Warning: Arrogance May Be Bad For Your Health
I know Purim is over, but Megillat Esther is so rich with lessons on how people should live their lives - along with the consequences of not doing so - that I wish to share one of the many wisdoms that I have gleaned from reading it. I believe that the world wouldn't be in the mess it is in - economically, socially and spiritually - if people would only open their eyes to the megillah's masterful insights on how to behave.
How To Keep Cool When The Days Are Hot!
This summer, why don't we try to do better and cool off without blowing our retirement fund?
All The Way With Jack’s Gourmet
One of the reasons for the popularity of Jack's Gourmet Sausages, which are available at local stores coast to coast as well as in Costco warehouse locations, is the fact that they actually taste like their non-kosher counterparts.
Get Smart!
Playing a musical instrument can help build faith in yourself as you observe yourself do something splendidly.
Seared Tilapia with Cucumber Pineapple Salsa
Don’t think that cucumbers and pineapple go well together? Think again, because the crunch of the cucumber and the sweetness of the pineapple merge together to make an outstanding and refreshing relish.
The Kalef Family Formerly of Neve Dekalim; Now Of Nitzan
The family: Parents Avinadav and Hanna Kalef; son, Ortal; daughter, Kinneret and son, Ronen. All of three Kalef children married while the family lived in Gush Katif and are themselves today, parents.
AFSI Founder Herb Zweibon Dies At 84
Veteran pro-Israel activist Herbert Zweibon, founder and chairman of Americans for a Safe Israel/AFSI, passed away in New York on Jan. 20 at age 84.
Should Newlyweds Hold Off Having Children?
I know that just the title of this article is going to cause an uproar in some circles, and I know that some people might be aghast at how I can even ask that question. To some it is obviously halachically unacceptable to postpone starting a family. After all, the Jewish people are exhorted to pru urevu - to be fruitful and multiply. So, let me say at the onset, this is something every engaged couple should discuss with their rav. Getting a heter - even for a few months- just might be a lifesaver.
Brooklyn Yeshivas In The 1930s (Part II)
Despite such opposition, the Yeshivah of Flatbush opened that year with 22 children, four teachers for two classes – a kindergarten and a first grade.
Coney Island Ave., Brooklyn
Question: Whom would you like to see as the next prime minister of Israel?
Vandals Desecrate Cemetery
Last week, Mr. Sigmund Rolat visited his birthplace in Poland, the city of Czestochowa. As he does on every trip, he took time out to pay his respects to the local Jewish cemetery.
Forty Years As Rav Of Baltimore’s Congregation Shearith Israel
Despite his remarkable qualifications, it became clear to Dr. Schaffer that he would not be able to obtain a rabbinical position in either Germany or Russia.
The Jewish Community Of St. Eustatius
The small island of St. Eustatius [in Dutch: Sint Eustatius, and now named simply Statia] is one of the Netherlands Antilles islands, along with St Maarten, Saba, Cura?ao, and Bonaire.
Swidin Jewish Cemetery Vandalized Again
Half of the 20 tombstones in the Jewish cemetery of Swidin were broken March 1, according to Albert Stankowski of the Foundation for the Preservation of Jewish Heritage in Warsaw. "This was done during the same time as the Claims Conference was visiting in Poland, and I have no doubt that the act against the cemetery was related," he said.
Stankowksi was referring to a Claims Conference meeting last week with the government about compensation for Jewish property stolen by the Nazis and Communists.
‘A Time To Hate’ (Back)
The 21 days of semi-mourning that is collectively referred to as the Three Weeks, culminating with the fast day of Tisha b’Av - the ultimate day of mourning in the Jewish calendar - begins in a few short days. During this period of time Jews reflect on the myriad of tragedies that have befallen us since the destruction of the Holy Temple and our subsequent exile.
Appreciation: Spiritual Penicillin
One of the subjects I was taught as a young child in school was Tefillah. Since we spoke only Ivrit during our Limudei Kodesh and secular Hebrew studies - literature, creative writing and Jewish history - we pretty much understood the words we were davening.
Money Saving Sites You Just Gotta Love
If you are anything like me you may have noticed that slowly but surely the Internet is creeping further and further into your everyday life as you turn towards the web for countless tasks.
13th Avenue, Boro Park
Question: Are you satisfied with Eliot Spitzer's performance as governor?
When What You Can Do Changes: The Nursing Home Alternative (Part V)
I have been writing about the need for caregivers to acknowledge the changes in themselves as their physical and mental capabilities change.
Humanizing The Nursing Home Experience
Whenever I go to nursing homes, I often wonder how the professionals see the residents.
Imperfectly Critical
How confusing it was growing up with conflicting messages. On the one hand, we were told, even admonished, to eat everything on our generously piled up plates (it was a sin to waste food), yet we were made to feel like we were a lower form of human being if we were overweight.
Orthodox In The ‘Wild West’: Samuel Abraham and Miriam Kobey
It was in 1859, according to the Central City Colorado History & Historic Facts website, that "John Gregory discovered 'The Gregory Lode' in a gulch near Central City. Within two weeks, the gold rush was on and within two months the population grew to 10,000 people seeking their fortunes.
The Intruder
My sister went to take a shower. I really didn’t appreciate being alone. As I waited for my turn to shower, I suddenly heard voices coming from my parents' bedroom, down the dark hallway.
Tea, Toast, And Tevet
Tevet is not only a month of tea and toast for our family. It harbors honey and jam, sweet days, birthdays that, Baruch Hashem, are celebrated every year.
Staying Cool During Summer Heat
One summer, I managed to go the entire season without an air conditioner in my bedroom.
A Tale Of Two Tickets
How efficient to kill two birds with one stone – or booking. Actually three birds, since I invited a man I had commiserated with while waiting my turn to join me.
Rabbi Shlomo Riskin – An Appreciation
I remember being taken away for surgery on the tenth floor, and not waking up for another two days. Later I was told that Rabbi Riskin sat with my family during the entire surgery.
How To Have Guests And Still Enjoy Your Meal
I feel that I am a good authority to write on this topic, because although I love having guests, it completely stresses me out. Something happens to me when we have guests over; I feel this urge to have the table perfect, the food innovative, delicious and abundant and my children buffed and shiny. When things don’t turn out well, it’s not exactly pretty.
Leadership
As Yaakov makes his way back to the land of Canaan, several events - spanning the full range of emotions - transpire in rapid succession.