Despite two general elections, only months apart from each other, the makeup of Israel’s next government remains unknown. One thing, however, that did emerge from the last election is that the Arab population of Israel has amassed enough power to somehow, if not to steer the direction of the next government, it can at least “put the brakes” on steering it in another way.
“The theme of the year” is a concept invented by modern society. The idea that a certain year is dedicated to a certain value can be viewed as running contrary to the Torah’s approach in which whatever is important is important always. Yet, everything a Jew observes must teach him a lesson in serving Hashem.
I love reading children’s books. We all, deep down, yearn to be that child again. Reading kids books and watching kids videos is a way to reenter that innocent world. As a kids film producer once put it in an advertisement for a CD: “The kids are just an excuse…”
“I’ve decided to go into organized crime,” the young and gifted grad says. “Great career choice,” the father says. “Just tell me — in the private sector or the public sector?”
The light bulb is a fascinating invention, one that illuminates our lives and improves our standard of living tremendously.
It’s fine that people speak out on controversial topics, that’s what press is for. What bothered me about this particular piece was that the rabbi, who is a shliach of the Rebbe, signed off on the piece as a Chabad rabbi.
Q. Every summer over the past few years I begin worrying about the upcoming High-Holiday season. It’s not that I have a problem going to my mother-in-law. Not at all. Let me explain:
A group of people stranded in a forest began to look for means of survival and shelter. They began to chop trees which were generously available to form logs from which a cabin could be constructed.
There was a long feud in a community I’m associated with, and one morning, I woke up with the news that the almost decade-old dispute was peacefully and respectfully settled.
How should I feel on Tisha B’Av? Sad? Happy? Both?
“My enemy’s enemy is not always my friend,” is a good rule for life. Even when we’re not talking about enemies, just different points of view and schools of thought, not always is the classic counterpart of a flawed view indeed the correct one.
When you went toy shopping in the era before Jewish toys were being produced, the selection was limited to Mickey Mouse, Barbie Doll, and Superman. But there were one or two kosher options; Donald Duck of course, and Thomas the Tank Engine.
A few months ago, I was witness to a conversation that ensued after Shacharis in the shul I daven in.
November 7, 2019