The lengthy unbroken Mishnah at the start of the second perek of Taanit begins by describing the customary order of fast days (for the final
There is talk in the U.S. about taxing the wealth of the super-rich. Without engaging in discussion about proper policy today, I would like to
At any given moment, many—if not most—of us may be thinking, “How will I get through this latest crisis?” It may be the political chaos
Ta’anit 2a, 2b 10a The keys to rain, work, resurrection and birth are in the hands of God, not man. Indeed, as the Tur points
The other day I was sitting at my desk and wanted to grab a book that was just out of my reach. I stood up
The celebration of Chanukah is most often associated with the dramatic miracle of the menorah oil. After vanquishing the invading Greek armies, it was crucial
It was Chanukah, 1986. I had arrived at the Gorky Prison in June. In September, I was sentenced to three years of hard labor. As
A child’s connection to Chanukah runs deep and lasts a lifetime. Even adults can describe their childhood memories of Chanukah. Why does it have such
There is something incredibly alluring about Chanukah for Jews of all ages. I’m not referring to the gelt, the sufganiyot, the dreidels or the gifts.
In February 2008, I had the great honor to host the former chief rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, in Vancouver. This was one
This article is a lightly edited transcript of a sichat mussar delivered in the Glueck Beis Midrash of Yeshiva University. The story of Yaakov Avinu’s
Highlighting: “Making Meaning Out of Madness: A Jewish Journey” by Miranda Portnoy. 388 pages; Hardcover. ISBN: 978-1-64718-881-8. Scapegoated by a murderer, betrayed by her lover
