by Leonard Grunstein The fifteenth day of the Hebrew month of Av (Tu B’Av) and Yom Kippur are referred to in the Mishna,[1]Mishna Ta’anit 4:8. Talmud[2]JT Ta’anit 4:7, at page 26a (pages 23a-b of the Zhitomer ed.) and BT Ta’anit 30b. and Midrash[3]Eicha Rabbah Petchta 33. as one of the most joyous days of the year. As we understand why ...

by Leonard Grunstein Nachshon ben Aminadav was a hero, esteemed individual and Leader (Nasi) of the Tribe of Judah. He is renowned for his courage and faith in being the first to jump into the deep waters of the Red Sea, before they were miraculously parted. He was also profoundly human, as discussed below.  It is shocking to recognize that ...