A Different Chareidi Perspective From Beit Shemesh
As we promised, here is a different POV on the electoral upset in the Beit Shemesh mayoral race, a rebuttal to the earlier letter. by Yoni Samber My story has some similarities to David...
Author: Special to Cross-Currents
A Letter from Beit Shemesh
Every 5 years, the residents of a city have the choice to decide in which direction they want the city to head by voting for a mayor and a local political party. What is important to you influences you decision when you go to the polls.
Is Barkan Wine Kosher?
by Rabbi Yaakov Hoffman The allegations of racism at Barkan winery have been put to rest, but one question remains: Was there actually a problem with the kashrut of Barkan products? The answer depends...
Same Sex Marriage – A Debate For Our Times
One of the most impactful pieces I recall from the years of The Jewish Observer was a debate between two contributors. (One was Rabbi Bernard Weinberger, z”l, who was niftar just a short while...
Racism or Halakha? An Analysis of the Barkan Controversy
The Eidah would have requested the same of any employee, regardless of skin color, whose Jewish status required further investigation in the view of its rabbis. Conversely, if an Ethiopian converted with the rabbinical court of the Eidah Ha-Hareidit, the Badatz would have absolutely no hesitation whatsoever about his or her handling wine.
Faith, the Final Frontier
by Brian Keating As a professor of astrophysics, you might be shocked to learn I don’t believe in the law of gravity. I don’t believe in black holes either. I don’t even believe that...
On the Hundredth Yahrtzeit of Reb Chaim Brisker- From Rebbe to Talmid: Intellect and Ayin Tova.
by Reuven Ungar The Torah is passed on from rebbe to talmid, from generation to generation. Chachmei HaMesorah, ma’atikei ha-shemua are charged with this task. This summer will mark the 100th yahrtzeit of Rav...
Queen Esther: How to be a Strong Jewish Woman in a Man’s World
by Dovid Kornreich Many years ago, after it finally dawned on me that there are some quite disturbing adult themes hidden between the lines of the first couple of chapters of the Scroll of...
Appreciating the “Simple” Jews: A Tale of Two Weddings
by Rabbi Asher Brander A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending two Yerushalayim weddings. I did not actually dance at both of them— the Yerushalayim traffic made sure that I uphold the...
Style vs. Substance and The Trump Effect
By Alexandra Fleksher Does America really want another celebrity president? Yes, as long as it is Oprah. Oprah Winfrey is as beloved as they get as a role model and source of guidance to...
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