Pesach Cleaning or OCD   Dear Rabbi It’s that time of year again! I always find post Purim a really anxious time as I get stuck in with Pesach cleaning. I know a lot of preparation goes into making Pesach but must it be such a stressful time? Surely that’s really not the point of the festival – or any Jewish ritual for that matter. Can you please share with me and other readers how I can better cope during this time? Selina   Dear Selina Welcome to the PPPPP (post Purim pre Pesach period). This question comes up often enough at this time of year and I will share with you a variation ..read more

The sugya on Daf 32b debates whether צער בעלי חיים is a Torah law or not, but gives no indication where it is mentioned in the Torah, nor is it included as one of the 613 mitzvos.  Shita Mekubetzes says that its source is unclear, but most Rishonim conclude that it is a Torah mitzvah. Radvaz (#1542) writes that although it is dorayso, it is neither a לאו or עשה, but just an איסור, but Rabbi Akiva Eger here says it is איסור עשה. Some infer this teaching as implicated by the law of unloading one’s enemy’s donkey, or others see it in the angel’s stricture against Bilam striking the ass. Nimu ..read more

Paperweight, the Jewish Community’s Advice Centre, was a big winner at last night’s Barnet Civic Awards, receiving the Barnet Award For Outstanding Service To The Community from the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Nagus Narenthira. The award recognises individuals or community and voluntary groups based in Barnet who have made a positive contribution to the local community, making an extra effort to bring the community together or go out of their way to help others. “Paperweight was nominated by a previous client and we were invited to the attend the event at Hendon Town Hall following our shortli ..read more

Aish UK took a group of young professionals to New York, with the company, and guidance of Rabbi Yoni Abadi, for an incredible unifying Olami weekend connecting 150 international young professionals. The weekend was filled with inspiring Jewish experiences, fun activities, and exploring New York city. Prior to the Olami Shabbaton, the group enjoyed a day trip to Manhattan, where they had the opportunity to explore the city. Amongst these activities, was a bike ride around Central Park, a trip to Times Square, a scenic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge as well as shopping on Fifth Avenu ..read more

Jewish organizations across the UK held Purim parties galore this year. Megillah readings and themed events took place in Synagogues for all ages. Festivities included entertainers and a plethora of activities before refreshments including hamantaschen. Mizrachi UK celebrated in style, hosting engaging Seudot in London and Manchester. In London, children and adults enjoyed a spectacular magical Disney-themed Purim Seuda in a festive atmosphere. In Manchester, there were Seudot for families featuring soft play areas and craft activities. An interactive Megillah reading was specially designed fo ..read more

Israel will continue its operation to destroy Hamas despite a non-binding United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas. The United States abstained, rather than vetoing the vote, the first time since the October 7 terror attack. Council members, including the UK, backed the resolution 14-0. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stinging statement through his office that the US had abandoned a ‘consistent position’ in the Security Council since the war began. The statement added: ‘Today’s resolution gives Hamas ..read more

My neighbour’s father was niftar some thirty years ago and the inheriting family sold his house, their birth home in Stamford Hill, London, to a good friend. The house had not been renovated in the fifty years he lived there and the new purchaser did a complete refurbishment, stripping the house to a shell. In the course of pulling up the wooden floorboards, the non-Jewish builders found boxes stuffed with £40,000 worth of expired banknotes. The bills included white £5 notes and King George currency which were no longer legal tender, so they took them to The Bank of England to be exchanged for ..read more

Last week, the somber news emerged that Major Daniel Perez, previously reported as a hostage, was tragically no longer among the living. Our hearts go out to his parents, Rabbi Doron Perez and his wife Shelly, renowned for their enduring faith, optimism, and resilience since Simchat Torah. Rabbi Doron, in particular, has touched many lives through his impactful lectures in Israel and around the globe, offering comfort and strength to those facing adversity. In memory of Daniel Shimon ben Doron, Rabbi Doron emphasized the importance of living in the moment while acknowledging the broader narrat ..read more

PASSOVER WHISKY Dear Rabbi I wonder if you saw the advert for Kosher for Passover whisky. I am new to all this stuff, but I really thought that you could not have whisky or Cornflakes on Passover. I am hesitant to consult my local reform Rabbi on the matter, but I would really like to hear your opinion. Many thanks, Mr Johnnie Walker Dear Mr Johnnie Walker As you are new to this stuff I don’t know if you are familiar with the concept of a Purim shpiel. That’s when you look for the hidden references to Purim in the press release and come to realise that it was really just a hoax. You’re probabl ..read more

The London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS) led a solidarity trip to the south of Israel and Tel Aviv for local LSJS students as well as those from the UK and USA. The trip included an emotional visit to the site of the Nova music festival, where one member of the group, Stephen Colman, found the memorial for the person he has been saying kaddish for. They went on to see the site of the police station in Sderot where Rabbi Ari Katz from Yeshivat Hesder Sderot told participants the many stories of bravery that took place there. Participants also visited the Shuva junction where volunteers serve ..read more