From the start of Genesis, we have been reading one long story extending over many centuries. It began with the creation of man and proceeded with the narrative of the transformation of a small … more

The US Supreme Court heard arguments last week in a case centered on the rights of employees to observe their religious Sabbath, or day of rest. Both religious and secular Jewish groups are … more

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that “we will one day be able to have railways connect Saudi Arabia and Israel,” just hours after a New York … more

In a cattle car in Poland, in the summer of 1942, Reb Azriel Dovid Fastag, a composer for the Modzitzer Rebbe, was headed to his death in Treblinka. Over a hundred Jews, forced to stand for days on … more

A time of year that helps teach us why Jerusalem is so important By Alan Jay Gerber Issue of July 10, 2009 / 18 Tammuz 5769 Jerusalem. Just the sound of the word should set off … more

Parshat Bo Issue of January 22, 2010/ 7 Shvat 5770 Before the instruction of “Hachodesh hazeh lachem” established the calendar for the Israelite nation, G-d told Moshe, “Now speak to the … more

Issue of May 7, 2010/ 23 Iyar, 5770 All questions are real. Identifying details have been changed to preserve anonymity. Dear Aviva, I am 42 years old and am trying to get back together with my … more

Issue of August 27, 2010/ 17 Elul 5770 Dear Aviva, What do you do about a lazy family member? My family is very close-knit. We are immigrants, we work hard and we rely on each other a lot. … more

I was in a local restaurant the other day and I couldn’t help overhearing a few young women talking at a nearby table. (Admittedly, listening in was not exactly polite on my part, but it was very … more

The very word itself, teshuvah, brings to mind the very essence of the element and experience of spiritual return. Teshuvah is the experience of returning, not to the good old days, but rather to a new world experience, one that is G-d centered and ordered. more