This week’s essay will focus primarily upon an article rather than upon a book. The convergence this year of American Independence Day and the 17th Day of Tamuz was brought together by an interesting and timely essay by attorney Michael W. Schwartz entitled, “A Great Compliment Paid the Jews” [Commentary Magazine.com/article] This essay’s theme demonstrates the uniqueness of the ideological foundations of the American republic and its regard for the integrity of the Jewish faith. more

BBQ’s, picnics, going to the beach, swimming in your backyard or attending baseball games, there are so many things to love about summer. Everything, that is, except for shopping for a new bathing suit. more

On November 11, 2004 the world became a better place. That’s when Yasser Arafat, the man responsible for so many Jewish and Palestinian deaths, died after a long illness. Since that day, the despotic killer’s Arab compatriots have been claiming that his death was a result of Israeli poisoning. more

What is the best kept secret in this neighborhood? Where can you learn, create, and experience something special six days a week? How can one benefit from a broad range of support services from early childhood to senior citizen age? Which organization benefits 16,000 individualsat 18 locations in the Greater Five Towns and beyond? more

The older kids are in sleep away camp and most have gotten over the trauma (and expense) of sending them off. Now it’s time to send the little ones to day camp. In my day, day camp meant walking to the YMHA on 14th Ave in Boro Park. more

On July 3, Iran claimed to have successfully tested missiles capable of hitting Israel. At the same time, Israel said that it could strike Iran if the efforts at diplomacy fail to stop it from developing nuclear weapons capabilities. Calling it the “Great Prophet 7” missile exercise, Iran launched its test on Sunday after the European embargo against Iranian oil went into effect. In invoking the name of the Prophet Muhammad for their missile test, there should be no questions to anyone, including President Obama, that the Iranian leadership are extremists, and seemingly willing to head into a devastating war to impose what it interprets to be the will of God and prophet. Neither money, nor sanctions can alter divine will, and that is what those who tread lightly with Iran seem to miss. more

At the beginning of Chapter 24, the Torah informs of us of Bilaam’s third attempt to curse the Israelites – which will once again turn into a blessing, in this case, the most famous of the three. “When Bilaam realized that G-d desired to bless Israel, he did not seek out the occult forces (“nechashim”) as he had done before. Instead, he set his gaze toward the desert. When Bilaam raised his eyes, and saw Israel dwelling at peace by tribes, G-d’s spirit was on him.” more

I remember, as a high school student, hearing our Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Shlomo Riskin relate one of the questions he used to ask when interviewing prospective rebbe’im (rabbinic teachers) for our yeshiva high school. more

In a recent essay entitled, “Ignoring Munich Massacre Reminds Us Olympics Are Pure Baloney” [Commentary, May 18, 2012] Jonathan Tobin makes the following observation: more

Both sides of the political spectrum were shocked by the Court’s Obamacare decision. For weeks, discussions have surrounded whether the Justices would merely strike down the individual mandate or the entire law. more