In Jewish Action 70:3 (Spring 2010), 70-75, Rabbis Yaakov Luban and Eli Gersten write a wonderful article called “Curious about Kitniyot?” These authors reveal what it means to be Orthodox and modern for the institutional Orthodox Judaism that speaks for “Tradition” in a modern idiom. The authors write both precisely and lucidly, their “scientific” approach [...]

Who doesn’t love Wonder Bread? With its soft white center and melt-in-your-mouth crust, used in making everything from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to grilled cheese, its been a staple on American tables. And lately it’s received celeb endorsement too, making an appearance in Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” video. Advertised for the first time on May 21, [...]

Israel is being criticized for state terrorism, piracy, and murder by boarding Turkish boats and killing Palestinian “activists.”   The Insecurity Council meets and condemns Israel.  Israel is told that it has a right to defend itself. PM Benjamin Netanyahu notes that Israel is condemned for exercising that right. In an effort to cement relations with [...]

While Artscroll’s Shottenstein edition of Shas might be their most famous work, their siddurim and machazorim probably touch more people’s lives Formal study of Jewish liturgy is not common, but it is highly underrated. Our prayers are not only about communing with the Almighty; it is also a repository of normative beliefs and hashqafot . [...]

We had a visitor recently who was treated to a bunch of rabbis sitting around and discussing the burning issues of the day. At lunch time, we broke long enough to order in some lunch from one or another kosher take out place. Our visitor said, “I think the hardest thing must be [...]

We were strolling in the Garden of Kosher Nexi past, when what should appear before our eyes? A cute article from Vol 3, #6, Summer, 96. Take a look: SO WHAT’S IN A NAME, ANYWAY? From Lukas Confections, comes one of the all time great product names. You may never actually eat this product yourself, [...]

FROM: Tiberias Opening Today! By: KoshertopiaAdmin Koshertopia has confirmed that a new Cholov Yisrael Dairy restaurant, Tiberias, is set to open TODAY under the supervision of the OK. The new restaurant at 45 E. 34th St. (Manhattan) is the third kosher establishment on the block between Madison & Park Ave. Nestled between the Eden Wok & Mendy’s Restaurant, [...]

There are statements in Jewish writing that appear to be racist, and they rightly embarrass us. There are three views that the Orthodox Jew will hear but only one of those views is Jewishly Orthodox. Judaism is racist and rightly so. It is a sin to call rabbis racist, even if they in your not [...]

Shechita Banned In New Zealand New Zealand flag The days of a Jewish mother making the traditional chicken soup for the family Friday night Shabbat dinner have come to an end for New Zealanders. Henry Benjamin • Jwire.com.au The days of a Jewish mother making the [...]

Dine @ Talia’s 24 Hours on Saturday Nights (Ed note- this has to be one of the all time best press releases we have ever seen. Gotta love this one!!) Open 24 Hours on Saturday Nights To accommodate our customers, Talia’s will now be open 24 hours! Starting one hour after Shabbat through Sunday night, [...]

The Standard View of Orthodoxy The standard, popular self-presentation of Orthodox Judaism is that all Israel is bound by the laws and ideas of the Talmud. The Talmud and its official rabbis have to be accepted. The more strict, the more authentic, the more parochial, the more Orthodox. We are told that we are obliged [...]

MINTED WATERMELON POPSICLES 1 1/2 pounds seedless watermelon without the rind, cut into 1 inch cubes. (about 4 cups) 2 Tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup minced mint leaves 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest a pinch of salt In a blender, puree the watermelon with the sugar until smooth. Stir in the mint, grated lemon zest and salt. Pour the puree [...]

OK let’s start with Acharei Mot What does “v’lo yamut” imply? Here’s my p’shat: Coming into the proximity of the Qodshei Qodshim – requires protection . For Aharon – that meant a proper Q’toret – while an improper Qktoret – even b’shogeig – could have left the Kohen Gadol without his “radiation suit” and thereby [...]

This new product is organic certified and kosher certified. The kosher certification is by the Heart K. Flavors: Hibiscus, Lemonade, Mango and Raspberry. Even the container is recyclable cardboard! The product is made with potassium rich organic coconut, sweetened with organic fruit juice concentrate. It contains no fat, no cholesterol, no dairy [...]

Well I’m not REALLY sure that this explanation is so novel at all – after all it does stem from the Rambam – More than 800 years ago! But it seems quite NOVEL to me so I’m sharing it with a wider audience. I had volunteered to study Masechet Niddah in memory of: “Yitzchak ben Yerachmiel” And [...]

FROM KOSHER TODAY, MAY 24, 2010 US Food Chains Ignore Americans; Sources Say Tel Aviv…The closure of the Burger King franchise in Israel left many Americans living in Israel wondering if the chain did its marketing homework. Burger King joined Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and Wendy’s as failed franchises in Israel. The reason given for the closure is [...]

On Shabbat, some of us were sitting around and the discussion turned to the custom of eating dairy on Shavuot. One person insisted that we should only eat dairy on Shavuot. Another said, it was only a custom and not halacha (Jewish law). One person said that he eats dairy right after [...]

The Mashal: Star Date: 11-2008 African American Barak Obama is chosen freely as President over fierce competition with Hilary Clinton and John McCain… Since Barak was shown few favors – except maybe for a fawning press – little backlash was experienced. Barak has either been embraced or grudgingly accepted. Parallel Universe: (prime = ‘) Parallel [...]

CUMIN SPICED BURGER WITH HARISSA MAYO 3 pounds chopped meat (chuck is best) Kosher salt freshly ground pepper 1/4 cup plus two teaspoons of harissa 2 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 red onion sliced 1/4 inch thick 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 cup mayo 1 teaspoon caraway seeds tomato and cucumber slices Buns! In a large bowl, mix [...]

Topics: the social Orthodox challenge to the Orthodox covenantal canon the similarities between social Orthodoxy to Musssolini’s political strategy the canonical Orthodox alternative to social Orthodoxy’s implicit theology comparative spiritualities —————————————————— The social Orthodox challenge to the Orthodox covenantal canon On the Orthodox street, be it 13 th Avenue of Boro Park, in the holy city of Brooklyn, MY, Routes 69 and [...]