Education secures victory. Describing one conclusion for Israel’s lackluster performance in the Second Lebanon War, Col. Roni Suleimani of the IDF Education and Youth Corps, said that religious programming makes the difference in motivating his soldiers to fight. “Many have questions why it is necessary to serve their country. Our mission is to strengthen the answers to these questions, which strengthens their fighting spirit,” Suleimani said. more

In a corner of its sizable Lawrence schoolyard, new play equipment beckon the students of Brandeis School, offering a connection to Israel and longtime supporters of the institution. “This shows the friendship between the families of Brandeis and the families in Israel,” said Brandeis School Rabbi Tomer Grossman. more

As a proud graduate of The Rabbi Jacob Joseph Schools, both elementary and high school, the Bunim name was always in our household. Their presence at many of our school functions was a part of the RJJ legacy and a living legacy to what was the “mama yeshiva’’ of America. more

Every time we consider a conversation between G-d and Moshe, the absurdity of the concept of Moshe "teaching" G-d something, becomes apparent. more

They reported to him and said, “We arrived at the Land to which you sent us, and it indeed flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. But- the people that dwells in the Land is powerful, the cities are fortified and very great and we saw there offspring of the giant….” (Bamidbar 13:27-28) more

Calendar for the week of June 17, 2011 more

Moment to reflect on obligations Two stones with writing a heavenly gift Meant for a population to do and listed Gift of an Almighty Liberator of his congregants more

Calendar for the week of June 10, 2011 more

Dear Aviva, I am very good friends with Rachel, who is very good friends with Tamara. Tamara and I don’t get along. We are all aware of the dynamic, and until now, we would be respectful towards each other. Recently Tamara has been making very biting comments to me. I never bite back, but I do tear up very often. I was wondering what you thought about me approaching Rachel and asking her to say something to Tamara. -Bawling Buddy more

As a food writer, I find myself attending a lot of food events in the city. The more of these events that you are present at the more you pick up on subtle nuances within the gathering like the curt professionalism of the wait staff or the diversity of vendors. These are the little things that set each event apart from the other making some extraordinary and some simply adequate. more