יום חמישי, כ״א אלול תשפ״וThursday, September 3, 2026
Follow Us
Since the ultimate reward of Olam Haba is limited by the extent of the connection that a person is able to forge with G-d during his lifetime, the opportunity to return temporarily from Olam Haba in order to enhance this connection is a considerable benefit.
Although the Talmud implies that there are exceptions to this rule, nevertheless, I state unequivocally: Every single Jew will ultimately be resurrected!
Of course, I know intellectually that Hubby cannot help what he is saying. His brain is confused. Still the words are coming out of his mouth and this bizarre experience feels much like an out-of-body experience for me, being forced to listen to his comments.
The oldest pieces from his collection are coins from the Bar Kochva period and Chashmonean dynasty. When I asked whether these coins shouldn’t be in a museum, he said that there are actually many of them floating around and the museums have enough.
And we go there, and here I come with this German. And we take the thing and go down and he takes me to the German officer's dining room. And there we come. We come in and he introduces me to some other people who are sitting. We sit down, and there again, the meal of my life – everything.
A string of letters I had acquired recently, sent by Rav Baruch Ber Leibowitz (1862-1939) to a famed American Philanthropist and supporter of Yeshivas throughout the world, Abraham Meyers, details the conditions that a European yeshiva in the 1932-1933 period had to endure.
Although Rav Reines may not have been the first Orthodox rav to support the idea of a Jewish return to Eretz Yisrael, Zion, it was he who answered Herzl's call to become involved in the political movement and it was he who almost single-handedly took on the anti-Zionist charedi rabbinate.
By Nachum Segal
The fleeting aspect of fame might be much more than an average observation. It reflects a healthier and more positive perspective of the idea of fame.
While it’s certainly admirable when those who work hard are recognized for their efforts, fame is clearly not the ultimate goal.
If our names are remembered by the masses, it should be due to our contributions, not our pursuit of fame.
Instead of following how many likes and views you have online, ask yourself, who am I when no one is looking? That’s who you really are, and that’s your baseline for growth.
“Millions of people will read about a Jewish basketball player; I want to show what that means.”
Last night my dream was full of very strange stories and images.
The museum was the brainchild of a group of veterans who wanted to pay proper respect to the oft-ignored one and a half million Jewish soldiers who fought in the Allied armies during World War II, 250,000 of whom died in battle and 11,500 of whom were American.
Things were really quite desperate at that time. People really thought that this was it. So then, my mother wasn't the only one that started especially since we were traveling, ‘Why don't you save yourself, go.’
What an interesting chanukiah you have! It is apparent that it was completely fashioned by hand using a variety of tools, and there is a great deal of soldering work I can see from putting pieces together.
Based in a large part on such works in German that were popular at the time, the author was tasked with describing things in Hebrew that were yet to be written about in the language.
Beit Daniella offers everything in one place: therapy, education and teaching how to function in a normal setting. Most students stay at the farm for four to six months but afterwards, they can come to the alumni program, which takes place once a week, after school, for up to three years.
Recognizing that the full potential of the Archive was not possible absent a catalog that methodically and systematically organized and described its contents, the Jewish Historical Institute and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum joined forces to prepare and publish such a catalog.
Can one use a cane on Shabbos in a place without an eruv? The Shulchan Aruch paskens that a lame person who cannot walk without a stick, may walk with one, even if they are not attached to him.
Such halachic accommodations allow for Jews who would be limited in participating in communal Shabbos activities if they need a cane and were not allowed use of it without an eruv on Shabbos. To be sure, this inclusive accommodation is governed by Hashem’s will.
When I am sitting down and have great grandchildren around, they take my cane and it becomes transformed to a horse or to a magic wand, and that gives me added pleasure, or should I say nachas, watching them play.
I cringed at the collective sigh of relief from the group. It was jarring in front of a man who never leaves the dark. He probably hears it often.
I say, why should the old and frail have all the fun!? A cane can be a remarkably flashy accessory. Indeed, there was a time in which the cane was a sign of high society.
It is quite possible that I could play the same video every day and he would enjoy it just as much. For a man with little patience (and a terribly short attention span), this is quite incredible.
This was it. And my father and two brothers were killed that night. My other two brothers, we never heard from them again either…
The word mugah can indeed be found in many of the copies of the early editions of the Chofetz Chaim's publications, both in books that he authored himself or books that he had published, such as those of the Sha'agat Aryeh and Asifat Zekenim.
Lazarus wrote several pieces on Jewish holidays, including The New Year (Rosh Hashana, 5643), in which she beautifully conveyed her vision of a people rolling homeward to its ancient source.
By Eli Lebowicz
Not only do I not drink schnapps very often; it’s not really a word that’s in my vocabulary.
By Avi Ganz
Imbibing alcohol can take the proverbial edge off and its dangers are well known to all, but there is something unique about schnapps.
By Martin Bodek
It’s a German word, actually, and plenty of people know exactly what it means, though it means different things to Europeans and Americans.
Nowadays, I don’t think a shul kiddush or a kiddush club for that matter even knows what schnapps is, and it’s been some time since I’ve experienced the nostalgia of that marble cake in my mouth.
Over 50 years later, men pile out of the sanctuary as the rabbi begins his drasha to partake in the kiddush club, where they enthusiastically indulge in several bottles of whiskey, scotch and other alcoholic beverages.
JewishGen is offered as a free resource. Its database features important collections of historical records pertaining to Jewish communities across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and North America.
It was always like an adventure to a certain extent. But by the time you came, when you got off the train, then you were afraid.
It is interesting to see how the network developed a life of its own and perhaps due to the distance and slow communications, decisions and the hiring of new emissaries was done without the knowledge of the organization's heads back in Jerusalem.
Many of our greatest artists have produced striking graphic works on these subjects, and I present here a selection of original artwork and related items from my Chanukah collection.
Nobody ever wants to be associated with Beis Shammai. Have you ever been to a college campus with a Shammai House? Has a rabbi, or group of rabbis, ever compared their approach to that of Beis Shammai?
By Keshet Starr
In almost all cases of such disputes, the halacha is that we hold by Beis Hillel. But why is this the case? Why does the more lenient opinion win the day?
We are also taught that during the time of the third Beis HaMikdash and the Mashiach we will follow the rules or the laws of Beis Shammai. How can that be?
Beis Shammai was the House of Ideal. It's what we could be. It's seeing our potential from a soul first lens. Beis Hillel was the House of The People, the House of Reality. It met people where they were at, weighing the connection and the disagreements the body and soul have.
By Hillel Fuld
In most cases, Beit Hillel is the more lenient opinion of the two, and yet we side with him.
Each specialist thinks his prescription is critical. You need to talk to a G.P. or someone well versed in drug interactions to look at the total patient.
By Alan Zeitlin
Concerning the question of comedy in a time of tragedy, Lebowicz said one has to be sensible and sensitive.
I like to live on the edge, says Lilach and love for adventure and risk-taking seems to be something that runs in the family. So does life off the beaten track.
You were not allowed to roam those villages anymore, but from time to time we would take the train which was absolutely punishable by death.
There was no shortage of volunteers. In fact, so eager were the Hatzalah guys to do their part for the war effort that hundreds of paramedics applied for the 57 available slots.
While the Jewish community in Amsterdam was founded first by Jews escaping from Spain and Portugal, the city was relatively tolerant at the time, and became a refuge to many Jews from different lands. In a short time, there was a substantial Ashkenazi community as well.
In America, Kissinger played down his Jewish roots and sought to assimilate. When he was sworn in as the first Jewish Secretary of State, he took his oath on Shabbat – his observant elderly parents were therefore forced to walk to the swearing-in ceremony – and on a Christian bible.
The Creation narrative features a growing sense of order, sense, balance, and harmony. Creation begins in wild mixture, chaos, and darkness but G-d creates light and distills it from darkness.
I speak as an immigrant, an immigration attorney, and an elected official: The Right to Shelter mandate shouldn’t apply to migrants.
When life’s getting messy, do one thing. You might feel overwhelmed by the number of things you have to do, or worry about a million things on your mind. Just do something; it could be small.
Many famous people were known for the chaos of their personal space despite their incredible contributions to the organized world of intellectualism.
Every time my son pours grape juice I watch with trepidation. I've considered wearing a raincoat to the Shabbos table.
Hubby was in bed when “M” left. When I returned from seeing her to the door, he smiled at me and said “I am sorry.”
If you want to see some remarkable, museum-worthy pieces of antique Judaica (some dating as early as the 17th century!) or some modern-made, opulent, dazzling creations made by skilled artisans in Israel, I highly recommend you make the time to stop by.
The all too familiar sequence throughout Jewish history with its devastating consequences once again ran its course.
By Baruch Lytle
Today there are approximately 250,000 displaced Israelis and the hotels have filled up. This led Hassan-Nahoum to launch an initiative encouraging people with empty homes or a second home in Jerusalem to open their homes to families in need.
Despite the Brisker Rav's known anti-Zionist stance, it is interesting to see the respect and honorary titles he bestows upon Rav Herzog, the official Chief Rabbi of Israel at the time.
By Eve Glover
Dori expressed relief and happiness that his cousins are finally home safe, reunited with loved ones.
By Roni
Shortly after the outbreak of the Gulf War, while Scud missiles were targeting Yerushalayim, Tel Aviv and Bnei Brak, and the threat of chemical weapons from Iraq forced Israelis to obtain and wear gas masks, Acheinu took off worldwide as an anthem of courage and hope.
In Eli, Sachs made evident her belief that the future could not be built on the ruins of hatred and revenge; instead, she hoped that her poetry would be an agent of healing and a source of renewal.
Attending the first rally in New York City, and watching the D.C. rally, I was reminded that while we are pretty powerless by ourselves, when we join together, we shine a bright, powerful light.
By JJ Eleff
Hamas tried to tear us down, they tried to cast a darkness that would scare us away from our land. But we told them no. We will not run, we will not be afraid, instead we will unite and stand together as one nation.
We live in a world in which there is plenty of darkness. Why do we need to search for more?!
In these times, I take my obligation as Ora very seriously. I strive to be a light in this world.
By Solly Hess
Israel and my Zadie have now been a constant, intertwined thought since the horrific events of October 7 as well. And now I understand what happened during the summer.
On challenging days, I close my eyes and I can feel your embrace which makes me feel safe and secure.
The vehicles will replace MDA ambulances destroyed by Hamas and put additional lifesaving vehicles into service.
At no time did I contemplate that he actually thought there were people sitting at the table with him as he was chattering away for hours. I thought the hallucinating had stopped when we corrected his medications long ago.
By Alan Zeitlin
Shapiro said he would not speak about Candace Owens. She is a popular host of a show on his platform who appeared online to be questioning if she should work for Shapiro any longer, and he tweeted that she could quit if she felt like it.
This book has ownership markings and signatures of Milka Paks, wife of Meir Paks, the protagonist of a famous agunah case that the Chasam Sofer presided over during his period of rabbinate in Mattersdorf.
By Sandy Eller
Students expressed their gratitude to the volunteers in a two-minute video, sharing how they went from feeling frightened to uplifted in the span of just a few short days.
Although corporate interest underscored both his former clients and his campaign supporters, he showed independence in his two terms as governor, supporting the creation of a Public Service Commission with strong powers to regulate corporate activity.
As a frum Jewish educator, I am acutely aware of the thousands of “Yitzchaks” in our care. Each child a guarantor of Hashem’s promise to make Avraham Avinu, and by extension all Jews, into a great nation.
We really do have no place in this world. Yet our survival defies nature anchored not in military might or the validation of world leaders, but in our transcendent essence.
By Ira Stoll
Whether Yitzchak or Yitzchok, the biblical explanation of the name from Sarah, in Genesis 21:6, that G-d has brought her laughter, and that everyone who hears will laugh with her, always brings a smile, if not laughter, to my lips.
Tranquility is great, but it's not a reason to live. Joy comes from conquest: from the dragon-slaying campaigns of youth, but ultimately from the self-conquest that is life's fiercest and most silent battle.
By Anat Coleman
Over these past few weeks, with the loss of so many lives and the fates of so many others unknown, it's been a challenge and struggle to laugh.
The plaintiffs repeatedly reached out to the dean of students and other administrators expressing their concerns about the escalating antisemitism, all to no avail.
Judge Freier’s daughter and COO of Ezras Nashim, Leah Freier Levine, recounted how her mother would listen to people say she couldn’t do things, then do them anyway.
By Alan Zeitlin
Haley said Hamas had to be eliminated, Israel should get whatever support it needs and the hostages should be returned. She said nobody should tell Israel what to do and America should have Israel’s back.
Neither Hubby or I could have survived another week of no sleep and stress. Time for creative thinking. Avoid the family doctor and go directly to the specialist.
September 4, 2026 
