Rabbi Arthur Weiner

Among the most difficult challenges facing the Israeli government in its war against Hamas is the strain placed on its military reservists. Historically, Israel has not engaged in long, protracted battles. However, since October 7, 2023, the conflict has necessitated a prolonged reliance on reserve forces. Over 300,000 reservists—approximately 65% of Israel's military reserves—have been called to service, often for months at a time. Most Israeli citizens and permanent residents are drafted into the military after high school. While there are exceptions and exemptions, the general rule is that all must serve for a significant period. Before October 7, men over 18 served a minimum of 32 months of active duty, and women served at least 24 months. In July 2024, the mandatory service period for men was extended to 36 months. After their compulsory service, most discharged citizens remain eligible for reserve duty until age 40, or 45 in the case of officers. While certain exemption...

Earlier this week, someone at our evening minyan asked me whether I recommend getting the new COVID vaccine. The question sparked a few laughs, as these types of questions often do. My response was simple: I’m not a doctor. While I proudly hold an honorary doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary, my expertise lies in theology, not medicine. Just as I don’t offer guidance on business, law, or plumbing, I similarly leave medical advice to professionals. But today, I am going to make an exception. Regardless of political differences, all Americans were saddened last week to learn that former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive metastatic prostate cancer. This news naturally raises concerns, not just about his health, but about the broader issue of how aggressive cancers can go undetected, even among those who receive routine medical care. American presidents undergo extensive annual physical exams conducted by top physicians, with results made publicly a...

Today is a special day in the Jewish calendar.  It’s  Lag B’Omer , the 33rd day of the  Omer . But what makes this day stand out? The answer lies in our history. You may recall that following the festive meal at the second Passover Seder, we began counting the Omer . That night, we started fulfilling the commandment to count each day until we reach seven complete weeks. At the conclusion of those seven weeks comes the holiday of Shavuot, which begins two weeks from this Sunday night. In the Torah, this season of the year was festive. Our ancestors would bring an Omer , a measure of barley, as an offering each day to the Temple, symbolizing their gratitude for the spring harvest and the bounty of the land. Yet in our time, this season is understood as a mournful period in the Jewish calendar.   We generally refrain from planning weddings, and other celebratory events.   Many will refrain from the purchase of new clothes and luxury items, as well as haircut...

Last Sunday, I traveled to Washington for the annual conference of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition (ZRC). The ZRC is an organization of over 1,000 rabbis from across North America dedicated to fostering love and commitment to Zionism and Israel. We take public positions in committed support of Israel and work together to craft messages that resonate with American Jews of all ages and backgrounds. At a time when there is concern over the widening gap between the Jews of Israel and North America, we work to close that gap. In the words of our charter, "With unconditional love, yet not uncritical support, we are convinced that working together we can face any challenge." Our three-day conference was filled with important meetings, lectures, networking, and direct engagement with elected officials in Washington. Among the notable speakers was Professor Shai Davidai, the Columbia University faculty member who was the first to criticize Columbia University for its failure to speak...