This week’s essay, by Dr. Mitchell First, focuses on the legacy of Rabbi Joseph Hertz and the roll played by his historic commentary, the “Hertz Chumash.” This essay is from his … more

In many ways, Parashat Toldot can be thought of as “the parasha of brachot,” since both Ya’akov and Eisav received blessings from their father Yitzchak. While … more

Rebekah loved Jacob. She had received an oracle from G-d in which she was told: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger … more

When I was a young boy, I had two distinct images of a strong man. One was of Charles Atlas. If you remember him, you are no longer a youngster. Pictures of Charles Atlas appeared on the rear … more

Nita Lowey, who is retiring after 32 years in Congress, fields a question about her legacy as a Jewish lawmaker. No trouble there — she talks about Israel and her Jewish pride all the … more

“Don’t ever say that you are Jewish, not even to your best friend,” my grandmother always told me. “But why,” I asked. “Is it bad to be Jewish?” “It’s not but people will always blame the Jew first. … more

I loved having my kids home in the summer; it was the perfect time to get them involved in the kitchen and get them interested in food — from growing it in the garden to preparing it in the … more

Summer entertainment is fun and relaxed. No formal tables or best china. In the summer, paper plates and hands-on eating rule the hot days and long evenings. Cold beer and lemonade are musts, as are … more

It’s open house season for Jewish day schools. At last Sunday’s event at the Stella K. Abraham HS for Girls in Hewlett Bay Park, prospective enrollees were welcomed by students (from left) Aliza … more

It was the loneliest, most depressing night of my life. After almost a year of training, with only a couple of days to go before getting my bars and finishing officer’s course, I had been ordered … more