The Pesach Seder may be the most observed family ritual on the Jewish calendar. Accordingly, many books deal with Pesach observances, and I’ve referenced several in recent columns. This … more

In his excellent siddur commentary biur tefilla, "Rebuilding Jerusalem,” Rabbi Jay Goldmintz teaches us the following:  "For thousands of years the Jewish people have mourned the … more

It is with great personal pleasure to note the completion by Rabbi Moshe Weinberger of his four volume English commentary on Rav Kook’s classic, “Song of Teshuvah” (Penina Press). … more

Israel Bookshop Publications recently released “Teeth and Dentistry in Halachah” (which tackles such Halachic questions as, Does one recite Shehecheyanu when he receives dentures?), authored by … more

The Kosher Bookworm by Alan Jay Gerber Issue of March 12, 2010/ 26 Adar 5770 As we come upon the shloshim (30 days) of the passing of Rabbi Dr. Bernard Lander, I would like to bring to your … more

Imagine a singular commentary on just three verses of the Bible, the first three verses from the Book of Genesis, Parashat Bereishit, that we read in shul this past Shabbat. This singular commentary, authored by Rabbi Yosef Bitton — “Awesome Creation: A Study of the First Three Verses of the Torah” [Gefen Publishing House, 2013] — is an extensive textual analysis that delves into the deeper meaning of one of the most fascinating sagas of both religious and human history, the creation of the world. more

‘Tis the season to be informed. This week’s reviews will briefly touch upon two works that inform us of the Jewish take on Christian history and theology. One word of caution, in no way … 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

One of Maimonides’ lasting legacies was his attempt to systemize the specifics of Jewish belief. Consisting of 13 statements, he gave our faith a form wherein we are able to point to specific basic beliefs that go to the core of our faith. The seventh one focuses upon the belief in the role of Moses in our tradition. more

As with every year, this year being no different, we are witness to the issuance of new commentaries on the Haggadah that serve to help enrich our appreciation of the annual observance of the Pesach Seder. more