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Sharona Margolin Halickman

Feb 15, 2019, 12:38 AM

The Biblical Taylors

In Parshat Tetzave, there are almost 40 verses that deal with the clothing of the Kohen. As we read through the articles of clothing that are mentioned (Shmot 28:4), a few words jump out at us: “These are the...

Ziona Greenwald

Feb 15, 2019, 12:36 AM

Love Is Beautiful, But…

Can someone please tell me why Valentine’s Day is such a big deal here in Israel? Why the day is even celebrated at all? My first year here, when I saw the hearts dangling around the mall, the red balloons...

Joseph C. Kaplan

Feb 14, 2019, 10:36 PM

We can agree to disagree about women rabbis

Left to right, Rabbi Nathaniel (Nati) Helfgot, Marianne Novak and Rabbi Kenny Schiowitz. (courtesy of the Jewish Standard, via JTA)

Teaneck has many synagogues; it's easy to find at least one you don't go to, without dividing the community

Feb 14, 2019, 3:59 PM

Eli Yishai’s hatred is not just for my kids

The Yachad party's desperate campaign is loaded with homophobia and a list of other hatreds

Nathan Lopes Cardozo

Feb 13, 2019, 12:10 PM

The Kotzker, Spinoza, and I

Fifth of 10 Questions for Rabbi Cardozo – An interview with Rabbi Cardozo by Rav Ari Ze’ev Schwartz (For the first question, click here. For the second question, click here. For the third question, click here. For the fourth question, click here.) Recently, I have been...

Avrohom Gordimer

Feb 10, 2019, 10:18 PM

The RCA said no to women rabbis

Yeshivat Maharat graduates at their ordination ceremony at Ramaz High School in New York City, June 16, 2013. (Joe Winkler/JTA)

We are speaking out against those who contravene this policy, for the sake of our conscience and to prevent the weakening of Torah standards

Feb 8, 2019, 4:09 PM

When Shalva chose Shabbat over Eurovision

The members of the Shalva Band, which successfully auditioned for 'Rising Stars,' an Israeli reality TV show. (Courtesy The Shalva Band)

Israel has failed its religious Jews by not doing more to ensure their ability to participate in cultural and sports events

Sharona Margolin Halickman

Feb 8, 2019, 2:36 PM

The link between Mount Sinai and the Temple Mount

The Talmud, Taanit 16a asks: What is the meaning of Har HaMoriah (Mount Moriah)? Rabbi Levi bar Chama said that it was the mountain from which Torah instruction (horaa) went out and Rabbi Chanina said that it was the...

Mordechai Soskil

Feb 8, 2019, 12:04 PM

A Sweet Smell or Second Rate

This week, I have spent a lot of time thinking about a pretty classic and well known debate between two famous medieval commentaries. I’m sorry if I’ve made you jealous that I’m living the thug life. I don’t mean...

Feb 7, 2019, 6:24 PM

Book review: Jews in Medicine

There’s an old joke where a Jewish grandmother is watching her two grandchildren. Someone asks her how old the children are. She replies with nachas that the doctor is 4 and the lawyer is 2. The joke underscores how...

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