Holidays

Asara B’Teves, the 10th of Teves, commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonian ruler Nebuchadnezzar that ultimately culminated with the First Temple’s destruction on the 9th of Av the following year.

To lead meaningful Jewish lives, our personal journeys must be actively shaped by the events and populated by the personalities of our peoples’ past.

Ari Fuld uncovers and explores the real miracle and lessons of Chanukah.

Over the years, the World's Largest Menorah has been lit by New York City Mayors Abraham Beame, Ed Koch, David Dinkins, Rudolph Giuliani, Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio – and Governors George Pataki and David Paterson, as well as other dignitaries.

Shmini Atzeres offers a unique opportunity to attach ourselves to God and enjoy this special relationship.

“The whole world is learning that the gentiles can come celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with the people of Israel,” said spokesman David Parsons of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.

Since the lulav’s special quality is expressed in the taste of its fruit (the date), why aren’t we required to take the fruit itself instead of its leaves?

Some people make the blessing over the candles in the sukkah and then bring the candles into the house to avoid the danger of fire. This is a non-kosher practice, however.

Yom Kippur aims at coalescing the entire Jewish public – not just observant Jews - around critical values

Our genetics deal us a set of cards. It remains up to us how to play them.

Sin should be painful, not because of any punishment we’ll receive, says Chassidus, but because it separate us from Hashem.

Although it might not be immediately intuitive, valuing yashan flour will come at the expense of valuing lashon hara.

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.