The final chapter of Parashat Shemini contains more than 20 pasukim that discuss various aspects of the laws of kashrut. Therein, the Torah gives us general guidelines for determining the status of … more

The Pesach Seder may be the most observed family ritual on the Jewish calendar. Accordingly, many books deal with Pesach observances. This year is no different, and for the next three weeks, this … more

Having given all the instructions for the kohanim, in chapter 8 we see Moshe being given precise instructions to set the stage for Inauguration Day. In one of the most immediate cause and effect … more

The final verse in parasha Tzav, “And Aaron and his sons did all the things that the L-rd commanded through Moses,” contains the unusual phrase, “that the L-rd commanded through … more

Two weeks ago, in apparent violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, Iran launched several ballistic missiles, one of which carried the words “Israel Must Be Wiped Out” in … more

The Turkish and Israeli authorities are still investigating the motives and plans of the Islamist terrorist who murdered three Israelis, two of them Israeli-Americans, in Istanbul last week. I … more

John Kerry has a new strategy for achieving Mideast peace: mobilize the international community to gang up on Israel. That was the essence of the secretary of state’s disturbing remarks in … more

When you think of blood, you think of the most visceral thing. For example, the adage, “blood is thicker than water,” implying that family ties rise above all else; or the phrase … more

Although the last graduates of the Brooklyn Talmudical Academy (BTA) and the Central Yeshiva High School for Girls left the East 14th building over 35 years ago, it was still sad to hear about … more

Yes, here is another high quality Purim-themed work — “G-d and Politics in Esther” (Cambridge University Press, 2016), by Yoram  Hazony — which brings to us a … more