With this week doubling as a (double) parsha plus Parshat HaChodesh, we find the coincidence of the date of “HaChodesh” making an appearance in the parsha - “On the day of the first new moon, on the first of the month, you will erect the Mishkan.” (40:2) Commentaries are struck by the seeming redundancy – why does the Torah say “on the first of the month” when that date is obvious based on the previous phrase in the verse? more

Mar 8-9 Rav Baruch Gigi, Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshivat Har Etzion will be visiting North Woodmere this Shabbat. Shabbat day Drasha at Bais Hakneses of North Woodmere 649 Hungry Harbor Road, minyan starts at 8:30 a.m. 4:15 p.m. pre-mincha shiur at Young Israel of North Woodmere 634 Hungry Harbor Road All shiurim will be given in basic Hebrew more

Twenty six students of the North Shore Hebrew Academy (NSHA) Middle School in Great Neck read Megillat Esther for their schoolmates and faculty on Purim day. The group of students, both Ashkenazic and Sephardic, were taught by Dr. Paul Brody, seen at left holding a Megillah case, to the left of Head of School, Rabbi Jeffrey Kobrin. more

The DMV is something of a cliché. DMV jokes are so numerous, that the government has actually changed the name in various states. The list of jokes have gotten so long it’s actually longer than the actual lines at the DMV. So, needless to say, I wasn’t happy when I had to go to the DMV to renew my registration, which came about in a humorous way. more

In 1967, as other yeshiva students were fleeing Israel just before the Six Day War broke out, Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Sheinberg, Rosh Yeshivat Torah Ohr in Jerusalem, instructed his students to stay in case they were needed to help. He slept in the bomb shelter with them, and looked after them in every way. Not a student went home. The first Yahrtzeit since he died falls this week. And we heard, as well, of the death of Rabbi Menachem Forman, Rav of Tekoa, this week. An appreciation of all gedolim, regardless of their political views, is essential, especially today…. more

Purim is past but not forgotten. Families in Woodmere are very serious about Purim often celebrating with themes and elaborate costumes, along with hamentash making, hearing the Megillah, distributing mishloah manot, food packages, and charity for the needy. If Purim is past, can Pesach be far off? A display at Costco appeared to portray the connection between the two holidays. Maybe a little too close. Get ready for Pesach!! From one holiday of freedom to another. more

Once again it is my pleasure to bring to your attention several Haggadah commentaries in English that I am certain will enrich both your Seders and your basic knowledge of Pesach purpose, history and ritual. more

It’s been a year since Andrew Breitbart passed away. During his much too short life (he passed away at 43), Breitbart was hated by the left because he helped create a movement on the right. Those who knew him still feel his loss. Breitbart’s number is still in my cell phone, his name is still in my Linkedin contacts and Facebook friends, and the spark of fire and passion he injected into everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him is still burning in my heart. more

After 12 years of striving and proclaiming the need for a Jewish state with a positive Jewish identity as an unseated member of the Likud party, Moshe Feiglin now has joined the ranks of the sitting members of Knesset. Feiglin, president of Manhigut Yehudit, the Jewish Leadership movement, a faction within Likud, garnered enough support to be number 14 on the Likud list and number 23 on the combined Likud Beitaynu list. “I’m the only new guy in the Likud list,” he said. more

Large crowds are expected at the Gush Katif Museum Dinner this Saturday night, March 9, to show solidarity with those expelled from Gush Katif and to protest any further expulsion plans. more