A Hasidic Role Model

Posted on: March 17th, 2013

I would love to see Mrs. Freier become the role model for all Hasidic women – and not just for those like the ones she attended school with.

Milking the System, Legally

Posted on: March 14th, 2013

Many Hasidic leaders discourage any real preparation for a job via secular education.

A View of Observant Judaism by a Non Observant Jew

Posted on: March 13th, 2013

Most of us know right from wrong and live as though it matters because it does. This is what David Brooks reported.

A Short but Fulfilled Life

Posted on: March 12th, 2013

Even though his prognosis was never good, it was still a shock when it happened.

Is Learning Torah ‘Sharing the Burden’?

Posted on: March 11th, 2013

Once again we see a great rabbinic figure who apparently does not understand what it is that really upsets the non-Haredi public, including many observant Jews.

Strange Bedfellows

Posted on: March 10th, 2013

Haredi leaders could not care less if Israel retains Judea and Samaria - as long as their Mosdos (religious institutions) get funded.

Anger at Haredim: Who Is to Blame?

Posted on: March 7th, 2013

The draft is but one area Haredi leaders badly stumble over.

Some of My Best Friends Are…

Posted on: March 6th, 2013

When journalists question why a black woman won a beauty contest - even if it is disguised as referring only to this particular black woman - I think that is sad.

A Time for Zero Tolerance and a Time for Tolerance

Posted on: March 3rd, 2013

When it comes to victims of abuse the overriding approach should be one of compassion and understanding. But school officials' mishandling of a situation should not automatically result in termination.

The Conundrum of Dealing with Sexual Abuse

Posted on: February 28th, 2013

There has been much reluctance by rabbinic groups such as Agudah to be more forceful in their approach to abusers. They find the allegations hard to believe.

Well Intentioned, but Wrong to Condone Homosexuality

Posted on: February 27th, 2013

Making gay marriage not just value neutral but something positive. It is in effect koshering a forbidden lifestyle.

A New Beginning?

Posted on: February 26th, 2013

The era of Godless leadership in the Knesset ended with Menachem Begin. One might even say it ended with the Six Day War.

Disappointed But Not Surprised

Posted on: February 21st, 2013

There ought to be a process of exempting yeshiva students via bechinos (tests).

Memo to the President: Compromise on the Budget

Posted on: February 20th, 2013

The fault lies with both the executive and legislative branches of government. Neither wants to budge from their ideological positions.

A ‘Fake’ Haredi?

Posted on: February 19th, 2013

It is to Jonathan Rosenblum’s great credit that he has written this critical essay in a Haredi publication.

Torah and the Secular Jew

Posted on: February 18th, 2013

As a youth, MK Dr. Ruth Calderon was not satisfied with the secular treatment of Judaism she got in Israeli schools. So eventually she founded a secular yeshiva.

Can a Gadol Resign?

Posted on: February 17th, 2013

Gedolim are not perfect. They are human, just like the rest of us. A true Gadol will always try to do the right thing. And the public should not lose out because of occasional errors.

The Winds of Change

Posted on: February 14th, 2013

Do these rabbis really think that Naftali Bennett, an observant Jew, or Rabbi Dov Lipman have “risen in our generation to destroy the Jewish people”?

How the World Sees Men in Black

Posted on: February 13th, 2013

It is ethical and moral behavior that makes us a light unto the nations.

Goodbye to a Good Pope

Posted on: February 12th, 2013

The relationship between the Jewish people and the Catholic Church has never been better. And the current Pope deserves credit for that.