Dear Rabbi, I was wondering how the Jewish, and especially chassidic, mystical teachings would regard marijuana as a way of getting closer to G‑d. Of course, there is the obvious fact that marijuana is against the law. But there are obviously some exceptions to what can be done for spiritual purposes that normally would be against the law. Answer: Before […]

Dear Rabbi, I have been having nightmares for years, sometimes in batches several days together, about myself, various friends and relatives. They are never true, yet they have greatly tortured and complicated my life. They make me scared, and many times have paralyzed me to inaction. I would greatly appreciate if you can provide a perspective, or can refer me […]

A sumptuous, four-course banquet was enjoyed by the whole family Shavuot eve with the Chabad House community. Following was a thought-provoking talk by Rabbi Sholom Osdoba on the custom of eating milky foods on the Holiday. Attendees were given the chance to fully understand the reasons for some of the more unusual customs of this inspirational holiday. Shavuot day, the […]

After last year’s warmly received “address” to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, we present the most recent offering by the Rabbi – a special “address” to the Knesset in Jerusalem – in which he shares a vitally important message to the country’s lawmakers.

It was a remarkable – if not miraculous landing. A Polish airplane whose landing gear had refused to open and was thus forced to land on its belly with no wheels. A hair-raising and incredibly dangerous thing to attempt – everyone was expecting the worst. Nevertheless the plane’s captain Tadeusz Wrona (an expert glider) managed to pull it off and […]

The General Assembly of the United Nations in New York was one of the most talked about in recent years as the Palestinian Authority attempted to receive statehood recognition. Speaking there was President Barack Obama in a speech widely hailed as his most pro Israel rhetoric. “Israel, a small country of less than eight million people, look out at a […]

Shalom Uvrocha. It is indeed true, I admit it! I never do anything the normal way… it always has to be that little bit different, more interesting perhaps, make life that little bit more exciting. So, when after 5 months of hiding my illness and chemotherapy I decided to “come out of the closet” with it, rest assured I didn’t just come […]

(Based on the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe) The Middle Eastern Conflict has proved one of the most intractable in modern times. For over 100 years there has been so much disinformation and dishonesty promoted by the Arab world and marketed by most of the world’s media that so many people – including many Jews – have lost sight of […]

When it comes to conversion issues in Judaism it is important to bear in mind that Judaism does not solicit converts. The reason for this is that in Judaism, (unlike in other religions) non Jews (‘Gentiles’) do not need to convert in order to receive “salvation.” Whoever keeps the Noachide Code – the Seven Commands of Noah (see below) is […]

From King David’s lilting harp to the rapturous music of the Biblical Prophets, from the joyous singing and instrumentals of the Levites in the holy Temple to the ecstatic Hassidic “nigunim” (melodies) – music has always been at the forefront of Jewish living. But what of todays “popular music?” Can Jews listen and enjoy such music? Why not, I hear […]