As President Obama told Russian President Medvedev a few months ago, he will have more flexibility to do what he wishes in a second term. If the Democratic platform is any indication, Obama’s “flexibility” is not going to be a good thing for the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel. more

It was the height of the Intifada, and we were in the midst of a months’ worth of reserve duty....It is so easy to demonize the ‘enemy,’ but life isn’t always quite so simple. Deep in the heart of Hebron was an Israeli lookout position, meant to spot trouble on the road below and protect Israeli civilians driving through. more

When one breaks down Devarim 23:24, properly, according to its cantillation marks, a proper translation could be “What has come out of your lips you must keep and carry out (or “do”); as you have vowed to Hashem your G-d a gift, that you have spoken with your mouth.” more

About 25 years ago, I had tickets to Jackie Mason on Broadway. We met our friends at the theater, since they still lived in Forest Hills, and we had already moved to Woodmere. By the time we parked and made it into the theater, we slipped in near our friends just as the curtain was rising. Almost in unison, my friend and I whispered, “where do you want to eat after the show?” more

Earlier this week, the Obama campaign announced the formation of “Rabbis For Obama,” featuring over 600 rabbis from across the country and across all Jewish denominations dedicated to four more years of big government and anti-Israel policies. more

During the Holocaust, the Klausenberger Rebbe, Rabi Yekutiel Halberstam, passed through the gates of hell many times. In the Warsaw Ghetto, the work camps and death marches and the final unspeakable horror, Auschwitz, the Rebbe lost his wife and their 11 children in less than a year, yet never sat shiva, refusing to take the time to mourn for his own children, while so many thousands were being lost daily. more

The shofar sound this past Sunday began the wake-up call of the month of Elul that reminds us that Rosh Hashana will soon be upon us. As I look back at notes from previous years, I have found that the commentary of Rabbenu Bachaye on these coming parshas has found an important place in my own Elul and Teshuvah-focused experience. more

As the new month of Elul begins, I, like many others, begin the process of soul-searching and introspection that prepares me for the Yomim No’raim—the Days of Awe—of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I, like many others, go through the requisite atonement by saying s’lichot daily, heeding the sounds of the Shofar during Shacharit, saying Vidduy, and asking for others’ forgiveness directly. more

Let’s get this straight - the summer isn’t over yet, not today nor tomorrow. It doesn’t end when the kids return home from camp or when you begin back to school shopping. It doesn’t stop with school orientations or Rosh Hashanah preparations. more

That dreaded word “exercise.” Most people decide to hit the gym, run outdoors, or swim, once May rolls around, to get into shape for the summer. Though I’m a member of a local gym, have a top notch treadmill I inherited (thanks, Robbie Rothenberg), and a swimming pool in my backyard, I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t been to the gym, or on the treadmill since May and I’ve only done laps about three times this summer. more