Many years ago, while teaching an adult education class, the topic we were studying was pushing someone’s buttons. We were discussing the underpinnings of the mitzvah of respect for one’s … more

On a visit to the synagogue of the Maharal of Prague (Rav Meir Leibush Lowe, known as the Altneu Shul), you will immediately notice its most distinctive feature: with the exception of some Hebrew … more

In the coming weeks we will read the portions of Acharei-Mot-Kedoshim which, translated literally, means “after the death of the holy ones,” a reference that is all too appropriate as we … more

As we approach Yom HaShoah (Holocaust memorial day on 27 Nissan), Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day on 3 Iyar) and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day on 4 Iyar), Rabbi … more

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

Raymond Smullyan, in his book “5000 B.C. and Other Philosophical Fantasies,” posits the question of two identical twin brothers, one who always lies and the other who always tells the … more

First, there was the screaming and yelling. When my blanket was thrown off and I felt the freezing air, I finally woke wup. It was 3 am and we had seven minutes to get dressed in full uniform and be … more

A lady passing a young boy on the street noticed he was entranced by a pair of shoes in a store window. “My, but you’re in such … more

Sha’ah ba’yetziah!” These were the words every IDF soldier dreaded hearing. Loosely translated as “an hour when you’re headed out,” it meant that for some … more

In the fall of 2012, Israel was again preparing for war in response to the thousands of missiles being fired indiscriminately from the Gaza strip onto the population centers of southern Israel. As … more