Spring 2012(5772) 5772

I am often asked by talmidim on Sunday morning, “Rebbi, how was your Shabbos?”

Many years ago, I heard a story about Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, who was famous for taking advantage of every opportunity to represent the Jewish people to the Almighty in a positive light. I don’t recall the source of the story, and I do not presume to vouch for its veracity.

  MISCONCEPTION: According to ancient tradition, Eliyahu HaNavi makes a furtive appearance at every Pesach Seder. FACT: There is no classical (Talmudic or midrashic) source stating that Eliyahu pays a visit to the Seder every year. Most sources refer only to an eschatological appearance at the End of Days, that is, Eliyahu’s arrival to announce […]

Tired of potatoes? Preparing side dishes for Passover can be somewhat of a challenge. No pasta or rice, no bulgur, couscous or kasha, no beans or legumes—no problem! If you’re hungry for new ideas and are looking for something different to serve for Passover this year as a side dish, there’s a whole world of […]

Q: With conflicting information about alcohol—it’s healthy, it’s harmful—I’m nervous about drinking the arba kosot on Seder night. Can you clarify whether it’s safe to drink and tell me how much is too much? A:  It’s no wonder you’re confused—alcohol really is a double-edged sword. Alcohol has been used safely for thousands of years; however, […]

I was dreaming . . . If only I had an opportunity to think, really just sit and think, without the pressing weight of obligations; If only I had the ability to put out of my mind, really empty it, of financial and business concerns; If only I could spend some time with my family […]

The Elephant in the Room: Torah, Wisdom & Inspiration for Life By Rabbi Ron Yitzchok Eisenman Mosaica Press, Inc., 2012 185 pages Reviewed by Yael Wedeck I’m finding it harder to be inspired in my forties than I did in my twenties. Somehow, exploring life’s endless possibilities and grappling with textual and philosophical questions has […]

Jewish Action posed a number of questions to leading rabbis and mental-health professionals about the various challenges facing the contemporary Orthodox family. Contributors were asked to select one or two questions of their choice to respond to. This accounts for the unevenness of the responses. Many of the contributors chose to answer the question on […]

Be Pro-active. Set up a schedule and plan ahead for the week and weekends so that the kids have time for supper and homework and still get to bed on time. Prepare clothes, lunch and snacks the night before so that the mornings will go smoothly. Teach your older children to do this for themselves. […]

The Best Is Yet to Be: Women Share Their Midlife Challenges and Triumphs Edited By Miriam Lieberman Targum Press Brooklyn, 2011 447 pages Reviewed by Sarah Shapiro It has often been said that people read in order not to feel alone, and I found myself initially skimming through this book’s chapters in search of situations […]