What? --- Ushpizin! < -- even the mystical Kabbalists have a word to say on the subject. The Festival of Sukkot (Hebrew: סוכות or סֻכּוֹת, sukkōt, or the Festival of Booths, is one of the three festivals listed in the Torah, also known as the "Shalosh Regalim" -- 'times' when the Israelites … [Read more...]

So soon after Rosh Hashanah, we observe a 'fast day' . . . what could possibly happen that would merit such an observance? Incidentally, why do the Bride and Groom fast on the day of their wedding . . . very possibly, it is all a matter of life and death. The end of one life and the very beginning … [Read more...]

Taking Stock: A Market That Goes Up and Down -- nobody knows where . . .   It is estimated to be worth $500,000 to $1 million. Experts say the coin, a quarter-shekel piece featuring palm branches and a wreath and dated to A.D. 69, is among the rarest coins remaining from the bloody … [Read more...]

What is this and why is this -- and why is this now (i.e. in this week's Parsha)? יא  לֹא תִלְבַּשׁ שַׁעַטְנֵז, צֶמֶר וּפִשְׁתִּים יַחְדָּו.  {ס}   Deut 22: 11 Thou shalt not wear a mingled stuff, wool and linen together. {S} Oh, that's a relief - it's Shatnez Free - so don't sweat … [Read more...]