The look and the voice were unmistakable. The mistakes of judgement by the man and the administration were unforgivable. Five decades of Happy Valley life came to a sudden and stunning end last fall followed last Sunday by the death of the man who made it possible. more

Now that Mitt Romney has secured the GOP nomination, political speculation has turned to whom he will pick as his running mate. more

On Shabbat Parshat VaYigash, the 8th graders at Yeshiva Har Torah joined together with members of Yachad from around the tri-state area for an uplifting and exciting Shabbat together. more

In the aftermath of Tuesday’s bomb threat to Mesivta Ateres Yakov by a student suspended for a disciplinary infraction there, the Menahel (principal) Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe issued a letter to parents commending the behavior of the student body. more

The Jewish people are finally, after 40 long years, making ready to enter the land of Israel. Most of the generation that left Egypt is gone, buried in unmarked graves in the desert, and their children, the second generation, born free in the desert, are preparing at last to cross the Jordan and enter the land. There will be no more manna from heaven, and no heavenly clouds or pillars of fire to guard them on their journey; they will have to fight, and even die, for the right to call this small piece of land their home. more

In the coming days, there will be much reflection on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, following the former South African president’s passing on Dec. 5. And in the coming weeks, we can anticipate a febrile exchange over his true views on Israel and the Middle East. more

Sexual abuse of minors has for many years been among the most controversial and suppressed issues in the Jewish community. An inaugural conference in Israel next month will, at the very least, contribute to the conversation on that issue. more

History has a unique way of both intruding on and inspiring current events. The recent trip to Israel by Pope Francis and his visit to the gravesite of Theodore Herzl is but one recent example of this phenomenon. more

“This day G-d commands you to fulfill [all the laws], and you should do them with all your heart, and with all your soul.” (26:16) The Midrash Tanaim jumps on the classic interpretation (see also Tanchuma 1) that when Moshe says “This day” with reference to mitzvah observance, he is noting that any demonstration of following the Torah creates a visual for G-d as if the Jewish people have accepted the Torah on that day. more

The Brooklyn Heights Jewish Academy, a new co-educational Jewish day school in Brownstone Brooklyn, will host an open house on Sunday, Dec. 14  at 10:00 am. Prospective parents are … more