Last Thursday the United Nations completed the journey it began in November 1974 when it invited a mass-murderer born and raised in Egypt to speak to its General Assembly. At the time, Yasser Arafat said he brought with him an olive branch of peace, and a gun. To the day he died, Arafat turned down every opportunity to use the olive branch, but never skipped a chance to use the gun. more

In a closed door meeting with the Senate Banking Committee last Wednesday, Secretary of State John Kerry, Vice President Joe Biden, and officials from the State and Treasury departments provided a briefing on the talks to halt the Iranian nuclear program and to urge the committee to back away from any discussion of new sanctions. more

By the time you are reading this, it will probably be Shabbos morning. Although the paper will be on the stands Wednesday morning, let’s be honest — no one is reading the paper over a … more

The final pasuk of our parasha is somewhat difficult to understand: “Moses spoke to the children of Israel in accordance with all that the L-rd had commanded Moses.” (Sefer Bamidbar 30:1) … more

What brought about the deaths of Aharon’s older sons in this week’s parsha, Shmini? Most discussions analyze the specific nature of the particular service they were performing. Were they … more

This week’s haftarah for parashat Devarim is taken from the first chapter of Sefer Yeshayahu. As befitting the Shabbat immediately before Tisha b’Av, much of its message is very dark and … more

With the coming observance of Yom Kippur, the recently published “Behind The Music,” by the esteemed Jewish musicologist, Velvel Pasternak of Cedarhurst, affords us the opportunity to … more

Which single individual made the following statements? •“Gay people are worse than dogs and pigs. I keep pigs and the male pig knows the female one.” •“I am still … more

Before we consider the Rav’s Haggadah, “The Seder Night: An Exalted Evening,” here are a few heartfelt remarks concerning what Pesach and its rituals meant to the Rav: “In … more

Rabbi Alex Israel, the author of this week’s essay, teaches Bible at Pardes in Jerusalem and is the director of its Community Education Programs. Born and raised in London, he holds degrees … more