America is fighting a war against Islamic terror. The economy is on the abyss of collapsing under its own debt and growth slow and/or non-existent. The IRS is targeting American citizens because of their political views, the Department of Justice is targeting the press just because. Obamacare is driving health care costs up. No one in the administration seems to be honest about the deaths of four hero Americans who were killed in Benghazi. And we can't find out who authorized the sale of automatic weapons to the Mexican drug cartels. more

Growing up in Brooklyn, I don’t remember ever having a barbecue. We ate “hockfleish,” which was basically a hamburger, pan fried. It was thick and juicy and we ate it without a bun … at least that’s how I remember it. I could be wrong; I’ll let you know after my sister reads the column. more

The color blue has always played a role in both the religious and political traditions of our faith. This can be seen in the references in the ritual requirements of the mitzvah of Tzitzit in scripture, in prayer, and in ritual practice. more

In addition to being one of the more colorful characters in the Torah, Korach is even more colorful as he is portrayed in the Talmud and Midrash. A simple look at the commentaries brings one to understand his brilliant mind, his ability to twist Torah, mitzvot, and halacha to conform to his agenda of criticizing Moshe’s leadership (which is less apparent in the Torah) and Aharon’s role as Kohen Gadol, his primary objection. more

Carolyn McCarthy, who represents most of the Five Towns in Congress, revealed this week that she has been diagnosed with a treatable form of lung cancer — and that she’s committed to beating this latest challenge. more

Students in Rambam Mesivta in Lawrence had the special privilege of hearing divrei Torah from HaRav Simcha HaCohen Kook this week. Rav Kook, who serves as the Chief Rabbi of Rechovot, davened Shachris with the talmidim and spoke afterwards about the special mission they all have. He recounted the leadership qualities of Kalev ben Yefuneh who stood up to the crowd against the overwhelming tide of the other meraglim (spies). more

They asked him for a bracha (blessing). He raised his eyebrows, his eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses clear, gentle and still the same intensity as years ago. Pointing to himself and shrugging his shoulders, he shook his head slowly as if to say, “who me?” After some persuasion, he accedes to the father’s request, a young rebbe from Yeshiva Darchei Torah, and stands and blesses each of the children, gently placing his hands on each boy’s head, standing bowed in front of the girls. more

A few weeks ago, at a now much publicized Rosh Chodesh prayer service at the Kotel, things got ugly. As they have been doing for nearly 25 years, a group of women from a range of Jewish backgrounds, known as the Women of the Wall, gathered at the Kotel to pray the special morning prayers of Rosh Chodesh, celebrating the new month in the Jewish calendar. This group included women wearing tallitot and Tefillin, and reading from a Torah scroll. Many ultra-Orthodox Jews (a label that needs defining--beyond the scope of this article) arrived to protest, and things soon got out of hand. more

I am pleased to have assumed the position of Publisher of The Jewish Star, and appreciate the many welcoming words already received from friends in our communities. Our editor Malka Eisenberg and I look forward to hearing from our many readers in the Five Towns, in Flatbush, and elsewhere, as we work to improve and expand our newspaper and its related website and social media channels. more

Back in the 1970s, refuseniks galvanized the Jewish world. While their primary, urgent mission was to bring hope and inspiration to our imprisoned brethren in the Soviet Union, their sacrifices produced a bonus: the reawakening of the Jewish neshama (the soul) that is indelibly imprinted on every Jew. more