Everyone has an approach towards shidduchim, and on Motzei Shabbat Dec. 10, Young Israel of Woodmere members gathered to share perspectives on helping local singles find their mates. more

If someone had said to me that two weeks ago that I’d be speaking in shul on Shabbos, between mincha and maariv, I’d respond, “not a chance.” But as the years pass, day to day life continues to confirm the presence of Hashgacha Pratis (Divine Providence). more

A crowd of 600 guests representing a broad spectrum of the Five Towns community gave their support to Chabad of the Five Towns at its annual dinner on Dec. 11 at The Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst. Billed as “Chabad Magnified,” the event took a closer look at the local Chabad’s accomplishments over the last 17 years; and to focus on the future, with a vision of growth. more

As a practicing Jewess and yogini I am grateful for the most basic gift of all, the breath, which is the essence of life. As it is quoted on the carton of Rashi brand wine, ”everything else is commentary.” more

When the clock hits noon, hundreds of thousands of workers in Manhattan take the elevators down, lining up at the food carts and coffee shops for their lunch breaks. more

Calendar for the week of Dec. 16, 2011 more

Prince Charming doesn’t always find Cinderella, and stories do not always have ‘happy’ endings, as most of us learn the hard way. I remember once, after a harried chase, catching a masked Arab who had been heaving rocks and cinderblocks at an IDF position in Hebron. more

Rav Saadiah Gaon was one of the greatest of the Babylonian gaonim. His approach to Torah study was direct and to the point: Analyze the verse on its own terms based upon the actual language presented therein. In other words, instead of approaching the verse with pre-conceived ideas that will most likely determine its interpretative outcome, examine it in its most pristine form. more

Towards the end of the conversation Yaakov has with Eisav about their future, Yaakov’s final insistence that he cannot accompany Eisav to Seir puts the blame where most of us might put it. more

As we progress into winter, the days grow shorter and Motzei Shabbat grows longer. On these long weekend nights the ritual of pizza and a movie is a good option but once you have done that for three weeks in a row, it becomes a tedious activity. Besides, my wife and I still like to be able to get dressed up and go out to some place elegant where we can have a quiet intimate diner experience. Fortunately, Solo, located at 550 Madison Ave, has once again opened its doors for Saturday nights. more