Rabbi Michael Hattin, the gifted commentator and master teacher of Bible at Pardes Institute in Jerusalem, perhaps expressed this sentiment best when he wrote recently that, “The Torah is the most studied book in human history. It has been intensively studied and commented upon for thousands of years. It seems doubtful at this point that anything new could be added to the accumulated material.” more

With the New Year observances now behind us, we begin to look ahead liturgically by considering, in hindsight, what we now conclude by finishing with the annual cycle of Torah readings. more

Perhaps it was Rabbi Shmuel Hain who said it best: “We can now fully appreciate the unique theme of the days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur and how they function as a bridge between the two. more

Yes indeed, it is Rosh Hashanah once again, and there are some really fine, high quality books for your continued learning pleasure. To really understand the true meaning and feeling for the upcoming “Yimei Ratzon,” a close reading of some of the most authoritative teachings concerning this holy season is always in order. This year is no different, and by the time you finish with this essay, you will be inspired to read some of the selections suggested or revisit previous Kosher Bookworm reviews for even more choices. more

In a recent essay, scholar Dr. Israel Drazin made the following observation: “Many rabbis write books based on Torah verses, which they use as a backdrop for their ideas about contemporary society and the application of what they consider moral principles to various modern problems.” more

This week’s review will focus on a very interesting anthology of rabbinic insights and practical advice for daily living. It was compiled by a Woodmere native, born and bred on the South Shore. more

According to the teachings of Rav Kook, while most blessings are of rabbinic origin, one of the most popular ones is to be found in this week’s parsha, Eikev, the Grace After Meals - Birkat HaMazon. more

Earlier this year, as the turmoil in Syria started to get a sense of reality, I stated to my students, some of whom were of Syrian heritage, that the one factor that will indicate to us the seriousness of the civil unrest in Syria, will be what ultimately happens in Aleppo, the commercial center of Syria. more

In a rare observation concerning the saddest day on the Jewish liturgical calendar, Ahuva Gray, Chicago born granddaughter of sharecroppers from Mississippi, and an adult convert to the Jewish faith, wrote about Tisha B’Av in her exquisite autobiography entitled, “Journey to the Land of My Soul.” There is much to be learned from these wise words, a sample of which I choose to share with you this week: more

With the onset of the annual commemoration of The Nine Days now upon us, I shall devote this week’s essay to a brief review of a major work that employs the literary-theological method focusing on a unique analysis from this week’s concluding chapters from the Book of Numbers, Bamidbar. more