Jewish Blogs

Yeshiva Boys Choir Boys Choir Sukkos 2010

The Yeshiva Boys Choir, led by Eli Gerstner and Yossi Newman, performed to a sold-out crowd at Brooklyn College. TheCoolJew.com was on the scene to catch a few clips of the kids preforming!Read More: @ thecooljew.netYou might also like: TheCoolJew.com Exclusive : Rosh Hashanah Wishes From The StarsTwo Lakewood boys are sitting in a bar…Yeshiva Memories: The GirlsInfusing Our Schools With Ahavat ...

Yes the rumors are true – I coerced someone into marrying me

This past Thursday night I coerced a hot chabad girl (she’s too tznius to be a Hot Chani) to marry me, I cornered her in a shul and gave her a nice necklace. Did you know that chabadniks don’t do engagement rings? Yeah, something about the Rebbe and the Baal Shem Tov in a forest in Russia and not saying ...

Yes, Orthodox Judaism Changes Too

With all the talk of the changing narrative in the intermarriage conversation, the increased acceptance of gays and lesbians in synagogues, and the virtually across-the-board practice of egalitarian prayer in Conservative and Reform congregations, many Orthodox Jews claim that they are the only ones practicing “Torah true” Judaism and refusing to change course on any of these social issues. Of course, even ...

Yes, Jews Rock Too

We all know that Jews can rock. After all, you only need to listen to Bob Dylan or Gene Simmons of Kiss to know that. But there are also some Jewish singers who are rocking Jewish music… and I don’t mean Jon Fishman leading Phish in “Avinu Malkeinu.”I remember in 1999 when the Jewish rock star Rick Recht came to ...

Yes, Jews Owned Slaves

So, an article I wrote about the Jews of Suriname was published in the Washington Post over the weekend. And I’ve gotten some interesting feedback. Some of it has been from the various curmudgeons of my life (here’s a tip: if you have a serious commentary, feel free to write a letter to the editor.If you don’t like how something ...

Yes, An Orthodox Rabbi Can “Do” a Commitment Ceremony

Our colleague and teacher, Rabbi Steve Greenberg, is an Orthodox rabbi who will go down in history as being the first Orthodox rabbi to officiate a Jewish commitment ceremony and civil marriage for two men. In a recent article in The Jewish Week, Rabbi Greenberg explained that this ceremony which took place in Washington D.C. was not a “gay Orthodox wedding” ...

Yelling Yehey Shmey releases pent up energy

Kahal Am Mirahtzim here in Stanwick Hills, Nebraska is an amazing place. About half the men show up in black hats, and the other half in knitted kippot (technically called “Kippot Serugot”, but in Telz we would call them “tipot seruchot”). We all get along and daven together with very few problems.But sometimes there’s an event that upsets the fragile ...

Yeast Free Spelt Rolls

Eating spelt instead of wheat and avoiding yeast altogether has helped many people with digestive problems as well as a myriad of other health problems. “You are what you eat”, so hopefully all is well, but if you do decide to try some changes in your diet or need to suit the needs of a visitor, a few yeast-free, wheat ...

Yayin Nesech San Francisco Style

I initially laughed at what I’m about to tell you, but then I began wondering about the implications of it. There is a common practice among gang members to pour off a little of whatever drink they’re having in front of the corner store when they learn of a friend being shot or picked up by police. I believe it’s ...

Yarn Pictures For Rosh HaShana Make Nice Succah Decor Too!

Okay friends, Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year is in just three weeks, so guess what that means? It’s time to get even busier! Bring in the New Year with a blast of crafting, and may your whole year be infused with creativity! Okay, you’re right, I’m only half serious, but for those of us in the know, doing crafts ...

Would You Wash for Me?

According to Jewish law, before one eats bread, one is required to wash one’s hands, say the blessing for bread, and afterwards say birkat hamazon, the grace after meals. This might not seem like a huge deal, but if you’re serious about it, it can alter your eating habits considerably. Out somewhere and someone offers you a bagel? Great! But what ...

World’s Best Smartphone App

It’s incredibly powerful. It’s free, and doesn’t even require a download. Taps into one of the most valuable communications channels ever used by Man. Thanks to Dr Sylvain Cappell (who found it here, from where it is excerpted), via Dr. Barry SimonUsing the Blackberry for the first time, I called the Sudilkover Rebbe to speak to him before he returned ...