Articles

The Sin of the Spies.  Shortly after exiting Egypt and receiving the Torah, Moses sent spies to Israel in advance of the intended return to the land of Israel. Unfortunately, the spies brought back a “slanderous report” and convinced the people that they could not prevail in a war against the current inhabitants. The people Read More

As the Talmud tells us, when (the Jewish month of) Adar arrives, joy is increased, and when the month of Av arrives, joy is diminished, (Tractate Tanit 26). Adar, highlighted by the stunning reversal of fortunes in the times of Queen Esther, has been a time in which good things have happened. The month of Read More

“The Three Weeks”, refers to the three-week period that is the most challenging time of the Jewish year.  During this time, shocking tragedies and misfortunes have befallen the Jewish people.  The Three Weeks run from the 17th of Tammuz through the 9th of Av on the Jewish calendar, and fall in July or August on Read More

The 17th of Tammuz is the first day of “The Three Weeks”, the annual period of Jewish mourning. The 17th of Tammuz is a fast day, (pre-dawn until after dark, as opposed to Tisha B’Av which is a little more than 24 hours). As is always the case, drinking is prohibited as well. In the Read More

Q: Why can’t Israel show restraint, and not bomb Gaza? Especially when they have the Iron Dome to intercept most rockets? Imagine you were sitting in your home with your children, and someone would begin shooting bullets into your home, killing one of your children, wounding another one, and murdering an 85-year-old Holocaust survivor. Do Read More

Cremation has become very popular. The perception that cremation is “quick and clean,” ecofriendly, and less expensive than a burial has led to more cremations than ever. The perception is that the choice between cremation and burial is religiously neutral. These perceptions are largely inaccurate. The cremation process entails burning the body for two hours Read More

We would like to extend condolences to the Sacks family. We at Simply Jewish feel the loss of Rabbi Sacks on a personal level, greatly appreciating his gracious consent to post various articles and videos, He will be greatly missed . Video: Science vs Religion For more great articles and videos visit rabbisacks.org 

  Written by Rabbi Tzvi Sytner This past Sunday I had the honor of officiating at three unveilings in one day. At the first one I listened intently as several grandchildren described how loving their bubbie was at the second one, a son expressed wanting to always remember his father by his smiles and laughter Read More