In the coming weeks we will read the portions of Acharei-Mot-Kedoshim which, translated literally, means “after the death of the holy ones,” a reference that is all too appropriate as we … more

As we approach Yom HaShoah (Holocaust memorial day on 27 Nissan), Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day on 3 Iyar) and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day on 4 Iyar), Rabbi … more

There are two Hallels, the paragraphs dedicated uniquely to praising G-d, in the book of Tehillim. One is Hallel Mitzrayim (the Egyptian Hallel), the other is Hallel HaGadol (the Great … more

The Haggadah is a multi-layered historical document that is the product of numerous Jewish cultures, in both Israel and the Diaspora. As a result, it may legitimately be viewed as one of the … more

He was a battalion commander with the rank of Major in an elite Golani (infanty) unit. In most armies, that would have meant he was commanding battles from a rear position, but in the IDF, commanders … more

When we encounter the parshas of Tazria and Metzora, our thoughts typically run to lashon hara (speech that brings people down), which is argued by the Talmud (Arakhin 15-16) to be the main impetus … more

Like many other meforshim (Torah commentators), the second Bobover Rebbe, HaRav Ben-Zion Halberstam zatzal, analyzed the term Shabbat Hagadol. He began his quest for understanding with … more

Raymond Smullyan, in his book “5000 B.C. and Other Philosophical Fantasies,” posits the question of two identical twin brothers, one who always lies and the other who always tells the … more

I created a program several years ago called ParshaDrama, in which I go to a school and present the weekly Torah portion to different grades through a combination of storytelling and dramatics, … more

Rosh Chodesh is the topic of this week’s additional Torah reading: “The L-rd spoke to Moses and to Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying: ‘This month shall be to you the head of the … more