In this strangest of presidential election years, the first of three debates between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump was just as it should have been — strange.  The first third of the … more

With Yom Hazikaron, the Jewish Day of spiritual remembrance, approaching, I dedicate this week’s essay review to the sacred memory of a dear friend, Rabbi Gershon Burd, of blessed memory, … more

Although his life is the sum of its very different parts, it is the recent ending as president, the shining ending, by which many remember him now … more

Chapter 28 in this week’s parsha of Ki Tavoh is one of the most difficult and harrowing chapters in the entire Torah … more

Twice in Devarim 9, Moshe mentions that he was up on the mountain for 40 days during which time “I did not eat bread and I did not drink water.” It would seem that this … more

Vidui ma’aser (the Declaration Concerning Tithes) is a mitzvah that appears in this week’s parasha, Ki Tavo: “When you have finished tithing all the tithes of your produce in the … more

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a Hadassah dinner, honoring a dear friend (and former Jewish Star columnist), Miriam Bradman Abrahams … more

I begin this year’s review of recent literature themed to the high holiday season with an excellent work by Rabbi Immanuel Bernstein entitled, “Teshuvah: A Guide For The Mind And Heart … more

It was Sunday after Labor Day, and you know what that means. FOOTBALL is back! Football couldn’t come fast enough. The baseball season was torture for me this year. My Braves were not easy … more

Achi!” “My brother!” These were the words that always greeted me when I got to the meeting point for reserve duty every year, and it was the most common word on everyone’s … more