They raised questions, hypothesized, tested and made winning designs, earning prizes at the Yeshiva Science Olympiad on March 6. This year’s venue was Touro College’s Lander College for Men, welcoming students into its lab classrooms. “It’s important for the Orthodox community to contribute to science for the betterment of the world. We welcome these talented young men and women on our campus,” said Dean Dr. Moshe Sokol. more

Observing the mitzvah of reading Megillat Esther is usually fulfilled by following along in a text while one specific reader sings aloud. For 22 boys, of the North Shore Hebrew Academy of Great Neck, the obligation of reading the Purim scroll is pursued with great preparation and personal participation. more

With significant state budget cuts looming ahead, local Agudath Israel leaders met with State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) to discuss how the cuts will affect the Orthodox community. “Skelos is one of the top three individuals making the decision on the budget,” Rabbi Yonah Feinstein said. “Our concern is the yeshivas and community organizations and these are all constitutionally approved services.” Rabbi Feinstein of Agudat Israel organized a March 6 community breakfast for Skelos. more

Perhaps the two most popular literary works on the Jewish calendar are the Megillah and the Haggadah. This year has witnessed two very unusual and timely commentaries that pull together ancient pshat and drash in a modern lingo that should help further enrich an already crowed field of Megillah publications. more

I learned to drink from my grandfather. I watched the class and panache with which he drank and understood that he enjoyed it, deserved it and its what men of his era did. And the bottle he reached for was always one containing gin, a spirit that I have since had a tremendous soft spot for in my heart. more

“Come on, be a little real!” I told my friend. He had just shared his story of divine intervention with me. Here’s how it went: For two hours he sat in his seat in the Beit Midrash and learned Talmud. As he finished his individual study and joined the whole Yeshiva for a shiur, he was deeply satisfied by his technical and intellectual accomplishments but still thirsted for the promised religious experience. more

The book and parsha of Vayikra contain the specific essentials with regard to the laws and practices of the korbanot, the sacrificial offerings. And although we do not bring korbanot without a Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Torah views the bringing of korbanot as an important ingredient in one’s lifelong goal of getting close to G-d. more

In America, the common image of rap artists is to challenge authority, but for the Israeli Consulate in New York, the presence of popular Israeli rap band Hadag Hahash underscores the country’s message to the world. “It’s very important to remember that there is life in Israel and this is a celebration of life,” said Yuli Edelstein, the Israeli Minister for Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs. more

Dear Aviva, My husband just switched to a new job. At this current job there is a female co-worker who he has become friendly with. She is frum like us. My husband keeps talking about her and it’s making me nervous. He said that she is unattractive (at least to him) and they are merely work colleagues, but I get uncomfortable every time he brings up her name, and my imagination starts to get the better of me. He’s never proven untrustworthy before. How do I calm my fears and trust my husband? more

Dear Aviva, I have one married son who lives out of town. My relationship with my daughter-in-law was rocky from the beginning. But over the years we have been able to have a solid relationship and be cordial with each other. Recently, I feel that she isn’t calling me enough. more