Mitzmann divides the book into twelve chapters corresponding to the Hebrew months of the year, skillfully weaving together how the spiritual lessons contained within the Jewish holidays helped her radically alter and reestablish her relationship with Hashem and reclaim her mental health.
Some argue that a gigantic house brings a family closer together. It's a nice theory, but how often does that actually happen in practice, and what price is being paid to make it possible?
We talk about Jewish continuity, but for many Jews, the reality is that without observance, the likelihood of intermarriage skyrockets.
The early twentieth century was also a period of profound instability for Jews in the Russian Empire, marked by political upheaval, economic uncertainty, and episodes of antisemitic violence, conditions that contributed to large-scale emigration, particularly to North America and Eretz Yisael.
By Anonymous
Many times, being single is not a person's fault. Every person has his or her own time and place, whether we understand it or not. Ultimately, that is the truth.
People are limited in their time and abilities, so machines can help them. But why would G-d not do everything Himself? Apparently, there are things more appropriate for G-d to do indirectly.
I don’t remember exactly what prompted it, but one Shabbos afternoon my grandson started to sing HaMalach HaGoel, and in the charming way that makes sense to a two-year-old, he sang, “HaMalach HaGoel O’sleep.”
If the words of our tefillot and zemirot have meaning, if they're not just a random assemblage of syllables off of which to hang a tune, then we should know what they are, what they mean, and sing them accordingly.
Angels can be actual humans, not in the sense that they are Hashem’s henchmen, but in their middah of extreme kindness; in going the extra mile in helping someone who is floundering physically and emotionally and financially.
By David Curwin
When we encounter malach in Tanach, we cannot tell from the word alone whether it refers to a divine or human messenger. In Yaakov’s dream, the malachim are clearly angels.
This summer, the Chicagoland Jewish community gathered for the first 5K for Kehillah, raising funds for the 11 Kehillah Fund elementary schools. Runners, walkers, families, and volunteers filled the course with energy and achdus, creating a powerful display of unity and shared purpose. Participants of all ages took part—some racing, others strolling or cheering from […]
Arkia is becoming an increasingly significant presence in Israel’s international aviation market, giving travelers more choice as it expands its network, increases frequencies on major routes and pushes farther into long-haul travel.
He has insightful comments, very much worth reading, about each of these places from the points of view of a loyal American, frum Jew, and expert on governmental finance.
By Mendi Glik
A maestro must not only be familiar with the nusach and the text of the tefillah, but deeply understand the prayers.
The edition itself is of considerable importance. R. Yosef Karo's Shulchan Aruch had rapidly become the foundational halachic code, while the Rema's Hagahot transformed it into the practical code of Ashkenazic Jewry by recording the customs and rulings of the communities of Europe.
The overall approach was very relatable and lucid, and also very exciting: seven barren women, seven approaches to unlocking and unblocking prayer.
Zahava’s private, locked-up grief and frustration seemed to keep her from reaching out to her sisters, who might have provided support.
People who are stressed don’t take care of their bodies. But this leads to a cycle of stress.
Perhaps instead of asking your siblings to “make shalom,” you can gently encourage them to consider whether there is some small step toward healing that they feel comfortable taking.
He devotes sustained attention to Rav Kook’s understanding of halacha, especially the claim that the commandments are not uniformly beneficial for every individual and that excessive absorption in halachic detail can diminish spiritual stature.
Whether you’re taking it easy or preparing menus for yom tov meals, these bottles deliver that perfect balance of summer chill and anticipation for a fresh new start ahead.
An early mention of cholent can be traced back to the 13th century, where it is found in the writings of Rabbi Issac ben Moses of Vienna, better known as the Riaz.
Lécache was not born into prominence, nor did he begin life as a professional defender of Jewish rights.
we may not be able to easily lift 200-pound barbells, hit a homerun, or body slam our opponents, but we show our strength, our endurance, and our stamina, in so many other more important ways.
By Maayan Zik
Communal koach is what happens when we recognize that we do not all need to have the same strengths. We simply need to bring what we have and make room for what others bring.
In verses such as Nachum 1:3 and Iyov 36:22, the word means something along the lines of absolute potential.
There are moments that call for compassion, patience, and humility, while other moments require courage, resilience, and unwavering resolve. True wisdom lies in recognizing which type of strength the moment requires.
In Yiddishkeit, when someone accomplishes something, we don't simply say, “Job well done.” We say Yasher Koach, may you have renewed strength to take what you have accomplished and use that strength for even greater good.
While you wait, keep becoming the best version of yourself. Take pride in how you present yourself and take care of your appearance.
Teshuvah Is a Correction, Not a Punishment: Here's where people badly misread the holiday and badly misread their finances. Teshuvah doesn't mean beating yourself up. It means "return," the deliberate process of getting back on the right road.
By Arnold Fine
Seymour, an alumnus of the nursery school fraternity, puffed out his chest and proudly exclaimed, “Yeah, yeah, that’s kid stuff. Wait’ll ya’ have to go to kindergarten – that’s real school!”
Public lectures in synagogues and community centers frequently emphasized not technical mystical doctrines but the Baal Shem Tov’s accessible teachings about joy, prayer, and the value of every individual.
NEW YORK – Met Council, America’s largest Jewish tzedakah dedicated to fighting poverty, distributed a record 2,016,982 pounds of kosher food to struggling families ahead of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkos this year, the largest Rosh Hashanah food distribution ever in America. From August through September, Met Council worked with 162 partner organizations, including […]
BROOKLYN, NY — The Rabbinical Alliance of America (RAA / Igud HaRabbonim), representing over 950 Orthodox rabbis across North America, celebrated its 84th anniversary (1942–2026) on Monday, August 31, 2026 (18th of Elul, 5786), at the Sephardic Lebanese Congregation in Brooklyn. Hosted by Mara D’Asra Rabbi Eliyahu Elbaz, the convocation brought together rabbinic leaders, public […]
Saying all debt is terrible lacks nuance. Sometimes debt is a useful tool that can help build wealth. Other times, it is a decision that creates endless financial strain.
Recap from last week: Velvel and his daughter Zahava decide to ask their neighbor, Mrs. Shulamis Rosner, for advice about their huge debts.
The cipher itself appears to have been a distinctive feature of the scholarly milieu surrounding the Landau family.
By Mendi Glik
As soon as he began to sing, his grandmother became deeply emotional and burst into tears. Young Blum didn’t understand what was happening.
Even if you have a sterling resume and all the right credentials, if you are not exuding confidence and competence during the first moments of your interview you will probably be passed up.
We love our daughter very much and know that she has many wonderful qualities, but we feel that we need to help her learn how to communicate with us and others in a more respectful way.
Dating requires a tremendous amount of emunah. We can do everything right and still not know what will happen next.
This chicken is so moist and bursting with umami flavors! The key is marinating the chicken overnight using Sake. Sake is a fermented rice wine. Don’t be daunted by all the steps, in actuality it’s pretty easy. You will love the final results! Ingredients Chicken Marinade Additions Directions 1. Add the chicken and all the […]
Together, Eugen and Jean Gluck devoted much of the success they achieved to charitable giving and improving the lives of their fellow Jews.
By Ruchi Koval
Sorry is a powerful and important word. It reflects the middah of teshuvah... It ought not to be squandered pointlessly. That tarnishes the value of the word.
A real apology asks us to stay for a few moments with an uncomfortable fact: I did something that hurt you.
Taking responsibility requires us to be able to hold two truths at the same time: I can be a good person who does good things, and I can also hurt people sometimes and I need to repair that with them.
Apologizing can feel like an act of weakness. But saying sorry is an act of strength.
What I love is that Judaism doesn't begin with guilt or punishment (although mom guilt is another story). It begins with the understanding that we're human, and humans make mistakes.
SKOKIE, Ill., . Solu, a local organization that builds bridges between diverse communities through service, will hold a dedication ceremony for Hersh's Fridge, a kosher community refrigerator serving families across Chicagoland on Tuesday, September 2, at 8:30 a.m. at the Hersh’s Fridge pavilion, across from Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob Synagogue, 8825 East Prairie Rd., Skokie, […]
By Ben Rothke
While the shofar is one of the most familiar sounds in Jewish life, it is perhaps one of the least understood.
Navone broke back and took control of the fourth set, winning it 6-2, before racing through the deciding set 6-1 to complete the biggest victory of his career.
Now if only Dina had been alive… an audible sigh escaped, and he glanced around to make sure Zahava hadn’t heard. Of all the people in this world, why Hashem had to pick his lovely, gentle wife to die young was a mystery to him.
Truck-based Treatments Scheduled for August 31 and September 2, in Parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx, Weather Permitting Treatments Are Guided by Ongoing West Nile Virus and Mosquito Surveillance Across New York City NEW YORK — To reduce the risk of West Nile virus, the New York City Health Department will conduct targeted mosquito […]
Following Reported Fox Bite, Advisory in Effect Through at least August 31, 2026 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Saturday announced a safety advisory is in effect for Mount Loretto Unique Area in Staten Island. Following a report that a visitor was bitten by a fox on the grounds yesterday, DEC is warning […]
By Mendi Glik
Chazzanut used to be the biggest entertainment for Jews, Lemmer explained. Not necessarily only for frum or charedi Jews – for secular Jews as well. It reminded them of their hometowns back in Europe; it was the bridge between the Old World and the New World.
Childhood is a time almost defined by joy. And while it is normal for a child to be sad when she gets a bad mark on a test, has a fight with a friend, loses a prized possession, or is scolded, children generally bounce back to their natural joy quickly.
Historically, community leaders and rabbis were appointed locally through an elective process or, quite often, inherited roles. In the Ottoman Empire, however, rabbinic appointments were managed via Istanbul and required the approval of the imperial government.