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

In what will be one of this season’s most popular commentaries, Rabbi Moshe Weinberger of Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere has written a translation of Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook’s “Orot Teshuvah.” Entitled “Song of Teshuvah Volume One” [Penina – Urim Press, 2011] this new work is the result of over seven years of a shiur that Rabbi Weinberger gave on Friday mornings at his shul. more

Moshe’s goodbye speech that is the book of Devarim contains a number of references to the fact that he will not accompany the people into the Promised Land. He talks about how he requested, knelt, pleaded before G-d to be given a chance to enter the land — if only for a short time — and how each request was summarily rejected. more

You can tell much about a politician from the donations he accepts. Where I live, my representative in Congress is Steve Israel. He is also the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Mr. Israel accepts money from at least one donor who should make people wonder about his support for his eponymous ancestral nation. more

Five Towns Far Rockaway Mikvah Project: A rabbinic letter more

As the Oceanside Chabad celebrates ownership of its center, the nearby Chabad of Hewlett has begun its own search for a permanent center, as the year-old organization continues holding events around the community. “There is the Chabad of Five Towns and they’re doing a lot, they needed a branch in Hewlett,” said Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim. “They gave us a list of names and within a month, we met hundreds of families waiting for something fresh.” more

President Barack Obama wants the Jewish vote. Really, he needs it. After his party’s embarrassing defeat in the Ninth Congressional district to Republican citizen-candidate Bob Turner last week, the president has made some “painful concessions.” more

You can tell much about a politician from the donations he accepts. Where I live, my representative in Congress is Steve Israel. He is also the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Mr. Israel accepts money from at least one donor who should make people wonder about his support for his eponymous ancestral nation. more

Sound of the Shofar Alerts congregants for a month Solemn ceremony reserved Partner calling the notes more

The Palestinian Authority’s move this week for a United Nations vote on statehood will not go far, it is simply a move to push Israel back towards negotiations on the topic, according to a leading scholar on the Israeli-Arab conflict. more