With Purim now safely behind us, we are now ready to give our full attention to what is one of the most popular holidays on the Jewish calendar, Pesach. In a recent essay by Shira Schechter, the Madricha Ruchaniyah of Stern College, titled “Purim and Pesach: Two Holidays, One Theme,” she notes the spiritually symbiotic link between these two festivals: “Every year as Purim approaches we already begin looking towards Pesach. more

What brought about the deaths of Aharon’s older sons? Most discussions analyze the specific nature of the particular service they were performing. Were they drunk? Were they wearing the proper clothing? Did they enter an area prohibited to them? Did they perform a service reserved for their father alone? Did they merely bring a strange fire? more

At a Washington news conference, held at the Offices of the George Soros-funded Center for American Progress, archeologists working for the Smithsonian have announced an incredible find, a revised copy of the U.S Constitution dated 1790. This document was passed by the original 13 States with the intention of supplanting the version ratified in 1788. The chief archeologist on the project called the document “Dead Potomac River Scrolls,” because they were found in a previously unknown cave on the bank of the Potomac. more

Dear Aviva, My husband”s business has slowed to a tiny trickle and I can”t seem to find work. We got a loan modification, got approved for SNAP, HEAP, Child Plus, and Medicaid. The yeshivas have been amazing-one tuition committee was so understanding that they are now paying us to send our preschooler there. The problem is my husband”s wanton spending. He insists on unloading the few dollars we have on frivolous things like groceries and the water bill. more

David’s Harp is usually a satirical humorous column. In honor of Purim when we are inebriated to the point that everything is turned upside down and we don’t recognize the difference between Mordechai and Haman, the hero and the villain, this space will be serious. more

They screamed, they begged and cajoled trying to point out the truth, but everyone called them liars. When people pointed out that the $500 billion dollars cut from Medicare was being double counted … more

Perhaps the two most popular literary works on the Jewish calendar are the Megillah and the Haggadah. This year has witnessed two very unusual and timely commentaries that pull together ancient pshat and drash in a modern lingo that should help further enrich an already crowed field of Megillah publications. more

The book and parsha of Vayikra contain the specific essentials with regard to the laws and practices of the korbanot, the sacrificial offerings. And although we do not bring korbanot without a Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Torah views the bringing of korbanot as an important ingredient in one’s lifelong goal of getting close to G-d. more

Dear Aviva, I have one married son who lives out of town. My relationship with my daughter-in-law was rocky from the beginning. But over the years we have been able to have a solid relationship and be cordial with each other. Recently, I feel that she isn’t calling me enough. more

Mutual respect for another person’s beliefs and opinions is in very short supply. It is most heartening when we encounter an episode that demonstrates when two great rabbis are placed into a situation wherein they demonstrate mutual respect to the entire world. more