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 tablespoons as needed 1-2 tablespoons milk * (use...
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 may be served. The underlying point of the debate is whether Thanksgiving...
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 large Chanukah lighting in the White House, attended by many...
“Haneiros halalu kodesh heim...
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 that changed more than just the life of Yosef...
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, I would like to explore the concept of a...
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 unlikely to ever be attained. If you look around,...
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 is specifically Hanukah a time for both...
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 his father, Yaakob. Specifically, the Midrash writes,...