Did you ever think, “It’s just too hot to eat?” I remember many such days when all my kids wanted was ice cream or popsicles for dinner. Can I confess that once or twice I gave in? … more

Written on Erev Shabbat, last Friday. It has been a week since the war started, and I feel a need to write. I am not a writer. I don’t even know who I will send this to. I am, … more

The Biden administration is working assiduously to block Israel from defeating Hamas or contending coherently or effectively with the growing existential threats it faces from Iran and Iran’s … more

O ur parasha begins with Moshe Rabbeinu gathering the entire Jewish people before him, at which point we would expect some sort of listing of “the things that Hashem commanded to make.” … more

Sound of the Shofar Alerts congregants for a month Solemn ceremony reserved Partner calling the notes more

The pundits are confused about President Obama’s strategy for fighting terrorism. He seems to say one thing and then a few days later something quite different. As a service to readers of The Jewish Star and the political punditry of America, I will explain the President’s terrorism-fighting strategy, which in his administration seems to be “except when the terrorists are targeting Jews.” more

Sometimes, you have to be willing to take a stand, even if your goal is just to keep standing. I don’t remember what it was that Barak had done that had so angered our sadistic first … more

Everyone who is familiar with the story of Ruth knows the Talmudic sentiment (Yevamot 69a, 77a and Ketuvot 7b) that a Moabite female is permitted to join the Jewish people. The Talmud has a classic … more

The joyous festival of Chanukah is just ten days away and the joyous American feast of Thanksgiving is now upon us. However, these are hardly joyous times; events around us reflect an ever-present … more

We have been on a spiritual journey since the beginning of Chodesh Elul. This month helps us to focus upon what is false and what is real, in order that we may pursue matters of ultimate spiritual … more