Shmuel Goldin, at The Blogs

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Jun 1, 2018, 12:05 PM

A small Druze village nestled in the hills of Israel’s Galilee region hides an unbelievable Jewish story. I discovered this story by accident a few weeks ago, and it has affected me deeply, in ways that I am only now beginning to understand. We were...

May 10, 2018, 6:04 PM

Israel at 70 — Zionism when the child is grown

It used to be so easy to be a Zionist…. Years ago, things were clear. Those were the heady days of Israel’s miraculous birth in the shadow of the Holocaust, of decisive victories in its battles for survival, of the draining of the swamps and...

Mar 28, 2018, 11:12 PM

Diaspora Zionism: Exploring the Limits

A powerful mystery should haunt us each year at this time of the year; a mystery that strikes to the core of the Pesach festival with its overriding theme of “V’higadeta L’vincha”, “And you shall teach your child”. Consider the following two Talmudic assertions: •...

Mar 27, 2018, 5:52 PM

A True Funny Story with a Not So Funny Message

A quick story to put a smile on your faces as you pause in your Pesach prep-but with a serious thought at the end… Given the periodic trips that we will need to take back to the States from our new home in Israel, Barbara...

Dec 23, 2016, 11:41 PM

An Open Letter to Rabbis Mark Angel and Avi Weiss

Dear Colleagues: We write to you with a deep respect for your heart, passion and decades of dedicated service to the Jewish community on many levels. Once again, however, you have seen fit to attack the Rabbinical Council of America in the media concerning its...

Aug 12, 2016, 5:08 PM

An Act of Courage — A Ray of Hope?

In a blog post on Times of Israel (November 6, 2015) entitled, “Standing at the Brink,” I discussed issues that are pulling the Modern Orthodox community apart and that threaten to create a permanent breach between two factions. I lamented: Can Modern Orthodoxy pull back...

May 25, 2016, 6:53 AM

Understanding Orthodoxy: Addressing the elephant in the room

I have decided to address the elephant in the room. A few weeks ago, in an introductory column in the Standard, I proposed the idea of an ongoing series presenting the viewpoint of Modern Orthodoxy on theological, social, and communal issues of the day. I...

Mar 10, 2016, 9:42 PM

Understanding Orthodoxy

I finally decided to take the plunge… For some time now, the Jewish Standard’s editor, Joanne Palmer, has asked me to consider joining the Standard’s roster of periodic op-ed writers. While honored by the request, I have hesitated, not only because of the press of time,...

Nov 6, 2015, 6:48 PM

Standing at the brink

Lately, as I watch events unfold In the modern Orthodox community, I feel like I am trapped in a bad dream, watching a familiar tragic drama unfold. I already know the ending. I also know, however, that it does not have to be this way....

Aug 10, 2014, 3:35 PM

Not just socks and underwear

I have an admission to make. At first I could not make up my mind. Israel is again under attack; to go or not to go? I have led or participated in dozens of missions to Israel, during all sorts of circumstances. I have been here...

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About Me

Rabbi Shmuel Goldin has served as Rabbi of Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood NJ for over 30 years. He is the immediate past president of the Rabbinical Council of America and the author of a 5 volume set on the Torah, “Unlocking the Torah Text”. He has led numerous missions to Israel, particularly during difficult times such as the two Intifadas, the Iraqi Gulf War, Operation Cast Lead, Operation Pillar of Fire and most recently, Operation Protective Edge.