The stories emerging today are nothing short of startling. In a recent report, individuals described as “screenmaxxers” openly admit to spending virtually every waking hour on their phones: watching, scrolling, messaging, and consuming without pause. One person shared that they...
The widespread minhag not to take haircuts during the days of the Omer is rooted in the mourning customs observed in this period. These practices commemorate the tragic deaths of the students of Rabbi Akiva, who perished during these...
Dear Rabbi and Shira , Thank you for your weekly column in the Jewish & Country Vues. I read it weekly. I’ve gotten myself into a bit of a situation. I had...
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 who feel it should be recited and the majority opinion...
For many singles who deeply wish to marry but have not yet found the right partner, the pain is not only personal. It carries a broader dimension as well. There is also the quiet absence of the families, children...
MEDITERRANEAN EGGPLANT CHIPS INGREDIENTS: 6 baby eggplants or 2 regular eggplants 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Generous amount of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS: 1. Place...
The Vilna Gaon, in his commentary to the Book of Mishleh (16:1- 4), discusses how each and every person is created as a unique and distinct being, different from all other people. We all have not only...
At the end of Parshas Tazria, when the Torah states the laws of the Tzaraas affliction affecting clothing, the pasuk says, “the Kohen shall look, after the affliction has been washed, and behold (if) the affliction has not...
Imagine, if one was to gather the ultimate anthology, he would go to Rav Sholom Mordechai HaKohen Shvadron, zt”l, zy”a, and ask him to sift through all his teachings and choose the most powerful one. Then, he would...
During the days of Sefirah, as we mourn the petirah of the students of Reb Akiva who were niftar because they didn’t sufficiently honor one another, we must increase achdus among Klal Yisrael and work on improving in this area. The Midrash Tanchuma...