The Old Shtetl Kurzelow
Kurzelow is mentioned first in the 12th century, in a pastoral dispatch of the pope of that time, who fixed in it a new ecclesiastical district.
Rabbi Dr. Bernard (Yissachar Dov) Illowy (Part II)
Rabbi Illowy did his utmost to increase the religious observance of his congregants.
Jerusalem
I love you in your blazing heat
my aching feet
dragging in your streets.
What Is Mine Is Yours
The trauma of our son-father kidney transplant has never faded from my memory.
Remembering The Kielce Pogrom
July 4th is an important date in history. In the United States it is a day to celebrate independence from England.
Why Winter Weather Is Good For You
Many of us in North America, even in areas that are usually relatively toasty during the winter months - like Maryland and Washington, DC - are impatiently counting the days until spring and the promise of warmth and sunny days. Even rain is looking good these days.
Pesach: Time Is Money
As much as I am all for economical meals, Pesach is definitely the time of year when I find myself making more roasts.
Henry S. and Benjamin H. Hartogensis
Usually Jewish history books deal with those who have made their mark by doing extraordinary things. While such people obviously are important, there are those who may not have enjoyed much fame yet whose efforts and accomplishments were crucial to maintaining Yahadus in their community. Two such men are Henry S. Hartogensis and his son, Benjamin H. Hartogensis, who devoted their lives to the Jewish community of Baltimore.
The Miracle Of Marriage
With the Sefiras HaOmer period behind us, the wedding season is in full swing.
Who’s Got You?
Is there a precedent in the thousands of years since Jews accepted the Torah where there was such a widespread disdain of working?
Winter Soup with Homemade Croutons
The amazing thing about a pureed soup is that it is pretty hard to mess up.
Those Darn Cell Phones
Whenever I have a speaking engagement, I always ask people to turn on their cell phones.
Pre-Pesach Panic
Dear Mordechai,
What should I do for Chol HaMoed?
How Infertility Led To A Delayed Yerusha
Whereas good-hearted Leah went the proverbial “extra mile,” her siblings couldn't be bothered giving her an extra inch.
Out To Lupper
Dear Mordechai,
What is the origin of the custom to eat Seudah Shlishis in shul?
Mizmor L’David
Be A Savior
A child, who can’t swim, jumps into the deep end of the swimming pool. A man chokes on his food while eating in a restaurant. A friend goes into shock. A woman faints. All of these scenarios share common ground. They all include a victim who is lacking oxygen. People need to know what to do in these emergency situations.
Tzimmes As A Main Dish
I decided to twist things up a bit and turn tzimmes into a satisfying main dish.
Rabbi Dr. Bernard (Yissachar Dov) Illowy (Part I)
He was a powerful and fascinating speaker and convincing preacher, and his ministrations were so successful that his synagogue on Sabbath and holidays was always crowded with worshipers...
Hidden Agenda (Part Three)
In Canada and the U.S., the government has passed new legislation to protect us.
Reverend Henry Pereira Mendes: Man Of Chesed (Part II)
In last month’s column we traced the early career of Reverend Dr. Henry (Chaim) Pereira Mendes and described his extraordinary service to Congregation Shearith Israel in New York where he served as hazan (chazzan) and minister from 1877 to 1923 and then as minister emeritus from 1924 until his passing in 1937.
Sukkos Delight
I am obsessed with Trader Joe’s chili lime seasoning. Most, if not all, of the Trader Joe’s spices are under the OU, and are just amazing.
Caring For Our Seniors And Holocaust Survivors (Part 4)
In the Jan. 4 and 11 issues I reprinted some triggers that may spark awful flashbacks for Holocaust Survivors.
A Shabbat Prayer
It’s one thing if you are responsible for your own misfortune, but so much more unbearable if you did all the right things and someone else who was not paying attention, or who took safety shortcuts, or used shoddy materials, caused horrific, irrevocable harm.
In Your Hands
The sounds and scents of the kitchen are cozy, familiar, but loud in the silence.
Did Someone Say Free?
Don’t forget to take advantage of stores and websites that send you fun stuff just for being born.
Free Choice Vs Costly Obedience
Over the past few weeks, I, like many of you, have received wedding invitations, and I truly hope that the young couples-to-be have chosen wisely and will enjoy long and fruitful unions.