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Joshua Gerstein

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Jul 2, 2018, 11:15 AM

Dr. Theodor Herzl & Building the 3rd Temple

Yesterday marked the commemoration of the 17th of Tammuz, a day of fasting and reflection and the start of the "three week" mourning period culminating in the somber day of remembrance Tisha BaAv, the Ninth of Av. In addition...

Jun 26, 2018, 4:06 PM

Ethiopian Jewry, No Longer a Lost Tribe

I read with outrage and dismay the recent report of racism --masquerading as Halacha -against Ethiopian Jews at the Barkan Winery. According to the report first published by the Public broadcaster Kan (Link to the Hebrew Video) and now...

Mar 23, 2018, 3:14 PM

Religious Adversity and Shabbat HaGadol

According to the fixed Jewish calendar, during a non-leap year, the reading of Parshat Tzav always falls out on the Shabbat immediately preceding the holiday of Pesach known as Shabbat HaGadol-The Great Shabbat. There are many explanations given as...

Oct 20, 2017, 1:30 PM

Believing in Ourselves, Lessons from Noach

Parshat Noach opens with great praise of Noach, a man of sterling character whose praiseworthy description of righteousness is unique amongst all other Biblical personalities. The verses state: “These are the offspring of Noach — Noach was a righteous...

Jun 22, 2017, 8:01 PM

To learn or to serve? Yeshiva students & the IDF

He understands why the ultra-Orthodox protest the IDF from the inside -- and explains clearly why they are mistaken

May 30, 2017, 5:32 PM

Shavuot-The Dual Nature of Torah Study

The first verse of Bereishit not only describes the beginning of Creation, but also sheds light on to the purpose and goal of one of the paramount commandments: Torah study. The verse says: “In the beginning of God's creation of...

Jan 15, 2017, 10:18 AM

Celebrating the Death of a Terrorist — A Rabbinical Perspective

The first time that celebration at the downfall of the wicked is mentioned in the Torah, is the “Song of the Sea”- recited by Moses and the people of Israel in thanks for their deliverance and the destruction of...

Jul 20, 2016, 8:34 PM

Who Is Fit to Lead the Jewish People?

As this week’s Torah portions draws to a close and the Jewish people are on the eve of their entrance into the Land of Israel, Moses asks God to appoint a worthy successor to lead the people forward as...

Oct 31, 2014, 4:06 PM

Understanding The Covenant of the Parts: Thoughts on Parshat Lech Lecha

After recounting Abraham’s victory over the Four Kings, the Torah relates God’s promise to not only provide him a son but also the Land of Israel as his children’s eternal inheritance. The verses state: “And He said to him,...

Oct 17, 2014, 4:32 PM

The Dual Nature of Torah Study- Thoughts on Parshat Bereshiet

The first verse of Parshat Bereshiet does not only describe the beginning of Creation but also sheds light on to the purpose and goal of one of the paramount commandments: Torah study. The verse writes: “In the beginning of God's...

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About Me

The Author is a Jerusalem based Rabbi and Jewish Educator. He is a Lieutenant in the IDF reserves where he serves as a battalion Rabbi, and is the author of the book "A People, A Country, A Heritage-Torah Inspiration from the Land of Israel."