Monthly Archives: December 2011

What do “the orthodox”, “the reform”, “haredim (ultra-orthodox)”, “hilonim (secular)”, “settlers”, “Tel-Aviv elite”, “conservative Jews”, “reform Jews”, “reconstructionist Jews”, “renewal Jews”, “humanist Jews”, “democrats”, “republicans”, “leftists”, “rightists”, “academics”, “working slobs”, “likud-niks”, “laborites”, “kadima”, “arabs”, “Palestinians”, “Israelis”, “zionists”, “post-zionists”, “anti-zionists”, “rabbis”, … Continue reading →

This brief example from my experience with Rabbi Shloime Twerski zt”l, illustrates a vital and absolutely necessary component of traditional, you can call it orthodox, halacha. Most synagogue weekday services that I’ve ever attended feature someone walking through the congregation with … Continue reading →

I’ve been studying a great sefer lately, Shefa Tal by Shabbtai Sheftel Horowitz, a kabbalist living in Prague about four hundred years ago.  He begins explaining one of the Proverbs of King Solomon, נר אלקים נשמת אדם, Ner Elokim Nishmat … Continue reading →

If I merely wanted to be a gadfly, I can think of many easier avenues for a lifelong vegetarian than supervising the slaughter and processing of kosher meat.  I’m very proud to work with a new company, EcoGlatt, which provides … Continue reading →

This article first appeared on jewishideas.org Jewish Guilt, at least the European/western/Ashkenazi stereotype, is a cliché that is featured in much our unique, Jewish humor, and it is often seen as a positive trait that reflects our traditional values of … Continue reading →