Coronavirus and Israel
Rav Gershon Edelstein (Arutz Sheva)I am happy to report that in order to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Israel has taken a variety of important measures. One of which is to...
View ArticleA State of Flux
Is it real or a fake!Things are in a state of flux right now. As time progresses, it seems like the situation is getting geometrically worse. The Chicago rabbinate of both the Chicago Rabbinical...
View ArticleThe Coronavirus Downward Spiral
Ramat Beit Shemesh Bet - image for illustration purposes only (VIN)Things are deteriorating rapidly. The stock market plunged an unbelievable 2250 points at the opening bell this morning. That is after...
View ArticleCalm Down!
Health workers in Spain (AP)I have coronavirus fatigue. (I’m sure a lot of us do.) There has been an information overload in the media about this disease, its rapid spread, and our inability to do much...
View ArticleUnity in a Time of Crisis
Boro Park in 2013 (Illustration taken from the Times of Israel)It’s impossible to change the subject. And to overstate the dangers. Changes are happening so rapidly that they cannot – must not - be...
View ArticleCounting Our Blessings
Professor Furstenberg on Hebrew University Campus (Jerusalem Post)I am blessed. This might seem like a strange time to feel that way. But this is how I feel. I have a loving wife, four loving children...
View ArticleUnprecedented!
COVID-19 test kit (YWN)Shabbos is about to be upon us. For most of the Orthodox world in this country this will be the first time we will not be going to Shul. Never in all my 73 years would I have...
View ArticleGiving Credit When it is Due
Israeli Health Minister, Rabbi Ya'akov Litzman (far right - Mishpacha)I had no idea that Israel’s Minister of Health was an American. Rabbi Ya’akov Litzman is a controversial individual and has had his...
View ArticleAn Inspirational Story for Our Troubled Times
Rabbi Samuel Jakob Rose examines the galleys of the Survivor Talmud (JA)I have not been reticent to criticize the Reform Movement. Their version of Judaism is mistaken on so many levels that it beggars...
View ArticleA Shift in Power
Union of Reform Judaism president, Rabbi Rick JacobsWe should be pleased at the outcome of the WZO elections, but we should not gloat. According to an article in the Jerusalem Post, Orthodox factions...
View ArticleCalling Out Irresponsible Behavior
Agudah of Illinois Dayan, R' Shmuel Fuerst condemns irresponsible behaviorI am kind of a news junkie. I read, listen, and watch the news frequently throughout the day. Including when I have my doughnut...
View ArticleOf Rabbis, Heroes, and Fools
Dr. Zev (Vladimir) Zelenko (VIN)Some people that ought to know better can be incredibly stupid and selfish. This exists everywhere – including right here in Chicago. There are people think that they...
View ArticleWhich God Are They Praying To?!
Stanislover Rebbe, R' Uri Ashkenazi (Wikipedia)It is really hard to stay sane these days. Every time I turn on the TV news, I can feel the panic rushing through my veins. COVID-19 cases are spiking....
View ArticleWill This Deadly Crisis Change Some Minds?
People gathered in prayer in Bnei Brak a few days ago (Jewish Press)If there is one positive development, from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that the idea of banning the internet has finally been laid...
View ArticlePredictions for after the Storm
A ‘Tipping Point’ for the Orthodox Community?By Paul ShavivCharedi Rabbonim - image for illustrative purposes only (Ha'aretz)I am once again pleased to host another thoughtful essay by renowned Jewish...
View ArticleWhy Charedim?
The funeral at Bnei Brak, March 28, 2020 (Ha'aretz)One of the sadder and more perplexing things about the COVID-19 pandemic is who it is affecting the most - and why.It appears that the more Charedi an...
View ArticleThanking and Blaming
The heroes of warIf we are at war then the warriors fighting on the front lines are the health professionals. That includes not only doctors and nurses. It includes EMTs, orderlies, hospital cleaning...
View ArticleOf Unity and Stupidity in Israel
Netanyhu and Gantz - President Rivlin in center (Times of Israel)Under normal circumstances it would have been major news that a unity government has been formed in Israel. Leadership will shared by...
View ArticleThe Big Blur
The new normal (Times of Israel)On this Erev Shabbos before Pesach (Erev Shabbos HaGadol) - as we are all going crazy in a world we don’t recognize anymore I want to recognize my daughter, Rivkie...
View ArticleStaying Safe but Sane Now - in the Era of the Internet
Eytan Kobre (screenshot)I cannot stress enough the importance of social interaction at a time like this. You read that correctly. I said social interaction. Not social distancing.Before anyone jumps...
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