Last week I was privileged to teach a class about Mikveh to a group of non-Orthodox Jews. The first ten minutes of the class focused on the concepts of "tumah" and "taharah" and how every single-word or two-word "translation" of each word does not do justice to the discussion. more

Earlier this week, the Obama campaign announced the formation of “Rabbis For Obama,” featuring over 600 rabbis from across the country and across all Jewish denominations dedicated to four more years of big government and anti-Israel policies. more

Of all the unexpected visitors I have ever received, none even come close to the surprise I got in the summer of ‘94. I was teaching a course on Jewish values deep in the mountains of Pennsylvania, at a camp called Moshava, near Indian Orchard. We were in the middle of an intense discussion on Jewish ethics, when I noticed three fellows standing at the entrance to the lodge. Their features were far- eastern; Chinese, it seemed, and they were standing patiently at the door, taking it all in. more

With last week’s Torah reading encompassing a summary of the essence of the Ten Commandments and with Lag Ba’omer this coming Sunday, we are each day becoming ever more mindful of the oncoming of the festival of Shavuot, the holiday commemorating the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai. This week’s essay is themed to this event that defines the core of our faith and very existence. more

“If you listen to God, He will keep his covenant with you. He will love you, He will bless you…” (7:13) And what does He want of you? “To walk in His ways, to love Him, and to serve” Him. (10:12) After all, “God desired to love your forefathers, and He chose their children” (10:15) to be His nation, to whom He gave His Torah and has asked of them filial devotion. He models this kind of love through “loving the stranger” (10:18), an expectation He commands and demands of you as well (10:19). more

This life-saving letter was distributed this week by Achiezer. We the Korman family from Far Rockaway would like to share our personal Chanukah MIRACLE with you. Some of you may know who we are, and some may not, but our identity is not of importance because this story could be about you. more

The first rule for news about Israel, is ask questions. According to a Jerusalem Post story published on Monday, Mattot Arim and Professors for a Strong Israel, two groups that oppose a two state solution are claiming that Benjamin Netanyahu raised the issue of recognizing Israel as a Jewish State as a tactical trick to force Israel into territorial concessions. more

First Grade students at HAFTR Lower School celebrated the end of their unit of study on Opinion Writing. Throughout the study, students learned how to express their opinions by supporting their feelings with details. Students had strong feelings about characters, food and school. more

“My goal is to get the message out. To be at YU is a unique and exceptional experience; there is no place like this anywhere.” Geri Mansdorf spoke to The Jewish Star on her recent appointment to the position of Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Yeshiva University. more

The Ossie Schonfeld Memorial Toy Fund — “making a difference in a child’s life, one toy at a time” —will host a Malave Malka benefit this Saturday night at the home … more