The recession is not the only thing hurting Orthodox Jewish nonprofits. A lack of disclosure on their finances has resulted in a downgrade of ratings from a leading watchdog group. more

In an interview with Foreign Policy Magazine, Bill Clinton said the reluctance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept the terms reached at Camp David in 2000, is a main reason for a lack of peace today. more

This past month, I have been honored to attend three weddings that exemplified the solution to the so-called shidduch crisis, couples representing very different backgrounds, with love triumphing. A story worthy of publicizing. I brought my dancing shoes, a shiny Borough Park suit, and practiced my handstands for the mitzvah of sameach chasan v’kallah. But there was one item that I left in my parked car, and for good reason. The facts below have been slightly altered to protect the parties’ identities. more

Calendar for the week of Sept. 23 more

Last week a witness refused to answer any questions that I was asking by pleading the “Fifth Amendment.” Although the case was a civil matter, this witness was fully protected by the Bill of Rights, from responding for fear that his answers might later be used against him in a criminal case. more

The increasing pressure to delegitimize Israel, including this week’s move for Palestinian statehood at the UN and the Durban III conference have raised concerns about renewed anti-Semitism in the mainstream. more

Dear Aviva, My husband and I have been married a couple months, and so far we think our marriage is great. But we’re a little nervous—how do we maintain a healthy, loving marriage for a lifetime? Do you have any pointers for cultivating a lasting, happy marriage? — Keeping the Bliss more

Editor’s note: With a double parsha this week and the calendar edging closer towards Rosh Hashana, we present a second Torah column. Rabbi Etengoff is dedicating the following dvar Torah in memory of his sister-in-law, Ruchama Rivka Sondra, and the refuah shlaimah of Yosef Shmuel ben Miriam. more

As we approach Rosh Hashanah I think back to my time at Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yisrael Meir HaKohen. I remember our rebbeim putting a heavy emphasis on preparing ourselves for the coming Days of Awe by taking an introspective look back on our year and making amends with those whom we have wronged. I would like to start with the amends first. more

There is a mystical idea, which suggests, that hidden within every fire of destruction is the spark of redemption. Such, for example, was the case on Aug. 3, 1492, which was also the Ninth of Av, the anniversary of the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem. On that day, the Inquisition was imposed on the 250,000 Spanish Jews, faced with the choice of expulsion, conversion or death. more