Nobody does double standards quite like the Europeans. Where the Middle East is concerned, there are two complementary messages coming out of the European Union at the moment. The first proclaims that Israel is a legitimate target for boycotts and divestment for as long as the “occupation” continues — and here, “occupation” principally refers to the West Bank and the eastern half of Jerusalem, feebly eliding the fact that the Palestinian leadership, through its insistence on the so-called “right of return,” regards the entire territory between the Mediterranean and the Jordan as “occupied.” As for the second message, that can be neatly summarized in a potential advertising slogan: Iran is open for business! more

Earlier this week, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, asked if she would like any do overs relative to being Secretary of State, responded that the September 2012 Benghazi attacks were her “biggest regret.” more

Koren [has just published the] first ever Israeli edition of an English translation and commentary of the Talmud Tractate of Sukka based upon the original Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz Hebrew commentary, timed to the Daf Yomi schedule that has the upcoming study of Sukka to begin this Wednesday, Feb. 5. more

Rabbi Yitzchok Frankel, rav of Agudath Israel of the Five Towns in Cedarhurst, called it “a fabulous four days.” “It’s hard to explain till you do it. It’s very exhilarating.” more

In just about all of the instructions for the making of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the Torah utilizes the singular “V’asita” – and you shall do or make – the items for the Mishkan. “V’Asu” – and they shall make” – appears only twice. more

Ultimately, the fulfillment of a mitzvah is dependent upon the commission of an action, and not on the Kavanah, or intent, that is meant to accompany it. more

The fact is that there is no halacha forbidding women from this religious ritual that I am aware of. But there is a religious principle that women are exempt from observing certain mitzvos (positive commandments like tefillin that are time bound). more

What would the Rema — the main rabbinic authority quoted who states that we should ‘protest’ women who want to wear tefillin — say if he were alive today? Might he not perhaps be as radical as the poskim at the time of the Crusades, who threw the book out of the window when faced with the unimaginable horrors of their time, and the agonizing choices of life and death? more

In an attempt to draw attention to what has become a raw issue for many residents, a demonstration was held over the weekend in front of Long Beach Medical Center, where about 30 protesters called on state and hospital officials to reopen the shuttered facility, which has remained closed since Hurricane Sandy. more

Despite a Pentagon directive loosening restrictions for U.S. troops who wish to wear religious garments or beards with their military uniforms, men and women in the military must still seek special approval from their commanders, and such requests can still be denied. more