Holidays

A few years ago, I realized something that changed the way I look at Tisha B’Av and while I can’t say I look forward to Tisha B’Av I started to focus on what I call “The Tisha B’Av of Today”. I focus on the national tragedies of what is happening right now – and what I can do to prevent them from continuing.

The Jewish national period of mourning.

Today the 28 day of the month of Iyar in 1967- the world changed for every Jew on the face of planet Earth.

Lag B’Omer is a remarkable enigma.

If you've never heard an Arab calling out “alter zachen” (“old things”) in Yiddish, then you've never experienced pre-Passover preparations in Jerusalem. It's part of the clean-up mania that grips the city in the run-up to the holiday.

Surprisingly enough, there are even those who avoid matza over Pesach, eating only the required amount at the Seder.

In some cases, non-Jews joined synagogues to reap the alcoholic benefits of Judaism under Prohibition!

Various great rabbis tried to influence its residents – the place was visited twice by the saintly Rav Kook, zt”l – but it seemed pointless.

Ari Fuld discusses: What are we celebrating on Passover and what are the lessons to be learned?

Pesach Sameach

Rashi, the Rif, and some Ge’onim go even further than the Rambam in their attitude towards mevushal wine; they maintain that it is not even full-fledged wine, and one should make a shehakol – not a hagafen – before drinking it.

It should be emphasized that if an Ashkenazi is in a shul on Seder night that recites Hallel, it is imperative that he or she not show any disrespect to the local custom.

Many of the so-called Western world leaders can also stand in for the false and power-hungry king who had no scruples about participating in the annihilation of millions of Jews.

Much like the leadership of the Zionist Entity today, Haman came up with a dastardly plan to destroy...every living Palestinian.

The Orchos Chayim... writes that full inebriation is certainly prohibited, "and there is no greater sin, as it leads to sexual impropriety, bloodshed, and other sins."

In the phrase I appear to be passive, but a deeper examination reveals that I am the active component: it is my active seeking of your grace that ingratiates me in you.

Many authorities rule that it is preferable to continue the meal after nightfall as a way of acknowledging the semi-festive character of the next day, i.e., Shushan Purim.

Here are some fun ways to dress up, make some noise and have a raucous good time at your next Purim party.

Alan and Rosaline Barron are kicking off their new mission sponsored by JNF right before the Jewish festival of Tu B’Shevat—the “New Year for Trees”—a time of renewal, and a celebration of nature and the environment. They are encouraging others to do the same.

Nowadays, however - thanks to artificial light - most peoples' workday or school day extends well beyond twilight during Chanukah... Must one leave work or school early to light Chanukah candles on time?

Put on your yarmulke, Here comes Chanukah; So much funukah, To celebrate Chanukah; Chanukah is the festival of lights: Instead of one day of presents, we have eight crazy nights

Daughters and sons were washed away: many drifted, some drowned. Each child that left the woman dealt her a fresh salvo of pain.

Because it is a tried and true favorite, I decided to shake up the recipe a bit to create a healthier and more festive Chanukah feel.

The routing of Antiochus’ mighty army was accomplished by strong, brave Jewish fighters possessing minimal munitions but one most powerful weapon: Heavenly assistance.

My quest for knowledge became life-changing. Like a bat (I didn’t mind the negativity associated with the flying mammals – I’m short-sighted anyway so there was a ring of truth to the simile), I honed in on the answers I’d been searching for.

For the Greeks, everything that was externally beautiful was good; to the Jew, everything that is inwardly good is beautiful.

The universal lesson of Chanukah through the prism of fluted glass

I knew very little about Chanukah as a child and much of what I knew centered around the traditional eight nights of presents.

"My grandfather told me that he once attended the Cantonist Shul on Simchat Torah. The Cantonists could dance like Cossacks. They were huge, strong men, and the heavy Torah scrolls would seem like toothpicks in their arms. Despite being looked down upon by other Jews--they were not very learned and really couldn't observe the Torah properly--they were nonetheless able to rejoice in their Judaism and celebrate the Torah. It was truly amazing."

Simchat Torah sameach!