Simcha Katz was planning on spending his twilight years immersed in the reedy commentaries of the Talmud when Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of the Orthodox Union, called him. It was 2005, and Katz had … more

Dear Aviva, My husband uses the computer too much. He claims that it’s for work, but I just don’t buy it. He’s online at all hours and it’s really starting to get to me. I can’t imagine what kind of work needs to be done the minute he comes home from work. I feel like he is just using it as an excuse to not help out with the kids or with the house. I feel like a nag, but I need this to stop. Am I overreacting? more

This past month, I have been honored to attend three weddings that exemplified the solution to the so-called shidduch crisis, couples representing very different backgrounds, with love triumphing. A story worthy of publicizing. I brought my dancing shoes, a shiny Borough Park suit, and practiced my handstands for the mitzvah of sameach chasan v’kallah. But there was one item that I left in my parked car, and for good reason. The facts below have been slightly altered to protect the parties’ identities. more

2012 has thus far brought a lot of activity to Israel that could be indicative of the year it is expected to have.  The growing internal strife that has become very public between the religious right and most others to the left of them is threatening the foundation of Israel’s society.  In addition to the social difficulties it poses, the squeeze of the widening financial burden on those who produce income and those who rely on the State for services is taking its toll on the patience of the general society. more

The incoming missile siren went off on Monday during Rambam Mesivta’s sophomore Honors Hebrew class while the students were video conferencing with their teacher, Batel Dahan in Sderot. more

NBN’s 2nd Aliyah charter flight of the season landed on August 14th bringing over 300 new olim to Israel, including 127 young men and women joining the Israel Defense Forces. These olim are among … more

Christmas may not be universally accepted and observed by many Americans, however, it is America’s only national holiday founded on religious beliefs. Its hold on many, whether through its theological and biblical message or through its musical tradition is overpowering. more

President Obama has constantly urged Israel to take risks for peace with its Arab neighbors. Despite the murderous rhetoric coming from the entire PA, from Abbas on down; despite never-ending murderous rock and rocket attacks by PA Arabs against Israeli civilians; despite repeated public refusals to recognize Israel’s right to live as a Jewish State of any size, with any borders, President Obama has repeatedly urged Israel to continuously take more risks for peace. more

With Tisha B’Av now safely behind us, can Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur be not too far ahead? The High Holiday season will occur on the cusp of Labor Day weekend, one of the earliest such seasonal placements in memory. Due to this scheduling oddity, I have deemed this a major factor in the early consideration of the literary aspects that play an important part in the observance of these holidays. more

Chabad of Hewlett held its annual Chanukah on Ice celebration at Grant Park ice skating rink on Dec. 3. more