The Judah-Tamar Drama It is a fascinating story: Judah has three sons, Er, Onan and Shalah. His oldest son, Er, married a woman named Tamar, but died prematurely, without children. His...
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,...
Don’t Forget Where You Came From “Don’t forget where you came from.” It is often said at graduations, it’s the title of a country music song, and many successful people include...
I. Reasons to Deviate Rav Yosef Karo (16th cen., Israel; Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 676:1) says that the first bracha on Chanukah lights is: “le-hadlik ner Chanukah, to kindle Chanukah light.”...
When is the optimal time to light Chanukah candles? The Talmud (Shabbos 21a) relates that Chanukah candles should be lit when the sun disappears from view, and should remain lit for...
The Torah in Parashat Vayesheb tells of the sale of Yosef, which began with the brothers casting Yosef into a pit. The pit is described by the Torah as, “empty;...
The Chanukah miracle was a multi-layered experience: The ever-burning oil reminded us that even in a post-prophetic era Divine intervention still visited our people. For the very first time, we...
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 to the next level with this easy...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, I’m hoping you can help me. My boyfriend just brought up the M word! While most girls would be happy with this announcement, I am not most...
FAST FACTS: Name: Yuri Foreman Hebrew Name: David Uri ben Avraham Born: August 5, 1980 (age 40) in Gomel, Belarus (Soviet Union) Grew up in Israel, now lives in Crown Heights, Brooklyn Moved to...