The hardest part of coming to Israel is leaving. A visit to Israel these days involves connecting with the heroic and courageous soldiers of the IDF, engaging with the seemingly ordinary but in truth, truly extraordinary people, absorbing the tremendous...
Many wonder why some people have a kosher Megillah scroll if they’re going to hear the Megillah reading from the Baal Kore’. The simple answer is that if one indeed listens attentively and can hear every word from...
Dear Rabbi and Shira, Hi. I read your column all the time. I hope you can help me. I’m not sure what to do. I’ve gone out with this guy several times....
During the days and weeks before Purim the mail is full of letters requesting matanas l’evyonim. In this issue we will discuss which people one has to give to, how much to give, when to give and other relevant halachos...
I. Amalek Today With the October 7th Hamas attacks and the subsequent war, many have discussed the concept of the timeless war against Amalek. Amalek is the paradigm of the enemy of the Jewish people, a nation that attacked...
The Megillah introduces Mordechai as an Ish Yehudi and also as an Ish Yemini. The Gemara explains this to mean that from his mother’s side, Mordechai descended from the tribe of Yehudah, and from his father’s side,...
BOOZY BOURBON MEATBALLS INGREDIENTS: Meatballs 2 lbs chopped meat 1/2 cup bread crumbs 2 eggs 2 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoon onion powder 2 teaspoon basil dried 4 tablespoons olive oil Bourbon Sauce 2/3 cup bourbon 1 cup ketchup 1/2 cup brown sugar 2...
The Symbolism of Haman’s Offer of Silver Shekels The Megillah [Esther 3:9] states that Haman offered to increase the King’s coffers by 10,000 kikar silver in exchange for the right to get rid of the Jews. (Tosfos in...
The bracha of Sim Shalom continues, “Bar’cheinu Avinu. kulanu k’echad – Bless us our Father (Hashem), all of us as one.” The Rokei’ach interprets this to mean, ‘Like our forefather Avraham, who is known as the one,” as it...
There is a contradiction in the pesukim of the Megillah whether Purim is a yom tov - a day when work is forbidden - or not. When the megillah discusses Mordechai and Esther’s instituting the holiday, it states (Esther 9:19)...