Mozilla: ‘Judge Not Your Fellow Until You Have Stood In His Place’
It is unfair to judge a 52 year old man with the glasses of a person who lives in a different world.
New Republic Article on Feminism from Zion Is All About the Stakes
The article argues that while naturally aligned with their fellow orthodox Jews, women from the modern orthodox community in Israel are finding themselves aligned with secular feminists.
On the Shoulders of (Imperfect) Giants
In order to truly appreciate Torah, one must be a master over one’s spirit as well.
Wisdom from a Venice Beach Vagabond
He told me that according to a Muslim poet, children do not truly belong to their parents. Instead, parents are the vessel through which children flow into the world.
How Far Will Gershonides Go to Avoid Mystical Interpretations?
In short, he says the whole thing was a prophetic vision, a dream. There was no physical battle.
The State of the Jew According to Pew
Very few middle aged and older people consider themselves ultra-orthodox. It’s a youth movement.
My Favorite Nelson Mandela Quote
The world lost a great man last week.
Why Do Rabbis Make Jokes at Serious Times?
It’s even more strange when the jokes come at our holiest times of the year.
Haredi Censorship of Torah
Certain books are excised from the subscription, in order to reinforce an imaginary history where nothing was inconsistent with Haredi Judaism.
Answering the Most Difficult Question About the Agunah Crisis
Ethical and moral laws in the Torah depend on the context. Kindness and virtue largely depend on the subjective expectations of one’s friends and community.
When a Heretic Speak Heresy Against Heretics
For deviating from the orthodox scientific position, Nagel has been abused, maligned, outcast, and insulted.
Meeting the Challenge of Tisha B’Av: a Proposal
Can we hear the agony in his words? Can we step into his shoes and experience his torment?
Ruminations on Meditation
Many great Jewish thinkers have described Jewish prayer as a form of meditation.
Torah M’Sinai According to Professor Tamar Ross
The revelation continues as the world progressed and however the Torah was emended or edited after Sinai was part of revelation.
We Are Not Under Attack By the LGBT Community
Orthodox Jews are free to teach Leviticus and we are free to deny any religious rights and privileges to anyone we so choose.
The People Are Looking for Answers
A rabbi who writes controversial things becomes international news.
Defenders and Benders of Roles for Genders
Boys can play with dolls. Men can embrace their feminine side. Girls can play sports.
The Proper Response to the ASA Boycott of Israel
What data was the ASA using to justify its boycott?
The Challenge of Modesty
There is no real theological reason that tznius be heavily codified in Jewish law while other areas of our lives that require modesty are left to our whims and desires.
Why Do We Celebrate Chanukah?
Megilas Taanis simply proclaims the 25th of Kislev a holiday and it is forbidden to mourn for 8 days. The text does not give a reason for the celebration.
Ami Magazine Forcing Gilgulim Down our Throats
Trying to explain Holocaust deaths as tikkun and a way of cleansing a soul is offensive.
What Do I Tell My Children (About the Boys)?
What do we do when we want to be mad at God but we also want God to make it all better? Indeed, what do we do?
Women Wearing Tefillin Is Really Not Such a Big Deal
Some people are assuming the intentions of these women are less than perfect, but that’s complete conjecture.
Life is in Its Struggles: Dealing with the Tough Questions
When the "offensive" statements in our Talmud were stated, no one thought they were offensive.
Satmar Matzah as New York Times Front Page News
This kind of stringency borders on silliness.
The J-Blogs Are Like Politifact and They Make a Difference
Fact checking leadership means asking tough questions.
What’s Wrong With the Star-K Kosher Phone?
A kashrus agency should be concerned with one thing and one thing only: the kosher status of our food.
Lessons Orthodox Judaism Can Learn from Mormons
Both communities value using books to study their texts, and digital devices are a less preferable way for younger people to study.
Monsey Kosher Market ‘Integration’ Great Idea, Terrible Execution (Video)
It’s really not that different than the situation in Israel with the charedim. Both situations need insiders to make the change happen.
Abuse in New Square
This kid gets a medal for coming forward.