Yes, it is now 40 years since the famous Entebbe raid to liberate the hostages from the terrorists of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. This week’s essay will be timed to the … more

Among the greatest words in the Hebrew language is chesed whose definition varies with its use. In his book, “Amazing Chesed” (Jewish Lights, 2013), Rami Shapiro informs us of some of … more

Rabbinical experience comes in many shades and sizes. Recently two distinguished rabbis, each with a direct connection to our Five Towns community, penned essays dealing with the challenges faced by … more

The legacy of Ruth at this time of year has always invited new commentary by the scholars of our time. This year is no different, with a new and unique teaching by Rabbi Yitzchok Frankel, spiritual … more

This week’s essay will be the first to deal with some of the latest thoughts and literature regarding the observance of Shavuot. Ohr Ha Tzafon, volume four, Nissan 5776, published by Beis … more

In the name of full disclosure let it be noted at the outset that the author of the book under review this week, Yankie Schwartz, was a former student of mine at the Chofetz Chaim High School in … more

Last week’s essay on Israel Starck’s Holocaust memoir, “A Boy Named 68818,” gave voice to his daughter’s take on the purpose and goals that she intended for this gifted … more

For Holocaust survivor Israel Starck, the geographic chasm between Auschwitz and Cedarhurst was experienced last week in his heartfelt Yom HaShoah address to the middle school students at the … more

In his commentary on the Counting of the Omer, “The Siddur Illuminated By Chassidus, Shabbos” (Merkos/Kehot, 2015), Rabbi Eliyahu Touger, formerly of Cedarhurst, now of Jerusalem, teaches … more

Well, it is almost here, Pesach that is. This week’s essay lists several additional excellent readings themed to the holiday. We begin with one of my favorites, Rabbi Shmuel Goldin’s … more