From Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaacov Amidror Calculated risks versus unnecessary ones. A level-headed perspective on Israeli decision makers’ choices in Gaza. Over the past few weeks, some have argued that Israel should have launched Operation Protective Edge sooner, and that it should have taken the initiative before Hamas’ tunnels became an actual threat. Others have … Read more
by Chanan Morrison As a condition for inheriting the Land of Israel, the Torah demands that all forms of idolatry be destroyed: “You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations whom you are driving out worship their gods…. You must tear down their altars, break up their sacred pillars, burn their Asheirah trees, … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Rabbi Akiva’s Martyrdom When the Romans decreed that teaching Torah is a crime punishable by death, RABBI AKIVA’s reaction was not surprising. The great scholar, who had supported Bar Kochba in his revolt against Rome, gathered people together and gave public Torah lectures. It was not long before Rabbi Akiva was … Read more
by Captain Netanel Amitai I spent three days in Gaza and was released to bury a close friend who was killed in action. The following text was emailed to Congregation Beit Torah in Westchester, NY. My name is Netanel Amitai, I served in the IDF for 7 years, my last position being a company commander … Read more
by Tom Gross BBC is at it again. Some 5,000 rowdy demonstrators chanting anti-Israeli (and in some cases blatantly anti-Semitic) slogans, brought traffic to a virtual standstill outside the BBC’s central London headquarters in Portland Place last week. They were protesting what they claim (to the surprise of many) to be the BBC’s pro-Israel bias. … Read more
From Rabbi Nachman Kahana This week’s Torah words are dedicated to our soldiers. Israel is again at war against Amalek. I dedicate this week’s divrei Torah to our holy soldiers of Tzahal (IDF), from privates to major generals, from regular army of 18 year olds to reserve soldiers of over 50 years old. Qualifications for … Read more
By Yaakov Levi Murdered Arab Youth’s Parents ‘Gave Contradicting Statements’ Doubts raised over allegations Mohammed Khader killed by Jews in ‘revenge’ attack; father said ‘Arabs’ tried to kidnap younger son earlier. In a little-noticed report on Channel Two Wednesday night, analyst and reporter Moshe Nussbaum presented information which could upend the police inquiry into the … Read more
Rabbi Chanan Morisson What is the meaning of God’s instruction to Moses to speak to the rock? Can rocks hear us? The short answer is — yes! Nature and all of its laws are listening. They listen for the call of redemption. They yearn for the redemptive light that preceded the creation of the universe. … Read more
