He was a battalion commander with the rank of Major in an elite Golani (infanty) unit. In most armies, that would have meant he was commanding battles from a rear position, but in the IDF, commanders … more

Well, it is almost here, Pesach that is. This week’s essay lists several additional excellent readings themed to the holiday. We begin with one of my favorites, Rabbi Shmuel Goldin’s … more

INGREDIENTS: 4 teaspoons olive oil 4 cups onions chopped 2 tablespoon fresh garlic, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt Fresh ground black pepper 20 … 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

When we encounter the parshas of Tazria and Metzora, our thoughts typically run to lashon hara (speech that brings people down), which is argued by the Talmud (Arakhin 15-16) to be the main impetus … more

Like many other meforshim (Torah commentators), the second Bobover Rebbe, HaRav Ben-Zion Halberstam zatzal, analyzed the term Shabbat Hagadol. He began his quest for understanding with … more

I am hearing of this type of Israeli tragedy too often. A young, post-IDF hiker dies while trekking in Peru. G-d forbid a car accident or a shooting, but wholesome granola-crunching trekking?! You … more

It’s heeeeeeeere! Last week before Pesach. I’m usually done with all my shopping and started kasheing my oven, stove etc. Unfortunately, this year (due to neck issues from being … more

Here’s the latest episode of outreach to Iran from the lips of Secretary of State John Kerry. After condemning, during a press conference in Bahrain, the “destabilizing ac-tions” of … more

Ordinarily, a piece broken glass lying on the ground is unsightly litter at best, a danger to bare feet and pets at worst. But not in the Middle East; there a piece of broken glass has the power to … more