With the commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel this coming week, we are once again faced with the annual rants concerning whether to say Hallel with a blessing, or not to say Hallel at all. more

In last week’s tribute to the sacrifice of Rabbi Menachem Ziemba, one of the scholars referenced was Rabbi Dr. Pesach Schindler, whose information concerning Rabbi Ziemba was crucial to my essay’s theme and purpose. In response to numerous inquiries concerning Dr. Schindler and in commemoration of the upcoming Yom Hashoah observances in our community, I am reprising several previous essays of his literary works on the Holocaust as well as works by others on this timely subject. more

In reading former Israeli Defense and Foreign Minister Moshe Arens’ latest work, “Flags Over the Warsaw Ghetto” [Gefen Publishing, 2011] and interviewing him this past summer 2012 in Jerusalem, I was given the opportunity to become more fully acquainted with the decisive leadership role that Rabbi Menachem Ziemba played in the uprising against the Nazis 70 years ago this coming Passover. more

The Pesach seder is a ritual based upon questions. The evening’s proceedings begin with questions--four of them. And, even before the holiday, the teachings leading up to the holiday are enveloped with questions concerning observance, ritual, diet, and other cognate matters that make this season a rabbi’s delight at being the one most sought after for the correct answers. 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

Purim is now behind us and the next time we are going to witness a full moon is exactly one month from now, Pesach. With that exciting thought in mind, I was taken by an essay written by Dr. Adele Berlin in her work, “The JPS Commentary: Esther” [The Jewish Publication Society, 2001] wherein she details the thematic and historical link between the Exodus and the Book of Esther. more

In a recent essay Rabbi Daniel Rose wrote the following that will serve as the keynote to this week’s essay: “These days of Purim,” the Book of Esther says, “should be remembered and celebrated.” On the Shabbos before Purim, we read about the Torah’s instructions that we never forget the cowardly attacks of Amalek, the primordial nemesis of the Jewish people. “Remember,”…..This Shabbat is called Shabbat Zachor – the Shabbat of remembering. more

Have you ever thought of the many times you have come across the name Hillel? How many people do you know whose name is Hillel? What about the college campus organization Hillel, or the Hillel Houses found on many Ivy League campuses ? And, what about the names of the many schools named Hillel? How about the number of temples and congregations named Hillel? more

If one were to measure the life’s work and achievement of any human being, I am certain that the spiritual legacy and literary accomplishments left by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan would certainly rank high among those who sought to interpret and share their spiritual commitment to our Jewish faith with a world in need of its message. more

Saving a life in Jewish law is given very special consideration. According to Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, whose 30th yahrtzeit is this Friday, in his “Handbook of Jewish Thought” states that, “When life is endangered, all religious laws may be totally disregarded.” more