Can Acts of Pure Evil Be Forgiven with Repentance?

The ancient Israelite nation was founded and built by many great men of impeccable character, whose devotion to God and righteousness were imbued in every fiber of their being. There was Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron, to name but a few. However, only Jacob was given a second name by God himself, which was the name “Israel.” And the question arises, what was Jacob’s uniqueness among our forefathers that earned him this name? And what was it about his life and deeds that merited him to have this new name become the future appellation of the entire Israelite people?

Jews and Politics: UN Resolution on Iran Is Predictably Soft and Pathetically Meaningless

Inside the International Atomic Energy Agency headquarters in Vienna, diplomats from around the world tried to formulate a resolution to repudiate Iran for its suspicious nuclear intentions. Sitting around a long conference table in a spacious room were the leading diplomats of the west, including the US, Britain, France, Germany, and the diplomats of Russia and China.

Open Letter: Thank You Avremel!

The Kinus has always been the highlight of a Shliach’s year. It’s a time when we can connect, meet old chaveirim, and draw chayus for our shlichus. Even more than what we gain at the kinus, is the experience our children, the Yaldie Hashluchim, have.

Op-Ed: Chabad is Fighting for Religious Freedom

A man was biking through the countryside. As he approached a fork in the road, he saw that the road sign had been blown down. He could no longer tell which road would lead to his destination. Undaunted, he picked up the sign and looked for the part indicating his original destination. He was now able to discern the direction in which he needed to go.

Op-Ed: Why Are People Defending the Predators?

I am a victim of abuse. Well actually, I’m a survivor. I no longer consider myself a victim, as I am slowly breaking out of that lowly hell, and moving forward to a better place in life. I came forward a little while ago about the abuse I went through, and doing so was one of the biggest and most painful decisions I had made in my life. It was like pulling off the scab off an old wound that never healed properly.

Which Republican Would Be Best for Israel?

In a November 12th interview with The Algemeiner, ADL National Chairman Abraham Foxman declared that when it comes to positions on Israel, “with the exception of Ron Paul, there is not much difference between the parties.” I cannot imagine how he arrived at this conclusion, as in fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

Remembering the Terror Attack on Chabad in Mumbai

Three years ago this weekend, believers of two religions came face to face, with horrific results. It is remembered as the Mumbai Attacks. Over the course of four days, 10 terrorists from the Islamic group Lashkar-e-Taiba perpetrated coordinated attacks on 10 different locations across India’s financial capital. In addition to three hotels, a cinema, and a hospital for women and children, four of the terrorists traveled to the Nariman House, which served as the city’s Chabad Jewish community center.

Op-Ed: Chomsky, Friedman and the Politics of Protests

On Oct 24, I protested a visit to Yale University by noted journalist, Thomas Friedman. After his lecture, I stood in the corner of the Whitney Humanities Center and held a sign that asked the question: “With friends like Chomsky, Soros, Mearsheimer and Thomas Friedman, does Israel need enemies?”

Thanksgiving: Boruch Hashem!

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them —President John F. Kennedy

A few weeks ago, when I submitted my column to Malibu Patch editor Jonathan Friedman, I was asked if the B”H at the top of the page was part of the column. After I explained what it means, we decided to leave it to another time, when I could address its meaning and importance.

Op-Ed: Another 11th Grader Writes…

Hi, I’m an eleventh grader. Another eleventh grader wrote about how hard it is for girls in Crown Heights and other big Lubavitch schools to swim against the tide. One of the things that actually helps us teenagers create positive peer pressure is Achos Hatmimim (which deserves a whole article onto itself).

But what about the girls who don’t even have that??

Op-Ed Response: Chabad. Period.

Rabbi Shimon Raichik of Los Angeles recently wrote that he does not wish to enter directly into the “Chabad-Lite” issue, but simply to urge that we turn to the Rebbe for guidance. He quoted several passages from a published letter of the Rebbe, of which the following is representative:

Jews and Politics: Orthodox Jews Play Pivotal Role in GOP Candidates’ Pro-Israel Stance

Texas Governor Rick Perry, a contender for the Republican Presidential nomination, held a press conference at the W Hotel in midtown Manhattan a few months ago. It was a clear showing of his strong support for Israel, and criticism for what he believes are the failed and misguided policies of President Obama on Israel.

What Did the Rebbe Have to Say About ‘Chabad Lite’?

Recently there has been a public discussion taking place about Chabad standards. On one side of the discussion there are those that have taken a more lenient approach that is a direct challenge to what Chabad standards have been until now.