Rochel Sylvetsky

50 Israeli Supreme Court decisions

These decisions, all handed down since Aharon Barak's period, show more than any essay could why Israel needs judicial reform. Op-ed

This is the Day - Lazman Hazeh!

A newly translated book clarifies the ideas behind Religious Zionism through the Yom HaAtzma'ut talks given by Rabbi Z. Melamed. Review.

The unnoticed victims of terror

The mental health of youngsters who witnessed or were caught in terror attacks is as crucial as their physical health. Op-ed

Lessons in humility: Chaimke and Eliezer

Years later, Machon Gold's alumni realized that the motorcyclist Chaimke who picked up their counselor every day was Rabbi Chaim Druckman!

Abe Foxman's conditional love for Israel

There are many things in need of improvement in Israel, but the former ADL head is concerned about the wrong ones. Op-ed.

The Sigd holiday - brought to Israel by Beta Israel

Fasting, prayer, love of Zion and festivities: how Ethiopia's Beta Israel Jews enriched Israeli Jewish life with a unique, ancient festival.

The haredi/hassidic school report in the NYTimes misses the mark - widely

I know the Satmar community well, and the NYT report, another instance of its bias on Jews and Israel, was both infuriating and inane.Op-ed.

How far is it from Hollywood to the Holy Land?

The spiritual distance from Hollywood to the Holy Land is the distance from exile to redemption. Tzvi Fishman walked the walk. Review.

Is Jerusalem ours? And what does that question mean?

Are we guarding the 'Walls of Jerusalem' from demographic threats, illegal building, land enroachment and subversive politics? Report.

Four sweet-faced IDF soldiers

What happened to the four sweet-faced soldiers who rinsed lettuce for the IDF Seder with me? Op-ed

Burning but never consumed: The Hebrew Bible in turbulent times

The burning bush is an apt analogy for the disrespect shown the Bible today. A new book clears up common fallacies about its content.Op-ed.

'WOW!' - A book for grandparents to read to grandchildren

The wonders of G-d's world in a short, beautifully illustrated book that seems like a child's version of King David's praise in Psalm 104.

Trekking the Sanhedrin Trail with Rabbi Judah the Prince

A book about a great Jewish leader who changed history comes to life on a Galilee trail that traces his life and that of the Sages. Review.

Israel's Shifting Society

'Jews, Israelis and Arabs, an Observer's view of Israel's Shifting Society',' a politically incorrect, refreshing look at Israel. Review.

What do lone soldiers thank G-d for on Thanksgiving Day?

Hundreds of lone soldiers gathered in Jerusalem for a turkey dinner, and gave thanks for much more than the food. Am Yisrael Chai. Op-ed.

We are all "baderech" - somewhere along the path of a journey in process

Whatever wagon we are on, wherever the path leads, we know we are on a holy journey together. 'Baderech-along the path to Teshuvah'.Review.

The true faces of the Babyn Yar Murders revealed

'Some were shooters, others extracted Jews from their homes, others took their belongings, or served sandwiches and tea to shooters.' Report

I love Shmitta

Good Shabbos, Eretz Yisrael!

'So that it shall be good for you'- treating religious compulsions and fears

A readable, informative book on OCD, also meant to enlighten family and friends, involving them in behavior-modifying treatment. Op-ed.

'The Snake at the Mouth of the Cave'- a new look at the role of Talmudic narrative

Judaism's way of life and study of Torah, surviving years of exile and dispersion, was defined but not spelled out by the Sages. Op-ed.

Can anyone explain the US State Department "illegality statement?"

A former Israeli Justice Minister writes that he is “mystified” by a US State Department spokeperson's recent illegality statement. Op-ed.

How often do you ask yourself what it is that you really want?

Shayna Goldberg's "What do you really want? Trust and fear in decision making at life's crossroads and in everyday living." Review.

What was the Prophet Jeremiah telling us in 'Lamentations'?

Dr. Yael Ziegler, new head of the Matan Women's Institute for Torah Studies has written an enlightening book on Lamentations. Review.

From the Israeli press: Thanking Netanyahu - sort of

Columnist Ari Shavit wrote an accusatory thank you to Netanyahu, but to do so had to list the outgoing PM's amazing accomplishments.Op-ed

Thoughts on "Rebecca! Mother of Two Dynasties." Can Bible-based plays be Torah true?

A new play about the life of Rebecca shows that Torah standards can be upheld without sacrificing superb musical drama.

The Book of Hirsh

The Book of Hirsh packs everything about today's Israel into a fast-paced, but thought-provoking, short novel Recommended. Review.

The layers of women's lives

The challenges, difficulties and triumphs of English-speaking women living in Israel are told in their own words in a new book. Review.

'Conversations in transit with Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik'

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Adler's insightful book brings Rabbi Soloveitchik to life while inspiring the awe in which he was held by all. Op-ed

'Grandma is in Isolation': A book for children about the pandemic

Very young children must be wondering, perhaps fearfully, why their grandparents disappeared. A new upbeat book makes it clear. Op-ed.

Emunah Jerusalem Zoom concert – a night to remember

Cantor Simon Cohen insisted that 'the show must go on' and turned Emunah Jerusalem's annual concert into a unique Zooming success.

I wish I were a COVID maven

Why do I doubt every report, statistic, proclamation and article I read? Why can't I be a maven too? Op-ed.

"There was only one Abraham" - in memory of Chief Rabbi Avraham Shapira

Erev Sukkot is the yahrzeit of the Torah Gaon, intrepid Chief Rabbi and head of Merkaz Harav Yeshiva, A glimpse into the life of a tzaddik.

A woman of few words - the story of Cheri Belzberg Tannenbaum

Cheri named her autobiography "My Creative Journey with Dystonia." The road she takes for her journey is that of someone who walks with God.

What will an Israeli living in that 30% of Judea and Samaria gain from sovereignty?

It's not only about Zionism. Read how non-application of Israeli law affects the everyday lives of Israelis living in Judea and Samaria.

Kristallnacht Cantata: Aboriginal leader's 1938 fight for Jews

The Kristallnacht Cantata: a Voice of Courage, on Aboriginal leader William Cooper's pro-Jewish protest premieres in Melbourne this Sunday..

'Judge! Song of Deborah' musical hits home on today's issues

"Raise Your Spirits" manages to be faithful to the biblical tale and entertain while examining leadership, feminist and defense issues.

Supreme Ct. Justice Hendel: 'Maimonides remains a guiding light'

Supreme Court Justice at 10th Rambam Conference: "Hard to believe that one person managed all that Rambam achieved."

Beit El's upbeat Local Council Head: 'Come visit us on Passover'

Arutz Sheva interivews Shai Alon, indefatigable head of Beit El's Local Council, who welcomes readers to the thriving town.

World famous Israeli mathematician to receive 2018 Israel Prize

Prof. Alex Lubotzky: 'We have become a world superpower in Mathematics. We have many, many reasons to be proud of our small country.'

Coco Schumann, jazz legend and survivor, dies at 93

He played at the entrance to Auschwitz, horror mingling with the music, later playing with Dietrich and Fitzgerald. The Jewish People lives.