Seconds, then minutes. The boat overturned in the murky waters of the Yarkon River, trapping the woman who had been energetically rowing moments before. Even the air bubbles had ceased. A small crowd … more

The Torah commands us twice to rejoice on Sukkot. For Shavuot it only says to rejoice one time. For Pesach “joy” is not mentioned at all (it’s difficult to rejoice when … more

You have to wonder if the barbarians fighting under the flag of the Islamic State still believe that 72 virgins will be waiting for them in paradise once they become “martyrs.” I say … more

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas suffered chest pains last week and was rushed to a hospital in Ramallah. The episode was a reminder of the dangers and risks Israel will face if it heeds demands for … more

Pay close attention to all the words through which I warn you today [and] instruct your children to keep all the words … more

In a newly released sequel to the Torah teachings of Rabbi Herbert Bomzer, zt”l, a volume titled “Keter Harachzav,” by his grandson, Aryeh Sklar, we learn of Rabbi Bomzer’s … more

The Torah reading on the first day of Rosh Hashana began at the point when Sara is remembered. The Talmud tells us in several places that Sara and Rachel and Chana were all remembered on Rosh … more

I was recently given a copy of Dr. Hagi ben Artzi’s book on the Six Day War, Megillat Sheshet Hayamim, based on the IDF’s post-war analysis. It contained the following fascinating … more

Our haftarah, for parsah Vayelech, contains the famous declaration of the prophet Hoshea, “Return, O Israel, unto the L-rd your G-d (“Shuvah Yisrael od Hashem Elokecha”), for you … more

A group advocating Palestinian statehood recently took out a full-page ad in the New York Times to warn that there will be “a Palestinian majority” in Israel in less than a decade unless … more