The fundamental principle of public Kabbalah classes is inherently self-contradictory. Esoteric teachings are intended for the intellectual elite, not the masses; otherwise they would not be esoteric. Comprehension of complex...
The digest of Tisha B’Av laws in The Koren Mesorat HaRav Kinot (published by Koren and OU Press with commentary on the Kinos adapted from Tisha B’Av tapes of Rav Joseph...
The blessing of a righteous person has a place of pride in Jewish tradition, even if it is currently taken to extremes in certain circles. Shimon Peres has famously credited...
Because popular media is discussing a new movie in the Ghostbusters franchise, an outreach website asked me to write about what Judaism teaches about ghosts. According to the Torah, do...
Many Jewish homes feature pictures of famous rabbis. Charedi newspapers and magazines, in particular, often have special sections for pictures of leading rabbis. Around thirty years ago, Gedolim cards–like baseball...
Contrary to common opinion, the traditional Jewish greeting of “Shalom aleichem” is not a wish for peace. It is a fulfillment of the ancient enactment to greet others with God’s...
May one work out on Shabbos? The Mishnah in Shabbos (147a) states: “One may anoint with oil and massage [lightly] but not hard (lo misam’lin)” and the Tosefta in Shabbos (17:16)...
An interesting article raised the question of whether you may schedule e-mails or social media updates to occur on Shabbos. For example, I can post to my website and schedule...
Driving a car is operating a dangerous weapon. An accident can cause significant financial damage and physical harm, even death. But who is responsible for the damage? An article in the...
I. Vegetarianism and Values I was not the only observer surprised by the outcry against the killing of Harambe the gorilla in order to save a child who had wandered into...
