Being an avid reader of Jerusalem Post for most of my adult life, I have come to both admire and anticipate the writings of Dr. Reuven Hammer. His take on religious affairs, especially his analysis of the Chumash, holiday laws and customs, as well as current events, are both well written and reflect a very sober and unique theological perspective. more

The first of the two significant covenants that were forged between Avraham and G-d was the Brit Bein Habtarim (Covenant Between the Pieces). In exchange for a promise that he’ll have children, that they’ll be enslaved for 400 years, but that they’ll ultimately inherit the land of Canaan, G-d asks of Avraham (still Avram at that time) to “Bring for Me a prime heifer, a prime goat, a prime ram, a dove and a young pigeon.” more

In the two decades since the Madrid Conference of 1991, the Palestinian Liberation Organization has gone from a terrorist organization to an apparent peace partner, and back to a pariah, as far as the Israeli government is concerned. But on the world stage, it appears to incrementally pick up the trappings of statehood. An anthem, a flag, diplomatic immunity, UN observer status, and this week, full membership in the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. more

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The fierce debate between Rep. Michelle Bachmann and Texas Gov. Rick Perry over using executive power to require young girls to be vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) raises a very interesting question for all Americans to ponder. If state and federal governments use their power—not to mention the law—to intervene in public health related issues, is that a “violation of liberty interest” as Bachmann called it or do we view it as a necessary measure that would be considered public good? more

Dear Aviva, My husband and I are in our late seventies and are proud grandparents. Our first grandchild just became engaged to a lovely young man. They are planning on marrying in Israel in a few months. I cannot attend, since I am responsible for taking my husband to dialysis and caring for him. Our children or grandchildren help out the few times that I am not able to take him, but all of our family will be at the wedding and I do not feel that it would be right to leave him with someone who is unfamiliar with his situation. I have been dreaming of my granddaughter’s wedding from the time that she was a very young child and cannot come to terms with this concept of not attending. more

Rabbi Shlomo of Kartin said: “If you want to raise a man from mud and filth, do not think it is enough to keep standing on top and reaching down to him a helping hand. You must go all the way down yourself, down into mud and filth. Then take hold of him with strong hands, and pull him and yourself out into the light.” more

The Tower of Babel story teaches many lessons. Arguably the most blatant problem in the story is that the goal of the people involved was to “make for ourselves a name.” (Bereishit 11:4) more

“If you don’t support Barack Obama, shut the heck up!” That appears to be the message of the leading secular Jewish organizations, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in a joint statement released on Tuesday asking Jews not to make Israel a political Issue more

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