My wife’s grandfather, a Hasid who was trapped behind the Iron Curtain for decades before moving to Brooklyn, used to enjoy being asked who his rebbe was. After all, every good Hasid needs a rebbe. He would say that God is his rebbe, not any man. He answered to God and only God. That was

This post originally appeared in the Jewish Link of New Jersey. Some people see a split occurring within Modern Orthodox Judaism between those who adopt a more lenient religious interpretation and those who are stricter. I think they have it wrong. Yes, a split is happening, but it is not primarily about beliefs or stringency

This article originally appeared on Torahmusings.com.  New media and technology still fall under the classical rules of ethics. Their usage can and must be examined with an open mind but with a keen eye for propriety. Instagram is an image and video sharing service that allows users to post their own pictures and videos, view

The Jewish attitude to leisure is complex and reveals a fundamental divide over religion. The New York Times recently reported that a Chasidic camp had ceased sports activities. If taken at face value, the article implies that Judaism, or at least the Satmar version, forbids any leisure activity. Is this an accurate depiction of Jewish

The Jewish community seems constantly engaged in battle. Aside from the normal friction that is part of any group dynamic, we also experience prolonged and bitter ideological conflicts. The Left insults the Right, and vice versa. Some Orthodox groups denounce the Reform movement, and vice versa. One group rejects another kosher supervision and that group