The Injustice of Moral Equivalence
The media coverage is so consistently biased against Israel, I’m surprised that there aren’t more Americans that blame Israel for all that’s wrong in the world.
Conversions – The Supreme Court Decides?
Emes v'Emuna Blog: One of the sadder chapters to be written about the State of Israel will be what is happening with regard to conversions.
Achdus and Misplaced Umbrage
The latest volley in the intra-Orthodox ‘wars’ is the one between one of my heroes, Lord, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and the rabbinic leaders of Agudah.
The Importance of Day Schools
Parents who themselves have gone through the day school system recognize their value and no longer need convincing to send their children.
For Gaza: Peace or Devastation
Israel should continue to try and avoid civilian casualties as much as possible - but basically bomb Gaza into the stone age.
Rabbi Sacks is All that Is Right with Judaism
I do not envy Chief Rabbi Elect, Ephraim Mirvis. Lord Sacks’ shoes will be hard to fill.
Diplomacy is Never the Answer to Religious Fanatics
I see no difference between Hitler and Raisi. Other than the fact that Raisi sees eradicating Israel a religious obligation. Even if means mass murdering Jews. In my view this makes him more dangerous that Hitler
Emes Ve-Emunah: Driving the Wedge Further
I admire Lila Kagedan's resolve and commitment but insisting on a title to break a barrier for women will serve only to divide us further.
The Rabbi’s Daughter
Several prominent Religious Zionist rabbis in Israel have fallen victim to the OTD (Off the Derech) phenomenon. Rav Shlomo Aviner, Rav David Bigman, and Rav Yoram Tzohar each have a daughter that has departed from the observant ways of their parents. So for those parents who have OTD children, you are not alone. There are some very prominent people who join you. One may ask: How can I publicize something like this about such prominent leaders in Klal Yisroel, since it might be embarrassing to them? The answer is that they do not hide it. They willingly participated in a film that tells their story.
What Modesty is, and What it Isn’t
Should it take a secular newspaper--the Wall Street Journal-- to give us Musser about what Modesty really means? I really think we need a little self-examination about what motivates our consumerism these days.
Jewish Education and Moderation is the Key
Despite its shortcomings, Jewish education is the key not only to Jewish survival but to its growth.
Decentralizing Conversions in Israel
It is the acceptance of all Halacha that is important – not the immediate knowledge of them.
A Microcosm of Achdus
There was mixed seating. You got to sit with your spouse.
Is the Chief Rabbinate to Blame?
In Israel today, how many of our religious leaders instill pride in being Jewish into the secular public?
Can Jews Unite Even When There Is No Tragedy?
Radical Islam is an idea, not an organization. It is the enemy, not terrorism.
Keeping it Together
"Shuls that are full on Friday night were fuller than normal, looking more like Yom Kippur"
Is Learning Torah ‘Sharing the Burden’?
Once again we see a great rabbinic figure who apparently does not understand what it is that really upsets the non-Haredi public, including many observant Jews.
The Yahrzeit of COVID
I just wanted to reflect on how devastating this disease has been to the world in general and to our community in particular.
Of Classrooms, Basketball Courts, and Hana Szenes
Bet Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch has fired the Charedi members of her ruling coalition.
Happy Thanksgiving – 2012
I see nothing wrong with our participating with all American citizens in observing Thanksgiving.
Netanyahu, Obama, and Iran
Despite "excuses" about not wanting to influence Israel's election Netanyahu’s views should be heard
Outreach – Thinking Out of the Box
The Talmud belongs to all the Jewish people, not just Orthodox Jews.
Will Modern Orthodoxy Survive?
Yes, Modern Orthodoxy is losing some of its youth to secularism.
Stolen Waters are Sweet
Bright young minds will have questions. The most logical place to see answers is from your parents or teachers. But when questions are explicitly or implicitly forbidden, these very same young people will seek answers elsewhere. The easiest place to find them is the internet. Ban, no matter how strong they are, no matter how enforced they are will not prevent a young person from somehow finding access. And that’s when the slippery slope begins.
Shmuley’s Chilul HaShem
Mentioning genocide in the same breath as Susan Rice crosses a redline about Obama’s foreign policy
And the Bashing Continues…
Eliminating all secular studies is taking "Talmud Torah k’neged kulom" to an absurd extreme.
Intermarriage 2013
It used to be the case that an Orthodox parent would sit Shiva on a child who intermarried.
Achdus and Blessing
I see less unity between religious factions than between religious Jews and secular Jews
Expressing Gratitude on Thanksgiving
My Rebbe, Rav Ahron Soloveichik, permits celebrating the day with a festive family turkey dinner.
Iconic Sinners
How does one reconcile greatness with evil? Is it possible that one can be a great contributor to society and have a dark side? And how are we to look at such a person? Does abusing someone sexually - even only one or two times to one person - negate all the good he has done?