Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Rabbi Weinberg and Sderot

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

It is unacceptable that the Jewish people are not mobilized on behalf of their fellow Jews.

Haggadah: An Introduction

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Putting the Seder into perspective.

60-Second Megillah Overview

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

A quick play-by-play recounting of the Purim story - how Mordechai and Esther pulled off the save of the century.

Why 8 Days?

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

The number eight transcends the natural world

Breaking the Middle Matzah

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Why is this one the 15 Steps to Freedom?

Costume Madness

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

In Hebrew, Esther means "to hide or conceal" - the purpose behind masks and costumes. At Purim time, costumes take on an added significance.

Historical Overview

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

The key points of history show how easily the mighty can fall, and how survival of the Jews depends on a connection to God.

Matityahu's Revolt

by Rabbi Shraga Simmons and Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

For the Maccabees, it was not physical life at stake, but the spiritual life of the Jew.

Making it Fun

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

The Purim holiday offers creative activities to help children bond to their Jewish identity. Here's how parents can maximize the holiday.

Giving Gifts

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

It's fun to take part in the shopping season, but is "gifting" a part of Chanukah?

The Name "Chanukah"

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Education, dedication, and beginning. These are the 3 meanings of the word "Chanukah". What do they stand for?

Family Illuminations

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Jewish survival and Jewish revival begins in the Jewish home.

Hanukkah Dreidel Secrets

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

What the Hanukkah dreidel was 'back then' and how we can learn from it today.

Why Chanukah Gelt?

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

What's the deeper meaning of money and what does it have to do with Chanukah?

What Makes It Kosher?

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

With today's manufacturing processes, if it doesn't say "kosher," you can't be exactly sure what's in there!

Vi-He She-Amda

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Have others really tried to destroy us in every generation?

Oil or Candles?

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

To get oil from an olive, you've got to press hard. So too, the Jewish people shine under pressure.

Holy Temple Lights

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

The Temple in Jerusalem was a place of concentrated spiritual power and electrifying inspiration.

Yehudit and the Decree

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

The Chanukah story is filled with the dedication and heroism of Jewish women.

Chana's 7 Sons

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

The story of Chana and her seven sons is one of the most heartrending in all of Jewish history.

California Dreamin'

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

God shines Chanukah light into the seemingly darkest place.

Holocaust Miracle

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

As in the Time of the Maccabees, a great miracle happened.

Door for Elijah and Hallel

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Elijah the Prophet occupies a fascinating role in Jewish history.

Four Sons

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Educate the child according to his way.

Four Sons and the Child Within

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

The Haggadah's Four Sons are really each of us, struggling to find our path in life and in the Jewish world.

Greece: The Dark Side

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Comparing the Greek exile to the darkness at the beginning of creation.

Zeus and Greek Gods

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Tthe Greeks took their gods as seriously as we take the stock market.

Your Inner Flame

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

"For God's candle is the soul of man." (Proverbs)

A Deeper Look

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

We often don't see what is right in front of us. Why?

Transcending Limits

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Time-traveling with an army general and a CNN correspondent back to the Jewish revolt against the Greeks.

The Al HaNissim Prayer

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

The meaning of the special prayer of gratitude recited on Chanukah.

Discovering Jewish Identity

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

When the Jews attended the king's party, they thought it was all just a "good time". Or was it a slap in the face of Jewish culture and tradition?

Hellenism: Who Cares?

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

In many ways America is the cultural by-product of ancient Greece.

Freedom and Responsibility

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Freedom is not defined as coming and going as you please. True freedom is making independent choices -- and achieving meaningful goals in life.

Idealism, Chametz, and Freedom

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Trying to make the world a better place is a deep drive within every human being. But somewhere along the way, many give up and trade in that value for more creature comforts.

Commandments Equal Freedom

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Disciplining oneself to observe the mitzvot of the Torah sounds about as fun as twisting oneself into a pretzel. But as any virtuoso will testify, it is from discipline that greatness springs forth.

Freedom and Self Awareness

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Humans can sometimes get stuck in a trap of self-delusion that is as confining as any prison. The good news is there's a way out.

Fragments

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

If this Tsunami was a shofar, then there is at least one word that seems to be calling out to us from its stormy voice: Humanity.

No More Labels

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

There were no "Charedim" (orthodox Jews) who died in Sbarro.

Little Bodies

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

Even within hell, it takes a truly twisted and evil mind to smash a boot down on the face of a porcelain doll and declare war on a child.

Help Israel Now

by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

In difficult times, we can't continue as if nothing has happened.

About the Author

Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf

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