Why would a leading Modern Orthodox rabbi join the Conservative movement at what seemed to be the height of his career? R. Harry Epstein (1903-2003)

For Sephardic Jews, Birkat Ha’Ilanot is not merely a beautiful bracha; it is an event! Besides reciting the bracha, the Sephardic siddur includes magnificent bakashot

A number of years ago, a close rabbinic colleague called me and shared his deep frustration. The rabbi was officiating at a funeral where the

The Book of Vayikra revolves around “Mikdash,” the Temple and Mishkan, beginning with the laws of korbanot (offered in the Mikdash), continuing (in Parshat Shemini)

Last week, my column dealt with the recital of the Shema in the Musaf Kedusha. I wrote that various sources from the Geonic period had

We’re nearly halfway through our trip—the journey of Sefirat Ha’Omer—the time period from Yetziat Mitzrayim until Kabbalat HaTorah. We have left Mitzrayim and are now

Q) In honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut, may one get a haircut and shave? Rav Aviner: It’s allowed and is even an obligation (Hilchot Yom Ha’atzmaut

A tremor of awe and anticipation ripples through the atmosphere, coursing through the hearts of the thousands ascending ancient Meron’s storied hills. They’re going to

Parents crave it. Teachers strive for it. Boards demand it. We can all agree that our children’s schools should promote academic rigor. But what is

Translated from the German original Part 3—Thursday May 18, 1939 Regretfully I could not write further last night, since after the meal they had the

Thirty-four years ago, as an 18-19-year-old, I spent a year learning in Israel and had my first opportunity to experience Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) and

I saw Hitler in a dream once. He had spotted an emaciated Jew trying to crawl into some cattle-cart of his, so he took the