What does the story of Chanukah tell us? Does it celebrate the military victory of the Hashmoneans, or is it the miracle of the oil lasting for so long? Rabbi Frimer gives us references for these different points of view.

New Year greetings from our readers

“Teshuva (repentance) is about developing a closer, more intimate, relationship with our Creator”. This article is a discussion of how to practice Teshuva in a meaningful way as expressed by various Sages of Torah learning.

Shashi Ishai offers her own sly, humorous interpretation as she recounts the “ Exodus” in modern terms and expectations. The “what-if” is written as if it were sent to the “Ask Abigail Babylonia,” “advice” columnist and is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone.

Safed is the second most holy city in Israel. Ascent is the Chabad center in the city, it serves as a yeshiva, hostel and retreat, and Steve Kramer writes that to be there for a Shabbat was a unique experience. The weekend included lectures, a guided walk through the old city and a wonderful Friday night meal with a local family.

Sashi Ishai offers her own sly, humorous intrepretation as she recounts the “ Exodus” in modern terms and expectations. The “what-if” is written as if it were sent to the “Ask Abigail Babylonia,” “advice” columnist and is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone.

A thoughtful insight of the Haggadah portion which deals with the Four Sons is provided by Rabbi Aryeh A Frimer. In his article “Passover 5771, the Rabbi stresses the importance of this portion as it relates to children and its influence because of their participation in it.

A thorough explanation of the meaning of the beautiful celebration of Chanukah, the festival of light, which falls on or near the winter solstice of the Northern hemisphere.