Avi Ciment

Whether it was lies about Jews poisoning wells, spreading plagues, or killing Christian children for their blood, we have always been the target of persecution.

Headline / Perspectives / Op-Eds

A Bitachon-Minded Spin on Suffering

If we only look through life seeing the bad without bringing into account G-d’s infinite goodness, then our perception and understanding of life and of G-d – not to mention our ability to grow – is limited.

Headline / Perspectives / Op-Eds

What Do Modern Orthodox Jews Stand For?

After parents spend hundreds of thousands of hard-earned dollars, a large number of our kids don’t really believe the Torah is the written word of G-d. Schools don’t teach it. They either assume that kids already believe it, or more than likely, it doesn’t fit into their curriculum.

In Print / Headline / Op-Eds

The Modox Conundrum Goes International

Why would anyone follow the Torah if they didn’t believe in its Divine authorship?

A Nation That Dwells Alone

A while back, the first hostages came out, I recall viewing a video with a split-screen down the middle showing Hamas’s insidious reaction on one side juxtaposed with the Israelis on the other side. The difference between good and evil was palpable.

Thank You to Celebrities Who Have Been Supportive of Israel

All of you, in your own way, came to rallies, visited Israel, sent money, spoke out and endured alienation, hate mail or worse. You did it with the full knowledge that there would be some repercussions, just as many other beautiful souls, like Patricia Heaton, Dr. Phil and Douglas Murray, to name a few, came to the forefront.

When Politics Is Right Vs. Wrong, It’s Time To Speak Up

When politics are utilized to protect everyone, yet allows Jews to be ridiculed and attacked on college campuses and throughout the world, or when woke legislation is passed funding hormone blockers and sex change surgeries for minors, well, Dorothy, it’s obvious we’re not in Kansas anymore.

The Good And The Bad On The World Stage

Our beloved Bibi and President Trump were both unified as one entity sharing one common goal: the destruction of evil.

Do Our Actions Jibe With Our Beliefs?

Personally, I believe that many Modern Orthodox parents lack proper bitachon, as many actually believe that the only way their kids will become wealthy is if they attend a top school. Yet I know doctors and lawyers that graduated last in their class and they are doing pretty nicely for themselves…

Injecting Permanence

Koheles had it right when he wrote, To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.

Why I Love Being Jewish

I love the closeness Jews instinctively have towards one another during tough times like shiva, illnesses, and tragedies, and I love the joy we share celebrating in each other’s semachot.

The Spiritual Side Hustle We Can All Do

Hashem wanted someone who was going to reach higher and actively seek out Hashem, and that came in the form of Avraham Avinu. Even when G-d Almighty was visiting him after his bris, when he had every reason to calmly ignore the doorbell, he ignored the pain and received his guests. (Remember, this is pre-Advil and Vicodin.)

The Games We Play

When it came to other mitzvot, like davening, which were very dear to him, he would pray for twice as long as the average person, constantly criticizing the chazan for moving too quickly.

A Letter To An Amalgamation Of Rabbis As I Perceived Them In My Youth

I can honestly and regrettably say that up until I graduated high school, every conversation I had with rabbis always involved my grades, or rather my lack of them. I can’t recall any exchanges that endeared me to Torah observance.

Dear Lorne

Now don't get me wrong. No one loves a hard laugh more than me.

From Shame To Pride

The very fact that I now clearly see what we stand for. I saw it before, but for some reason, since October 7, rather than feel ashamed to be a Jew, I feel even prouder.

The Line In The Sand Just Got Darker – And Bolder

President Biden, who I rarely compliment, humbled me with his strong show of support for Israel.

Standing Alone

Having grown up in a political family, I can understand avoiding conflict, and avoiding any position that polarizes. But in certain cases, a man’s got to take a stand.

Where Is The Line Between Acceptance And Support?

I asked the husband, If an all-yellow yarmulke came to represent supporting people who broke Shabbos, would you wear one in support of them?

The Yetzer Hara Comes In Many Flavors

Clearly, Chava forgot who she was dealing with. The moment she engaged the snake, she was done. All he needs is a crack in the armor where he can pry anything small enough to create an opening.

G-d's Timetable Isn't Ours

Hashem, knowing all too well of life’s injustices, gave us a lesson for the ages about how He exacts reward and punishment.

Bring Out The Telescope

He could easily have found a hundred rationalizations for marrying this girl. The fact that she was wealthy and he was struggling didn't make the decision any easier for him, and let's not forget that she was willing to keep Shabbos.

I Can No Longer Support Donald Trump

Amazingly, this obnoxious, rude egomaniac took a strong stance in favor of Israel. In fact, his record speaks for itself, and so for that alone, I became a supporter.

The Modern Orthodox Conundrum: Part Three - The Solution?

I didn’t get the memo that I was actually standing in front of G-d and blowing an opportunity to ask Him for brachos.

The Modern Orthodox Conundrum: Part Two - Why Is This Happening?

The shift, for many of those leaving Modern Orthodoxy, is not necessarily based on anger but rather on a general disconnect.

The Modern Orthodox Conundrum: Part One

A large number of our children are ignoring mitzvot such as Shabbos, kashrut and tefillin.

Learning From Our Chabad Brothers

Just look around at your average Modern Orthodox shul. While many love attending davening each Shabbat on a regular basis, many do not do so during the week.

Counting Up

I was happy singing and watching TV shows until life shook me up a bit and I began to see life as an opportunity that I was wasting.

The Problem With A ‘Deficiencies ’R Us’ Mentality

As long as a person can look at himself in the mirror and say, I know that I have this bad character trait but it is wrong, he has the chance to evolve into a Rabbi Akiva, who changed his entire life at 40.

The Culpability Of Bystanders

The implication of the eglah arufah is that the leaders are somewhat accountable for not being sensitive enough to another person's pain. How much more so does this apply when we are aware of someone else’s guilt?

The Gems Among Us

I’ve begun to realize that there are many hidden gems that play a vital role among Klal Yisrael. Many serve Hashem without any fanfare, quietly going about the business of serving Hashem and the klal, each in their own inimitable style.

Will The Real Jew Please Stand Up

‘When you fight a war, you don't attack it with soldiers alone. You require a navy, air force, marines, special ops with everything in between, each designated with specific tasks and talents necessary to win the war.’ – The Chofetz Chaim

It All Begins With ‘Hello’

Embarrassing another is tantamount to murder. Isn’t ignoring another person when they walk by embarrassing someone?

Seeing G-d Along the Way

How often in life do we immediately assume the worst of a situation, without ever considering that many setbacks are – more often than not – setups for something better.

Moving Past The Bare Minimum With G-d

G-d knows that most people would only attain a "high school education" in relation to their souls, while others would be willing to go the extra distance, work harder, and attain the higher degree.

From Meron To Surfside – Don’t Ask Why

Why does Judaism require a leap of faith?

The Secret Ingredient To Gadlus

The leap to greatness is attainable, but it all starts with being sensitive.

The Kid At The Back Of The Class

As I got older, those questions that I explored in Israel never went away, and I started researching and compiling answers.

To My Modern Orthodox Friends: What Are We Doing?

You’d be shocked to find how many don’t truly believe that Hashem actually authored the Torah. Yikes.

Modern Orthodox Boys: It’s Time To Become Men

There's nothing more beautiful than a true eshas chayil.

Give The Get, Get The Berachah

Recently, a number of campaigns have exposed horrible men who ignore seruvs issued by beis din. Did these "religious" men forget the mishnah warning us to treat all mitzvot equally?

Looking For A College? Be Careful. You’re Playing with Fire

While YU is hardly immune to outside forces and is no guarantee of anyone's frumkeit, it is still the best option around for anyone looking for a great environment fostering Torah Umadda.

What Is Judaism’s View On Women?

One has to wonder about the intentions of some Jewish women who insist they be given a greater role.

In Print / Headline / Op-Eds

When Loving Too Much Is Bad

This week, I spoke to a liberal friend of mine and reminded myself to avoid politics. When he said Trump was the single worst president for Israel and Jews, I had to bite my tongue a little harder than usual.

A Chassid And A Modern Orthodox Jew Talk Tachlis

Ouch! Talk about a full-body slam. I wanted to come back with my signature Muhammad Ali combination punch, but this guy had me cornered.

Hashem Wants To See You In Shul

Many of us have legitimate reasons for not wanting to run back to shul. But Hashem loves us and misses us and wants to see us come out for Him, especially when it's inconvenient.

Louis Farakhan And Misplaced Tolerance

Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly tweeted that it was “stunning” to see how many celebrities “are either too stupid to know what Farrakhan has said publicly about Jews – or worse – do not care.”

Finding Clarity In A Foggy World

There is a line between permissible and forbidden. Between right and wrong. Between good and evil. Because Hashem knew that the blurring of lines would allow people to commit crimes and then justify them.

The Mafia And Loyalty Oaths

How many people are strictly kosher until they’re traveling and find it simply too difficult to pack food or make arrangements? How many of us keep Shabbos properly except when we must lower that thermostat, hit the light, or text on Shabbos? It takes true resolve to resist the temptation to do what you want rather than what you know G-d wants.

Picking And Choosing Which Mitzvos To Keep

Where exactly is the line between Modern Orthodox and Conservative? While we stand equal in G-d's eyes, there has always been a clear distinction between observant and non-observant, To deny these distinctions is to deny Judaism at its core.

Anyone Can See The Bad. Let’s Look For The Good

Human nature is such that when times are good – when we have gezunt and mazal and beracha – it's easy to forget the source of our blessings. Let's remember who sent them

Rabbis Who Care, Rabbis Who Don’t

There is no doubt that the job of rebbe or rav is tough beyond words. Many times, it’s a thankless job. Yet, every rav and rebbe possesses enormous potential to help people by reaching out to the klal. It’s where their greatest strengths lie.

Confessions Of A Former Shul-Talking Junkie

I began to feel like the biggest fool. How could I have thought that my behavior was acceptable or that my prayers were going to be accepted? There I was begging G-d to help me while simultaneously shooting myself in the foot.

Control Yourself

What caused one Orthodox Jew to behave in a heartless fashion while another, in the same situation, with love and genuine concern?The answer is the Rabbi placed my feelings before his own. He instinctively knew how horrible I must have felt, and was only concerned with helping another Jew. The other individual was only concerned about himself.

What My Son’s Brain Tumor Taught Me

ulfilling our mission, doing the right thing and bringing the light of G-d into the world – and finding happiness within that – is the ultimate goal--our gold medal

Why Are You Wearing Long Skirts Anyways?

When we wear a yarmulke, we are essentially marked men because our kipot and sheitels say, “I’m frum and I represent Hashem!” "If clothes make the man," then we should live up to the image we present.

Revenge Against Hitler

Bilaam, Lavan, Hitler, Sadaam, Ahmadinejad, Arafat, Farrakhan, and all the rest desperately tried to destroy Jews armed with the Torah, representing the power of good.

Texting On Shabbos – Whose Fault Is It?

Parents may have to step up their game and focus on explaining the importance and beauty of the Sabbath. And teachers and rabbis have to start focusing the big picture. Talking about God, hashkafa, and one's love and understanding of Torah is just as important as a brilliant analysis of Tosafos.

Texting On Shabbos: No Big Deal?

“Wouldn't you be devastated if your kid were breaking Shabbos?” I asked. He just smiled and replied, “When did you become so frum?”

The Power Of A Kippah, For Better Or Worse