by R. Gil Student Why do we observe the commandments? In the past, we have discussed what motivates us. I’d like to explore one view on what the mitzvos are intended to accomplish. I. The Convert’s Summary The starting point has to be that God does not need our observance. He is perfect without any needs. The mitzvos must be ...

• Suddenly everyone is Yeshivish when it fits their politics? – Should Jews Pray for the Israeli Government? • S Pruzansky – Deep concerns about American Jewish leadership • Do not boycott potato kugel – Who Moved My Potato Kugel? • The Strange Religious Afterlife of “Groundhog Day”

• Abusing Religious Freedom for Abortion Access • Conservative synagogue hires Israelite clergy

• Some sort of data on shidduchim – The Truth Behind the Numbers • R R Apple – Does Judaism have any list of banned books? • ‘The Temple Mount is ours,’ says Western Wall rabbi • Anything can sound sinister if you try hard enough, even trying to preserve minimal educational standards – Netanyahu ally wants to stop Diaspora donors from ...

• Fiftieth Volume of Encyclopedia Talmudit Dedicated in Honor of Rav Schachter • YU Satmar Shabbaton: Lessons From My Shabbos in Kiryas Joel • Is lab-grown steak kosher? Religious leaders weigh the sensitive question • Rabbi Yoni Rosensweig looks to remove stigma of mental health, one ruling at a time

by R. Gil Student I. Buying a Church Judaism demands that its adherents separate from other religions, both physically and spiritually. Our study of other religions, and the attention to which we pay them, is highly limited by the verse, “Do not turn to the idols” (Lev. 19:4; Mishneh Torah, Hilkhos Avodah Zarah 2:2). In general, we are taught to ...

• M Helfand – A new case before the Supreme Court could make Shabbat observance easier • Transgender school scandal: School orders boys back to class alongside ‘trans-boy’ • EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Columbia Professor Blasts YAFFED and NYSED for Using Fake Data to Attack Yeshivas – ‘Grossly Deceptive’

• A Schick defending YU in Mishpacha – The Best of Times, the Worst of Times • Israel’s Rabbanut Joins In Call For Tefillos For Rain: “Each Eidah In Its Own Nusach” • Eyeing their community’s rightward shift, left-wing religious Jews form new movement • Minority of parents emphasize passing on their faith to children

• Trying to fix the broken Shidduch system – Splitting Seas, Drying Tears • Orthodox rabbinic group slams lawsuit by ‘woke’ rabbis claiming abortion is a ‘Jewish value’ • Ultra-Orthodox media manager who markets IDF to observant Jewish teens

• STUDY: Wearing Tefillin Can Protect Heart Health • R M Soloveichik on the Temple Mount – Moshe Dayan’s Tragic Blunder