The Torah is comprised primarily of laws and narrative. Let us take a quick scan of Parshat Terumah to see where it fits in the scheme of the rest of the Torah. According to the Sefer HaChinukh, … more

Some alarm clocks play Mozart. Others tune into news radio. Mine is the elaborate procession of Sfardic men dressed in sudras and turbans pounding calloused hands on bongos as they parade today’s … more

Given the events unfolding in Egypt, it is indeed timely that this week’s book review is about the relationship between the two protagonists who forged the first formal peace treaty between Israel … more

I’m not a strong proponent of prenuptial agreements as I think that they often spoil the romance. Moreover, the prenuptial agreements which mainstream rabbinical organization utilize, ostensibly to … more

Off the White House presidential bedroom suite in the bathroom, Mr. Obama is brushing his teeth this morning. Young Sasha enters. “Daddy when are you going to stop the Wiki-Leaks?” The … more

The anti-Semite says, “I hate the Jewish people, but Schwartz and Mandelbaum I like.” And the Jew says, “I love the Jewish people, but Schwartz and Mandelbaum I can’t stand.” And so it … more

I was in a local restaurant the other day and I couldn’t help overhearing a few young women talking at a nearby table. (Admittedly, listening in was not exactly polite on my part, but it was very … more

Misrepresenting the RCA To the Editor: The Jewish Star’s article on the brain death controversy in the Orthodox community (“Is Brain Death Enough?  The RCA Says Maybe”; January 21, 2011) … more

Seven months ago, an interviewer’s softball question to Helen Thomas, the dean of the White House press corps, “Any comments on Israel?” led to the explosive answer that cost Thomas her job. … more