Like an amusement park barker inviting passers-by to step right up and throw balls at some unfortunate’s head … more

By Chananya Weissman Issue of August 15, 2008 This year, Shabbos Nachamu coincides with Tu B'Av, which is interesting when you consider how the two events have evolved. Shabbos Nachamu is … more

Nazi Games: The Olympics of 1936 by Dr. David Clay Large Reviewed by Alan Jay Gerber Issue of August 15, 2008 The Olympic Games in Communist-ruled China are nearly half over. Much has … more

Advice worth following By David Seidemann Issue of August 15, 2008 I'm not sure which is worse - giving advice when you're not asked to or failing to ask advice when one could really … more

Op-Ed By Sara and Azriel Ganz Issue of August 15, 2008 As long-time foster parents, we read last week's Jewish Star article, "Adopting Shmuel" (August 8, 2008) with great interest. While … more

Q: What do righteous, learned Torah scholars and newly observant Jews, or baalei teshuva, have in common? A: The way they recite blessings. No, it's not … more

Enjoy, enjoy! By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of August 15, 2008 The Talmud (Taanit 30b) quotes the Mishnah when it says there were no holidays (literally "good days") on the Jewish calendar … more

A Tisha B'Av exploration By Judah S. Harris Issue of August 8, 2008 Tisha B’Av all over the world is observed through fasting, expressions of mourning, the reading of Megillat Eicha … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of August 8, 2008 This optimistic/pessimistic outlook is an embodiment of what Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik would call a “dialectic.” Tisha B’Av is the … more

A happy family shares the true story of a spontaneous decision By Michael Orbach Issue of August 8, 2008 Back in 2005, looking to make some extra money while I finished my great American … more