Shalom Hammer

The author serves as a lecturer for the IDF. He started an initiative offering lectures throughout the country on Judaism to secular kibbutzim – www.makommeshutaf.com. He is a lecturer for communities throughout the Diaspora. www.rabbihammer.com

An IDF soldier.

Life, liberty and Passover

‘PERHAPS IT is not too late for us. Perhaps this Hanukka we can put aside our differences and learn to ‘speak peaceably’ to one another.’

Hanukka: Time to ‘speak peaceably’ and ‘see the light’

SHABBAT CANDLES

The legacy of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs is alive and well


The ‘datlash’ conundrum: Why so many from observant homes are no longer observant

The Orthodox community must identify these indications not just for the sake of reconciliation but for its own perpetuation.

Egalitarian prayer rally at the upper plaza of the Western Wall

Passover approaching: Isn’t it time we agreed to disagree?

The Seder is not merely a formality or an excuse to hobnob with the family, it is about education through communication.

THE AUTHOR lecturing to members of a kibbutz in Israel.

I am my brother’s keeper

We must rid ourselves of unwarranted hatred and jealousy and cherish a Judaism that fosters brotherhood first and foremost.

RELIGIOUS SOLDIERS pray near the Gaza border during Operation Protective Edge in July 2014.

Religion has everything to do with it

This coming Hanukka it behooves us to remember what history has taught us consistently.

WORSHIPERS PRAY at the Western Wall in the capital during Hanukka last year.

O’ leaders where art thou?

World is moving toward extremes and many Israeli religious Zionist rabbis, who we would expect would be more tolerant toward the world around them, are moving in the same direction.

Shlomo Riskin

Days of remembrance are days of redemption

Perhaps redemption is not too far off after all.

Israel's Remembrance Day ceremony in Jerusalem.

Israel: The Jewish homeland

We should be proud that our nation is represented by a leader who affirms the value of a Jewish homeland.

IDF soldeirs take part in a night-time drill [file]

What are our leaders really saying?

Hanukka is a holiday which is meant to remind us of the value of quality as opposed to quantity.

Yair Lapid and Tzipi Livni

Rosh Hashana: Reflections on past and future awakenings

When Rosh Hashana arrives, as we crown our king and recount our history, perhaps it is time to insist that the third purpose which the shofar serves be fulfilled and our future reedeemed.

Shofar

IDF protectors of a nation’s ideology

Our soldiers are fighting for the distinct merit to be able to protect that which is most important and precious to us.

Tunnel uncovered by IDF in Gaza , July 23