Will the Real New Year Please Stand Up?

A Modest ProposalI would like to submit a suggestion for your review. I propose that we change the date of secular New Year’s Day from January 1st to July 1st. After all, July offers warm, sunny weather rather than blizzard conditions. Parades and parties will...

The Mysterious Power of Selihot

The Source of SelihotThe chanting of Selihot, or prayers for forgiveness, is an essential feature of the High Holiday experience. In Sephardic communities, Selihot are said beginning from the second day of the Hebrew Month of Elul. Because we are already two weeks...

Shofetim – Kohanim in Strange Places

This week’s Parasha, Shofetim, discusses several mitsvot that pertain to the structure of Jewish society and government in the land of Israel. Included in this category are laws related to judges, jurisprudence and the authority of the courts, the monarchy,...

The Authenticity of the Bible

Nowadays, many people question the value of studying the Bible in depth. Therefore, I thought it would be wise to open this blog with a few words on the authenticity of the Biblical tradition and its significance.Before I begin, let me comment on what I will not do. I...
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