When Yaakov first arrived in Haran, he encountered shepherds waiting at a well. It might have been the same well where his mother met Eliezer 97 years earlier. And if it was, things had certainly … more

I noticed the jeep in the distance almost immediately; it was impossible to miss. We were on maneuvers deep in the Negev desert, and there was nothing around but us. Sure enough, 20 minutes … more

As far as those Americans who despise President Donald Trump, as well as many of those Jews and Israelis who feel the same way about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu … more

Elul is the time to intensify and enhance righteous behavior in the individual and in society, thus creating an opening for emunah and yir’at shamayim Elul is the time to intensify and … more

Last Tuesday, Israel Hayom reported that there is a growing sense among Israeli and US officials that the Biden administration will not reach a nuclear accord with Iran. To be understood, … more

The phrase, “aleh hamitzvot (these are the commandments),” appears twice in the Torah, in the concluding pasukim of Sefer Vayikra and Parashat Masei. Vayikra 27:34: … more

Karet: a separation from the community By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of March 13, 2009 / 17 Adar 5769 Of all Torah portions, Ki Tisa has the largest number of mitzvot that include a … more

From the other side of the bench by David Seidemann Issue of August, 13, 2010/ 3 Elul, 5770 Not once but twice, in recent weeks, I’ve encountered a situation where a father has … more

Miriam’s Musings delights readerTo the Editor:Congratulations to Karen Green. Moreover, double kodus for adding Miriam Bradman Abrahams to your staff. Her opinion column is just what I need now … more

I recently overheard two fathers of teenagers comparing their approaches to their sons’ shul attendance on Sundays and other “days off.” One of them came to me afterwards to discuss his related concerns about “texting on Shabbos.” With a little insight from Parshat Vayishlach, perhaps there is a simple answer to both questions. I accept that I may be hopelessly naïve. But the stand I propose at the end of this will not be, if followed, what turns your children away from Judaism. Much bigger issues bring about such a result. Having said that, let us see how we can find parenting-inspiration from our forefather Yaakov. more