Imagine getting an afikomen gift before Pesach has even started. This year, Evie and Hannah Lipschitz, 10- and 8-year-old sisters from Englewood, gave a present to their entire neighborhood by creating Pesach-themed chalk obstacle courses on their street. The chalk courses were a source of fun for the

Teaneck’s Rabbi Zecharia (Harvey) Senter, z”l, CEO and founder of Kof-K Kashrut Supervision Services, passed away on the last day of Pesach at the age of 84. Rabbi Senter received his semicha from RIETS and was a close talmid of the Rav. He earned a doctorate in mathematics from Yeshiva University, taught math

The Jewish community has lost a gentle giant with the passing of Mordecai Katz, of blessed memory. Better known among both colleagues and friends as Morty, he was a lifelong champion of Jewish education, working alongside his wife, Dr. Monique (Nicky) Katz, may she be blessed with a long life, to support key institutions in today’s Jewish world. Morty was a

 Editors note: At press time, after being tapped by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin to be the first to attempt to form a new government following the country’s fourth election in two years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly scheduled a meeting with Yamina chair Naftali Bennet for Thursday, April 8. This

Rabbi Sacks, zt’’l, had prepared a full year of Covenant & Conversation for 5781, based on his book ‘Lessons in Leadership.’

It should have been a day of joy. The Israelites had completed the Mishkan, the Sanctuary. For seven days Moses had made preparations for its

Three Opinions From Ashkenazic Authorities

Many are asking if we should recite a bracha upon receiving the Corona vaccine. Not surprisingly, a difference of opinion has emerged. Rav Hershel Schachter and Rav Mordechai Willig recited the bracha of HaTov V’HaMetiv. One says HaTov V’HaMetiv upon

Parshat Shmini

Like the episode found in our parsha, our haftarah relates the story of a very special day, a day of celebration for Israel, when a place of worship to Hashem is being prepared. The parsha speaks of the day when the Mishkan was dedicated, while the haftarah relates the story of the

In Parshat Shemini we encounter the mysterious death of Aharon’s sons, Nadav and Avihu. The Torah text is vague in describing the episode, and numerous explanations are given as to why they were killed. Equally astonishing, however, is Aharon’s reaction to the event. Faced with such a dramatic tragedy, the Torah tells us “וידם

On a regular weekday we recite the Kedusha prayer three times: once before the morning Shema, once in the repetition of the Amidah, and once in Uva L’Tzion. The last recital differs from the first two in that in the last we recite each verse followed by a translation in Aramaic.

(When I refer to the

This year on Parshat Zachor I had the privilege of watching one of my rebbeim being called up to the Torah for the special maftir of Zachor. Therein the Torah exhorts us to never forget how Amalek mistreated us, attacking our most vulnerable in the desert. As my rebbe started to recite the bracha on the Torah he began crying and struggled

The identity of the Jewish people is intrinsically linked to the experience and expression of gratitude. Even our name—Yehudim—has at its core the Hebrew root that means “to praise” and “to thank.” And yet, as with a complex work of art that takes a trained eye to see and appreciate fully, perceiving and demonstrating hakarat

The Jewish people are consistently notable not only for their ability to endure difficulties and withstand trauma, but for their capacity to thrive and flourish even during disruption, insecurity and tremendous challenges. The current pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives as students, teachers and parents. It has