Philip Lefkowitz

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May 18, 2019, 12:16 PM

Alabama Abortion Law – Pro-Choicers, What Do You Seek?

The Alabama law permits abortion in only the following case: “b) An abortion shall be permitted if an attending physician licensed in Alabama determines that an abortion is necessary in order to prevent a serious health risk to the unborn...

Apr 1, 2019, 11:23 PM

Jessie Sommelet — A Personal Paradox

“The city that works” is the phrase that appropriately describes Chicago. I recall when I first met my future wife, how her father tried to explain to me the “Chicago way.” Unlike New York, Chicago’s fifty aldermanic districts were...

Mar 1, 2019, 7:33 AM

On being tethered

Rabbi Eliezer said: “Repent one day before your death.” So his disciples asked him: “Does a person know which day he will die?” Rabbi Eliezer responded: “Certainly, then, a person should repent today, for perhaps tomorrow he will die -- so...

Aug 30, 2018, 12:40 AM

The Games People Play

The other day I watched as a somber Senator Schumer, on the verge of literally once again affirming the moniker given him by our President, “cryin Chuck,” spoke before the United States Senate memorializing Senator John McCain. In the...

Jun 25, 2018, 12:14 AM

Is The ACLU Reconsidering Its Role?

The disclosure of an internal memo at The American Civil Liberties Union has questioned whether the ACLU, long the standard bearer for the protection of free speech at all costs, the First Amendment, is considering modifying their position. "Our defense...

Apr 26, 2018, 11:25 PM

Ocean County’s Jewish Federation takes bold step

In but a few days Jews the world over will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. A major event, a milestone in Jewish history, the organizational world of Jewry is preparing to...

Mar 25, 2018, 11:31 PM

My Perennial Pre-Passover Pain

I write these words on the Sunday prior to Passover. For most their home is abuzz with frenetic activity. Mother is directing husband and children in the various and sundry preparations required for Passover. Dad is given his instructions...

Mar 14, 2018, 12:01 AM

Thank you, Father

My dear friend Fr. John Bambrick has been a clear voice speaking out regarding the anti-Orthodox, anti-Semitic reactions to the influx over the last two years of some 600 Orthodox families to Jackson New Jersey a Township near Lakewood. ...

Mar 5, 2018, 4:01 AM

I was an honored guest at a Billy Graham crusade

With the passing of the Reverend Billy Graham, many are sharing stories about him and his ministry. I have my own personal story. I was a guest at a Billy Graham Crusade when I served as the Rabbi to...

Feb 5, 2018, 11:35 PM

A Retrospective — Birthright Israel, A Father’s View

One of the most interesting and seemingly successful projects undertaken in recent years to infuse a real feeling for our People and our land into the hearts of Jewish collegians is Birthright Israel. The program allows a Jewish young...

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About Me

Retired and residing in Jackson, New Jersey, Rabbi Philip Lefkowitz was the rav of Agudas Achim North Shore Congregation in Chicago. During his nearly five decades in the rabbinate he led congregations in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. He served as an officer, Executive Committee member and chair of the Legislative Committee of the Chicago Rabbinical Council.