This past week witnessed two events that brought the Talmud into central focus, one positive, the other negative. First, we have the positive, which involved the first publication of an English translation and commentary of the first volume of the Talmud in the Land of Israel. more

I find the vitriol directed against the Citifield asifa not only to be unfounded but downright offensive. Yes, the internet is an inescapable part of our modern world, but to be inattentive to the enormous dangers that lurk in this medium is naive and foolhardy. more

Winston Smith, the main character in Orwell’s novel 1984, worked for the Ministry of Truth, an enormous building made of pristine white concrete which housed over 3000 rooms. On the outside wall are the three slogans of the ruling party: “WAR IS PEACE,” “FREEDOM IS SLAVERY,” “IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.” more

This Sunday, New York will celebrate 64 years since Israel declared its independence by hosting what has become an institution for 48 years. The largest gathering of Jews outside of Israel to commemorate and celebrate the forming of the Jewish State is the Israel Day Parade which has in the past been arranged by the Israel Tribute Committee with respect and dignity. more

There is a widespread custom to stay up on Shavuot evening learning Torah. Obvious, you’ll say, but the truth is that the custom is mostly kabbalistic in nature. more

Last Wednesday, the house next door to mine was the setting for the upcoming movie, Blood Ties, starring James Caan, Mila Kunis and Clive Owen. My house was used as a rest area in lieu of their trailer, which was parked a few blocks away. more

This week we celebrate the festival of Shavuot, commemorating a moment, 3200 years ago, when we all stood together, beneath a wind-swept mountain, deep in the Sinai desert. more

The text of Pirkei Avos is the only segment of the Talmud that does not deal with halachah. The commentator of this new edition is the newly appointed Rosh Yeshiva at Lander College. more

On June third, hundreds of shuls within reasonable distance of Manhattan will be renting busses, carpooling and finding other means of transportation to show their love of the Jewish State at the annual Salute to Israel Parade (now called Celebration Israel). more

It started with attempts to protect sexual offenders and child abusers –going so far as co-opting a public official into treating justice as a religious choice rather than an American right. more