A World Untouched by Civilization
The way of Meah Shearim is the way of the Mafia. Not civilization.
Merging the Orthodox Streams
Imagine a Moetzes that included a broader spectrum of rabbinic leaders. And a population of educated Jews that can make a decent living in all fields – including the field of Torah study.
Terrorism and Immigration Reform
When it comes to immigration policy, ignoring Islam’s part in this because of a misguided form of political correctness is why things like the Boston bombings happen.
Rhetoric that Makes their Views Difficult to Respect
I could not believe what I was reading. It made me angry!
Lapid Concedes: Haredim Have Won (Video)
Lapid is a patriot who is both honest and who has a clear vision for the future. A vision that is inclusive of all!
Emes Ve-Emunah: Defining Modern Orthodoxy as Centrism
Modern Orthodoxy adheres to orah and Halacha but embraces secular education, ethics, and culture
Yom Tov Sheni in Israel
I do not enjoy the second Simchas Torah at all.
Emes Ve-Emunah: Listening to the Lord
Eschewing labels, Lord Sacks prefers the term "Jews Engaged with the World"(JEW)to Modern Orthodox
A Message From One of their Own
R’ Yaakov’s experiences once he left the cocoon of the Lakewood environment provided him with an entirely different perspective on what non Jews are really like.
Can an Orthodox Jewish Woman Have it All?
As I began reading an article in the Forward by Aurora Mendelsohn about whether a Jewish woman can have it all (meaning a career and an observant family) I received a call from my daughter about an article in the Chicago Tribune about one woman who does have it all.
Can a Gadol Resign?
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.
A Step in the Right Direction
The moderate Charedi world that I often talk about as the future of mainstream American Orthodoxy - is a beneficiary of the new high school curriculum.
Emes Ve-Emunah: The Real Danger and How do Deal with it
Charedi argument that one can get along without internet is being quickly discarded by many Charedim
Good Riddance, Mr. President
The bloggist provides a decidedly alternative perspective but arrives at the same and right conclusion: Mr. President, I say Thank you. But ‘Good riddance!
Judaism and Christianity – Blurring the Lines
Rav Riskin’s desire to strengthen ties with Christians is pure but his methods have crossed lines
Happy Thanksgiving – 2012
I see nothing wrong with our participating with all American citizens in observing Thanksgiving.
Another One Rides the Bus
There are always people who in cases like this will cast the victim as a provocateur.
The Internet, Halacha, and Olam HaBah
I happen to know Gedolei Torah and Roshei Yeshiva who use I-phones and the internet. Are they all doomed?
Emes Ve-Emunah: Is the Future of Modern Orthodoxy Doomed?
There are 2 opposite reasons students will want to study in Israel for a gap year: Either they are happy with their upbringing-home, school and community or they hate it and want “religious rehab.”
Emes Ve-Emunah: The Promised Land in ‘A Promised Land’
Lipman's critique is limited to Obama’s discussion about Israel. And it is not flattering to say the least. In fact it’s a pretty scathing attack against the former President which might explain some of his policies towards Israel. Especially near the end of his term.
Ordaining an Openly Gay Jew
What Rabbi Landes has done does damage the institution of the rabbinate. Ordaining a publicly gay man that lives with another gay man is a violation not only of the traditional image of a rabbi - it in effect says that a man who lies with another man as with a woman - a cardinal sin - is nevertheless an acceptable religious leader.
Doing Battle with WoW
I disagree with continuing to make an issue of it.
Reading the Mind of God
"As soon as these chariots of kedusha started running, the suicide bombers stopped."
The Wedding on the Temple Mount
The Jewish Press wished a Mazal Tov to the couple married on Har HaBayit. My response: How many Jews are going to be killed because of this?
The Co$t of Being the “People of the Book”
Average annual Jewish day school tuition grades K-12=$15,000; average Catholic school tuition=$3,383
Is Getting Married Younger the Answer?
Should young people be advised to marry before they are ready just to solve the shidduch crisis?
Is Learning Torah ‘Sharing the Burden’?
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.
The Ties That Bind
What unites us as observant Jews is far greater than what divides us. In that spirit I have to say I’m pleased.
A Short but Fulfilled Life
Even though his prognosis was never good, it was still a shock when it happened.
Emes Ve-Emunah: Two Kinds of Terrorism and How to Stop Them
Can it be that every Muslim is so heartless as to cheer murder? It often seems the case among Arabs.