Reflections on My Trip to Israel
Despite some of my early negative observations - it still seemed like there was a tremendous sense of Achdus in many respects. The Shul I davened at was very Charedi and yet a great number of regular attendees there are Dati Leumi - Kipa Seruga, no jacket or hat. Even an occasional Israeli solider in full uniform can be found catching a Minyan there. All are welcome.
The Winds of Mysticism
The mysticism of Sephardim and Chasidus seems to be making in-roads. Especially with mainstream rabbinic figures supporting it. I sure hope this is only a passing fad.
Gadol School
The problem in much of Charedi education is insisting ALL young men should strive to be THE Gadol.
Some of My Best Friends Are…
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.
When Good People Cheat
Somehow, even though it should be obvious to them that the U.S. is different, they have retained the mindset that it’s OK to cheat “the Goyim” - if they can get away with it. And that is what causes the kind of Chilul HaShem that is happening here. And when the criminal is someone who is otherwise a good person, the Chilul HaShem is even greater.
Excessive Modesty
I always wonder how women wearing the Niqab, a veil that covers up the entire face except for a slit at eye level, take ID photos, eat-DRIVE?
The Conversion of Lara Logan
Since being sexually attacked in Egypt, journalist Lara Logan now seems to recognizes that the real problems of the Middle East are not caused by the here and now of Palestinian suffering. My reaction to this story is to say to Ms. Logan, “Welcome aboard.” “We could use a few more reporters like you.”
Let Us Not Lose This Moment
Israeli's are a religious people; even secular Jews believe that God is active in this world.
Tznius Squads: Can This Really be Judaism?
The extreme emphasis on tznius (modesty) has even led to husbands and wives being buried in separate locations.
Dov Lipman – Telling it Like it Is
A Rosh Yeshiva guessed 60% of bochurim in Israel's yeshiva system belong there only 3-4 yrs post HS
Is This Man a Charedi Hater?
In its most recent edition, Ami Magazine has accused Professor Samuel Heilman - a distinguished Professor of Sociology at Queens College of hating Charedim. I am all too familiar with accusations like this as I am often accused of being a Charedi hater myself. But the truth is that neither I nor Professor Heilman are such a thing.
A Brighter Future for Haredim in Israel
There is no reason why Haredim should continue to be the single biggest and fastest growing welfare demographic in all of Israel.
The Consequences of Blind Faith in Leadership
Haredi rabbinical leaders see the Czarist conscription now in Israel's draft.
Chofetz Chaim Musmach Tells It Like It Is on Charedi Child Molestation
Let me emphasize that it is not me indicting Lakewood. It is coming from a Charedi Musmach.
An Eis La’asos – The Time is Ripe
Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, the former president of the Union of Reform Judaism, has argued that the reform movement should look to Orthodox Judaism for guidance. Harry Maryles argues that this provides an important kiruv opportunity.
Orthodoxy and Physical Contact between the Sexes
Halacha forbids physical contact between the sexes.
The Proper Performance of Bris Milah
When it comes to Metzitza B’Peh, we are not discussing a Biblical Commandment, nor are we referring to a Rabbinical enactment from the Gemarah's time. We are referring to a hallowed Minhag from days of yore to use the mouth only.
You Must Know What You Don’t Know
There was a time when Gedolei Torah knew what they knew and knew what they didn’t know.
Recognizing Positive Haredi Values
Despite the criticisms, Haredi society has positives that should be recognized.
Orthodox Survival in Israel
Charedi poverty cannot be solved by only changing the system from one of learning to one of working
Another One Rides the Bus
There are always people who in cases like this will cast the victim as a provocateur.
Rabbi Sacks is All that Is Right with Judaism
I do not envy Chief Rabbi Elect, Ephraim Mirvis. Lord Sacks’ shoes will be hard to fill.
My Big Fat Jewish Wedding
[vimeo 7441722 w=250 h=187]
צאנז 111 from bhol on Vimeo.
Not being a Chasid of his (or Chasid of any kind) I don’t really know much...
MK Dov Lipman – Must See TV (Video)
It is time to let Rabbi Lipman speak for himself and explain what he is doing and why.
Unconditional Love – Setting the Bar too Low
Unless he at some minimal level wants to try and go back "On the Derech" the parent will not love them.