Steve Brizel writes: The Mandatory Half Shekel R. Yitzchak Adlerstein, based upon the teachings of the Nesivos Shalom, illustrates how and why personal growth is dependent on partnering with the greater community of Klal Yisrael: link Why Every Jew Counts R. Shlomo Riskin reminds us that while we ar...

We had a scholar in residence at our synagogue this weekend, a very distinguished Jewish historian. I recommend his books highly, if you really want to know what we've been through as a people.* Berel Wein is also an esteemed rabbi and a lawyer, although he gave up law for the higher calling. FD and...