An honest look at the role of chumra (stringency) in Jewish Law & Life.

Exploring Korach’s rebellion and his religious philosophy, its relevance and danger, Rabbi Nadel also addresses some issues the NY Jewish Community is struggling with today – Charter Schools and “Half-Shabbos.”

A famous yet difficult passage in the Talmud expresses how we relate to God and His Holy Torah.

Reflections on Yom HaAtzmaut 5771, given at Beit Knesset Kol Rina, Nachlaot, Jerusalem.

In our study of Torah, how are we we to view the Avot and other Biblical figures? Are they to be put on a pedestal? Are they infallible? Or, are they human beings like us, and subject to human frailty?

The Sages teach in the Midrashic and Talmudic literature that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob kept all 613 mitzvot of the Torah. How are we to understand this?

Outside of the Land of Israel, there is a prevelant custom to recite Kiddush in the Synagogue on Friday Night. Rabbi Nadel explores why the custom is different in Eretz Yisrael.

Rosh HaShanah is the Yom HaDin, the Day of Judgement. Yet we treat it like a festival. What should one feel on Rosh HaShanah? Joy? Fear? Uncertainty? Awe? Confidence? Rabbi Nadel explores the dialectic of Rosh HaShanah as expressed in the halachik literature.

Teshuvah, often mistranslated as “repentance” or “forgiveness” is really a process of self-exploration and examination. It is a transformation that leads to self-mastery.

Exploring the Limits of Teshuvah: How Far Must We Go in Accepting the Penitent?
The Nazi Who Wanted to Convert to Judaism, A Case Study