Perhaps the two most popular literary works on the Jewish calendar are the Megillah and the Haggadah. This year has witnessed two very unusual and timely commentaries that pull together ancient pshat and drash in a modern lingo that should help further enrich an already crowed field of Megillah publications. more

The book and parsha of Vayikra contain the specific essentials with regard to the laws and practices of the korbanot, the sacrificial offerings. And although we do not bring korbanot without a Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Torah views the bringing of korbanot as an important ingredient in one’s lifelong goal of getting close to G-d. more

Dear Aviva, I have one married son who lives out of town. My relationship with my daughter-in-law was rocky from the beginning. But over the years we have been able to have a solid relationship and be cordial with each other. Recently, I feel that she isn’t calling me enough. more

Mutual respect for another person’s beliefs and opinions is in very short supply. It is most heartening when we encounter an episode that demonstrates when two great rabbis are placed into a situation wherein they demonstrate mutual respect to the entire world. more

Headline hairlines To the Editor: Since David Nesenoff took over the Jewish Star I have noticed the following: featured on the front page were David Nesenoff, Ari Fleisher, Joel Lion and baby … more

After thousands of car crashes, a stop sign was installed at the dangerous intersection. The building burned down and then a fire alarm was placed on top of the ashes. Immediately after the patient died he was brought into the OR for surgery. more

One across is a five-letter word “what people are wanting,” ending in “y.” Hmm. Well that could be money or happy. Let’s see, three down is seven letters, “the purpose of our existence.” Hmm. Has to be either “eat food” or “educate.” I’ll figure that out as soon as I get seven across. “Gross food for children,” starting with a “t.” That’s easy either “tongue” or “tofu.” more

Will the last wealthy person leaving New York State please turn off the lights? While leftists across the country are tied up in their underwear trying to find ways to punish success with over-taxation, New York has lost taxpayers at an alarming rate. Not all taxpayers actually, just the ones who pay the highest taxes. more

Shortly before Thanksgiving, a video entitled “Yeshiva Guy Says Over a Vort” was posted on YouTube and made its rounds through many of our emails. In it, two animated bears discuss a Torah thought related to the traditional interpretation that the forefathers kept the commandments of the Torah before Sinaitic revelation. The darker bear begins the conversation saying, “Can I say over a vort that I heard by my rebbe’s house last shabbos?” more

“Hello; Israel Tour and Travel Agency, may I help you?” The female voice over the phone asks. “Yes, I would like to go to Jerusalem,” the deeper voice on the other end of the phone responds. “Have you traveled with us before?” she questions. “No, this will be my first time going to Israel,” he answers. “Then I just need to take a few moments to fill out some information; what is your name?” She asks. “I am Moshiah,” he declares. more