Blogs

Read up on everything you need to know about traveling kosher, from the most amazing destinations to travel essentials.

From the Caverns of Qumran: The Story the Dead Sea Scrolls

There are large swathes of history that have been lost, either through the passage of time or the intentional destruction of human hands. Despite the toll of the ages, there still remains fragments of Jewish heritage that survive through the centuries, to be rescued...

Parsha Summary: Mishpatim – Shekalim – Shabbat Rosh Chodesh

Blog, Jewish History, Parsha Sheet by Rabbi Weiss

Article by: RABBI STEWART WEISS Mishpatim deals primarily with social & civil laws, although we know every Mitzva draws its power & purpose from G-d’s will. Included in our Sedra's 53 Mitzvot are: laws dealing with the indentured bondsman & his rights,...

The Glass Mechitza

Blog, Jewish History, Parsha Sheet by Rabbi Weiss

Article by: RABBI STEWART WEISS ”The hidden things belong to the Lord your God” (Deut. 29:28) Each one of us has his or her own secrets, but there are no secrets from the all-knowing God. Periodically, the Almighty, in His wisdom, chooses to reveal to the world at...

Who Says Havdala, And On What?

Blog, Jewish History, Parsha Sheet by Rabbi Weiss

Article by: RABBI STEWART WEISS Following Shabbat, we recite Havdala, which includes 3 brachot: On wine or grape juice (reciting Borei Pri HaGafen); on spices, such as cloves or cinnamon (reciting Borei Minai B'Samim); and on a multi-wicked candle (reciting Borei...

Words of Holy Fire: The Life and Works of Kalonymus Kalmish Shapira

Blog, Jewish History

Exploring history can be a complicated experience. On one hand, you can rediscover the rich art and culture of your ancestors, which is what we do on our Jewish cruises. On the other hand, exploring the past includes exploring the hardships and tragedies of earlier...

Does Jewish Law Permit Owning Statues?

Blog, Jewish History, Parsha Sheet by Rabbi Weiss

The 2nd of the 10 Commandments has to do with creating artwork, idols, or icons that represent living beings or celestial objects. The Pasuk says: You shall have no other gods beside Me. You shall not make for yourself a sculptured image, or any likeness of what is in...