Since this is the fourth Shavuot that I’m writing this column, and I’ve exhausted all my Shavuo stories, I’m going to do something novel and honor the original intent of this … more

Shavuot begins on Saturday night, and since one cannot begin preparing for the holiday before Shabbat ends anyway, the point being raised here about beginning Shavuot early is a non-issue in 2016. … more

Few things in this world are as beautiful as the night sky in the desert. Most people do not get to see this beauty, far away from the bright lights and cacophony of sounds in the city, the black … more

These are the words of Isaiah 52: “Uri, uri … Yerushalayim Ir Ha-kodesh, Awake, awake, O Zion! Clothe yourself in splendor. Put on your robes of majesty, Jerusalem, holy … more

Every Iraqi Jew has a tale to tell about the Farhud, the two-day pogrom that befell the Jews of Baghdad 75 years ago, in June 1941. In the case of my own family, it was a matter of heeding the advice … more

The legacy of Ruth at this time of year has always invited new commentary by the scholars of our time. This year is no different, with a new and unique teaching by Rabbi Yitzchok Frankel, spiritual … more

I’ve been saying for a long time that the more liberal one is politically the less likely one is to support the Jewish state. The anti-Israel policy of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton offers … more

One of the words that stands out in the Tochacha (Rebuke) of Parshat B’chukotai, a word which very clearly refers to bad behavior that people will exhibit towards G-d, and the consequential … more

Parashat Bechukotai presents shalom as one of the greatest rewards that we will receive when we live lives dedicated to Hashem’s holy Torah: “And I will grant peace in the Land, and … more

It’s amazing these days how controversial Israel has become. It’s hard for me to watch. Like a dear friend who is being thrown under the bus, I admit I take it personally. I lived in … more