What an irony. I always knew that the first commentary on a Sukkot machzor describing the rather sharp medieval reaction to a British-based Simchat Torah service would come from the pen of a former … more

I’ve been baking challah for about 34 years. I added honey, margarine, sugar and cinnamon, way before it was in vogue. I always wanted to find a recipe I loved for a water challah … more

The U.S. State Department denounced the latest terrorist attack in Jerusalem by condemning “the statements glorifying this reprehensible and cowardly attack.” At first, it might seem … more

Sukkot is related to the way the Jewish people lived while wandering in the desert for 40 years, building tents called sukkot that sheltered them. In their wildest dreams, I don’t think they … more

Seconds, then minutes. The boat overturned in the murky waters of the Yarkon River, trapping the woman who had been energetically rowing moments before. Even the air bubbles had ceased. A small crowd … more

The Torah commands us twice to rejoice on Sukkot. For Shavuot it only says to rejoice one time. For Pesach “joy” is not mentioned at all (it’s difficult to rejoice when … more

You have to wonder if the barbarians fighting under the flag of the Islamic State still believe that 72 virgins will be waiting for them in paradise once they become “martyrs.” I say … more

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas suffered chest pains last week and was rushed to a hospital in Ramallah. The episode was a reminder of the dangers and risks Israel will face if it heeds demands for … more

Pay close attention to all the words through which I warn you today [and] instruct your children to keep all the words … more

In a newly released sequel to the Torah teachings of Rabbi Herbert Bomzer, zt”l, a volume titled “Keter Harachzav,” by his grandson, Aryeh Sklar, we learn of Rabbi Bomzer’s … more