IRAN AND IAEA SAY "PROGRESS" MADE IN VIENNA TALKS BY: FERN SIDMAN As the Islamic Republic of Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded a round of talks in Vienna focusing on Tehran's nuclear program and for signs of clandestine work on atomic weapons technology, both sides spoke of a "good exchange" with Iranian officials describing the meeting as having made "progress". While neither side revealed the substance of their talks, both said that talks would resume on…See More

YOM HA"ATZMAUT WITH ATERET COHANIM BY: FERN SIDMAN Several weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure of joining the members of Americans For A Safe Israel (AFSI) on their 2012 Spring Chizuk Mission to Israel. Spending Yom Ha'Atzmaut in the holy land is always a memorable experience; just being there amidst the glorious celebrations and fanfare surrounding the anniversary of Israel's statehood, but this year was even more special as we had the unique opportunity to spend this day with Dan Lourie of…See More

Rabbi Ya’akov’s lesson seems fairly simplistic and obvious. The present plane of existence is merely preparatory for the world to come. Certainly, anyone subscribing to a G-D-centric world view would place the emphasis on the plane of eternal life, the world to come and not on the transitory existence bounded at either end by birth and death. Is Rabbi Ya’akov signature teaching something so axiomatic or is there something deeper.Arguably Rabbi Ya’akov’s observation is based on a point of view…See More

"OUR BRETHREN ARE NOT ALONE" - SAY AFSI MEMBERS BY: FERN SIDMAN As the semi-annual Americans For a Safe Israel (AFSI) Chizuk Mission to Israel drew to a conclusion on May 1st, the tour participants told the media that, "Our beloved brethren living on settlements slated to be dismantled by the Israeli government are not alone. We stand with them and our mission will never cease until every Jew has the right to live in any part of Eretz Yisroel." Having distinguished itself from other tours of…See More

Rabbi Akiva’s teaching is remarkable in how it is contrary to one would expect. Generally the Rabbi’s lesson is positive describing those things which are axiomatic to one’s status as a human being or as a Jew being the source of joy in one’s life. Rabbi Akiva was the scion of converts and did not begin to learn Torah until he was Forty. As an unlettered shepherd The future leader was so hostile to scholars that if he encountered one he would bite him. (see Pesachim 49b, Ketuvoth 62b-63a ).…See More

The Mishna at first glance seems to be jumble of ideas tossed together. Truly some edition separate Hillel’s lesson however in the Vilna Shas edition the two Rabbis’ lessons are joined. Since the Mishna was originally oral it would be necessary in order to preserve the text’s integrity the Mishnayoth would be arranged to facilitate memorization and not haphazardly. Consequently there should be a common thread connecting the various teachings.Rabbam Gamliel‘s teaching on the surface seems to…See More

The word Pras is commonly translated as reward in the context of compensation however that is imprecise. Rabbi Ovadiah Bartenura ZT’L ZY’A explains Pras as when an employer pays a worker when there is no obligation or expectation to receive wages. Such as a small child or spouse doing household chores. The analogy is fascinating as it implies two lessons while one should serve G-D with no expectation anything of special. However those things that are essential for one’s existence one can rely…See More