The tsunami of global antisemitism in the wake of the massacre of Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023, and during the Gaza war that followed, has caused as much bafflement as horror at the sheer perversity of … more

The current controversy surrounding UN Special Reporter Francesca Albanese is not merely about one official. It is about the United Nations itself — and whether institutions created … more

In America today, too many Jews are letting other people tell them who they are. On campuses and in newsrooms, in protest marches and corporate training, Jews are increasingly described … more

There is a well-known joke that is told about the Jews, which I find particularly sad. The joke tells of a group of explorers who find a Jew who has been stranded on a desert island for years. As he … more

This week’s portion, Terumah, introduces us to one of the most challenging concepts in Judaism. Ve’Asu’ Li’Mikdash, Ve’Shachanti’ Be’Tocham. (And they shall make for me a … more

American culture invented the Hollywood western. The Dallas Cowboys are America’s Team. The wisdom of the West is often described as “horse sense.” But nowadays it’s horseshoes — worn … more

The saying in “out of order” has several meanings. On a vending machine it means you aren’t getting your favorite candy bar. In a courtroom it means you’ve offended the sensibilities of the … more

It was the first Israelite house of worship, the first home Jews made for G-d. But the very idea is fraught with paradox, even contradiction. How can you build a house for G-d? He is bigger than … more

There is a question that never quite leaves us. When does real life begin? As children, we cannot wait until high school. In high school, we long for yeshiva in Israel, then college. Then comes … more

In honor of learning the mitzvah of Hafrashat Challah in Chumash class, HALB’s seventh grade girls made delicious challah with their morahs. more