Features

Recognizing that the full potential of the Archive was not possible absent a catalog that methodically and systematically organized and described its contents, the Jewish Historical Institute and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum joined forces to prepare and publish such a catalog.

Can one use a cane on Shabbos in a place without an eruv? The Shulchan Aruch paskens that a lame person who cannot walk without a stick, may walk with one, even if they are not attached to him.

Such halachic accommodations allow for Jews who would be limited in participating in communal Shabbos activities if they need a cane and were not allowed use of it without an eruv on Shabbos. To be sure, this inclusive accommodation is governed by Hashem’s will.

When I am sitting down and have great grandchildren around, they take my cane and it becomes transformed to a horse or to a magic wand, and that gives me added pleasure, or should I say nachas, watching them play.

I cringed at the collective sigh of relief from the group. It was jarring in front of a man who never leaves the dark. He probably hears it often.

I say, why should the old and frail have all the fun!? A cane can be a remarkably flashy accessory. Indeed, there was a time in which the cane was a sign of high society.

.

It is quite possible that I could play the same video every day and he would enjoy it just as much. For a man with little patience (and a terribly short attention span), this is quite incredible.

This was it. And my father and two brothers were killed that night. My other two brothers, we never heard from them again either…

The word mugah can indeed be found in many of the copies of the early editions of the Chofetz Chaim's publications, both in books that he authored himself or books that he had published, such as those of the Sha'agat Aryeh and Asifat Zekenim.

.

Lazarus wrote several pieces on Jewish holidays, including The New Year (Rosh Hashana, 5643), in which she beautifully conveyed her vision of a people rolling homeward to its ancient source.

Not only do I not drink schnapps very often; it’s not really a word that’s in my vocabulary.

Imbibing alcohol can take the proverbial edge off and its dangers are well known to all, but there is something unique about schnapps.

It’s a German word, actually, and plenty of people know exactly what it means, though it means different things to Europeans and Americans.

Nowadays, I don’t think a shul kiddush or a kiddush club for that matter even knows what schnapps is, and it’s been some time since I’ve experienced the nostalgia of that marble cake in my mouth.

Over 50 years later, men pile out of the sanctuary as the rabbi begins his drasha to partake in the kiddush club, where they enthusiastically indulge in several bottles of whiskey, scotch and other alcoholic beverages.

.

JewishGen is offered as a free resource. Its database features important collections of historical records pertaining to Jewish communities across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and North America.

It was always like an adventure to a certain extent. But by the time you came, when you got off the train, then you were afraid.

It is interesting to see how the network developed a life of its own and perhaps due to the distance and slow communications, decisions and the hiring of new emissaries was done without the knowledge of the organization's heads back in Jerusalem.

.

Many of our greatest artists have produced striking graphic works on these subjects, and I present here a selection of original artwork and related items from my Chanukah collection.

Nobody ever wants to be associated with Beis Shammai. Have you ever been to a college campus with a Shammai House? Has a rabbi, or group of rabbis, ever compared their approach to that of Beis Shammai?

In almost all cases of such disputes, the halacha is that we hold by Beis Hillel. But why is this the case? Why does the more lenient opinion win the day?

We are also taught that during the time of the third Beis HaMikdash and the Mashiach we will follow the rules or the laws of Beis Shammai. How can that be?

Beis Shammai was the House of Ideal. It's what we could be. It's seeing our potential from a soul first lens. Beis Hillel was the House of The People, the House of Reality. It met people where they were at, weighing the connection and the disagreements the body and soul have.

.

In most cases, Beit Hillel is the more lenient opinion of the two, and yet we side with him.

Each specialist thinks his prescription is critical. You need to talk to a G.P. or someone well versed in drug interactions to look at the total patient.