This is the Forward’s coverage of Orthodox Judaism, which aims for a stricter observance of halachic law than Conservative or Reform Judaism. It includes Modern Orthodox Judaism, as well as Haredi (sometimes called ultra-Orthodox) Judaism,…
Orthodox Judaism
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Fast Forward 2 Orthodox Women Aim for Boxing Glory
One Sunday evening last month, two 18-year-old girls were kicking punching bags at the Jerusalem sports center, located beneath the stands at Teddy Stadium. Nili Block, whose family is American, long-limbed, lean and muscular, in a blue tank top and black sweatpants, was hunched over a red bag. Her ponytail waving wildly, strands of hair…
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Opinion Can Orthodox Jews Watch Fireworks On The Fourth Of July?
When, in the course of Jewish events, it becomes necessary for one people to both be Orthodox Jews and patriotic Americans on the Fourth of July, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires a bit of explanation. About every three years, American Orthodox Jews are faced with a painful dilemma. The Fourth of…
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Opinion The Chabad Rabbi and NBC’s Abuse ‘Smear’
Did NBC smear a prominent Chabad rabbi over his position on reporting child abuse to the police? The Peacock Network’s ‘Rock Center’ show on June 21 ran a story about Judy Brown, who has written for the Forward and whose bestselling book, ‘Hush,’ chronicles her spiritual journey away from the Hasidic world and discusses sexual…
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Fast Forward Medical Marijuana Gets Blessing of Orthodox Rabbi — But Don’t Get High
An Israeli Orthodox rabbi ruled that distributing and smoking medicinal marijuana are kosher, but using weed for fun was “forbidden.” Efraim Zalmanovich, the rabbi of Mazkeret Batia, a town south of Tel Aviv, made the distinction in a recent halakhic ruling, NRG, the news site of the Maariv daily reported on Friday. Leading rabbis frequently…
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Fast Forward British Orthodox Jews Will Help Protect Mosque
An Orthodox Jewish patrol group in London said it would protect a mosque after a rise in hate crimes against Muslims. The Shomrim patrol group accepted a request for protection by the North London Community Centre in Cazenove Road, an Islamic institution situated in the heavily-Jewish Borough of Hackney in northern London. The deal was…
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Fast Forward Chief Rabbi Candidate David Stav Lashes Back at Ultra-Orthodox
David Stav has based his campaign to become Israel’s next Ashkenazi chief rabbi on a message of inclusion, friendliness and tolerance. But in an exclusive interview with JTA, he spoke harsh words against those who have attacked him in recent weeks. The attacks began two Saturday nights ago, when Rabbi Ovadia Yosef used his weekly…
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Life Orthodox, Married — and For Gay Marriage
As an Orthodox Jew, the first time I ever seriously questioned the validity and applicability of the Torah — indeed, perhaps the only time — was when I thought deeply about the issue of homosexuality. I believe that the Bible comes from God, and I believe in the commandments within. However, I also believe that…
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Opinion Women’s Prayer Protests at Western Wall Are Just Childish Provocation
I am, in my religious behavior, somewhere between what Israelis would call a hiloni or “secular” Jew and a masorti or “traditional” one. My wife and I light candles on Shabbat, we celebrate the Jewish holidays with our children and grandchildren, and now and then, for one reason or another, I find myself in a…
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