יום חמישי, כ״ה חשוון תשפ״זThursday, November 5, 2026
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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.
People think that we’re privileged in some way to be doing this but this is a totally accessible experience for most people, says Bitya.
By dvora
The atmosphere surrounding the Chabad Ohel was charged with compassion and emotion as the crowd awaited the arrival of the hostages' families, bonding in shared concern.
In a 1964 correspondence to a Jewish friend, she wrote, I admire and respect the Jewish people and their traditions and feel a kinship with them.
Learning, questioning and critical thinking are values that Judaism has always naturally fostered, encouraged and celebrated.
Interestingly, it is not one of the fruits for which the Torah praises the Land of Israel. So, it is no surprise that the custom of eating apples on Rosh Hashana did not originate in Israel but in France or Germany.
Apples originated in Central Asia, though not necessarily in edible form. Over time, they were cultivated as an edible fruit, grafted, and brought to Europe.
The common apple (Malus pumila) doesn't quite fit the Eretz Yisrael native bill. Some even propose that these apples might've gone through a Cinderella-like transformation over time, evolving from their humble origins into biblical superstars. Talk about a fruit with a story!
So many people enjoy taking their family out for apple-picking. It's the perfect food for this time of year with Thanksgiving coming up.
This week communication has reached a crisis point. Whatever I say, regardless of how loud I speak, is met with confusion. He repeats words that I never said and everything spirals out of control.
Chief Rabbi Heller was tasked with collecting the fines from the local Jewish community, with the brunt of the cost being placed on the wealthier class of the community. This led to much friction and complaints from the rich merchants who felt they were being burdened disproportionately.
That’s the whole idea behind the campaign to help American teenagers feel like they are also making a difference.
The 30th of Cheshvan is the yahrzeit of Rabbi Oscar Z. Fasman (1908-2003).
Roosevelt visited Israel four times, the first in 1952, and the last eight months before her death in 1962... In many letters to her friends and in her newspaper columns, she frequently sang the praises of the extraordinary beauty of the Israeli landscape, and she often lauded Israel’s educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
By Maayan Zik
If you mess up, miss a note, in the middle of a song, keep playing. Don’t go back and try to replay it. The rest of the orchestra is already moving on and so must you.
By Sara Blau
Sometimes, we experience what we perceive as a failure... But each failure can be repurposed creatively, and channeled into a better future for ourselves and for others.
Eventually the towels weren’t needed anymore, and although the chairs are twenty years old, they mostly remained stain free and we were spared the sticky indignity of the old school plastic covers.
But the key to stickiness is in the sharing. If there is no sharing, nothing sticks. A word can’t become a name. A second question is never asked.
Some people are willing to ignore the bad and focus on the good, while for others, their focus is squarely on the bad, despite the overwhelming good.
By Jason Ciment
Davening in a minyan is the great social equalizer because each person is typically treated with the same dignity and respect. At the RJC, that feeling of common cause transcended each person’s economic status level and extended itself to the rest of the conference experience.
By Alan Zeitlin
Abrahams, who has twice visited Israel, said he asked if he could give his perspective on the situation and his take on the correct terminology to use for Hamas. Abrahams said, They basically said, ‘We have your number,’ as a way of refusing to let him give his take on the war.
Who could possibly believe the conversations that transpire with a person who has memory loss? Pretend that you are invisible in the room!
By Eve Glover
When you support evil, then you are held accountable for the evil that you support, and this president and his party, and this government, is supporting an evil savagery that has shocked the hearts of all decent human beings in the world.
This prayerbook, with an English translated by Isaac Pinto, is the very first prayerbook printed in the New World and the first translation into English.
October 30, 2026 
