Dear Friends, On Erev Shavuos, 5783, the White House released its 60-page National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. Note that this is not the “National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, Islamophobia, Anti-Asian Hate, and More”. In a political and social environment where any discussion of antisemitism is often absorbed within a rubric that includes every other kind […]

Today is Lag B’Omer, a joyous day in the Jewish calendar. While on days like this many omit the daily recitation of the twentieth Psalm which asks G-d to respond to us at a time of distress, today we ought to say it with extra fervor. Our sincere prayers are with the members of TZAHAL, […]

Jewish identity is steeped not as much in history as in collective memory. Just two weeks ago at the seder, we recited (and hopefully felt): בכל דור ודור, חייב אדם לראות את עצמו כאלו הוא יצה ממצרים. In every generation, we are obliged to see ourselves as if we left Mitzrayim. What an astounding concept!  […]

Behaaloscha Answers: View the parsha questions Answers to Warm-up Questions: From the Parsha 1. The Leviim, in the process of them becoming purified to be able to do their avoda. (8:7) 2. Miriam, who had tzarass. (12:10) Pesach Sheni. The people who were tamei said “Lama Nigara” (why should we lose out on the  mitzva of Korban Pesach) […]

 לך כנוס את כל היהודים  “Go and gather together all of the Jewish people.” (Megillat Esther 4:16)  Queen Esther brought on the miracle of Purim by calling upon the Jewish people to overcome their differences and come together to fast and pray to G-d for their future. That call needs to be repeated as we […]