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The Best Wedding Planner Ever
In this warm and witty piece, Avraham Dimenstein recounts the joyful chaos of planning a New York wedding from Los Angeles, with a divine twist—his “wedding planner” isn’t from an event firm, but from Above. With a blend of humor and heart, he takes readers through each almost-fiasco and the unseen hand that pulled it all together just in time.

The LA Jewish Home
Jul 10, 20252 min read


Ask The Rabbi: When a Chassan and a Future Father-in-Law have the Same Name
Is it a problem if a chassan shares the same name as his future father-in-law? Rabbi Dovid Nissan Bressman explores the halachic sources behind this concern, from the Tzava'a of Rebbi Yehuda HaChassid to the guidance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, offering insight, clarity, and practical advice for navigating this unique shidduch scenario.

Rabbi Dovid Nissan Bressman
Jul 10, 20254 min read


When Our Bias Blinds Us: Bilam, Balak, and the Danger of Seeing Only What We Want
In this week's Parsha, Balak, therapist Elan Javanfard dives into the psychology of Bilam’s choices, revealing how confirmation bias and internal agendas can blind even the most gifted individuals to truth, change, and divine intervention.

Elan Javanfard
Jul 10, 20253 min read


Derech Eretz Corner: Summer! Freedom?
In a heartfelt reminder from Sheina Gilbert, readers are encouraged to maintain Derech Eretz, basic decency and responsibility—even during the relaxed summer months. Using the example of the dish mikvah at Anshe Emet Synagogue, the piece outlines how shared spaces depend on everyone’s care and attention. From disposing of stickers properly to flattening recycling boxes, every small action matters. Summer might be for letting loose, but respect for communal property is always

Sheina Gilbert
Jul 10, 20252 min read


Around the Community: Emek’s Graduation
Last month, Emek hosted graduations for our Middle School seniors and Early Childhood Center students. Sixty-two Middle School students...

The LA Jewish Home
Jul 10, 20252 min read


The Ramban Rewind: Parshat Chukat
When fiery snakes attacked the Israelites, Hashem told Moshe to create a snake on a pole for healing—but didn’t say what it should be made of. Moshe’s choice of copper, which mirrored the snake’s appe

R' Eman Chayim
Jul 7, 20252 min read


The Secure Dinosaur
What starts as an awkward Shabbat dinner with young guests turns into a joyful dance of unity and memory. As an empty-nester navigating quiet bedrooms and distant children, the author finds unexpected connection and comfort, in a song, a flag, and the shared heartbeat of Am Yisrael.

Sholom Feldheim
Jun 27, 20254 min read


The Lost Tefillin — and the Dreams That Brought Them Home
When Daniel lost his tefillin, he never expected to find them in a dream, let alone three. But after three vivid dreams of a boarded-up Starbucks and a mysterious woman, he visited the location. On his third visit, the manager handed him a bag. Inside: his tefillin. A story of Divine guidance, faith, and the moments that wake us up, literally.

Daniel Agalar
Jun 27, 20252 min read


Derech Eretz Corner: What's In A Name?
When a child called out “Hey Sheina!” from across the yard, I realized something deeper than just a name was being lost. In our world of fading customs, a simple moment with my young neighbor became a gentle reminder that honoring elders, by title, by tone, by Torah, still matters.

Sheina Gilbert
Jun 27, 20252 min read


Obligation to Thank and Bless Hashem over Witnessing a Miracle
What defines a miracle worth blessing over? In this piece, Rabbi Dovid Nissan Bressman explores the halachic parameters of miracles and gratitude — from reciting Hagomel to making a bracha upon revisiting the place you were saved. Whether a nes nigleh or nes nistar, hidden or open, the response is clear: thank Hashem, mark the moment, and uplift others.

Rabbi Dovid Nissan Bressman
Jun 27, 20254 min read


Yoel's Lemonade Stand: Marketing Is Every Decision You Make
Marketing isn’t just your slogan; it’s every choice you make. When a beloved youth organization delayed its decision on a high-stakes Israel trip, it didn’t just lose time. It broadcasted indecision, eroded trust, and sent the loudest message of all: we don’t know what we’re doing. In moments that matter, behavior is the

Justin Oberman
Jun 27, 20253 min read


Lou’s Views: The Blast Heard Around The World
Trump’s covert strike on Iran’s underground nuclear facility marks a pivotal moment in U.S.–Israel relations, echoing Israel’s own history of bold preemptive actions. With praise from Netanyahu and cautious global reaction, the move signals a doctrine of strength-backed diplomacy, where red lines mean action, not just talk.

Lou Shapiro
Jun 27, 20253 min read


Lessons from Afar
Sometimes the clearest view of our blessings comes when we step away from them. From a confronting plane ride to an inspiring bus driver, this journey across the country revealed one thing: Torah values unite us, wherever we go, whatever we look like.

Ilanit Zakowski
Jun 27, 20255 min read


This is TNT by Tallie: Ask the Wig Maker Intro
No one tells you your life’s work might begin in silence, with scissors, a stubborn wig, and a woman who just wants to feel like herself again. For Tallie Nourollah, wig styling became more than craft; it became connection. “Ask the Wig Maker” is her new column in The L.A. Jewish Home, sharing stories, advice, and real talk from the heart of her 3rd Street studio.

Tallie Nourollah
Jun 27, 20253 min read


The Finance Department Fallacy: Why One Good CFO Beats A Minyan of Mediocre Bookkeepers
Many Orthodox businesses mistake quantity for competence in financial management. But five bookkeepers won’t fix what one smart CFO can. If your statements are late, full of errors, and cost a fortune in payroll, stop throwing people at the problem. Start hiring for expertise. Because your finances don’t need a department. They need a leader.

Lorenzo Nourafchan
Jun 26, 20253 min read


The Relationship Reset: Why Men Are Afraid to Do the Inner Work
When a man shows up with humility and presence, everything changes. His wife softens, trust rebuilds, and connection returns. You don’t need perfection, just the courage to stop running and start leading with love. Your family is waiting. Now is the time.

Yehudah Kamman
Jun 26, 20253 min read


Whoever Is For The Lord, Come to Me
Avi Ciment draws a fiery line in the sand: What happens when Jews align with those who oppose Israel’s survival? From public figures to political endorsements, this searing piece challenges the notion of unconditional Jewish unity in the face of betrayal. "You’re either with us, or you’ve left the club."

Avi Ciment
Jun 26, 20253 min read


Holiday Comeback Story Parshat Beha’alotcha
In a world quick to cancel, Parshat Beha’alotcha offers a timeless reminder: it’s never too late to come back. Elan Javanfard dives into the emotional and spiritual power of second chances through the lens of Pesach Sheni, linking Torah, psychology, and grit with wisdom that’s as relevant today as ever.

Elan Javanfard
Jun 12, 20253 min read


The Relationship Reset: To Begin Again
When a marriage feels like it’s falling apart, it might not need fixing—it might need rebuilding. In this honest and hopeful reflection, Yehudah Kamman explores how real healing begins not with quick fixes, but with the hard work of inner transformation. A must-read for anyone asking, “Can we make it through this?"

Yehudah Kamman
Jun 12, 20253 min read


Checking STA"M with Computer of AI
AI can write poetry and draft contracts—but can it check a mezuzah? Rabbi Dovid Nissan Bressman explores the limits of AI in the sacred world of STA"M (Sifrei Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzos), warning that without human expertise and yiras shamayim, no algorithm can uphold halacha.

Rabbi Dovid Nissan Bressman
Jun 12, 20254 min read
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