Shavuot is arguably the most important of the three pilgrimage festivals, and the one most Jews probably aren't even aware of much less celebrate it. Here's why they—we, everyone—should, and also why we have the Shavuot customs of decorating homes with flowers, eating cheesecake, blintzes, and other dairy foods—and pulling a Torah-study all-nighter.

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On Jerusalem Day, Yom Yerushalayim, a look at what the city means to all Jews, how it is being used as an excuse for not making peace with Israel, the truth about the PA's and Hamas' "desire for peace" being stymied by Israeli intransigence, and what we need to do to counter the lies.

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The cost-benefit analysis approach being taken by the politicians—and vehemently opposed by the scientists and medical professionals—will cost lives. The Torah also weighs the benefits to the risks. In its case, it weighs the benefits to life vs. the risks to life—and it always comes down on the side of life. Meanwhile, people are running out of money for the basic necessities, including food. The Torah has much to say about that, as well.

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Considering the maternal mortality rate in this country—we rank 55th in protecting women from pregnancy to a year after birth—we also do a poor job honoring mothers or their needs.

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If ever there was a way to graphically demonstrate how the way Jewish law works differs from secular law, the order keeping meat-packing plants open is it. Sadly, though, some Jewish communities ignore what Jewish law has to say.

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What do Earth Day, Passover and Shavuot (the two festivas that bracket it) have in common? The Torah! To find out how, listen to this episode. You may be surprised at what you hear.

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What to do with those stimulus checks the federal government is doling out.

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Although God did not send us the COVID-19 pandemic, there are lessons in it He taught us long ago that we need to learn now—sadly, the hard way. Among them, the equality and value of all people (we are all the same family, after all), the responsibility we all have to provide adequate health care for all people, and the honor due to and the authority of physicians.

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The Torah commands us to rejoice on Shavuot and on Sukkot, but no such commandment is given for Pesach, Passover. Ever wonder why?

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This series of podcasts explores contemporary issues through the prism of Jewish law and tradition. It is hosted by Rabbi Shammai Engelmayer. In this episode, he discusses "the Blame God Game." As is the case virtually every time a natural disaster strikes, be it a hurricane or a pandemic, so many religious leaders and others, especially on the right, are claiming that the COVID-19 pandemic is punishment from God. God doesn't act that way. In many ways, the blame rests on human shoulders, ours included.

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