The literary work that is my subject for the next few weeks is entitled, “The Encyclopedia of Jewish Values” (Urim Publications, 2015), a series of essays on some of the most provocative … more

For many of us when we read the word aggadah, we assume that the subject deals with legend. However, after you read the book under review this week, the very concept of aggadah will take on a new, … more

With the sharp windy chill in the air there is an increasing wish for an early spring. Our religious tradition has long ago provided us with a meaningful expression of that wish in terms of ritual. … more

From last week’s essay about Lashon Harah, evil speech, this week we will deal with Lashon Hakodesh, sacred speech, only this time the speech we are dealing with concerns the history of a whole … more

Last week, the Rosh Yeshiva of Netiv Aryeh in Jerusalem, Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl, shelita, published an inspiring essay titled, “The Servitude in Egypt as a Result of Lashon Hara,” Which … more

This new year is the first one since 2008 where there is no incumbent running for president of the United States. Eight years ago I wrote an essay about a new book entitled, “How Would G-d … more

In last week’s essay I discussed a wonderful new book, “Spark Ignited” (Menorah Books) that describes the spiritual journey taken by two women that culminated in their conversion to … more

We live in interesting times that witness murder as state policy and also brazen and often violent religious intolerance. These are also times, by contrast, of religious tolerance in many quarters … more

This year’s Jewish season of joy has been marred by a series of ongoing tragedies. In his recent book, “Judaism Alive,” Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn of the Yavneh Academy in Los Angeles, … more

Yes, it’s that wonderful time of year again. With Chanukah upon us, the Kosher Bookworm once again offers suggestions for holiday readings and gift giving. “The Seven Fruits of the … more