Category Archives: Orthodoxy

What’s The Significance Of Saying Certain Prayers On Israeli Independence Day?

Posted on April 24, 2007 by Luke Ford

I got this email and I don’t understand the significance of saying hallel (psalms of praise) on Israeli Independence Day and whether or not you say hallel with a bracha (blessing). Does this have to do with belief (or lack … Continue reading →

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Shalhevet Financially Stretched

Posted on April 23, 2007 by Luke Ford

Sarah emails about the Modern Orthodox Los Angeles school: I get the sense that the conflict between opposing forces (Friedman and the people who are sick of him) is unresolved, and that it will countinue to play out over time … Continue reading →

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‘I Believe In You’

Posted on April 21, 2007 by Luke Ford

In the holy Pico-Robertson neighborhood this week, I saw a friend who hadn’t given me any gossip in a couple of weeks. I tapped him on the shoulder, gazed into his eyes, and announced, "I believe in you!" He gave … Continue reading →

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Blessing The New Moon

Posted on April 21, 2007 by Luke Ford

There’s a freakin’ blessing in Judaism for everything but blowjobs. Saturday night I fled shul after havdalah, skipping the obligatory blessing for the new moon jazz. "Why did you leave?" asked a friend. "Because I’ve done enough Jewish stuff today." … Continue reading →

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Shaarey Zedek Has A Pulpit Star

Posted on April 13, 2007 by Luke Ford

Rabbi Jonathan Rosenberg (45)?) has wowed most of his new shul in Valley Village (except for the right-wing). I talk to an Orthodox friend about going to Beth Am (Conservative). "Do they call it davening still or is it ‘communing … Continue reading →

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