My Neighbors Were Murdered… The Fogels of Itamar

We were nearing the end of our Shabbat meal, this past Friday night. Filled with the warmth of the pleasant family atmosphere, our younger children are preparing for bed. Binah, who recently became bat-mitzvah, asks for permission to go to her friend’s house for a Shabbat gathering.

Op-Ed: Abuse isnt just Dirty Laundry

The argument that publicity will give the community a “bad name” and “why air our dirty laundry in public?” does not supersede the obligation to protect the innocent from being hurt. Of course we all agree that our essential concern should be protecting our children and families, not our perceived reputation.

Op-Ed: Far Reaching Ripple Effects

Ripple effects do exist. We don’t usually realize it, but we affect our own life and the lives of the people we encounter on a daily basis. There are many small things that we do or see, and they make a difference in our lives. Sometimes those things are in our control, and at other times they are not. Most of the time we cannot see the results, since it takes so long for the results to be yielded, but seldom are there times that do we see an outcome.

Op-Ed: Where were the Leaders?

Mrs. Lapine was stabbed to death “al kedush Hashem.” The Rebbe was broken and devastated. But, 19 years later, few leaders showed up to give her honor.

On Trauma

Why are good times so fleeting? They come suddenly as though borne on a wind and just as quickly vanish into the clouds of memory. Their mark on our lives is minimal and their aftereffects almost unintelligible amidst the clutter of our biographies.

Dating With Dignity: The Case for Religious Dating in a Modern World

We are living in modern times—not ancient times. This is true. In ancient times we had camels and tents, in modern times we have cars and houses. Out with the old, and in with the new. So if we drive the cars, live in the houses, carry the cell phones, and throw the clothes in the washing machine, should there be any thought about dating by religious principles (otherwise viewed as out dated, old fashioned, and ancient) ? That wouldn’t seem to make sense. We do after all live in modern times….or don’t we?

If we are to date differently because of modern times then shouldn’t we have developed entirely different emotions and feelings than our past ancestors? Shouldn’t our body and soul respond differently to relationships if we are behaving differently because we are modern? Shouldn’t we experience less pain and disappointments? After all, if we are going to be different in the way we date and marry, and not practice religious or traditional practices then shouldn’t we be doing this because we are benefiting in our relationships and as individuals?

Op-Ed: “Zaki, Do The Job We Elected You To Do”

From the Inbox: While I acknowledge that you are the person who was elected to lead all issues in the community, being a resident here for over 50 years there are a few things that I believe, and it is obvious that it needs to be brought to your attention.

Op-Ed: Business or Shlichus: World or Worlds?

The time is 1:35 AM. And I sit here with a renewed sense of passion. It’s not manic enthusiasm, but rather an more introspective, in depth, even auspicious sense of understanding. There is lust, and then there’s love. Lust is fleeting. It comes as a flood of impulse and emotion, but soon withers into oblivion, or worse, mediocrity. No. What I am experiencing in this moment is more than just a fleeting passion. It’s a feeling of intimidation and admiration mixed with immense pride and responsibility. A connection to something that surpasses any pain, overpowers any objection, which disables any doubt. It’s a love for more than financial gain, physical pleasure, or spiritual bliss. It’s a love… for life. True life.

So what is Shlichus? A mission? A way of life? A chance to conquer a city?

Op-Ed: Correcting the Mumbai Mess

Chabad is good at many things. But accepting criticism is not one of them. Every column I publish praising Chabad is met with thousands of comments expressing mostly adulation. But offer a word of criticism and thousands of condemnatory posts ensue. No doubt this column will be greeted with the same. But when the New York Times publishes a major news item, the day before the second secular anniversary of the tragic murders in Mumbai, exposing a public and legal battle between Chabad and the Holtzberg family over Nariman house and the monies collected on behalf of Chabad of Mumbai, a wakeup is in order.