Revivim

Second Day of ‘Yom Tov’ in Israel Q: Rabbi, Shalom. In the Midrasha (women’s seminary) where I teach, there are a few girls from Chutz La-Aretz (outside of Israel) who do not have a place for Leyl ha’Seder (Passover evening festivities). Some of them don’t have a place for the rest of the Chag (holiday), either. According to what we have learned, they must … Read more

A New “Peninei Halacha” Book A number of people have encouraged me to address the importance of regulating Jewish family values in law, warn of the dangers of approving ‘brit ha’zugiut’ (civil marriage) in law, and to propose an alternative solution. However, since I am not na?ve enough to think the problem can be solved … Read more

The Mitzvah to Rejoice with Friends and the Needy The mitzvoth of Purim are defined in the Megillah as: “They should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending choice portions to one another, and gifts to the poor” (Esther 9:22). Seemingly, from thispasuk (verse), one could assume that these are separate mitzvoth – first, the mitzvah of simcha (joy), second, mishloach manot (sending choice portions), and third, matanot … Read more

מדיני תענית אסתר ופורים The Fast of Esther All Jews have a custom, originating in the Gaonic period (589-1038 C.E.), to fast on the thirteenth of Adar in commemoration of the fasts that Esther observed before approaching King Akhashverosh (Ahasuerus) to annul the decree (Esther 4:16) and the fast that the Jews observed on the thirteenth of Adar of … Read more

The New Knesset’s Mission Recently, calls for a review of the status-quo in regards to religious matters have been voiced. Indeed so! The time has come to deal with the issue of the Jewish character of the State of Israel, and to regulate the fundamental principles underlying the status-quo in legislation. Some people maintain that Israeli society is gradually … Read more

The Problem in ‘National Service’ As a result of my previous article concerning the public debate over army service, I received the following question: Q: I do not understand why the suggestion of ‘Sherut Leumi’ (National Service) cannot solve the problem? Since the Haredim and the Arabs have a conscientious problem serving in the army, … Read more

Disappointment The election results were disappointing, and left a feeling of a missed opportunity. The polls infused optimism that the ‘Bayit HaYehudi’ (Jewish Home) party would be larger, and we hoped that the ‘Likud-Beiteinu’ party would not lose as many seats. It is widely accepted that generally speaking, the majority of Israeli’s are right-wing. But … Read more

The Left’s Claim: Withdrawal for the Sake of Jewish Identity The main argument heard from the leftist Zionist’s justifying their parties’ political position is that Israel must withdraw from Judea and Samaria and establish a Palestinian state in order to preserve the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. In other words, by withdrawing, a clear Jewish … Read more

“Honorable Men” Three years ago, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, upon the recommendation of Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, decided to terminate the ‘Hesder’ program in Yeshiva Har Bracha. Thus, the Yeshiva became a ‘yeshiva gevoha’ (an advanced yeshiva), devoid of a means for the students to combine army service with their Torah studies. Why? Only … Read more

And Jacob’s Family Grew The household’s of Abraham and Isaac were plagued by numerous setbacks. Many painfully childless years passed before the Matriarchs Sarah and Rebecca bore children. The world was not yet ripe for welcoming Abraham’s offspring. Abundant prayer and spiritual refinement (“tikkunim”) would be necessary before the “gates were opened,” and Isaac and … Read more