I never saw the movie “Entebbe,” or, as history’s most audacious and daring military rescue operation was known to me in my Israeli childhood, “Mivtza … more

He has engaged in “crude anti-Semitism,” according to the Anti-Defamation League. He has “consistently impugned the loyalty of American Jews,” said the American Jewish … more

In Britain, there is a long tradition of holding public inquiries to establish the facts and learn the appropriate lessons from a host of social and political challenges. Subjects have included, … more

Of the world’s 194 nations, the vast majority acquired their territory through the use of military force. That’s how borders have traditionally been drawn. Most of these campaigns … more

The joy of Passover desserts eludes many who do not like the taste of matzah meal. They would have to be resigned to fruit compote or tasteless sponge cake. I did not like either of those … more

Have you ever been asked the question, “What is your earliest memory?” I have been asked many times. I was a graduate student in psychology when the question was posed. The answer was … more

There is a fascinating paradox in Tazria that relates to the laws of tzara’as, the spiritual malady, a skin discoloration that affects those who gossip. On one hand, only a kohen can either … more

At the start of this parsha is a cluster of laws that challenged and puzzled the commentators. They concern a woman who has just given birth. If she gives birth to a son, she is “unclean … more

The primary focus of our parasha is the illness known as tzara’at. The unique nature of this class of disease is emphasized by the Rashbam in his introduction to our topic:  “All … more

This Shabbat will be Rosh Chodesh, and we will read Parshat HaChodesh in addition to Tazria — an uncommon opportunity to take out three Torahs. Both Parshat HaChodesh and this Rosh Chodesh … more