Pesach commemorates events that clearly defined our people’s history and purpose. So, when I happened upon a commentary on a Haggadah whose author’s name brings to mind events in my past, … more

The names of our Jewish holidays are almost always listed and used in the Hebrew language, even those that have English equivalents. That is all holidays, except one, Pesach, which more often than … 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

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

Perhaps among one of the greatest Jewish theologians in the United States today is Rabbi David Fohrman of Woodmere. His writings about the story of Purim will be the main focus of this … more

Years ago, when Debra Blank was teaching rabbinical students at the Jewish Theological Seminary, she noticed many of them used ArtScroll prayer books,” an article in the Forward noted last … more

This past week commemorated the sheloshim, one month, since the passing of Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, zt”l. Much has been written in tribute to his legacy. This week’s essay will note some of … more

Yes, Purim is indeed a serious holiday. Joyous, yes, but serious too. With the leap year commemorative of Purim Katan, the little Purim just observed and now behind us, it is time to start giving … more

Two weeks ago, in my review of Rabbi Nachum Amsel’s “The Encyclopedia of Jewish Values,” I briefly touched on his essay on the Jewish take on gun control. Within that essay we … more

As a column devoted to the review of the finest in Jewish books, it came as a pleasant surprise to read a series of teachings by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky dealing with how one should show respect for our … more