On Rabbi Yosef Mizrachi’s Form of “Kiruv”
Rabbi Yosef Mizrachi has voiced many things that reduce complex issues to simplistic and misleading sound bites. Misleading assertions, even when offered with the best of intentions, are dangerous.
Harassment, Hijabs and Hoaxes
Widespread reports over the weeks since Election Day of harassment and hateful graffiti aimed at minorities reminded me of something the legendary Agudath Israel of America leader Rabbi Moshe Sherer, z”l, taught me, the...
Rabbi Norman Lamm and Henry Ford: A Tribute to One of Rabbi Lamm’s Hidden Accomplishments as He Enters his Ninth Decade
Rabbi Michael J. Broyde Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm celebrated his eighty-ninth birthday in December, 2016 and it is worth reflecting on a unacknowledged contribution of Rabbi Lamm to Jewish life in America. Of course,...
School Choice: Response to a Forward Editor
An article of mine responding to Forward contributing editor Jay Michaelson’s lament over the appointment of Betsy DeVos as the nation’s next Secretary of Education appears in that paper, accessible here.
One Woman’s Agudah Convention Takeaway
Like many others who have forwarded this Facebook post to friends, it was love at first sight. For those who are not FB friends of Suri Weinstock of Passaic, here is a refreshing look...
The Boys Who Cried “Anti-Semite!”
The sobbing of some political liberals, including, of course, many Jews, that ensued after the presidential election results were tallied has turned into wild wailing with the appointment of Stephen Bannon as senior counselor...
A Quick Test For the Anti-Semitism Virus
Fail this test, and you are an anti-Semite. No ands, ifs, or buts. It’s important to realize that there are people who oppose many of Israel’s policies and activities who are not anti-Semites. (Lots...
The Hypocrisy Needs to Stop
As Jews, we are charged to appreciate and respect the government, and to pray for its welfare. Chazal tell us that Yosef Ha-Tzaddik and Moshe Rabbeinu accorded respect to Pharaoh, as such is proper...
A Glimmer of Light in a Dark Campaign
Well, we’ve all had sufficient time by now to recover from the year-and-a-half-long national convulsion that passed for a presidential campaign. Might there be something positive to point to in an experience most of...
We Religious Jews Must Not Have a Right Wing
Rav Samson R. Hirsch Was Right: We Religious Jews Must Not Have a Right Wing If a teacher or staff member had been accused of the behavior toward women that Donald Trump has been...