Why Jews Should Look to Germany for Inspiration This Rosh Hashanah
The transformation of a nation from last century's murderous aggressors to this century's kind saviors of refugees gives us hope that change is possible.
Rabbi Eliyahu Fink
Rabbi Eliyahu Fink is the rabbi at the Pacific Jewish Center in Venice, CA
Exodus: Gods and Kings Is a Terrible Movie - but You Should See It Anyway
When God is an annoying child, Moses is a boring dud, and Pharaoh seems awesome - you know you've got a huge problem.
Rabbis, Scandal, Voyeurism - and Protecting Converts to Judaism From Abuse
Converts are at the mercy of their sponsoring rabbi and at a vulnerable time in their lives. We are all responsible for ensuring they are not exploited.
Repentance and Forgiveness in the Age of YouTube
A video or photo only shows us one moment that has been recorded and displayed for us to see. But a person is not defined by a moment in time or a series of events.
Orthodox Jews - and All Jews - Owe President Obama a Big 'Thank You'
The people of Israel and world Jewry should be thanking Obama, not slandering him with rank speculation and dismissive cynicism.
What Do We Tell Our Kids About the West Bank Kidnap? What Do We Tell Ourselves?
After our worst fears are confirmed about the fate of Gilad, Naftali, and Eyal, overcoming the sadness - and continuing to believe - is an ongoing struggle.
Three Empty Chairs: Remember Naftali, Gilad and Eyal This Shabbat
I invite others around the world to join us in a gesture of solidarity and make a place for Israel's three missing young men.
Hashtags Are the 21st-century Digital Yellow Ribbons
Would it be socially acceptable to knock on the doors of those who tied a yellow ribbon around a tree in their yard and ask them if they were actually accomplishing anything? No - so lay off the hashtaggers.
Mass Shootings and U.S. Politeness: Does 'Minding Your Own Business' Have Deadly Consequences?
The explanation behind U.S. shooting attacks may have more to do with the lost sense of community than with guns per capita.
What Maya Angelou Had to Teach the Orthodox Jewish Community
If some of us do not feel comfortable within the context of Orthodoxy, those feelings matter more than any intellectual attachment we have to our traditions.
The Ugly Truth Behind Donald Sterling's Racist Comments
The L.A. Clippers' Jewish owner used an inelegant choice of words when justifying his racist remarks by saying blacks are treated like dogs in Israel, but he wasn't as far off the mark as we would like to believe.
Passover - a Jewish Holiday of Unity in Diversity
No two seders are alike. Even among people who are of nearly identical in ethnicity and level of observance, seders are particularly individualistic. Like a religious fingerprint, every seder has its own flavor and identity.
Noah: A Very Jewish Retelling of the Story
To criticize the film for taking a few plot liberties is to miss its superb message of morality.
The Doomed Malaysian Flight, Serendipity and Divine Providence
Let's thank God when the universe is good to us – because there are some things that will always be unknowable.
What Judaism Has to Say About Gwyneth Paltrow's 'Conscious Uncoupling'
For better and sometimes for worse, Jewish marriage is forever; is that too much to ask these days?
A Jewish Lesson From the Malaysia Flight Tragedy
It would be a dangerous mistake to say that a Jew was saved from disaster after deciding not to fly on Sabbath - no matter how the story goes.
Whether Woody Allen Is Guilty or Not, We Must Let Dylan Farrow Be Heard
Silencing sex abuse accusers for fear they are lying sends a message to all victims that they too should keep quiet.
Is the Selfie Narcissism at Its Finest?
Those who think it's simply navel-gazing don't get the role of social media in modern communication.
Is Zumba Kosher?
Rabbis out, individual in: Decide for yourself.
Not Ironic, but Natural: The Meanings of Jewish Holidays Are Ever Evolving
If today’s Hanukkah message can be transformed into a more unifying and inspirational day for more Jews, so be it.
They Aren’t anti-Semites, Just Plain Old Bigots
The ADL - and Jews in general - should be careful about what they call ‘anti-Semitism.’
Those Who Pray Together Stay Together
Separate prayer services for youth inherently omit the best resources for religious instruction and inspiration: parents and senior clergy.
Rabbis Who Beat Men Into Divorcing Their Wives: Villains or Heroes?
What really stings about rabbis and 'get gangs’ is the story of the agunot who hired them. And that their actions have precedent in Jewish law.
Controversial Circumcisions
Rather than battle the New York City Council, Hasidic communities should embrace informed consent for a controversial circumcision practice.