All Articles Byמיכל אריאלי

Shlomi Katz lost his son 16 years ago in a tragic road accident. The boy's coat got stuck in the bus door, dragging him under the wheels. This led Katz to establish 'Chafetznu L'chaim', an organization dedicated to raising awareness about road safety and working through various unconventional means to bring change.

Over 5000 answers by the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, have been compiled into the book 'Responsa of the Rishon LeZion'. In a fascinating discussion, Rabbi Abdiel Israeli, a disciple of the Rishon LeZion, shares the journey to compile the responsa, about two intensive months of work, and what he heard from his teacher along the way. There's even an answer for a 10-year-old child.

Nearly thirty years ago, Rabbi Eitan Eckstein founded the Retorno Center and has since worked to save teenagers addicted to drugs or other issues. 'The most challenging groups are from the ultra-Orthodox sector and the aristocratic secular sector,' he reveals. The good news: there is success.

Ayoub Kara, a Druze living in Daliyat al-Karmel, deeply loves the Jewish people. After losing two brothers in Israel's wars, he decided to embrace all Jewish holidays. This intriguing interview reveals Kara's strong connection to religious Jews.

When Avichai Ben Baruch was diagnosed with Down syndrome, his parents decided to adopt Karen, also a baby with Down syndrome, so he wouldn't be alone. They never dreamed that twenty years later, they would stand under the chuppah. Recently, Avichai and Karen celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary, living happily, working, and satisfied.

Yaron Levy is considered one of the most suffering individuals in the country; he is confined to a wheelchair with paralyzed legs. Despite this, he is actively working for the rights of people with disabilities in Israel. Today, he plans to arrive at the Knesset to protest for an increase in the meager disability allowance. "One in eight citizens in Israel could become disabled in their lifetime. Won't you help us?"

Rabbi Naftali Halperin, National Halacha Coordinator at United Hatzalah, offers guidance yearly on Yom Kippur eve to those with doubts about fasting, including women before or after childbirth and others with complex situations. In a fascinating conversation, he details the halachot and shares an inspiring prayer for those partaking in the mitzvah of eating on Yom Kippur.

Rabbi Eliyahu Schlesinger became Jerusalem's youngest neighborhood rabbi at 25, guiding the residents of Gilah through every life step. How does he foster unity across diverse communities? What was his ruling on shooting during Sukkot, and what truly brings a sweet new year? An elevating holiday conversation.

Rafi Perlstein, a young Orthodox Jew, inadvertently sold alcohol to a minor who was actually an undercover police officer. Now, he's facing charges.

Matan Vigoda is responsible for a vast collection of Jewish tunes from all eras at the National Library. If you've ever wondered about the oldest tunes, their origins, and what makes the tunes of the High Holy Days resonate so deeply, here are some answers.

Niv Hadar takes the stage and manages to perform wonders and captivate the audience with stunning telepathy shows, but moments later he reveals all the secrets, explaining what's really behind the 'magic' and openly opposes 'magicians' who sell illusions. He also has opinions on alternative therapists and treatment methods, which he views as no less false than magic.

On stage for 52 years, Moti Giladi still trembles before every performance. In light of his new play, 'The Garment,' he speaks about his journey from biblical traditions at home to standing before crowds in Poland, writing speeches for Netanyahu, and the faith within his heart.

Rabbi Yitzchak Avraham, the yeshiva student who manages a thriving study center in Modiin and successfully brings dozens of teens closer to Judaism, does so out of a great sense of mission. Twenty years ago, he himself was on the opposite side. In an emotional conversation, he recalls his past—from his time in the Navy to the day he entered the yeshiva. And how does Rabbi Uri Zohar's tomato relate to this story?

Tzili Schneider founded the 'Jewish Connection' organization in memory of her mother, who taught her that all of Israel are brothers. The partnership program between secular and ultra-Orthodox pairs—numbering now 7,000—has seen tremendous success. "Each and every one says to me: 'Don't ask about my partner, she's truly special; she's not an example...'"

Yekarit Friedman has been working with Rebbetzin Yemima Mizrachi for 15 years and is now launching a new initiative: the 'Year and Its Blessings' journal for Israeli women. What truly motivated them to create the journal? How does it connect to Yekarit’s midnight tears? And what was the Rebbetzin's reaction when Yekarit’s diamond ring disappeared?

Born into a devout Christian family in Mexico, Alfredo Diaz was destined to follow in his father's missionary footsteps. Yet, a chance encounter with a Jew led him to convert, inspiring eight of his siblings, his mother, and many others from his community. Today, as Rabbi Yehuda Peretz, he dedicates his life to preventing assimilation and aiding converts. "I've found the truth," he exclaims, "and it's the greatest gift I could have received."

The kollels managed by Rabbi Uziel Lurie are the most creative you've ever heard of. They originally operated inside a transportation station, then moved to a food network, and today are located at the Yeshivat Kaf Hachaim, funded directly by donors depositing money into the scholars' bank accounts. For the opening of 'Elul Zman', we took a look at this unique kollel.

What do the approaching High Holidays signify to you? For hundreds of shochtim, it means hard work to provide you with the most kosher and prestigious meat. So how do they manage to leave home and family to travel to slaughterhouses at the world's end? How do they defend against antisemitic attacks? And what do they do when there is no glatt kosher food in the area? We ventured to gain insight into the lives of the shochtim.

Henry Rosenberg is on a life mission to warn about unsafe Shabbat hot plates. "Not a single Shabbat goes by without at least a few fires resulting from these devices," he cautions. If you plan to rely on safety standards, Rosenberg warns: "There is no Israeli standard mark for hot plates at all." Planning your Shabbat cooking? Read this first.

Thinking of a vacation but concerned about the cost? Discover three affordable travel ideas that might turn your next vacation dream into reality.