There are two Hallels, the paragraphs dedicated uniquely to praising G-d, in the book of Tehillim. One is Hallel Mitzrayim (the Egyptian Hallel), the other is Hallel HaGadol (the Great … more

We live in an era of resurgent, strongman leaders. Some of them, like Russian President Vladimir Putin, carry an aura of invincibility, a sense that they effortlessly control the levers of power at … more

Yaakov spends 20 years living in Lavan’s house. He has his rows with Lavan – more than a third of the parsha, Vayetzei, is dedicated to their dialogues. And it isn’t pretty. … more

The term “blacklist” brings up memories of McCarthysim. But those on a new Israeli “blacklist,” who are to be blocked from entry to that country for promoting boycotts, are … more

In 2014, three scholars from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania published an important paper on the science of timing — how temporal landmarks impact on the way we organize … more

Our parasha contains a rich array of stimulating narratives that challenge our understanding and cry out to us, “Darsheni” (“Interpret me!”). One of these is known as the … more

When you feel under attack, you’re not inclined to think big. You’re more consumed with immediate threats. The Jewish world these days is feeling under attack. Whether it’s … more

The opening instruction in Parsha Emor — And G-d said to Moshe, “Say to the Kohanim, the sons of Aharon, and say to them, they should not become ‘tameh’ to people of the … more

Qatar’s foreign minister last week declared that his country will not normalize relations with Israel. And yet, not long ago … more

Except for the saints among us, we all boast. Sometimes we boast about our own natural endowments, our good looks, or our athletic prowess. Often we boast about our achievements, social or … more