Mutual respect for another person’s beliefs and opinions is in very short supply. It is most heartening when we encounter an episode that demonstrates when two great rabbis are placed into a situation wherein they demonstrate mutual respect to the entire world. more

Among all Jewish holidays perhaps the most festive is Purim. In just about every aspect an atmosphere of joy envelops every activity, from liturgy to culinary. more

This Shabbat we commemorate the start of the Pesach holiday season with Parshat Hachodesh. Next Tuesday marks Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Recently, the Orthodox Union released an interesting book on this subject, “Yerach Tov: Birkat Hachodesh in Jewish Law and Liturgy,” by Rabbi Elchanan Adler of Yeshiva University. more

Reviewed by Alan Jay Gerber Issue of August 14, 2009 / 24 Av 5769 Were I to survey readers and ask them to identify Benjamin Harrison, I’m certain many would not be able to offer a correct … more

This week’s essay is the introduction to the revised commentary on the Book of Genesis by Rabbi Ari Kahn titled “Explorations Expanded,” published by Kodesh Press. Rabbi Kahn … more

Recently a fascinating book of essays was brought to my attention, titled The Observant Jew, by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz. In this volume there is an essay titled “Pesach: Being … more

I am focusing again on the teachings of Rav Shalom Noach Berezovsky, the Slonimer Rebbe zt’’l, this time from a new volume titled, “Nesivos Shalom on the Torah” … more

The Kosher Bookworm by Alan Jay Gerber Issue of November 20, 2009/ 3 Cheshvan 5770 This past Shabbat we read the Torah portion of Chayei Sarah, the parsha deals with the passing of our … more

With the observance of Rosh Hashanah now upon us, this week’s essay will be devoted to several observations of this most beloved and respected holidays of our faith. Whereas in other faiths and cultures the welcoming of a new year is marked with revelry and unbridled joy, in Judaism the mood is solemn, and the observance is sober in diet as well as liturgical tone. more

Now, can you just imagine this: another new Haggadah for this year’s Pesach celebrations. And its author, Rabbi Benjamin Blech, has been a rabbi right here on the South … more