Considered by Maimonides to be the bedrock of Judaism (Peirush Mishnayot, Tamid, 5:1), and by many to be the backbone of Western morality, the Ten Commandments are prominently featured in this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Va’etchanan. Fascinatingly, they remain ubiquitous across all denominations of Judaism, prominently displayed on

Moshe Rabbeinu was not about to give up. Hashem decreed to the fullest extent that Moshe Rabbeinu would not be allowed into Eretz Yisrael, but Moshe had other plans. Moshe began debating with Hashem, presenting arguments against Hashem, persistently showing Hashem why he should be allowed to go into Eretz Yisrael. And as we know, he prayed

Va’etchanan brings to mind the prayer-like figures, “seeped in the word chanan,” like Chana and Chanina ben Dosa who were so famously known for their deep supplications. In this parsha, however, it is Moshe who depicts his pleas on behalf of the children of Israel, prayers that were likely enshrined in thoughtfulness and

It is that “time” again. The entire world is mired in an international health crisis that doesn’t distinguish between Jew and non-Jew: The virus impacts and infects everyone alike. Not only are our health vulnerabilities equivalent, but, ultimately, our fates are interwoven. This pandemic can only be controlled or managed if

The Three Weeks are always a time for introspection, and COVID-19 makes this year an even more perfect opportunity. COVID-19 hit the observant Jewish community very hard in terms of loss of life, and has made a significant continuing impact on Jewish communal life. Some have asked what long-term lessons can we derive from this year’s

There was a video clip circulating last year about a pack of foxes running around the Temple Mount. I can’t vouch for the authenticity of this clip, but it reminds me of multiple cases where foxes are mentioned in association with the time period of the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash

There’s a

Could it be?

One can learn the lessons in the Chumash, all the details that stress character improvement as stated in the breadth of our literature, but yet on some level believe “that doesn’t apply to me.” This is not a new phenomenon. Shlomo Hamlech already said in a number of places in Mishlei,

QUESTION: We are hopeful that things are improving regarding the COVID-19 virus now that there is a loosening of sheltering in place. We have been quarantined for close to three months and now that I am coming out, I am coming out with some trepidation. Did I gain anything from this social exile? What did I learn? What should I have

Last year, I wrote an article for this paper on my experience being on Har HaBayit on 17 Tammuz and Tisha B’Av, and the loss I felt not being there this past year. (You can read the article at https://jewishlink.news/features/32756-stop-crying-start-building.)