PARSHAT BAMIDBAR
May 15-16, 2026 / 29 Iyar 5786
THIS SHABBAT
Mevarchim Hachodesh for the month of Sivan
SPECIAL DAYS THIS WEEK
Yom Yerushalayim is celebrated on Friday, May 15
Rosh Chodesh Sivan is celebrated on Sunday, May 17
Yom Hameyuchas is celebrated on Monday, May 18
The Shloshet Yemei Hagbalah are observed on Tuesday, May 19, through Thursday, May 21
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 FEATURED
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| Shredding Light on Cheese |
In the latest episode of the Keeping It Kosher podcast, our host Rabbi Ezra Sarna is joined by OU Kosher dairy expert and Rabbinic Coordinator Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer for a fascinating deep dive into the world of kosher cheese.
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| Report on October 7 |
Memory and remembrance have always been central to the Jewish experience — not only in times of joy and salvation, but also in moments of profound pain and tragedy. As a new report documenting the horrific sexual violence committed on and after October 7 is released, our EVP & COO Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph reflects on the responsibility to bear witness to these atrocities and ensure they are remembered with dignity and humanity.
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| The Human Advantage: Staying Relevant in an AI World |
As artificial intelligence advances rapidly, many professionals are beginning to worry that their roles could become obsolete. Our Assistant Director of Talent Acquisition Tzuri Merzel explores the human skills that will continue to set people apart in an increasingly AI-powered world, and shares practical insights on how to stay relevant, adaptable, and ahead of the curve.
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| NY Blazes a Trail in Education Scholarships |
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Teach NYS
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Following months of advocacy and engagement by Teach NYS and coalition partners, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signaled support for New York opting into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, a major breakthrough for education affordability that positions New York as a national leader among blue states. The move could help pave the way for additional Democratic-led states to follow suit and expand educational opportunities for families nationwide.
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 AROUND THE OU
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Community Engagement
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| OHRBIT Expands Its Torah Library |
OHRBIT, our new AI-powered Torah app, continues to expand with the addition of more than 1,400 classes from Rabbi Yussie Zakutinsky of K’hal Mevakshei Hashem in Lawrence, New York, giving users even greater access to diverse Torah content and shiurim on demand.
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| Sign Up for OHRBIT |
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Jewish Action
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| The Mizinke Dance: Tradition, Folklore or Other? |
Wedding season is here, and with simcha halls filling up, Rabbi Reuven G. Becker explores the fascinating origins of the mizinke tantz, the joyous dance performed when parents marry off their youngest child. Tracing its roots through Yiddish folk culture, Ukrainian customs, and American wedding traditions, the story behind this modern staple is anything but simple.
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OU-JLIC
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| New Torah Learning Program Fills a Campus Need |
At JLIC Rutgers, student demand for Torah learning outpaced what two educators could provide one-on-one. The response was pods — small, student-driven chaburot centered on shared interests and schedules, where personal connection is paramount.
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18Forty
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| Adam Ferziger: Agents of Change |
In this episode of the 18Forty podcast, Adam Ferziger, a historian of modern Jewish movements, discusses how American Jews have helped shape the evolution of Israeli Judaism.
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| Listen Now |
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 UPCOMING EVENTS
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 TORAH
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Senator Joe Lieberman, a"h, with Rabbi Ari D. Kahn
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| Ruth, An Allegory and a Story of Love |
Megillat Ruth reminds us that the religion that Ruth accepted is about the values of love, honor, and kindness that are the essence of the Law given at Sinai.
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All Daf
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| New Series: Bringing Chulin to Life |
Learning Chulin isn’t simple. Most of us have never seen shechita, treifos, or the parts of an animal the Gemara discusses. This series brings Chulin to life with short video clips that visually explain and illuminate the halachos and topics on the Daf, presented by expert shochtim and bodkim.
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| Learn on All Daf Learn on WhatsApp |
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Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, zt"l
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| Love as Law, Law as Love |
Hosea suggests that the making of woman from man mirrors the creation of humanity from God. First they are separated, then they are joined again as two distinct persons, each of whom respects the integrity of the other.
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