with other customs regarding sefira. For example: Are…
A DISTURBING MITZVAH Some of the commandments in the Torah dance off the pages in theirsheer moral beauty. Some of them ma kes us uneasy. Our parsha, Emor, includes one…
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…
Rashi cites a teaching of our Sages concerning an apparent redundancy in the opening pasuk [verse] of Parshas Emor. The parsha begins “Hashem said to Moshe: SAY to the Kohanim,…
Should a hashgacha put on the product they certify the beracha one should make on that product? We at the OU are constantly getting calls about what’s the right bracha….
Ever think it’s too late…. I can’t start over again… new beginnings are not for me? Rabbi Akiva teaches us otherwise. Rabbi Akiva was an uneducated shepherd, who at age…
The Kotzker Rebbe zt’l said, “The yetzer hara is like a paper lion. Try ripping it up, and you will see.” The yetzer hara seems powerful, like a tall mountain,…
FAST FACTS: Name: Adam Fox Born: February 17, 1998 (age 24) in Jericho, New York Height: 5 ft 11 in Weight: 181 lb Position: Defense Shoots: Right NHL Draft: 66th…
INGREDIENTS: FISH: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1…
THE INTERVIEW BELOW IS AN INTERVIEW THAT ARI HIRSCH FROM THE JEWISH VUES DID WITH RABBI ZECHARIAH WALLERSTEIN Z”TL DURING THE SUMMER OF 2010. BY READING THIS ARTICLE, IT BECOMES…
The Gemorah (Moed Koton 14B) understands from the pesukim in parshas Shmini that the kohein gadol does not observe aveilus over the death of a relative. (See Sefer Ginat Egoz,…
May one buy cut fruit from a store that does not have a Hechsher? No! We get this question all the time. People are invited all the time to meetings…
This week’s parsha (19:18) discusses the mitzvah of ךומכ†ךערל†תבהאו ” ,Love your friend like yourself.” Reb Akiva says, “This is a great rule of the Torah” (Rashi). A convert asked…
Rabbi Weiss: Dear Yeitzer Hara! I’ve been thinking lately a lot about the various pitfalls that can disrupt a person’s worship in shul. Can you suggest any tips that can…
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…
Parashat Kedoshim begins with the command of “Kedoshim Tiheyu” – that we be “holy.” The term “holy” conjures up different associations among different people, the common denominator being that they…
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…
The Mishnah teaches us in Pirkei Avot (1:13), ףיסי†ףיסומ†אלד†– “one who does not increase, diminishes.” In other words, if we are not moving forward, then we are moving backwards. If…
Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He’s going to be up all night anyway. — Mary C. Crowley God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved…
A charitable pledge constitutes a vow that must be fulfilled. However, like many vows, it can be nullified if proper regret is presented to a religious court, if it is…
The pasuk states in the beginning of Parshas Kedoshim: “A man, his mother and his father he shall fear, and my Sabbaths you shall keep, I am Hashem your G-d.”…
We are now in the midst of Sefira. Counting the days between Pesach and Shavuos. Anticipating Kabbolas HaTorah, once again saying Na’aseh V’nishmah, we will do and we will listen….
INGREDIENTS: 1.5 – 2lbs ground beef/lamb (you can mix or do either or) 1 cup parsley finely chopped 1 medium onion – finely chopped 1 tsp Baharat (Pereg and Lior…
INGREDIENTS: 6 medium ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped 1 small green jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced OR 2 medium green…
Why Do We Read D i f f e r e n t Parshas? This year, we have a situation that arises every so often – certainly not infrequently! In…
The Torah mentions several times that Bnei Yisroel are the am hanivchar. What exactly does that mean? Does it mean that just like parents sometimes favor one child over the…
The end of Acharei Mos contains the prohibition of giving one’s children over to the pagan worship of Molech. This tragic form of Avodah Zarah (idolatry) involved transferring one’s child…
Last Thursday, adult-use marijuana sales became legal in the Garden State — opening the doors to what analysts believe could be a $2 billion market by 2025. Voters in the…
The Gemora calls our ancient sages Sofrim, people who know how to count. This seems to be an odd name for our great men who were endowed with encyclopedic knowledge,…
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…
We read in Parashat Ahareh-Mot of the spe- cial service which the Kohen Gadol would perform on Yom Kip- pur in the Bet Ha’mikdash. One of the many fascinating features…
Medical marijuana is permissible, but recreational use prevents us from being our best selves. _________________ In 1970, President Richard Nixon signed the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”), essentially declaring a war…
In the second chapter of Pirkeh Avot, we read the following teaching of Rabbi Shimon: וכשאתה מתפלל, אל תעש תפלתך קבע, אלא רחמים .ותחנונים לפני המקום When you pray, do…
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…
“For the winter has passed,… the time of the songbird has arrived, and the blossoms of the tree are seen throughout the land.” (Shir HaShirim 2:11-12) We read Shir HaShirim…
Hashem told us that the mon must be eaten the same day it falls. No one was permitted to leave mon over for the next day. Dasan and Aviram disobeyed…
INGREDIENTS: 1 cup warm water 1½ Tbsp yeast ½ cup sugar ¼ cup oil 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 4 cups bread flour ½ Tbsp salt The custom to…
Abie Rotenberg is arguably the greatest living Jewish music composer. He has been producing music since 1972 with a style that has been described as “soft & sweet” with a…
GROUND COFFEE What could be the issues with unflavored ground coffee – regular or decaf – for Pesach? Regular caffeinated and unflavored coffee is kosher for Pesach even without special…
One of the many important halachos that we are faced with at the seder is the proper volume to eat or drink in order to fulfill the mitzvah of the…
With Pesach incredibly just days away, and as we begin once again to say farewell to pizza and pasta, we need to ask ourselves what spiritual lessons we want to…
The Rema Mi’Pano (Rav Menahem Azarya of Fano, Italy, 1548-1620) writes that the verse in Shir Ha’shirim (5:1), “Ichlu Re’im Shetu Ve’shichru Dodim” – “Eat, friends; drink to intoxication, beloved…
I. Berachah Rishonah on Maror Tosfos (Pesachim 115a, s.v. vehadar) raises a basic question regarding the maror eaten at the seder. Why, when we eat maror, do we not recite…
In too many homes, marror is not the most bitter thing at the seder table. There are people who suffer from chronic negativity, who drag down those around them and…
The number 4, as we all know, features very prominently at the Pesach seder. There are four cups of wine, four questions, four sons, four pesukim from the Book of…
THREE BOYS Those three boys are in the schoolyard bragging of how great their fathers are. The first one says: “Well, my father runs the fastest. He can fire an…
The Passover seder is full of fours: four questions, four cups, four sons. The midrashic reading of four sons into the biblical text is brilliant, comparing the four times the…
Every Passover Seder begins with a plea: “This year we are here; next year (may we be) in the Land of Israel. This year we are slaves; next year (may…
Chag HaMatzohs. Holiday of Matzohs. When we think Pesach, invariably among the first things that come to mind are the Seder and matzohs. For weeks before Pesach, we are already…
We try our best to conduct the Seder like the great tzaddikim of the past, but we must know that it is precious to Hashem no matter how it goes….
FAST FACTS: Name: Peter Morgan Alonso Nickname: Polar Bear Born: December 7, 1994 (age 26) in Tampa, Florida Drafted: The New York Mets selected Alonso in the second round, with…
INGREDIENTS: Cooking spray 2 1/2 c. powdered sugar 3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 4 large egg whites 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 1/2 c. chocolate…
INGREDIENTS: 4-5 medium potatoes,(Idaho or Yukon Gold), peeled and cut into chunks 4-5 cloves garlic 1/2 cup (approximately) vegetable broth 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp…
The Tur (430) writes, “The Shabbos before Pesach is Shabbos HaGadol because a nes gadol, a great miracle, happened†on†that†dayƆ˛On†this†final†Shabbos in Mitzrayim], everyone took a sheep for the korban Pesach and…
The haftorah for Shabbos Hagadol is the concluding parsha in Trei Osor. When Shlomo Hamelech built the first Beis Hamikdosh, he already knew that it would be destroyed. According to…
INGREDIENTS: 3 pounds chicken cutlets, butterflied 10 frozen basil cubes 5 frozen garlic cubes 1/2 cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste This simple delicious recipe is great…
INGREDIENTS: 8 chicken thighs 2 large onions, chopped 1 tablespoon oil 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 tablespoon onion powder 1/2 tablespoon paprika 1 cup water DIRECTIONS: Directions for the Chicken…
The seventh chapter of Kings II (related to the theme of the Haftorah of Metzora), tells a fascinating story, about the “four lepers.” The story takes place during the First…
Given the current price per pound, it sure doesn’t feel like Matzah is lechem oni, the bread of the poor person. This year, 200,000 pounds of handmade shmurah matzah were…
I am puzzled by our practice of reciting a separate bracha on each cup of wine. Ordinarily, when I recite a blessing on one cup of wine, I do not…
At the Seder, we celebrate the anniversary of being chosen by Hashem to be his special people. Thus we eat an egg, which, amongst other things, symbolizes the birth of…
Parashiyot Tazria and Mesora speak at length about the subject of Sara’at, the skin infection that would be suffered by those guilty of the sin of Lashon Ha’ra – negative…
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 there such a thing as too much inspiration? Intuitively, our answer would likely be an emphatic “Absolutely not!!!!” We can always use some more inspiration, right? But I think…
I. Three Seder Practices Generally speaking, when it comes to the Pesach Seder, people know the details of their own family’s practices but not those of many other families. From…
Rav Avraham Yitzchok HaKohen Kook (1865-1935), the first Chief Rabbi of Eretz Yisrael in modern times, was an outstanding genius, but he was a controversial figure. Certain rabbinic personalities of…
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…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Although you wrote an excellent column on page 74 of the March 16 issues if Jewish Vues, as you regularly do, you were misled by the…
Can one kasher plastic bowls and utensils for Pesach? Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim II: 92) was asked whether it is permissible to kasher synthetic materials for…
On the seder night we do yahcatz before we begin magid, i.e. we break the middle matza in half, and put away the larger half for the afikoman, before we…
Pesach preparations are complex and multi-faceted. Way before Pesach, many people personally go to the matzah bakery and physically assist in the baking of the matzos, fulfilling the Talmudic dictum,…
Parashat Tazria begins with the law of “Tum’at Yoledet” – the state of impurity that descends upon a woman after she delivers a child. The Torah establishes that the woman…
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…
Parashat Tazria – as well as the majority of the following parashah, Parashat Metzora – discuss the laws of tzara’at (leprosy), a skin condition which would befall a person mainly…
A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance. — Saul Bellow Light travels faster than sound. That’s why most people seem bright until you hear them speak. —…
Earlier this week, four Israelis were killed, and several others were injured, in a terrorist stabbing attack at a shopping center and gas station in Be’er Sheva. Beautiful, innocent souls,…
I. Freedom of the Will Pesach is the holiday of freedom, when G-d redeemed us from slavery. But has that freedom continued with us, even after we subsequently were oppressed…
This week’s parshah, Tazria, tells us about tzoraas, a blemish that appears upon the skin of one who is speaking lashon hara. A physical reaction to a spiritual misaction, an…
INGREDIENTS: 1/2 lb. Matza farfel 1/2 c oil 1/2 c brown sugar 1/2 stick butter/margarine 1/2 c water 1/2 c chopped almonds 1 tsp cinnamon Craisins to taste Chocolate chips…
The Torah mentions several times that the purpose of all the miracles connected with Yetziat Mitzrayim was to demonstrate the existence of Hashem, his power, and all the principles of…
Incredibly, spring is in the air and we’re getting ready for Pesach. Children are told not to carry around their cookies. The global Daf Yomi community, learning Masechtas Yevamos, is…
Parashat Shemini tells of the events that took place “on the eighth day” – meaning, the day after the sevenday Miluim process during which Aharon and his sons were prepared…
We are all familiar with the custom of kitniyos on Pesach, but who does it apply to, what is included in the custom, and what about derivatives or extracts from…
Parashat Shemini is so named because it tells of what happened on השמיני יום – “the eighth day.” For seven days, Aharon and his sons prepared for their role as…
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…
“Vayehi bayom hashmini, and it was on the eighth day.” (Vayikra 9:1) The number seven connotes tevah, what is natural, as in the days of the week, while eight is…
KASHRUS The Chasam Sofer once asked two community activists to set up a meeting with the mayor of Pressburg. “The issue is urgent, so schedule the meeting immediately.” The delegates…
The parsha begins, “And it was on the eighth day…” To which eighth day is the Torah referring? The Torah is discussing the “eighth day” after the previous seven, during…
INGREDIENTS: 1 large cabbage, cored and sliced 1 ¼ cups ketchup 1 15oz can diced tomatoes 4 cups ginger ale 2 lbs chopped meat 1 egg Salt and pepper to…
In its “Audit of Antisemitic Incidents,” the ADL recorded over 2100 acts of assault, vandalism and harassment against Jews last year, a 12% increase from the previous year and the…
It is hard to believe that this Taanis Esther will already be the 35th yahrzeit of the Rosh Yeshiva, H a G a o n , Rav Moshe Feinstein, Zt”l,…
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…
Rabbi Hirsch Melech Shapiro (known for his sefer B’nai Yissoschor) writes a very fascinating idea in his sefer Derech Pekudecha. The Chumash records that Hakadosh Baruch Hu told Moshe Rabbeinu…
Parashat Sav continues the Torah’s discussion which began in the previous Parasha, Parashat Vayikra, outlining the basic laws that apply to the various types of sacrifices. One of the voluntary…
FUTILE A fascinating Midrash compares Haman to a foolish bird attempting to take revenge on an ocean that destroyed its nest. This deceivingly simple fable tells about the secret behind…
The Megillah mentions on several occasions that Mordechai sat ךלמה†רעשב– “at the king’s gate.” Apparently, he would frequently sit by the gate to the king’s palace. But we must wonder…
Cryptocurrency has gained traction in recent years, valuing over two trillions dollars in circulation. Can you fulfill the mitzvah of giving money to poor people on Purim (matanos la-evyonim) with…
The parsha begins with the instruction: “Command Aharon (Tzav es Aharon) and his sons saying: This is the law of the olah-offering: It is the olah-offering [that stays] on the…
“Ma’aseh avos siman l’bonim. The deeds of our forefathers are a sign for the children.” (Midrash Tanchuma, Parshas Lech Lecha) Radak understands it to mean that our ancestors’ actions transmit…
Purim In the times of the Baal Shem Tov, there was a drought. The Baal Shem Tov advised his students to go to a certain drunkard and ask him to…
INGREDIENTS: 1 12 oz package of pastrami chopped 2 large onions chopped 4 cloves minced garlic 1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 2…
One of the mitzvos of Purim is giving Mishlo’ach Manos, a gift of at least two different things to a friend. With technology constantly evolving, I wonder whether you can…
Children of all ages eagerly anticipate the moment on Purim when the ba’al koreh mentions Haman’s name. They bang on the floor and tables, shoot popguns, and indulge in all…
“Zachor, Remember what Amalek did to you when you were leaving Egypt. That he happened upon you on the way, and he cut off the weak ones at your rear,…
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…
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…
We read in the Megilla of how Ahashverosh wanted to repay Mordechai for saving his life, and he summoned Haman to ask him what would be an appropriate way of…
The mazal of the month of Adar is Dagim. The Klausenberger Rebbe zt’l said that this month, which is represented by fish, is a month of happiness, since while lions…
LEARNING FROM A UNCOUTH DICTATOR HOW TO CELEBRATE LIFE The Farmer A Texas farmer was touring England. He happened to meet an English farmer and asked him, “What size farm…
On the Shabbat before Purim – “Shabbat Zachor” – we fulfill the com mandment to remember Amalek’s attack on the Jewish People shortly after they left Egypt. This mitzvah is…
The Taz in his commentary on the Shulchan Aruch (end of Orach Chaim), quotes from the Mordechai the following: from the simple reading of the mishna in the first perek…
The last pasuk [verse] in the Megilla reads “For Mordechai, the Yehudi, was viceroy to King Ahashuerus; he was a great man among the Jews, and found favor with the…
INGREDIENTS: 11 ounces dark beer 3 tablespoons sesame seed oil 5 large cloves of gar1ic minced 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground…
INGREDIENTS: For kreplach dough: 2 cups flour Pinch of salt 2 eggs 1 T plus 1 t lukewarm water For the filling: 1/2 medium onion, chopped 1 lb. beef, chopped…
FAST FACTS: Name: Bob (Boruch) Moskovitz Title: Executive Coordinator Family: wife Naomi( definitely my better half) and B”H 4 married children and grandchildren Years living in Flatbush: 45 Currently Davens…
Regarding the custom of Zecher L’Machtzis Hashekel, I have a difficult time finding fifty cent coins. Can I give two quarters, or is there a different way to perform this…
Back in 2013, when the Pew Research Center released its landmark study entitled “A Portrait of Jewish Americans,” Jewish Action asked me among other contributors to offer observations and recommendations….
If one dies during the month of Adar in a shanah peshuta (a non-leap year which has only one Adar), when do the children observe the yahrzeit during a shana…
One of the major messages of Purim is the fostering of friendship through the lofty mitzvah of mishloach manos ish l’rei’eihu. The lesson is clear one. As we celebrate Jewish…
The Gemara in Masechet Berachot (55a) tells of the conversation Moshe had with Besalel, the man appointed by G-d to lead the construction of the Mishkan, when Moshe approached him…
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…
A Tribute to My Dear Student Nadiv The Truth, the Whole Truth and… Harry gets stopped by a police car. When the police officer gets to his car, Harry says,…
One of the features of the Mishkan which Beneh Yisrael built in the desert was the kiyor – the special faucet which stood by the entrance to the Mishkan. The…
I. Spilling Wine Rav Moshe Isserles (Rema, 17th cen, Poland; Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 396:1) records a custom to spill Havdalah wine on the ground. He explains that the basis…
Parshas Pikudei concludes the construction of the Mishkan. After the construction of all the individual components of the Mishkan, they brought the parts to Moshe. Rash”i quotes the Medrash Tanchuma,…
This Shabbos, we say “Chazak” upon completing Parshas Pekudei, the final portion of Shemos. “Ki anan HaShem, For the cloud of HaShem was before the eyes of all of Bnei…
The Golden Trap Money is from the basic necessities of life — and it’s also from the greatest tests. A person who doesn’t approach the pursuit of earning parnassah in…
INGREDIENTS: 2 large Spanish onions 3 medium carrots 1 large parsnip 2.5 lb. second-cut brisket Salt 1 cup dry red wine DIRECTIONS: Brisket is a holiday regular in all…
Avraham Fried, the world renowned Jewish singer, is beloved to his fans and best known for his beautiful songs and lyrics. Very few people have had the success that Avraham…
Dishwashing Detergent Do dishwashing detergents require kosher supervision? It is generally assumed that dishwashing detergents are not edible entities, and halachically they do not have a non-kosher status, even if…
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…
In the days of the Talmud taxes were collected for the purpose of enriching the king. Based on the parshas hamelech in Sefer Shmuel (Shmuel I 8:11), the Rabbis formulated…
“Raunchy TikTok Talmud Tidbits Spark… Heated Discourse” This recent headline caught my attention (as it was designed to) and intensified a question that has been weighing on me: The internet…
As I was walking home from shul on Friday night, I was thinking about the sermon I had just delivered exhorting my congregants to always be on guard from the…
In Parashat Vayakhel, Moshe Rabbenu assembles Beneh Yisrael to present to them G-d’s commands regarding the construction of the Mishkan and its various furnishings. He introduces this command, however, by…
G-d Is a Great Builder; But It’s Man’s Handiwork That Takes the Cake In the Beginning As a result of a near mutiny, the overbearing and arrogant captain was forced…
Parashat Vayakhel tells about the construction of the Mishkan, a project which was led by a man named Betzalel. The Torah makes a point of informing us of not only…
The question of what you can learn on Shabbos often revolves around the permissibility of reading secular material. However, it also applies to the proper Torah material for Shabbos. What…
Parshas Vayakhel marks the fruition of the instructions provided in Parshas Terumah and Tezaveh. On a theoretical level, the earlier parshios spell out the structure of the Mishkan [Tabernacle], its…
“Rachmanah liba boyeh” “The Merciful One desires the heart.” (Talmud Sanhedrin 106b) To do mitzvos with heart, with love and compassion. Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler zt”l explains that Torah is different…
Hachodesh The parashah begins with the words “Moshe gathered the entire community of Bnei Yisrael”. “and he told them, ‘This is what Hashem commanded you to do…’” (Vayakhel 35:1). Tzaddikim…
INGREDIENTS: Sushi rice 1/3 cup unseasoned Rice Vinegar 3 Tbsp Sugar 1 1/2 tsp Salt DIRECTIONS: Sushi salad bowl is the perfect appetizer for Purim Seudah, Shabbat or a delicious…
Many years ago, I took my children to the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. A guide took us around and was patiently describing the history of the world, showing…
According to the tradition of the Gemorah (Gittin 60a), towards the end of this week’s parsha (Shemos 34:27) Hashem told Moshe Rabbeinu that he is giving the Jewish people a…
The Gemora in Megillah teaches us that Esther requested, “Kavuni l’doros – Affix me for all generations,” please write my story for posterity. This is a very strange request. We…
After the sin of the golden calf, Moshe Rabbenu pleaded to G-d on the nation’s behalf, and he asked that if G-d would not forgive the people for this grave…
Many questions come up regarding hilchos mezuzah. For example, when one moves into a house, when is the correct time to affix a mezuzah? How high on the doorpost does…
When G-d Learned Not to Take His People for Granted Whence Such a Transformation? It was one of our lowest points in history, the nadir of the Jewish people. Forty…
Emunah This week’s parashah discusses the aveirah of the egel, which was avodah zarah. Baruch Hashem, we are not tempted to worship avodah zarah anymore. Chazal (Yoma 69:) tell us…
I was once speaking with somebody suffering from an eating disorder. After hearing about the terrible condition that this patient was going through, I observed that this person had “a…
We believe in fighting honorably in the rare, unfortunate case in which fighting is necessary. But does that mean that we have to be at a disadvantage? If our enemy…
Please revisit hechsherim when visiting Eretz Yisrael. What is the equivalent to the OU when visiting Eretz Yisrael? I really don’t like to answer that question because I don’t like…
We read in this week’s parshah, about the tragic episode of the Eigel HaZahav, the Golden Calf. A chapter in the history of the Jewish people that is difficult to…
INGREDIENTS: 1.5 – 2lbs ground beef/lamb (you can mix or do either or) 1 cup parsley finely chopped 1 medium onion – finely chopped 1 tsp Baharat (Pereg and Lior…
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…
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…
Despite what you may have been told as a child, sharing is not always caring. We are living in a transparent generation where the trend is towards sharing in the…
Cast iron cookware: Does it really need a hechsher? Absolutely!: If it’s pure cast iron and it doesn’t have anything else on the pots or pans, then it doesn’t need…
Being that the Super Bowl is this Sunday, I would like to weigh-in with some thoughts. At the outset, I would like to make a very un-American confession: I really…
Several times a year I visit Eretz Yisroel. When I take a night flight I notice that many men sleep for five to six hours, and then recite Shema and…
One of the intriguing features of Parashat Tesaveh is the fact noted by our Sages that Moshe’s name appears nowhere in the Parasha – making this the first Parasha since…
The Midrash tells a fable of a bird that built a nest on the seashore, and then a wave came and destroyed it. The bird was furious. It decided to…
I. Hashem Has No Needs On first thought, it seems outrageous to suggest that Hashem would need us. In order to need something you have to lack something. If Hashem…
Parshas Tetzaveh begins with the mitzvah of kindling the Menorah. There is a famous Medrash which teaches: “The Almighty states ‘It is not that I need their light for illumination….
It was summertime. My parents were upstate lecturing in the Pine View Hotel. I was taking courses in Brooklyn College, and being that my siblings were in sleepaway camp, I…
This week’s parashah discusses the clothes of the kohen gadol, and among them the me’il, robe. The me’il had decorative pomegranates and bells sawn along its hem. According to Rashi,…
INGREDIENTS: Sauce 1/2 cup honey 1/3 cup soy sauce, 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon ginger, finely diced 1/4 cup water Chicken 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed, and drumettes…
INGREDIENTS: 3 pounds ground beef 1 small onion, grated 3 tablespoons of your favorite bbq sauce 3/4 cup Jason seasoned breadcrumbs 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1…
There is a lot of hype recently about the IMPOSSIBLE BURGER. What is the impossible burger & Is there any problem with eating an impossible burger? The impossible burger is…
One wonders why Parshas Mishpotim, the source for many Jewish civil laws, starts out with the subject of slavery. After all, Hashem, who sees the future in its entirety, knew…
Parashat Teruma begins with G-d’s command to Beneh Yisrael that they should donate materials for the construction of the Mishkan: “Ve’yikhu Li Teruma.” Rashi, commenting to this verse, notes that…
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…
The Gemara teaches that when Haman made his lottery to determine the day when he would eradicate the Jews, and the lottery fell on 13 Adar, he was overjoyed. He…
One evening this past week, my family and I were walking down the street when a person walking in the other direction turned, sneered, and said, “Hey you ugly Jews.”…
I. The Hungarian Apostate Are you allowed to say the name of someone wicked or should you avoid saying it? Mishlei (10:7) says, “The memory of the righteous shall be…
“HaShem spoke to Moshe, saying. Speak to Bnei Yisroel, V’yikchu li, and they shall take for Me a donation…” (Shemos 25:1-2) “V’yikchu li, take for Me”. Does a donor “take”…
Simchah In Adar, we are urged to increase our simchah. Joy can be attained in several ways. Ideally, we should be happy with our problems, because of our belief that…
FAST FACTS: Name: Joseph Lee Burrow Nickname: Joey Franchise Born: December 10, 1996 (age 25 years), in Ames, IA Height: 6 ft 4 in Passing yards: 7,299 Number: 9 (Cincinnati…
INGREDIENTS: 3 lbs chicken cutlets cubed Bread crumbs 1/2 cup hot sauce 3/4 cup honey DIRECTIONS: These poppers are a family favorite and so easy and quick to make….
Can I drink coffee at a restaurant? It is not possible to make one uni-versal statement about the kashrus of coffee prepared in a non-certified restaurant because each establishment is…
FAST FACTS: Name: Adam Fox Born: February 17, 1998(age 23) in Jericho, New York Height: 5 ft 11 in Weight: 181 lb Position: Defense Shoots: Right NHL Draft: 66th overall,…
INGREDIENTS: 6 Tbsp sesame seeds 4 Tbsp all purpose flour 1/2 tsp pepper /4 c soy sauce 4 pcs bone in chicken 1/4 c margarine, melted Sometimes you are…
“And these are the laws that you shall place before them.” (Shemos 21:1) The parsha opens with the words “And these are”. Rashi explains that by using this phrase, the…
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…
The pasuk “If the ox of a man will gore his fellow man’s ox and it dies they will sell the live ox and split its value and also the…
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…
On the one hand, never before have Jews been as prosperous as they are now. Both the vast majority of individuals and the community in general are currently blessed with…
Ahavas Yisrael Since ahavas Yisrael is from the principle themes of the Torah, we will take a few moments to discuss some stories of tzaddikim on this topic: Rebbe Dovid…
In his opening comment on the parsha, Rashi points out (quoting the tana’im) that the correct location of the Sanhedrin is in the Beis Hamikdosh. The particular room (known as…
Rav Pam (Ateres Avraham, Chayei Sarah) quotes Rabbeinu Bachya, who instructs us that when looking for a spouse we should not place an overemphasis on looks, money or yichus, but…
Parashat Mishpatim consists of many complex, intricate laws, and in the first verse of the Parasha, G-d instructs Moshe to “place” these laws before Beneh Yisrael. Rashi explains that Moshe…
Some 250 years ago, one of the greatest halachic sages of all time, the Noda Bi’yehudah, received a shocking letter. Maybe the only thing more shocking than the letter is…
Yisro made the astute observation, “Now I know that Hashem is the true G-d, “Ki badavar asher zadu aleihem,” that which the Egyptians plotted against the Jews befell upon them….
A Father Plants Saplings 210 Years Early, Offering Solace to His Children The Smuggler Tony comes up to the Mexican border on his bicycle. He’s got two large bags over…
I will never forget what happened that night. After going to hundreds of lectures, and giving quite a few myself, I thought I’d seen it all. But I had never…
Rabbi Chaim Kanievski Shlita has sent a personal condolence letter to Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky who is sitting shiva in Philadelphia after his rebbetzin passed away this week at the age…
This year, I began learning on Zoom with a friend from Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood and an oleh living in Ra’anana. Searching for a topic that might appeal to everyone, I…
Three Truths which Compelled Jethro to Join Our People The Story of Jethro The opening of the weekly portion tells the story of the Pagan priest Jethro who chooses to…
Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday was this past Monday, spoke powerfully about the danger and potential damage of silence. He once said, “Our lives begin to end the day…
Our tradition has it that maamad Har Sinai was really the culmination of Yetzias Mitzrayim. The Mishna (Avos 6:2) comments on the phrase “charus al hlauchos” (Shemos 32:16) that we…
The Torah discusses Moshe’s children, “The name of one [son] was Gershom… and the name of one son was Eliezer…” (18:3-4). It seems that it should have stated “the name…
The great Rav Chatzkel Levenstein, zt”l, zy”a, made a very interesting observation about the saga in Egypt. He comments that the greatest miracle that occurred in Egypt was the fact…
In the first section of Parashat Yitro, we read of the arrival of Yitro, Moshe’s father-in-law, at Beneh Yisrael’s camp at Mount Sinai. Yitro is described as “Kohen Midyan” –…
Can one buy plain coffee or tea in a treif store (i.e. bodega, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, etc.)? I don’t think you should buy coffee in a non-certified establishment because even…
Parashat Yitro begins with the story of Moshe’s father-in-law, Yitro, who decided to leave his homeland, Midyan, and join the Jewish Nation as a convert. The Torah elaborates in describing…
I. It’s All Good What is the most important passage in the Torah? The debate over a common custom teaches that answering this question opens the door to claims that…
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 wonton…
See something, Say something, is a phrase we have all become accustomed to since 9/11 and the rise of terrorism. This week’s parsha opens with the Torah telling us that…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi, I hope you can answer this question for me. My boyfriend and I are really struggling with this issue and we can’t seem to get…
Originally from New York, Rabbi Gavriel Friedman has spent the last two decades studying and teaching in various Yeshivos throughout Yerushalayim. Rabbi Friedman a.k.a Rav Gav grew up in Woodmere,…
There is a custom on Tu B’Shevat to eat fruits, especially those from the seven species with which Eretz Yisroel was blessed. Can you please review the order of the…
In several places the Talmud records discussions and debates amongst the Tanoim regarding the inclusion of various seforim in the canon of the kisvei ha’kodesh. Before deciding which seforim to…
The first Rebbe of Sadegur zt’l said, “…Of course this Shabbos is called Shabbos Shirah, a Shabbos of Song. There are so many miracles and wonderful things in this week’s…
Moshe Rabbeinu prayed that the frogs should depart from Egypt as per Pharoh’s request. Among all of the frogs, the sole survivors were those that risked their lives to go…
The first section of Parashat Beshalah tells one of the most dramatic stories in the entire Torah – the story of Keri’at Yam Suf, the miracle of the splitting of…
The beracha of shehechiyanu applies to many different areas such as Yom Tov, purchasing new items, performing mitzvahs and eating new fruits. This issue will focus on the beracha of…
A Tale of Three Leaders Three Versions of a Song One of the first things we did together as a people was sing. The nation of Israel was born on…
Parashat Beshalah tells the dramatic story of ףוס†םי†תעירק– the splitting of the sea. After Pharaoh finally sent Beneh Yisrael out of the Egypt, he changed his mind, and chased after…
On odd occasions, a monkey makes an appearance in Talmudic legal discussions for a specific purpose. Monkeys are nimble enough to be able to do many actions that a human…
FAST FACTS: Name: Rowan Alexander “RJ” Barrett Jr. NickName: Maple Mamba Born: June 14, 2000 (age 21) in Toronto, Ontario Height: 6 ft 6 in Weight: 202 lb Position: Shooting…
Moshe’s Wisdom: Booty Is Risky The Torah tells us that Moshe took the bones of Yosef with him. The Talmud [Sotah 13a] comments, “How dear the Mitzvos were to Moshe…
Tu B’Shevat, the 15th of Shevat, also known as Rosh HaShanah L’illanos, the New Year for Trees. I remember celebrating Tu B’Shevat as a schoolgirl. Tu B’Shevat “goody bags” were…
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 olive oil 1 onion, sliced 6…
FAST FACTS: Name: Ryan Turell Hebrew Name: Ephraim Age: 22 Height: 6’7” Weight: 195lbs. Position: Guard Grew up in: California, The Valley #11- Anything behind that number? It’s a family…
FAST FACTS: Name: John Earl Madden Born: April 10, 1936 in Austin, Minnesota Died: December 28, 2021 (aged 85) in Pleasanton, California High school: Jefferson in (Daly City, California) College:…
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…
Is Time a Storm in Which We Are All Lost? Always Late Sarah was always late to work no matter how much she tried to be on time, or how…
In the beginning of parshas Shemos, the posuk says, “… Shemos Bnei Yisroel habonim – The names of the Jewish People who came.” The Baal Haturim revealed that the first…
The parsha tells us (Shemos 12:38) that when Bnai Yisroel left Mitzrayim a tremendous group of converts left with them. The Midrash explains that this was Moshe Rabbeinu’s original idea;…
Parashat Bo tells us of G-d’s commands to Beneh Yisrael regarding the Korban Pesah – the paschal sacrifice which they offered on the night of the Exodus, before they left…
The obligation to recite one hundred berochos daily is very relevant to our daily lives. Many schools have adopted programs to teach children all about this mitzvah. What is this…
The letters of of one, אל-הים the Names of Hashem, can be rearranged – מי אלה spell to “who are these?” These two arrangements of the letters represent two different…
Chaim Walder broke onto the scene in 1993 with his first best-selling book, “Yeladim mesaprim al atzmam” (“Children Talk About Themselves”), translated into English as “Kids Speak.” The series was…
I. The Cemetery in Lvov A kohen is obligated to protect his sanctity from the impurity of a dead body. Part of this obligation requires him to avoid being under…
“Bo el Pharaoh.” (Shemos 10:1) “Bo” is understood in this context to mean “to go”, as HaShem is instructing Moshe to go to Pharaoh and plead on behalf of the…
Tefillin The end of this week’s parashah discusses the mitzvah of tefillin. The Yid HaKadosh of Peshischa zt’l said, “If I would think that it would be good for simple…
INGREDIENTS: 4 bags frozen chopped broccoli 6 cups chicken broth (can use vegetable to keep pareve our dairy) 1 large onion caramelized (I always keep a batch in the freezer)…
Wanted to share some stories about my father- actually these aren’t really stories in the sense of some of the out of this world stories that have been shared over…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I am at my wits end! It use to be when people wanted to learn about my family to see if I was right for their…
CleanSpeak profanity-filtering software, which is used by companies that host online communities and other discussion forums, says the volume of filtered inappropriate words has more than tripled in the past…
Is there an issue with having a cleaning person in your house when you are not home? A cleaning lady is always an issue. There’s a fundamental issue with having…
“HaShem said to Moshe, ‘Say to Aaron, take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt…. and they will become blood….’ ” (Shemos 7:19) “HaShem said…
The power of tefillah Many people wonder why their tefillos should be answered. They know their sins and faults, and it’s hard for them to imagine that Hashem is interested…
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…
Moshe and Aaron Remained Moshe and Aaron From Beginning To End There is a strange set of verses near the beginning of our parsha. After G-d charged Moshe and Aaron…
Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer (19th cen., Poland) famously proposed bringing sacrifices today (i.e., the 1860’s) even though there is no Temple standing. He brilliantly argues in his 1862 book, Derishas…
A famous Midrash tells that when G-d brought upon the Egyptians the second plague, the plague of frogs, he started by bringing just one single frog. The Egyptians tried to…
The commentaries on the Chumash find it difficult to understand why the exodus from Egypt had to be accomplished by means of a deception. Moshe Rabbeinu only requested three days…
Parashat Vaera begins with a series of promises that G-d tells Moshe to communicate to Beneh Yisrael in Egypt. One of these promises is “Ve’lakahti Etchem Li Le’am” – “I…
The Words Vaileh Shmos is an acronym for vchayav adam lhashlim haparsha shnayim mikra vechad targum-one is required to review the weekly Torah portion, twice with the language of the…
Redemption Begins When I Stop Tolerating the Lie Moses’ Early Years It is one of the most intriguing components of the Exodus story. The first leader of the Jewish people,…
INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 pound ground veal 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley 1/4 cup bread crumbs…
JEWISH VUES IS PROUD TO WELCOME TORAH IQ TO ITS AMAZING GROUP OF WEEKLY CONTRIBUTORS Torah IQ is a sefer full of over 1500 riddles and brainteasers. The sefer, introduced…
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…
The story is told of a young couple that moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman saw her neighbor hanging laundry…
The Mishna (Pesachim 116a) records the observance of the mitzvah of “sippur yetzias mitzrayim” on the first night of Pesach. “ Arami oveid avi” (normally recited in connection with the…
The Burning Bush and The Tanya The Inaugural Vision The inaugural vision in which Moses was appointed to become the leader of the Jewish Nation and its eternal teacher, we…
A rare opportunity is coming our way this Shabbos, December 25th, with the study of a new cycle of the global Mishnah Yomis, starting with Masechtas Berachos. Thousands of smart…
The Torah in Parashat Shemot tells of the heroism of the midwives of Beneh Yisrael, who defied Pharaoh’s edict ordering them to kill all newborn boys among the nation. These…
Parashat Shemot tells the story of Beneh Yisrael’s bondage in Egypt and Hashem’s appointing Moshe as the leader who would confront Pharaoh and bring the nation out of Egypt. Right…
I. Praying Quickly We are often told that the slower we pray, the better we pray. We have more intent, more time to think about the meaning of each word….
Yocheved Miraculously Becomes Young Again For Good Reason The pasuk says, “And a man went from the House of Levi and he married the daughter of Levi” [Shemos 2:1]. Rashi…
Do you ever have it where two people can be eating the same food, but need to make different bra- chos? There are many examples. I’ll give you an example…
“V’eileh Shemos Bnei Yisroel, These are the names of Bnei Yisroel.” (Shemos 1:1) There is a well-known Midrash which teaches that the Jewish people merited to be redeemed from Egypt…
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….
Reb Shimshon Pinkus zt’l related that he knew two men, both earned more or less the same amount of money. Both had large families and were in the stage of…
INGREDIENTS: 3 -4 lb second cut brisket or deckle 1 1/2 cups water 2 tsp seasoned salt 2 tsp garlic powder 1 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 1 cup ketchup 1/2…
FAST FACTS: Name: William Nathaniel “Buck” Showalter III Born: May 23, 1956 (age 65 years), DeFuniak Springs, FL Managerial record: 1,551–1,517 Teams: New York Yankees (1992–1995) Arizona Diamondbacks (1998–2000) Texas…
TRAGEDY STRUCK KLAL YISRAEL THIS PAST MOTZEI SHABBOS 1 TEENAGER KILLED; NORTH WOODMERE MOTHER OF 3 IN CRITICAL CONDITION Tragedy struck Klal Yisrael this past Motzei Shabbos when a drunk…
Medical marijuana is permissible, but recreational use prevents us from being our best selves. In 1970, President Richard Nixon signed the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”), essentially declaring a war on…
I.Which Charity? Many people in the Jewish community have achieved varieties of financial success, allowing them the privilege of supporting many charities. This raises questions of communal and philanthropic priorities….
Parshas Vayechi is not only the concluding parsha of Bereishis, but is also the final chapter of Yaakov Avinu’s life. While the parsha tells us about Yaakov’s last days, its…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I am dating a girl with a generalized Anxiety Disorder. She was very upfront and casually mentioned it after we da te d for a month….
INGREDIENTS: 2 large sweet potato, diced 1 lemon, sliced 3 cup green beans, trimmed 3 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped 2 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped 3 clove…
The obligation to recite one hundred berochos daily is very relevant to our daily lives. Many schools have adopted programs to teach children all about this mitzvah. What is this…
As Chanukah is already in our rear view mirrors (believe it or not) and we are facing (at least here on the eastern seaboard) what the Farmer’s Almanac is calling…
Davening with a Minyan It says says in Pirkei Avos “Be careful with the Shema and with Tefillah [to read them at the correct time]. Don’t treat tefillah like an…
Toward the end of Parashat Vayehi, we read of Yosef’s brothers’ fears that Yosef would avenge the pain which they inflicted upon him. They suspected that now that their father,…
The Essence of a Jew: “I Have More Than My Share” In this week’s Parsha, the blessing given to Yehuda reads, [Bereishis 49:8] “Yehuda — your brothers will praise you…”…
In Parashat Vayehi, the Torah tells us of Yaakov Avinu’s parting words to his children before his passing. He gathers them all around his bed and gives a blessing to…
THE GRAND DEBATE BETWEEN JUDAH AND JOSEPH WHAT’S FOR DINNER? The main course at the big civic dinner was baked ham with glazed sweet potatoes. Rabbi Cohen regretfully shook his…
Please explain the word “GLATT”-is it still shayach today? Very, very much! Not only is it relevant today, but it probably has more applications today than it originally did. Glatt…
FAST FACTS: Name: Mathew Barzal Born: May 26, 1997 (age 24) in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada Height: 6’ 0 Weight: 189 lb Shoots: Right NHL Draft: 16th overall, 2015 to…
IS GREY GOOSE KOSHER? Last Thursday Social media exploded with viral messages that Grey Goose Vodka, a drink used in many Kosher homes, was non-Kosher. Some Kashrus agencies released statements,…
Dear Rabbi and Shira, My daughter is a refined, intelligent Bais Yaakov girl who has been looking for her bashert for about a year now. She wants a boy who…
“Vayigash, and he approached”. The parsha opens with Yehuda pleading to Yosef on behalf of his youngest brother, Binyamin. Unbeknownst to the brothers, Yosef had a silver goblet planted in…
The Gotta Go app allows you to program excuses in advance. With the press of a button, you can active time-delayed texts and/or phone calls that will interrupt your uncomfortable…
Non-human mammals get what we call goosebumps, the constriction of skin surrounding hair follicles, when they feel threatened or attacked. Only human beings get goosebumps for a different feeling: awe….
When Yaakov wrestled with the malach, we know the identity of Yaakov’s antagonist. He was saro shel Eisav, the angel of Eisav. He is also otherwise known as Samo’el or,…
Why Good People Suffer David HaMelech said, “I will begin to tell my riddle with my harp …” (Tehillim 49:5) but the chapter doesn’t tell any riddles. Reb Yohonoson Eibshitz…
The Torah in Parashat Vayigash lists the names of Yaakob’s sons and grandsons who settled in Egypt to escape the harsh famine in Eretz Yisrael, thus beginning the Egyptian exile….
“And Yehudah approached him…” [Bereishis 44:18] Binyamin was about to become a hostage. Yehudah recognized the consequences of that eventuality, so he approached Yosef and presented what amounted to a…
I remember hearing form Rabbi Mordechai Gifter many years ago that he enjoys reading the seforim of two baalei batim (businessmen) who were never rabbis. One was the Rashash, who…
We read in Parashat Vayigash about the very powerful moment when Yosef, who was the second-in-command in Egypt, finally revealed to his brothers who he was, saying the simple but…
“I AM WHO I AM BECAUSE YOU SOLD ME” DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? It was the final examination for an introductory Biology course at the university. Like many…
INGREDIENTS: 1/3rd cup olive oil Three large onions chopped Three stalks celery chopped One green pepper chopped One red pepper chopped Four cloves garlic minced One package of Jack’s Italian…
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….
In his dream Paro saw seven beautiful, healthy cows grazing in a marsh (achu), alongside the Nile River. Then, seven other cows came. These were ugly and thin, and they…
The Rebbe of Ruzhin zt’l said, “What tzaddikim are able to accomplish on Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur, a simple Yid can accomplish on Zos Chanukah.” The explanation may…
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,…
Chanukah lights. Lights that connect us to the past, to a story that happened over 2,000 years ago, yet speaks to us today. As we kindle the menorah, we recite…
I. Lighting in Danger The Gemara (Shabbos 21b) says that you must light your Chanukah menorah near the doorway (opening, pesach) of your house on the outside. If you live…
Several studies have shown that adopting routines can make you more productive. Routine is a hallmark of efficiency and can also help harness your creativity. Many successfully creative people swear…
As we all know, we use olive oil to light the Chanukah menorah. Recently, olive oil has become very popular for its health benefits. Olive oil has many other uses…
One of the brachos we make on the menorah is, “She’osa nisim lavoseinu bayamim haheim bazman hazeh.” We bless Hashem for making miracles in those days of Chanukah, millennia ago,…
Parashat Miketz begins with Pharaoh’s unusual dreams, and his desperate attempt to find out what they meant. After he was dissatisfied with the interpretations given by his advisors, the Sar…
The Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer says (in Chapter 38): In the dialog between the brothers and Yosef, Yosef heard his brothers utter the phrase “your servant, our father” 10 times and…
In the Al Hanisim prayer which we recite on Chanukah, we thank Hakodosh Boruch Hu for delivering the “many in the hands of the few”. This refers to the fact…
Parashat Miketz tells the miraculous story of Yosef’s rise to power in Egypt. After having been falsely accused of assaulting his master’s wife, and sitting in jail for twelve years,…
A MARGARINE POT ON CHANUKAH IN BERGEN-BELSEN It is a riveting story. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, has two dreams, we learn in this week’s Torah portion, Miketz. In the…
FAST FACTS: Name: Maxwell M. Scherzer Nickname: Mad Max Born: July 27, 1984 (age 37) in Chesterfield, Missouri MLB Debut: April 29, 2008, for the Arizona Diamondbacks MLB statistics (through…
INGREDIENTS: 1 box potato pancake mix, plus ingredients needed on package 1 large potato, shredded and squeezed dry Cooking spray Applesauce and/or sour cream DIRECTIONS: Take your at latkes…
INGREDIENTS: 2/3 cup unsalted margarine, softened to room temperature 2/3 cup white granulated sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus 1-2…
Much has been discussed over the years r e g a r d i n g Thanksgiving dinner. We will discuss whether such a party is allowed, and if turkey…
Chanukah Lighting in Public Places Chanukah lights are kindled in most shuls. This has also expanded to public Chanukah lightings in many cities throughout the world. There is also a…
“Haneiros halalu kodesh heim… These lights are sacred…” The Chanukah lights are holy and have mystical powers. After lighting, we linger by the menorah, and take some time just basking…
Yaakov told Yosef to go check on the welfare of his brothers and the welfare of the sheep and to bring back a report. [Bereishis 37:14] This was a mission…
There is talk in the U.S. about taxing the wealth of the superrich. Without engaging in d i s c u s s i o n about proper policy today,…
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…
The Gemara teaches that Hanukah was established as a time of הלל והודאה” – praise a n d thanksgiving.” What exactly is the difference between הלל and הודאה ?And why…
The Chochmas Shlomo teaches that if someone in jail is given the choice of either lighting the Chanukah candles in prison or to leave the jail for a day to…
The Midrash (cited by Rashi to Bereshit 37:3) tells us that before Yosef was sold as a slave by his brothers at the age of 17, he learned Torah from…
The gemara (Shabbos 21b) tells us that the proper place to put the Chanukah lights is in front of one’s home, so that all the passers-by will notice the lights,…
As we get ready for the very sweet festival of Chanukah, it behooves us to brush-up on its spiritual messages. In this way, we can ensure that it doesn’t become…
INDIAN WEATHER PREDICTION It was autumn, and the Indians on the remote reservation asked their new chief if the winter was going to be cold or mild. Since he was…
Rabbi Mansour is one of the most revered leaders of the Syrian Jewish community, which has experienced astounding physical and spiritual growth over the past few decades. Rabbi Mansour is…
On Chanukah, we insert Al Hanissim into our davening and bentching. It is very practical for us to discuss all the halachos that apply to this. Some questions we will…
The Torah describes Yaakov’s positioning of his family in preparation for the meeting with Eisav: “He put the handmaids and their children first, and Leah and her children later, and…
Parshas Vayishlach opens with Yaakov Avinu and his family leaving the house of Lavan, ready to embark on a return journey home. “Yaakov was greatly afraid and distressed.” (Genesis, Bereishis…
A TALE OF TWO ANGELS BROTHER’S KEEPER One day the zookeeper noticed that the orangutan was reading two books, the Bible and Darwin’s Origin of Species. Surprised, he asked the…
Parashat Vayishlah opens with Yaakov Avinu facing a vexing and frightening problem. His brother, Esav, who despised him for stealing the berachah which their father intended to give Esav, was…
The gemara (Shabbos 21b) tells us that the proper place to put the Chanukah lights is in front of one’s home, so that all the passers-by will notice the lights,…
We read in Parashat Vayishlah of the angel that attacked Yaakob Abinu as he made his way back to Eretz Yisrael from the home of Laban. The Rabbis teach us…
A fter years of research, the Rebbe of Radzin zy”a believed he found the blue techeiles dye, which could be used for tzitzis. To verify his claim, the Rebbe of…
Rabbi Avigdor Miller, Zt”l, Zy”a, makes a fascinating observation. When the Torah records historical events, it invariably starts the narrative with the letter ‘vav.’ Thus, we find in this week’s…