Issue of August 27, 2010/ 17 Elul 5770 Even at the end of a long, hot summer, with the chagim early (at least according to the secular calendar) and autumn not yet in sight, the start of a new … more

I’m not a strong proponent of prenuptial agreements as I think that they often spoil the romance. Moreover, the prenuptial agreements which mainstream rabbinical organization utilize, ostensibly to … more

Its over I hope. After ten days of wiener jokes, Congressman Anthony Weiner has finally stood up and admitted that it was indeed his picture tweeted out to a Seattle college student and that there were other indiscretions. I don’t know what the halacha is, but as far as I am concerned “weinergate” is over; it is now a personal matter for the Congressman and his wife. more

A poem for Yom Kippur more

Dear Aviva, I am single and happy. I date when I want to, and when I don’t, I enjoy the company of friends. I fit in well at work, and never had any major problems with any roommates. more

Marking the “Yoms” these past two weeks made me nostalgic about August 1984, when I spent three memorable weeks at Machane Bilu near Rechovot, proudly wearing Israeli army fatigues. more

As the new month of Elul begins, I, like many others, begin the process of soul-searching and introspection that prepares me for the Yomim No’raim—the Days of Awe—of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I, like many others, go through the requisite atonement by saying s’lichot daily, heeding the sounds of the Shofar during Shacharit, saying Vidduy, and asking for others’ forgiveness directly. more

Apr 21 Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans Five Towns 5K run/walk North Woodmere Park, NY, in support of disabled Israeli veterans and victims of terror The race is on Sunday April 21, 2013 and starts at 10 AM from North Woodmere Park. Be at the park no later then 9:30 AM. Number pick up for pre registered participants and day of race registration will be from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. The race will begin promptly at 10 AM. Warning, after 9:30 access to North Woodmere Park parking lot may be limited. Arrive early! North Woodmere Park is located on the corner of Branch Blvd and Hungry Harbor Road. For more information go to: www.5towns5k.org more

L’Accuse! Turkey frees bird charged as Israeli spy Authorities in Turkey have exonerated and freed a bird that was accused of being a spy for Israel. According to Turkish daily Hurriyet, residents of the village of Altinavya in the eastern province of Elazig became suspicious when they found the kestrel, a common Eurasian bird belonging to the falcon family, with a metallic ring stamped with the words “24311 Tel Avivunia Israel.” The villagers immediately delivered it to authorities, who proceeded to bring the bird to Firat University for medical examinations, including x-rays, to determine that it wasn’t carrying microchips or other spying devices. more

At last week’s Saturday night Chanukah presentation at the Young Israel of Woodmere, Rabbi David Fohrman, of Woodmere, contrasted the Purim and Chanukah Al Hanisim prayers that we say after the Modim liturgical work, each themed to a thanksgiving to G-d. “In the Al Hanisim prayer for Purim, we give thanks for the miracle of being saved, and that’s it. The prayer ends with a recounting of the salvation itself. However, for Chanukah, it doesn’t end there. Instead, the prayer concludes with an epilogue: and we establish these days, as days of thanks and praise.” more