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Opinion
-Haji Hayim says, 'Read other peoples views' ... |
 Talk Back: Something Positve?
It seems as though; we at PersianRabbi.com are constantly discussing the negative aspects of our community... Whether it is Weddings Made For the Guests, What's Wrong With Being Black?, Hypocrisy in Our Community and others. Well here is your chance... |
The Wedding Made For the Guests
Recently, my good friend Karmel Melamed wrote an article about an epidemic of sorts that has spread in our community -- extravagantly large and elaborate weddings. As Karmel says, there is "a growing number of young Iranian Jewish professionals... |
Karmel on Covering Persian Jews
Karmel Melamed, the widely published Iranian-American Jewish Journalist, writes about his experiences covering the Persian community. Covering Iranian Jews in L.A. is not a piece of halvah "What are you doing reporting on us? You should find yourself... |
Open Letter To Nessah Israel
Open Letter To Nessah Israel Jun 1st, 2007 To whom it may concern, Last Shabbat, your synagogue held a "First Time Ever" Women's Only session on prayer and we heard great reviews! We hope that you continue with this project in inspiring and... |
Talk Back: Late Marriages
For better or for worse, our generation is witnessing a new phenomena amongst Persian Jews living in America. Where the average age of matrimony was in the twenties, the norm has shifted into the 30's and the occasional 40's. Why is this so? Is it the... |
Lashon Hara About the World
Woody Allen, a keen but unusual observer of our world, once remarked: "More than at any time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction. Let us pray that we have the wisdom... |
Rav Ovadia & Sephardic Pride
Hundreds of men, many dressed in dark suits, white shirts, and black velvet yarmulkes, sit packed together on thinly padded benches in the Yazdim synagogue in Jerusalem's Bukharan Quarter ready for their post-Shabbat evening entertainment-Rabbi Ovadiah... |
True Eshet Chayil
After spending a few hours contemplating marriage, and the state of it amongst the American Jewish twenty somethings and the early thirties, I realized that our wants and desires have markedly changed and not only is the age of marriage increasing so... |
Channeling Our Fears
“Mommy Joon, I love you and I know that you’re worried, but I promise you that I am safe, and it’s not how the news portrays it here in Israel. I understand that the family keeps calling, but cutting my trip short is not even an option... |
Your "Perfect" Match
"Perfect does not exist". This well-known saying is accepted by nearly everyone who is in the dating scene and accordingly, singles on the hunt make declarations such as: "I don't want the hottest", "I don't want the richest",... |
What's Wrong With Being Black?
My Grandmother is Persian. I am a Jew of Mixed Heritage. To most people, when they see me they see as Black woman because of my Ethiopian father and grandfather. I have NO problem with that.My Grandmother is Persian. I am a Jew of Mixed Heritage. To most... |
Religious Assimilation
Assimilation is usually a term reserved for the process of the traditional or religious-minded person becoming more and more secular over a period of time. Although our community has largely been spared from the extensive assimilation that has affected... |
Iran's Jews Remain Silent
As Mideast fighting rages, Iran's Jews steer clear. Nothing in the office of Iran's sole Jewish lawmaker calls attention to his faith - no Star of David, no menorah or other symbol of Judaism. As Mideast fighting rages, Iran's Jews steer clear Nothing... |
The Importance of the Premarital Agreement
A Joint Announcement on Jewish Divorce January 5, 2006 Iranian Jewish Women’s Organization - Ima Cultural Association Los Angeles - New York In pursuit of their mission to preserve the image and the rights of Jewish women, the Iranian Jewish Women's... |
Shifting Focus
It seems that our generation is one that is struggling with an identity crisis. Unlike our predecessors, many of whom helplessly accepted categorizations that were placed on them, individuals in our era are very cautious about accepting any labels placed... |
Common Myths of Marriage
Every couple hopes for eternal Shalom Bayit – everlasting marital harmony. While standing under the Chupa, each person prays that this exciting feeling of love & happiness should last for many years to come. They hope to deepen these feelings... |
The Art of Matchmaking
The wisdom of arranged marriages If people would not hire without first checking references, why are they prepared to give themselves body and soul to a stranger without doing the same? Rabbi Levi Brackman Most modern people frown on the concept... |
Sexual Immorality Within
There is a disparity in the way we, the Iranian Jewish Community, perceive and treat our traditional, cultural and moral norms, and our attitude towards men’s promiscuities.Men’s premarital physical encounters generally finds acceptance in... |
Persian or Iranian?
"You look so exotic…what’s your background?” When I initially meet strangers who are not Persian, this is the question I get most often. People seem to have an innate need to fit others into easily digestible categories. I stopped... |
Top 10: Serious Style
10. Isn't it funny that $10 seems like a lot when we give tzedaka, but so little when we go shopping? 9. Isn't it funny how one hour seems so long when we worship G-d, and so short when we watch a ball game? 8. Isn't it funny how 2 hours in shul seem... |
Iran's Jews Live Dual Lives
Jeff Lauterbach/HIAS Iranian Jewish refugees study Jewish texts as they await processing at a HIAS immigration center in Vienna in 2002. NEW... |
Pursuit of Pleasure in Dating
It is common knowledge that that there are many in our community that, in their pursuit for status and acceptance, live shallow and meaningless lives which unfortunately surface when deciding on a future wife or husband. Therefore, stating a need to... |
Hypocrisy in Our Community
The Persian Jewish community, and all other Sephardic communities for that matter, are known for their amazing faith in Hashem and respect towards traditional Jewish values. In Iran, Iraq, Morrocco and elsewhere we were surrounded by Muslims who would... |
Anti Semitism in Iranian T.V.
The question of the existence of anti-Semitism in Iran is a very complex one. One can see that there are very few restrictions imposed on Jews in present day Iran with regard to the practice of Judaism; Jews are relatively free to establish schools and... |
The Jewish Singles’ Problem
Jewish singles’ parties. Synagogues. Lectures. Community events. The perfect places to meet young Jewish singles. Year after year, we flock together, hundreds of us, sometimes even thousands, with glimmers of hope. That there are so many of us,... |
Stop Being So Religious!
So you’ve had the uplifting experience, the one that changed your life forever. You saw the light, reconnected with your soul, or found the eternal truth. Whatever the case may be, your rendezvous with a Torah lifestyle was an experience that made... |
One GOOD thing about anti-Semitism
THERE IS ONE good thing about anti-Semitism: It lets you know who the bad guys are. Right, left, black, white, freak or straight, the minute someone starts rattling on about the evil Jews, you know your train just pulled into Slimeball Station. All... |
Wake Up Sefardim!
How many times I have asked myself "How come there are Sefardim within the ranks of the Lubavitch, Chabad, Breslov, Bobov, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, etc." Why, Why? To be a Sefardi, means to be proud of what our parents and grandparents... |
Sepharadim & The Label of 'Orthodox'
Once in a while I get a phone call from a traveler who plans on spending Shabbat in the vicinity of my synagogue. “So this is a Sephardic synagogue?”. “Yes”, I reply. “And are you Orthodox?” is usually... |
On schools producing committed Jews
Some believe that as long as our children are good Jews, good human beings, good citizens of the world, does it really matter if they are committed-observant Jews? But without a deep seated religious belief system that fosters an uncompromising commitment... |
Slowly but Surely...Losing the Persian Tradition
The old Persian Jewish Traditions, and knowledge of it, are being lost. I, personally, can only think of a handful of customs or minhagim specifically persian (dayenu?), which is testament to the level of culture loss in our 2000+ year old community.... |
Don't Mess...Marriage is Waiting!
Almost all of the functions in your body are controlled by hormones. In the same way that you can not and should not try to alter processes such as growth and metabolism, sexuality is not something you should mess with either. By the time puberty... |
Follow the Heart
For the most part, the Ashkenazim have totally won out over the Sephardim in almost every arena. Today almost every Sephardic yeshiva is so in name only. Almost all Sephardic yeshivas today teach according to the Ashkenazi teaching model, totally ignoring... |
When Jewish Means Ashkenazi
"Gut shabbos; gut yuntif; let's say kiddish..." Most Jews who have been involved even minimally in community religious life will be familiar with all these expressions. And if we are not, we are expected to be. This phenomenon is... |
The Vanishing American Jew
We all know the level of non-connection with our fellow American Jewish brethren, this is a very interesting article that must be read and understood. If this phenomena of loss of Jewish Identity is not understood and properly remedied in the Persian... |
On Persian Jews and their Persecution
Detailed description of the experience of Persian Jews living as second hand citizens writen by a Muslim observer. The history of Persian Jews dates back to ancient Iran marked by the emancipation of the Jews from Babylonian captivity after the... |
Iranian Community Mourns
More than 2,000 mourners packed the Nessah Cultural Center in Beverly Hills this summer to bid farewell to Hacham Yedidia Shofet. During the funeral, the powerful sound of the shofar blended with the recorded voice of Shofet, who at his own request, led... |
| Chert O' Pert Forum |
| Funny Skit on Chabad Telethon |
| Online Dating |
| Divooneh! |
How Do You Spell Channukkahh???
Is it Hanuka? Chanukka? Chanukah? ... ... |
| پارسی |
در بیست و نهمین نشست موسسه گفت و گوی ادیان عنوان شد
در بیست و نهمین نشست موسسه گفت و گوی ادیان عنوان شد: علمای یهود پرستش از طريق قلب را دعا به درگاه خالق می دانند سری جلسات ماهانه خود... |
تلمود
از آن هنگام كه خداوند در بوته خار شعله ور در آتش به حضرت موسي متجلي شد و توراي كتبي را به ملت يهود عطا كرد، «هَلاخا» يا تـوراي شفاهي... |
دو جنبهي انكار هولوكاست
يكي از هدفهاي اصليِ از آغاز اعلامشدهي ايدئولوژي و سياستِ عمليِ رژيمِ آلمان نازي نابوديِ يهوديان بوده است. به زبانِ فارسي نميتوان... |
| Persian Recipes |
How to make Gondi
Iranian Jews' delicious obsession with Gondi "What are those delicious dumplings that look like matzah-balls?" an American rabbi inquired of me recently. "You've got to find me someone who has the recipe for this food, it's one of the... |
Food For Thought
Interesting and Inspirational pieces for the mind and soul. ... |
PersianRabbi.com Offers Sholarships
Through the generous contributions from several community members PersianRabbi.com is proud to announce a PersianRabbi.com sponsorship for the edJEWcate Shabbaton in Los Angeles. The all-inclusive weekend will be filled with great food, people and... |
PersianRabbi.com Sponsors Shabbaton
PersianRabbi.com is proud to announce the sponsorship of the edJEWcate Shabbaton in Los Angeles. The all-inclusive weekend will be filled with great food, people and world-renowned inspirational speakers. Open to college students and family members alike,... |
Video: Chief Rabbi Praying
Chief Rabbi Shelomo Amar Saying Nevarech ... |
Sukkah Parties in LA
Sukkah Parties Around Los Angeles! Saturday Night Suka Singles Event w/ Maohr Hatorah Special Documentary will be shown $15 ad the door 21-36 Starts at 8PM 1537 Franklin Street More info: MAOHR... |
Soccer Headbutt
This has nothing to with Persian or Jewish... but everyone can get a kick out of this video... ... |
| Funny Persian Puppets |
| Shrek Music Video in Farsi |
Black Convert Rapper
Y-Love (Yitz Jordan) is an MC unlike any other. He is a black convert into the Bostener sect of chassidus (the mystical branch of Orthodox Judaism). He is among the most innovative freestylers on the scene, weaving seamless polyglot rhymes in English,... |
Poem: My Ideal Gift
My ideal gift from you my dear husband is ..... Knowing that you care to know me for who I am Knowing that no matter how I look you still love me Knowing that our love is sacred for you Knowing that our love is not only based on sex Knowing that when... |
Haji's Top 10
Collection of humorous Top 10's from the PersianRabbi.com Staff and around the internet. ... |
Top Ten Signs Facebook is Jewish
10. Wall postings are something we've been doing for years at the Kotel 9. News Feeds, loshon hora made easy 8. Poking, the shomer negia way to flirt 7. $1 USD diamond rings! 6. Updating your status is better than your mom telling the... |
10 Reasons Why Dating Sucks In L.A.
The following was submited to PersianRabbi.com in response to Talk Back: Late Marriages . As you can see the comment was too long to post so we decided to create a new article for this piece. Enjoy! This list is in no particular order b/c all of them... |
Top 10 Pessah Promotions
'Top Ten Failed Passover Promotions' 10. US ARMY - "THE ARMY OF 'who knows ONE?" 9. Animal Awareness Passover Campaign - "Frogs are our friends, not a plague." 8. American Red Cross - "This Passover, lets make... |
Top 10 Kenisa Pick Up Lines
'Haji's Top 10 Kenisa Pick Up Lines from the Mom" 10. He drives a Benz 9. He still has his hair 8. How old are you? Oh good, I heard 10 years difference is the best. 7. She comes with my husband's property in Downtown. 6. My son is a doctor 5... |
Top 10 Ways to Spot a Persian Jew
Top Ten Ways to Spot a Persian Jew from Los Angeles 10. He says his name is Fred when clearly you know it's really something like Faramarz. 9. He asks for full scholarship at Hillel while he pulls up with brand new Mercedes or BMW. 8.... |
Top 20 Farsi/Yiddish Translations
'Haji Hayim's Top 20 Farsi Sayings/Words translated into Yiddish' Click on Speaker Icon ( ) to hear translation. 20. Ashini - Flaishik Meaty 19. Baasan - Tuchas A persons rear 18. Bad Bacht - Nebach An unforturanate person 17. Bad Shaans - Shlemazel... |
Top 10 Ways to Spot a Yeshiva Boy
"Haji's Top Ten Ways you know your friend has been at the Ashkenazi Yeshiva for Too Long!" 10. When thinking of Hebrew words, he pronounces them in his head using Ashkenazi pronounciation… “I wonder where Faramarz is going to... |
Top 10 Jewish Alcoholic Drinks
'Haji's Top 10 Jewish Mixed Drinks' 10. Shirley Temple Emanuel 9. Bloody Miriam 8. Blackhat Russian 7. Kohen and Cream 6. Shomer-Sangria 5. Tequila & Talmud 4. The Dayenu 3. Tefilah on the Beach 2. Yamakazi 1. The Haji Hayim... |
Top 10 Ways to Spot a Mama's Boy
'Haji's Top Ten way you know your dating a Moma's boy!' 10. His mom hooked you two up in the first place! (khastegari at Kenisa?) 9. He's 40 years old and still living with his parents...but claims to have condo when it's really the guest house! 8... |
Top 10 Investments for Moshiach Era
'Haji's Top Ten Investment Tips to get ready for the Moshiach Era' 10. Stay away from defense and biotech companies: stock prices are going to plummet once war is abolished and the sick are miraculously healed. 9. Corner the commodities market on... |
Top 10 Ways to Spot a Jew in Medical School
'Haji's Top Ten Ways tospot a Jew in your Medical School'' 10. The drug reps don't get why "nutrition rounds"( free non-kosher lunch) doesn't get you excited, but mentioning a free pen or highlighter gets you running! 9. Before any Jewish... |
Top 10 Ways to Impress That Religious Girl
'Haji's Top Ten Ways to Win Over that Religious Girl at the next Shabbaton' 10. Walk around with a Chumash/Gemara in the opposite direction of everyone and when she asks, “where you are going?” tell her ‘Your Rabbi’ said you... |
Top 10 Persian Sayings
Ever wonder what these Persian sayings really mean? 10. I die for your height and top (Ghorboneh'ghado balat) 9. He Ate my head (Saram O khord) 8. On the seed of my eyes. (royeh tokhmeh'cheshmam) 7. I ate the ground and my father came out! (Khordam... |
Jewish Topics
-Haji Hayim says, 'Learn some Turah' ... |
New Book on Persian Jews
Daniel Tsadik is pleased to inform that his book just came out: Daniel Tsadik, Between Foreigners and Shi'is; Nineteenth Century Iran and its Jewish Minority (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2007); 295 pp. You may find it at: http://www... |
Complete Idiots Guide to Pessah
Easy Printable Version, only 7 pages A Sephardic Guide to the Laws of Pesah Introduction With Pesah quickly arriving it is time to begin with our preparations. The following pages will explain some of the basic concepts and laws of Pesah. This guide... |
Customs of the Month of Shevat
Rabbi Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1869), in his work Mo'ed Le'kol Hai (chapter 30), discusses a number of different laws and customs relevant to the month of Shevat. He begins by establishing that the theme of this month is that of "Hod"... |
New Year for Trees
The celebration of Tu B'Shvat -- the 15th of the month of Shvat on the Hebrew calendar-- is not mentioned in the Bible. The oldest reference is found in the Talmud, where Tu B'Shvat is called "the new year of the trees." The Talmud ascribes... |
Chanukah- A Dignified Menorah
Maran in Shulchan Aruch, siman 673, Halacha 3, says that one shouldn’t use a previously used vessel for the lighting of the Menorah. Specifically, Maran is referring to the actual cup or receptacle that house the oil and wick. Maran’s... |
The Word "JEW"
We are a nation of many names: Israel, Jacob, Ephraim, to name a few. Why does it seem that the name "Jew" sticks the most? What does the name mean?The words Jew (Yehudi in Hebrew) and Judaism (Yahadut) come from the name Judah, or Yehuda as... |
Sukkot: The Time Of Our Joy
Sukkot reminds us what is truly important. Emuna Braverman has a law degree from the University of Toronto and a Masters in Psychology from Pepperdine University. She lives with her husband and nine children in Los Angeles where they both work for... |
Rosh Hashana and Tsedaka
I locked myself out of my apartment today. Thanks to my lucky stars, I still had on me the common day life supports- my cell phone, keys to the car, a credit card. Another token of incidental luck was that I had decided to have roommates... |
Elul: Getting Ready for Judgement
It is a time of Din (judgement). It is a time of reflection (teshuva). It is a time of tikun (fixing).The month of Elul is here. The month where we mend the bridge that is between us and the Almighty, between each other, between our hearts, souls,... |
GOD, The Prototype Husband
My wife Sheindy has a simple philosophy for increased productivity: “People should first do the necessary and essential chores they do not enjoy and only then go on to do the more pleasurable jobs.” She maintains that having something to look... |
Shavuot: A Message to My Son
It all began on that mountain called Sinai, and ever since, the Jewish people have labored to climb the mountain of morality and virtue, one step at a time. It's not difficult to sympathize with the skeptics who questioned the ability of Avrohom Mordechai... |
Women ARE Different Then Men!
The physical differences between men and women are obvious. After all, who would say that men and women have the same body parts? The question arises between possible differences between the genders when analyzed on higher and deeper levels like mentally... |
Jewish View on Abortion
The traditional Jewish view of abortion does not fit conveniently into any of the major "camps" in the current American abortion debate. We neither ban abortion completely, nor do we allow indiscriminate abortion "on demand." ... |
Shabbat Misunderstood
In an age where everything is questioned, we cannot help but sometimes question the fundamental truths that are found in our Torah. Long before our skeptical generation, our Sages told us that this questioning is not only permissible but people should... |
The Jewish Singles Scene
With today's incredible online technology, dating is more accessible than ever before to Jewish singles around the world, and it often works! A major drawback to online dating, however, is that it puts the responsibility solely in the hands of the individual... |
Sukkot: It's Meaning & Purpose
With the final blowing of the Shofar, the Jewish High Holy Days draw to a close and the focus of the Jewish community shifts from the solemn-ness of Yom Kippur to the jubilant celebration of the festival of Sukkot. The festival of Sukkot, also known... |
ABC's of Yom Kippur
ANGEL FOR A DAY What are "angels?" Angels are completely spiritual beings, whose sole focus is to serve their Creator. On Yom Kippur, every Jew becomes like an angel. As the Maharal of Prague explains: "All of the mitzvot that God commanded... |
Rosh Hashana: The Purpose
Rosh Hashana is a day of paradoxes. On the one hand, it is the awesome Day of Judgment. The entire framework within which we will function in the coming year waits to be determined. Yet on Rosh Hashana night, as we dip our apples into honey and partake... |
Finding Faults in Others
Our sages tell a story about a family who was accustomed to finding faults in other people's lineage, saying that so-and-so was an illegitimate child, etc. When the local Dayanim (rabbinical judges) heard the slander, they investigated... |
Elul, The King In The Field
Elul is a time for good resolutions, improving things which have not been perfect. The Sages tell us that during this month we have a special spiritual power to help us change ourselves for the better. In fact, we have a special closeness... |
Iran & Persians in The Torah
What the Bible Says About Persia and Persians "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of The Lord spoken by Jeremiah, The Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and... |
The Tomb of Esther & Mordechai
The present building of this mausoleum, which is visited by Jewish pilgrims from all over the world, has nothing to speak about from the architectural point of view. Under its simple brick dome there are two graves with some Hebrew inscription up on... |
Jews of Iran: 19th Century
From "The Jews of Islam" by Bernard Lewis (Princeton University Press, 1984). Pages 181-183. Also see "Weathering the storm" about Jews in present day Iran. The Jewish traveler J.J. Benjamin, who traveled in Iran at mid-[19th] century,... |
A Tsadik from Yazd, Mollah Ohr
The Ohr Shraga was an extraordinary Rabbinic figure and Kabbalist that profoundly influenced the religious Jewish community in Persia and surrounding communities.The Shaim HaGedolim is a great work written by one of the greatest of the Sephardic luminaries,... |
The Message of Tisha B'Av
The prophet Ezekiel foretells that there will be a time when the Jews will say they no longer want to be God's chosen people. Tragically, this prophecy is coming true today. In Israel, most of the country is trading Westernism for Judaism. And in the... |
Ancient Iranian Jewish Language Comes Alive
A Judeo-Persian miniature painting from the archives of the House of Judeo-Persian Manuscripts. It took Iranian Jews in the United States nearly three decades in exile from the land their ancestors called home for 2,700 years to appreciate the... |
Shodee Hatan Translation
Ever wonder what those old school guys sing during Bar Mitsvah's and Weddings? Here's a translation of the popular Shodee Hatan Shira . (Click Here for Video ) Shodi... |
Prayer for the Land of Israel
Tehillim is the roadmap to the gates of heaven and higher. Whoever recites these holy words, there prayers are heard before Hashem. Our sages continue the remind us on the spiritual power that reciting King David's Tehilim at times of distress. ... |
The Kabbalah of Lust
The Kabbalists maintain that the soul is not essentially impure. The vital soul is ensconced in klipat nogah, or the ‘Nogah shell’. The term ‘shell’ implies that, although it has no value of itself and is to be discarded, it does... |
Understanding The 3 Weeks
From the 17th day of the Hebrew month of Tamuz until the 9th day of the following month Av is a period of national mourning for the Jewish people. Five devastating things that affected all Israel occurred on the 17th of Tamuz. Five catastrophic events... |
The 17th of Tammuz
This day marks the beginning of the three weeks of mourning for the fall of Jerusalem and the loss of our holy Temple. The 17th of Tammuz is a fast day commemorating... |
Seeking the Sacred Feminine
The Da Vinci Code gets Judaism's view of the Sacred Feminine all wrong. In The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown tarnishes Judaism with the same stroke that he dismisses Christianity and Islam for their repression of women and of the Sacred Feminine. ... |
Stopping Intermarriage
Parents often seek rabbinical advice on how to stop an intermarriage. In truth two pieces of advice are needed. One, before the crisis, and one after. When a child is born we wish the parents "Mazal Tov". In many cases, straight after the Mazal... |
Buffalo Meat Declared Kosher
How about throwing a water buffalo steak on the barbeque to impress your friends? Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shlomo Amar would not object , he might even dig himself. After two years of deliberations, Amar ruled Tuesday that water buffalo (jamoose... |
The Fire of Lag B'Omer
Fire. With dancing, leaping, flashing tongues of flame, fire lights up the Lag B'Omer night sky. Jews light bonfires to commemorate the holiday, continuing a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. Lag B'Omer is the day on which Rabbi Shimon... |
The Omer Explained
The Torah commands us to count the 49 days between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot (1). During this time, the Jews who left Egypt spiritually prepared themselves for the giving of the Torah, to be given on the 50th day of the Omer, on the holiday... |
Taste of Freedom
No other holiday is as food-related as Passover. We turn the house upside down and scour out the cupboards, intent on expelling every last crumb of forbidden food even as we hurry to stock the pantry with permissible equivalents. nd this is a freedom... |
The Iranian Talmud
The Torah is the cornerstone. The Talmud is the foundation. The Jewish people have been called the People of the Book for thousands of years and no other name fits them better. Some say that the survival of the Jews over all other nations in the world... |
Complete Idiots Guide to Purim!
Many believe that we Jews celebrate Holidays to commemorate past events or just for the sake of keeping tradition, or celebrating the victory of the Jews over Haman. But the Truth is much more meaningful. On Purim and other Holydays, we are... |
Do we really have an Aura?
Modern technology - by way of aura photography that evolved from Kirilian photography - has now proved how a person's inner spiritual light is reflected from the body. Simply put, the aura is an electromagnetic or energy field that surrounds all... |
Conversation with the Rebbe
Editor's note: Beginning in the 1950's, the Chabad-Lubavitch community in Crown Heights, Brooklyn has hosted student groups for "Encounter with Chabad" weekends. In the earlier years, one of the highlights of the weekend was the audience the... |
Shabbat Candles - Lights of The Soul
Look around. The world is a dark place. People are wandering, roaming the world, searching for meaning. They are trying out this philosophy, that religion. People are groping. Where are the answers? Where is the light? Light was created on the first day,... |
Taste of the Next World, Shabbat
Imagine that you are about to take a trip to another world. You are preparing for a most exciting experience. It will be a totally different place, and you are looking forward to things you have never seen or experienced before. But it is different, and... |
Going Out...following Yaqov
"all the great Rabbis of the Mishnah were very learned and yet had professions" When reading the stories of the Torah we can often times encounter a single word that is filled with meaning. A good example of this is G-d’s... |
Feminism and Judaism - The Role of Women in Judaism
Modern Feminism quickly atrophied into "Careerism," which left us with a society in which women's contributions are unrecognized by men and, more painfully, by women themselves. Three decades of feminism have left women with a... |
What does 'Sephardic' Really Mean?
Many researchers believe the term "Sephardic" originally referred to Jews living in and later expelled from Spain in 1492. Today the term "Sephardic" has come to be accepted as a reference to the Jewish exiles and their descendants... |
Bad Things Happen to Good People?
People approach the topic of suffering from two separate perspectives. One is the "intellectual agenda:" A person is bothered by this issue and wants to intellectually understand it. The other is the "emotional agenda:" A person... |
The Magic Touch
Touching another person (in Hebrew, negiah), as casually as its regarded in many circles, is far more powerful than most of us appreciate. Traditional Judaism, always an astute observer of the human scene, stipulates that men and women who are not close... |
HaGaon Rav Ovadia Yoseph Shelit'a
B'H'Our Sage, Gaon, & Leader of the Sephardi WorldRav Ovadia Yoseph shelit'a "His picture can be seen hanging in the homes and shops of non-religious Sephardim and Israelis. Whereas leading ultra-Orthodox Ashkenazi rabbis have confined... |
Community
Articles About the Iranian Jewish Community living in America ... |
The Machlis Experience
It was my last Shabbat in Jerusalem the holiest city of the world, yet I felt after a year’s stay, I had yet one more experience to encounter: visiting the reputed “Avraham and Sarah” of our generation, the Machlis family. They are known... |
Jewish Iranians Get Political
In the three decades since Iranian Jews first settled in America, most predominantly in Los Angeles and in Great Neck, N.Y., they have prized education and accrued wealth, Yebri said, but they have not imbibed America’s culture of political engagement... |
Letters From Muslim Community
Press Release: World's First Cross-Denominational Statement from Muslims to Jews in Modern Times Religious scholars and Muslim leaders from around the world are to issue a statement to the world's Jewish Community at the Centre for the Study of Muslim... |
What TouroLA has to Offer
Touro College Los Angeles welcomed its first class of students in September 2005. Touro L.A. has been growing in numbers and has had over 100 students enrolled since its opening. Touro College Los Angeles is the only WASC (Western Association... |
LA's Persian Jewish 'Mentch'
On a Sunday morning at 2 a.m. earlier this year, a local Iranian Jewish mother was on the phone crying hysterically after her son had been arrested for drug possession and locked up in the L.A. County jail downtown. She didn't call her relatives, her... |
The Persian Driving Instructor
Introducing the First Persian-Jewish Driving Instructor Haji Hayim says: “Learn how to drive; until then I’ll stay off the curb” Los Angeles- Moshe Saidian, or Moosa, as he is widely known, is the first [known] Persian-Jewish... |
My Night at the White House
Rona Ram addresse the community, following her very recent attendance at the White House where she was invited to President Bush’s Chanukah Reception. Rona describes the emotions her journey took her through as she represented the Iranian... |
[Jewish] Iranian American wins Entrepreneur of the Year award
Washington -- Were you to talk to Isaac Larian about his childhood in Iran, he would not wax nostalgic over childhood games or playthings. In fact, he would tell you that when his friends and cousins played or went on vacation, he did “constant,... |
Persian Jews Flock to Learn Hebrew
"I'll teach you Hebrew if you teach me Persian!" joked Rabbi Hillel Benchimol, who is teaching a 5 week free crash course in Hebrew at the Nessah Synagogue in Beverly Hills. The educational Hebrew classes, also know as "Read Hebrew America"... |
Yad Vashem Launches Farsi Site
Israel's Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem, has launched a version of its Web site in Farsi to educate Israel's most bitter enemy, Iran, about the Nazi slaughter of 6 million Jews. The site was unveiled to coincide with the U.N.'s annual Holocaust remembrance... |
Israel Launches Farsi Site
On July 9th the Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially launched its first Persian language website called “Hamdami”. The site not only provides regularly updated news about Israel for Persian language readers around the world,... |
Expensive Persian Jewish Weddings
Iranian Jewish religious leaders said the cost has resulted in several weddings being called off and some couples divorcing within a few months of getting married. There's also concern that local Iranian Jews will marry outside of the community or outside... |
Stop Judging My Family!
A Persian Jewish school psychologist speaks about her struggle working for the Los Angeles Unified School District with Persian kids with special needs, and how there families attempt to hide them from the society at large. Dear Fellow Members... |
Khastegari During Kippur
More precisely, the most solemn day of the Jewish year also is when families with young men of marriageable age look over the families with young women of marriageable age, and vice versa. The custom of combining the Day of Atonement with preliminary... |
Iranian Jews File Suit Against Iran
In a rare display of unity, a variety of groups within the local Persian Jewish community have joined to voice support for a lawsuit filed against former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami on Sept. 9 by seven Persian Jewish families in Los Angeles and Israel... |
Local Kenisa Helps Terror Victims
Local Children Wipe Away the Tears of Terror This Rosh Hashanah, children from Maohr HaTorah Hebrew Academy participated in a national campaign to send Rosh Hashanah greetings to Israeli victims of Terror. The Totally Shana Tova greeting card campaign... |
Rav Ovadia Undergoes Surgery
Rabbi Yosef, the Shas Party's spiritual leader and a leading Talmudic and Halakhic[Jewish Legal] scholar, arrived at Hadassah Hospital complaining of chest pains and shortness of breath. He was said to be feeling better after initial treatment, and reportedly... |
Iran Launches Holocaust Exhibit
TEHRAN - An exhibition of more than 200 cartoons about the Holocaust opened here yesterday in response to last year's Muslim outrage over a caricature of the Prophet Mohammed in a Danish newspaper. The display, showing 204 entries from Iran and abroad,... |
Iranian Jewish Fundraiser Success!
With over 300 in attendance, Sunday's fundraiser to help endangered Jews living in Northern Israel was a true success. The event was a collaboration of over fifteen Jewish Iranian youth organizations in the Los Angeles area. Being organized in less... |
Jewish Cemetery in Iran
A group of Persian Jews have spent thousands of hours to make a collection of photographs of Beheshtieh, on of the few remaining Jewish Cemeteries in Iran. In the year 2003 when the projects founder visited Tehran for two and a half months. It was... |
New Ladies Hebrew Class
It all began during the last week of Selichot, just a few days before Yom Kippur of 2005. As is customary for Jews throughout the Selichot and the ten days of repentance, we prayed that the Almighty should grant us a year of not only health and material... |
Persian Synagogue Attacked!
Police have labeled as an arson-related hate crime a fire ignited early Friday at the rear door of a yet-to-open Persian synagogue in Tarzana. Investigators found anti-Semitic graffiti at the scene, as well as a burnt door and trash... |
Persian Jews turn to Showbiz
The generation of Persian Jews who escaped Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution with their parents and traded a fearful existence for lives in New York and Los Angeles are now emerging in the entertainment industry. Whether it’s producing Oscar-winning... |
Jewish Big Brothers & Sisters
When watching Glenn Crocker, 33, and Jason Kotkin, 10, play a game of catch at the local park, it would be easy to mistake the two for father and son. Both participate in baseball leagues and frequently attend each other’s games.Each is often... |
'Why Marry Jewish?' Event Success
With standing room only, last week’s “Why Marry Jewish?” event, sponsored by ten different Jewish-Persian youth organizations, was a true success. The audience was comprised of a wide array of Jews from different religious backgrounds... |
Mazal Tov to Bob & Liora!
We are happy to announce the engagement of Yechezkel Bob Refua and Liora Shofet. Both Bobby and Liora have been involved with successs of PersianRabbi.com, and their match is especially sweet for our other staff members. Yechezkel currently owns and... |
Jews of Iran Visit Russia
Russian Jewish organizers of a trip for 15 Iranian Jewish women in Russia say they hope the trip will launch contacts between the two communities. ... |
Persian Palaces in Beverly Hills
Take a drive down Beverly Drive to visit your aunt in Beverly Hills and you will see the enormous Persian Jewish influence by observing the great number of large white 2-story collumed homes in the area. This great phenomena has annoyed it's old skool... |
Online Dating Success!
Like many single Jews in LA, I was finding it difficult to meet that all-around great Jewish guy who would complement me intellectually, religiously, and socially. Like many single Jews in LA, I was finding it difficult to meet that all-around great... |
Young Jews Reshape U.S. Jewry
AJC Study: Young Jewish Adults to Reshape U.S. Jewry April 27, 2006 -- New York – The percentage of younger American Jews identifying as Orthodox is on the rise. Additionally, non-Orthodox Jews, ages 18 to 39, who marry Jews and have children... |
Sephardic Israel Trip!
A new trip has been announced specifically for English speaking Sephardim, that are interested in learning more about Judaism and traveling around Israel. 2 Weeks for $599! July 2nd - July 16th. In recent years there has developed a need from within... |
New Persian Magazine Published
The Los Angeles Iranian Kollel, under their new name Yachad Outreach Center, has published their first issue of Jewish Spirit. This 70 page publication has many interesting articles that range from a variety of thought provoking topics. Feel free to download... |
The Nostalgic Mahaleh
Our mahaleh, or neighborhood, known as Sarechal by the Iranian Jews, and Mahal-e-Juda by the Iranian Muslims, was located in the south of Tehran. It was the Jewish quarter of Teheran where the Jews felt safer and more at home than in the city at large... |
The Persian Matchmaker
He’s not your typical yenta, he’s not JDate and he’s certainly not your grandmother’s cousin once removed, but Asher Aramnia loves making love connections for local Jewish singles. With countless successful matches to his credit,... |
The Story of Hacham Uriel
The story of Hacham Uriel Davidi z"sl was evertything..Rabbi, posek, dayan, mohel, chazan, baal koreh, m’sader kiddushin, and a famed lecturer. With great humility and respect for others. Rav Davidi spent all but his eleven last years in Iran... |
New Persian Group Forms in Israel
On January 26, 2006, perhaps for the first time ever, about two dozen young Persian Jews from Los Angeles, New York and London met in Jerusalem to learn Torah to honor their home communities. This group of young Persian Jews from Los Angeles... |
Announcement on Jewish Divorce
January 5, 2006 - In pursuit of their mission to preserve the image and the rights of Jewish women, the Iranian Jewish Women's Organization in Los Angeles and the Ima Cultural Association in New York are proud to make the following announcement:... |
Uzbekistan Jewish Leader Murdered
February 27, 2006 - The International Sephardic Leadership Council was first notified of this murder at a meeting with the rabbis of the Bukharian community in New York. The Bukharian chief rabbi advised us of this news on Sunday (02-26-06),... |
Jennifer Chadorchi: The Hunger to Help
At 6:30 p.m. on a chilly Wednesday night in December, more than 30 young Jewish professionals gathered on the corner of Sycamore Avenue and Romaine Street in West Hollywood to feed homeless people waiting in line for a hot meal. There on behalf of... |
Iranian Jews of America
The story of immigration and acculturation of Iranian Jews to the United States is not an original and in many ways resembles the experiences of other ethnic Jewish communities. However, for the descendents of Queen Esther, the move to the United States... |
Is Smoking Hookah Safe?
Hookahs (Ghelyoon in Farsi) have long been used for smoking tobacco in the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia. Hookah lounges are also becoming increasingly popular in the US and other countries. The pipes consist of a long tube attached to a... |
Passing of HaRav Kaduri
On January 28, 2006, the well-known rabbi, Hakham Yishak Kaduri of Jerusalem passed away. Hakham Yishak Kaduri was the most revered mekubal (kabbalist) in Israel, considered the most respected in our generation. The elderly rabbi was said to be about 106 years old... |
Jews of Iran: The Film
Jews of Iran: The Film by: Ramin Farahani The Jewish settlement in Iran dates back to 2700 years. The Islamic Revolution of 1979 resulted in the departure of many Jews from the country. This film concentrates on Jews... |
Purim In Iran
Picture Queen Esther. Now, take those golden locks and replace them with thick black tresses, and instead of those big round baby blues, imagine almond shaped eyes the color of onyx. And that creamy white complexion? Try something a little tawnier, a... |
Memories of Purim In Iran
What are some of the customs for celebrating Purim in Iran, the nation where the story of Queen Esther and Mordechai actually took place?San Diego - Each year in San Diego, we make lots of noise whenever the name of Haman is uttered during the reading... |
Persian Synagogue Adopts Membership System
For many Jews, the High Holidays and membership drives go together like apples and honey. But for communities newer to America, the thought of paying an annual fee to "belong" to a house of worship is a foreign concept. For centuries, Persian... |
Story of a Black Convert To Be
My journey begins many years ago. As far back as I could remember I was quite a spiritual person. I wasn't raised in any religion until I was about 12, that's when my mom became a devout Christian and being a child I followed in her footsteps. While... |
The Passing of Hacham Netan Eli
Hacham Netaneli TZ”L was a great Tzaddik and taught us what it means to be humble, kind, and giving. Since he was such a humble man, he ended up passing away at a time that there will be no eulogy (hesped) said for him after his passing. He was... |
Jews in the Islamic Republic of Iran
The following is a disertation of the current situation of Jews living in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as has been published by the Tehran Jewish Community. Contrary to popular belief, our Jewish brothers and sisters seem have many religious freedoms... |
Slaughter of an Iranian Jewish Baby
Aug 19, 2003 - Shmuel Zargari, 11 months, of Jerusalem was one of 23 persons murdered by a suicide bomber on a No. 2 Egged bus in the capital's Shmuel Hanavi neighborhood. (Zargari - the Video ) The attack took place at about 9 p.m. as... |
Persian Jews in the Rug Business
I originally became interested in the history of the Iranian Jews in the carpet business when I first got involved in the business myself 14 years ago. It intrigued me that so many of the Iranian carpet dealers with whom I came into contact were Jews... |
Two Iranian Leaders of Israel
With a decades of immigration of Iranian Jews to Israel, they are slowly gaining respect acceptance by the population as whole. Over the past 2 decades one can see an immergence into the public arena, they are much more involved in public life, holding... |
Soraya Nazarian's trek to L.A.
Soraya Nazarian's trek to the America's Persian Jewish Capital, Los Angeles. 51-year-old Soraya Nazarian lives in Los Angeles like many other Persian Jews. And like the individuals that... |
Finding a soul-mate
Marriage is a sacred institution that not only requires a commitment to one another, but an allegiance to overcome the inevitable difficulties that compose a working relationship. When a man and woman live together prematurely, they are not bound by... |
Memories Being Jewish in Iran
I was born in Iran and lived there during the years of the Shah. My parents trace their ancestry back to the exile from the time of the destruction of the second Temple. There have always been Jewish settlements in Iran, even from the time of Purim. My... |
Iran remains home to Jewish enclave
Anti-Israel, pro-Khomeini article describing how rosey and sweet life is for Jews left in Iran TEHRAN - The Jewish women in the back rows of the synagogue wear long garments in the traditional Iranian style, but instead of chadors,... |
Iranian Jews Tackling Problems With Drug Abuse
Three years ago, Raymond P., a 28-year-old Iranian Jewish youth was a fully-fledged member of a notorious Los Angeles street gang and involved in violent crimes, activities that were helping him fund his near lethal drug habit... |
Persians and Purim: Make the Connection
"Mommy, I want to be Queen Esther for Purim." "Sure, sweetie, let's dress you up and get you a pretty blond wig." Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the Purim story happen in Persia, a.k.a. Iran? As in the Middle East. As... |
Personal Thoughts from Israel
PERSONAL THOUGHTS FROM ISRAEL during the Summer Gaza Withdrawal (August 2005)… Hello to the other half of my soul, As you can tell by that greeting, I feel such a strong split and tearing of belonging deep inside of me as I write to you... |
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Talk Back: Something Positve?
It seems as though; we at PersianRabbi.com are constantly discussing the negative aspects of our community... Whether it is Weddings Made For the Guests, What's Wrong With Being Black?, Hypocrisy in Our Community and others. Well here is your chance... |
The Wedding Made For the Guests
Recently, my good friend Karmel Melamed wrote an article about an epidemic of sorts that has spread in our community -- extravagantly large and elaborate weddings. As Karmel says, there is "a growing number of young Iranian Jewish professionals... |
Karmel on Covering Persian Jews
Karmel Melamed, the widely published Iranian-American Jewish Journalist, writes about his experiences covering the Persian community. Covering Iranian Jews in L.A. is not a piece of halvah "What are you doing reporting on us? You should find yourself... |
Open Letter To Nessah Israel
Open Letter To Nessah Israel Jun 1st, 2007 To whom it may concern, Last Shabbat, your synagogue held a "First Time Ever" Women's Only session on prayer and we heard great reviews! We hope that you continue with this project in inspiring and... |
Talk Back: Late Marriages
For better or for worse, our generation is witnessing a new phenomena amongst Persian Jews living in America. Where the average age of matrimony was in the twenties, the norm has shifted into the 30's and the occasional 40's. Why is this so? Is it the... |
Lashon Hara About the World
Woody Allen, a keen but unusual observer of our world, once remarked: "More than at any time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction. Let us pray that we have the wisdom... |
Rav Ovadia & Sephardic Pride
Hundreds of men, many dressed in dark suits, white shirts, and black velvet yarmulkes, sit packed together on thinly padded benches in the Yazdim synagogue in Jerusalem's Bukharan Quarter ready for their post-Shabbat evening entertainment-Rabbi Ovadiah... |
True Eshet Chayil
After spending a few hours contemplating marriage, and the state of it amongst the American Jewish twenty somethings and the early thirties, I realized that our wants and desires have markedly changed and not only is the age of marriage increasing so... |
Channeling Our Fears
“Mommy Joon, I love you and I know that you’re worried, but I promise you that I am safe, and it’s not how the news portrays it here in Israel. I understand that the family keeps calling, but cutting my trip short is not even an option... |
Your "Perfect" Match
"Perfect does not exist". This well-known saying is accepted by nearly everyone who is in the dating scene and accordingly, singles on the hunt make declarations such as: "I don't want the hottest", "I don't want the richest",... |
What's Wrong With Being Black?
My Grandmother is Persian. I am a Jew of Mixed Heritage. To most people, when they see me they see as Black woman because of my Ethiopian father and grandfather. I have NO problem with that.My Grandmother is Persian. I am a Jew of Mixed Heritage. To most... |
Religious Assimilation
Assimilation is usually a term reserved for the process of the traditional or religious-minded person becoming more and more secular over a period of time. Although our community has largely been spared from the extensive assimilation that has affected... |
Iran's Jews Remain Silent
As Mideast fighting rages, Iran's Jews steer clear. Nothing in the office of Iran's sole Jewish lawmaker calls attention to his faith - no Star of David, no menorah or other symbol of Judaism. As Mideast fighting rages, Iran's Jews steer clear Nothing... |
The Importance of the Premarital Agreement
A Joint Announcement on Jewish Divorce January 5, 2006 Iranian Jewish Women’s Organization - Ima Cultural Association Los Angeles - New York In pursuit of their mission to preserve the image and the rights of Jewish women, the Iranian Jewish Women's... |
Shifting Focus
It seems that our generation is one that is struggling with an identity crisis. Unlike our predecessors, many of whom helplessly accepted categorizations that were placed on them, individuals in our era are very cautious about accepting any labels placed... |
Common Myths of Marriage
Every couple hopes for eternal Shalom Bayit – everlasting marital harmony. While standing under the Chupa, each person prays that this exciting feeling of love & happiness should last for many years to come. They hope to deepen these feelings... |
The Art of Matchmaking
The wisdom of arranged marriages If people would not hire without first checking references, why are they prepared to give themselves body and soul to a stranger without doing the same? Rabbi Levi Brackman Most modern people frown on the concept... |
Sexual Immorality Within
There is a disparity in the way we, the Iranian Jewish Community, perceive and treat our traditional, cultural and moral norms, and our attitude towards men’s promiscuities.Men’s premarital physical encounters generally finds acceptance in... |
Persian or Iranian?
"You look so exotic…what’s your background?” When I initially meet strangers who are not Persian, this is the question I get most often. People seem to have an innate need to fit others into easily digestible categories. I stopped... |
Top 10: Serious Style
10. Isn't it funny that $10 seems like a lot when we give tzedaka, but so little when we go shopping? 9. Isn't it funny how one hour seems so long when we worship G-d, and so short when we watch a ball game? 8. Isn't it funny how 2 hours in shul seem... |
Iran's Jews Live Dual Lives
Jeff Lauterbach/HIAS Iranian Jewish refugees study Jewish texts as they await processing at a HIAS immigration center in Vienna in 2002. NEW... |
Pursuit of Pleasure in Dating
It is common knowledge that that there are many in our community that, in their pursuit for status and acceptance, live shallow and meaningless lives which unfortunately surface when deciding on a future wife or husband. Therefore, stating a need to... |
Hypocrisy in Our Community
The Persian Jewish community, and all other Sephardic communities for that matter, are known for their amazing faith in Hashem and respect towards traditional Jewish values. In Iran, Iraq, Morrocco and elsewhere we were surrounded by Muslims who would... |
Anti Semitism in Iranian T.V.
The question of the existence of anti-Semitism in Iran is a very complex one. One can see that there are very few restrictions imposed on Jews in present day Iran with regard to the practice of Judaism; Jews are relatively free to establish schools and... |
The Jewish Singles’ Problem
Jewish singles’ parties. Synagogues. Lectures. Community events. The perfect places to meet young Jewish singles. Year after year, we flock together, hundreds of us, sometimes even thousands, with glimmers of hope. That there are so many of us,... |
Stop Being So Religious!
So you’ve had the uplifting experience, the one that changed your life forever. You saw the light, reconnected with your soul, or found the eternal truth. Whatever the case may be, your rendezvous with a Torah lifestyle was an experience that made... |
One GOOD thing about anti-Semitism
THERE IS ONE good thing about anti-Semitism: It lets you know who the bad guys are. Right, left, black, white, freak or straight, the minute someone starts rattling on about the evil Jews, you know your train just pulled into Slimeball Station. All... |
Wake Up Sefardim!
How many times I have asked myself "How come there are Sefardim within the ranks of the Lubavitch, Chabad, Breslov, Bobov, Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, etc." Why, Why? To be a Sefardi, means to be proud of what our parents and grandparents... |
Sepharadim & The Label of 'Orthodox'
Once in a while I get a phone call from a traveler who plans on spending Shabbat in the vicinity of my synagogue. “So this is a Sephardic synagogue?”. “Yes”, I reply. “And are you Orthodox?” is usually... |
On schools producing committed Jews
Some believe that as long as our children are good Jews, good human beings, good citizens of the world, does it really matter if they are committed-observant Jews? But without a deep seated religious belief system that fosters an uncompromising commitment... |
Slowly but Surely...Losing the Persian Tradition
The old Persian Jewish Traditions, and knowledge of it, are being lost. I, personally, can only think of a handful of customs or minhagim specifically persian (dayenu?), which is testament to the level of culture loss in our 2000+ year old community.... |
Don't Mess...Marriage is Waiting!
Almost all of the functions in your body are controlled by hormones. In the same way that you can not and should not try to alter processes such as growth and metabolism, sexuality is not something you should mess with either. By the time puberty... |
Follow the Heart
For the most part, the Ashkenazim have totally won out over the Sephardim in almost every arena. Today almost every Sephardic yeshiva is so in name only. Almost all Sephardic yeshivas today teach according to the Ashkenazi teaching model, totally ignoring... |
When Jewish Means Ashkenazi
"Gut shabbos; gut yuntif; let's say kiddish..." Most Jews who have been involved even minimally in community religious life will be familiar with all these expressions. And if we are not, we are expected to be. This phenomenon is... |
The Vanishing American Jew
We all know the level of non-connection with our fellow American Jewish brethren, this is a very interesting article that must be read and understood. If this phenomena of loss of Jewish Identity is not understood and properly remedied in the Persian... |
On Persian Jews and their Persecution
Detailed description of the experience of Persian Jews living as second hand citizens writen by a Muslim observer. The history of Persian Jews dates back to ancient Iran marked by the emancipation of the Jews from Babylonian captivity after the... |
Iranian Community Mourns
More than 2,000 mourners packed the Nessah Cultural Center in Beverly Hills this summer to bid farewell to Hacham Yedidia Shofet. During the funeral, the powerful sound of the shofar blended with the recorded voice of Shofet, who at his own request, led... |
Teach Me Kaballah!
Hi, and thanks for the nice website. you've done a pretty god job. I'm a Kabbalah student with none-Jewish background. I have Presian Bahai background; don't define myself as a follower of any organizational religions, though adore and apply many mystic... |
Mashadi Ketubahs
Q: Rabbi I'm stumped! I am getting married in October. My mother says that our minhag as Mashadi Jews is to have both a ketubah and an Islamic marriage certificate which is written in Farsi. Now I need to figure out the wording for a marriage certificate... |
Specifically Persian Halacha?
Q: Are there any halachot(laws) that strictly apply to Persians only? Rabbi Zargari:There are some regionally originated details regarding the performance of certain misvot or minhagim among Persians. However, there are no actual halachot for Persians... |
Persians with Peyot?
Q: Did Iranians have the tradition of having peyot (side locks) or is it a strictly Ashkenazi thing? Rav David: If you look at my grandfathers picture, Hacham David Shofet tz”l, you can see that there are little peyot on his side. In Iran some... |
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