Hi JITC- Is there prohibition with a Jewish person enjoying Christmas lights since it’s not our holiday? Thank you, Ben F. Dear Ben F.- Here’s the thing about Christmas lights: pretty much everyone likes them. They’re pretty and they’re only around for a brief time so we don’t get too used to them. Objectively speaking, […]

For the past eight days, Jews around the world have been publicizing the Chanukah miracle. But when it comes to getting the world excited about the Maccabees, no one does that better than Akiva Poppers. “It’s the ultimate underdog story,” proclaims Poppers. But Poppers isn’t just talking about the ancient Maccabees. Poppers is the voice […]

14-year-old Dvora Polak, an avid musician who has been homebound for several years due to a rare condition, was excited to perform before a large virtual audience at Chai Lifeline’s Chanukah Gala. She says that she was shocked by a “wonderful surprise” when Kenny G and Andrea Bocelli, among other famous names in the music […]

What’s the purpose of a miracle? There are of course many answers, including those that are specific to the particular miracle in question. For instance, I recently learned how Abarbanel (15th-century Portuguese commentator) explains the purpose of one particular miraculous moment in the Book of Judges. In Judges Chapter 13, a malach appears to the […]

Dear Jew in the City- What’s the significance of the number eight in the Chanukah story? Thank you, Noam Dear Noam – Sometimes I read a question and I have to ask, “What’s this person really asking?” This is one of those times. The reason I don’t take your question at face value is because […]

Prince Charles and Others’ Meaningful Tribute to Rabbi Jonathan Sacks The UK’s Prince Charles spoke at a tribute to former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, alongside former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. The Prince of Wales called Sacks a “light unto this nation” on a recorded video broadcast in recognition […]