According to the teachings of our sages, teshuva is one of the most important mitzvot, yet many of us avoid it or feel uncomfortable with the process because we don’t understand it … more

A timely review of an untimely event, Bircat HaChama Reviewed by Alan Jay Gerber Issue of April 3, 2009 / 9 Nissan 5769 Our rabbis are sermonizing about an event that’s soon to … more

It is that time of the year. With the sound of the gragger still fresh in our ears we now contemplate the next Jewish holiday, Pesach, with all its rituals and, of course, the foods of holiday … more

As a proud graduate of The Rabbi Jacob Joseph Schools, both elementary and high school, the Bunim name was always in our household. Their presence at many of our school functions was a part of the RJJ legacy and a living legacy to what was the “mama yeshiva’’ of America. more

With the conclusion of the Torah reading cycle of Bereishis, this week’s essay will be devoted to a presentation of several contrasting styles of commentary. Utilizing their own words, this will demonstrate how the same biblical segment can be made to be viewed from variant perspectives thus demonstrating the unique plurality of methods of midrash and p’shat in our religious tradition. more

This year I have the honor to bring to your attention a unique anthology of essays related to Chanukah published by the OUPress. This work, titled “The Light That Unites: A Chanukah Companion. … more

Please pray for a refuah shlema for Avraham ben Mindel. B”H, Alan’s column will resume soon. more

The unique story of Chari Pere By Alan Jay Gerber Issue of Sept. 19, 2008 This week’s Kosher Bookworm will take on a lighter tone before we progress to the serious aspects of … more

It was Rav Kook, in his commentary on Psalm 27:12, who taught us the following: “The purpose of prayer is to elevate the soul by bolstering its powers with images of holiness and perfection. … more

Midway through the month of Tammuz, our religious focus shifts to observances commemorating the saddest events in our history. The destruction of the two Temples, the murders and massacres of … more