The term “Kodesh Kodashim” appears in the Torah 18 times – twice in Parshat Ki Tisa. However, not one of these times does it refer to the Holy of Holies, the section of the Mishkan/Tabernacle which houses the Aron/Ark. more

As I sit at my computer to write this week’s column, my usual, “OMG I’m never going to get it in under the deadline,” is tinged with a bit of melancholy. My good friend Karen Cohen Green, is moving on from her position as publisher and editor of The Jewish Star. I’m going to miss her. more

Purim is now behind us and the next time we are going to witness a full moon is exactly one month from now, Pesach. With that exciting thought in mind, I was taken by an essay written by Dr. Adele Berlin in her work, “The JPS Commentary: Esther” [The Jewish Publication Society, 2001] wherein she details the thematic and historical link between the Exodus and the Book of Esther. more

Dear Editor: Has anyone taken a close look at the traffic plans for the mega medical center being planned in Woodmere? The details are shocking. This mega-medical center would pack hundreds of additional cars onto Peninsula and Branch boulevards, and on Rockaway Boulevard, while creating maddening traffic gridlock. Cars would be forced onto residential streets throughout our community for as long as this proposed regional medical center would plague our community. more

Last week, the Weekly Standard reported that Al Sharpton met with the president to give advice on the economy: Barack Obama met with Al Sharpton and other “African American leaders” to discuss the president’s “plan to strengthen the economy for the middle class and continue to build ladders of opportunity for those striving to get there,” according to the White House. This is not the first time the MSNBC host has met with/given advice to the president, but the question becomes why? more

Those of you who enjoyed the best of variety show television in the 1970s will surely recall Carole Burnett’s famous ear tug as she concluded each show. The signal of affection to her beloved aunt who was part of the viewing audience was accompanied by the melodic “I’m so glad we had this time together.” As I go to print today, I find this tune to be an apropos expression of my sentiments. This will be my last issue as Publisher and Editor of The Jewish Star. more

Anyone following politics in Israel over the past few months, and especially the campaigns for Knesset mandates, saw the true face of Israel’s complicated internal predicament. To those outside of Israel’s daily life, its story is one of existentialism because of an ever-looming threat from seemingly trigger-happy neighbors. more

This week’s portion, Tetzaveh, opens with a particular mitzvah which seems at first glance to be rather out of place: Hashem tells Moshe: “Ve’Atah Te’tzaveh Et B’nei Yisrael, Ve’Yikchu’ Eilecha’ Shemen Zayit Zach- Katit La’Ma’or – Le’Ha’alot Ner Tamid.” “And you shall command the children of Israel, and they shall take to youpure olive oil which was crushed for the light, to raise up a continuous [daily] flame” (Exodus 27:20) more

In a recent essay Rabbi Daniel Rose wrote the following that will serve as the keynote to this week’s essay: “These days of Purim,” the Book of Esther says, “should be remembered and celebrated.” On the Shabbos before Purim, we read about the Torah’s instructions that we never forget the cowardly attacks of Amalek, the primordial nemesis of the Jewish people. “Remember,”…..This Shabbat is called Shabbat Zachor – the Shabbat of remembering. more

I don’t care very much to compare women and men simply because I think the comparison isn’t fair. Human we all are, but other than the obvious physical differences, I believe that the natural differences that come from being different genders make comparisons ill-conceived. It’s almost like comparing a tennis player to a soccer player, wondering which is a better athlete. more