Michael Feldstein
- None, Jewish Link
Great Barrington, Pittsfield
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Articles by Michael Feldstein
From Prohibition to Kiddush: The Surprising Story of Grape Juice and Halacha
If you have young children at your Pesach Seder—or even if you don’t—chances are you’ll be pouring grape juice for some or all of the four cups we are required to drink. Today, we take it completely for granted that anyone can pull a bottle of Kedem or Welch’s-Manischewitz out of the fridge and make kiddush. But to a Jew living in 1800s Europe or early 1900s America, that concept would have been technologically and halachically bizarre.
As Long as There Is Another Inning
One of the reasons I love baseball is that it doesn’t believe in clocks. In basketball, football and soccer, the clock is king. You can be mounting a furious comeback, finding your rhythm, feeling momentum shift in your favor—and then the buzzer sounds. Game over. Time has spoken, regardless of how you played during the last few minutes. Baseball is different. Theoretically, a game could go on forever. If it’s tied after nine innings, you keep playing. Ten innings, 11, 12, as long as it takes.
From Prohibition to Kiddush: The Surprising Story of Grape Juice and Halacha
If you have young children at your Pesach seder—or even if you don’t—chances are you’ll be pouring grape juice for some or all of the four cups we are required to drink. Today, we take it completely for granted that anyone can pull a bottle of Kedem or Welch’s out of the fridge and make kiddush. But to a Jew living in 1800s Europe or early 1900s America, that concept would have been technologically and halachically bizarre.
From Prohibition to Kiddush: The Surprising Story of Grape Juice and Halacha
From Prohibition to Kiddush: The Surprising Story of Grape Juice and Halacha - Michael Feldstein
The Evolution of the Hashkama Minyan
Walk into almost any Orthodox synagogue on a Shabbat morning today, and you’ll likely find a 7:15am hashkama minyan packed with congregants. It feels like one of those timeless, quintessential institutions of Orthodox Jewish life today. However, the truth is that the early minyan is an American Jewish invention with roots over a century old—and its original attendees weren’t trying to beat the kiddush rush or skip a long sermon. They were trying to keep their jobs.
The Evolution of the Hashkama Minyan
Walk into almost any Orthodox synagogue on a Shabbat morning today, and you’ll likely find a 7:15am hashkama minyan packed with congregants. It feels like one of those timeless, quintessential institutions of Orthodox Jewish life today. However, the truth is that the early minyan is an American Jewish invention with roots over a century old—and its original attendees weren’t trying to beat the kiddush rush or skip a long sermon. They were trying to keep their jobs.
As Long as There Is Another Inning
One of the reasons I love baseball is that it doesn’t believe in clocks. In basketball, football, and soccer, the clock is king. You can be mounting a furious comeback, finding your rhythm, feeling momentum shift in your favor—and then the buzzer sounds. Game over. Time has spoken, regardless of how you played during the last few minutes. Baseball is different. Theoretically, a game could go on forever. If it’s tied after nine innings, you keep playing. Ten innings, eleven, twelve, as long as it takes.
As Long as There Is Another Inning
Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse, Report this post. One of the reasons I love baseball is that it doesn’t believe in clocks. In basketball, football, and soccer, the clock is king.
The Melody We Thought Was Ancient
There are very few musical composers who can say that their melody is sung every day by hundreds of thousands of children. Cantor Moshe Nathanson—who I’m guessing very few of my readers are even familiar with—is one of them. Who was Cantor Moshe Nathanson, and why might he be the most famous Jewish musician that you have never heard of? Nathanson is the individual who composed the melody that’s universally sung for the grace after meals.
How to Delight Your Customers
My first introduction to the direct marketing business (I’ve now been in the profession for 44 years) was at the tender age of 8 years old. On the back of the box of cereal that I ate every morning was a promotion for a Batman utility belt. All I had to do was collect four proof-of-purchase box tops and send the coupon along with a dollar to the address provided. Being a Batman fan, I was very intrigued by this offer.
Breaking the Silence: Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot
Rabbi Nathaniel (“Nati”) Helfgot occupies a distinctive place in Modern Orthodox life as a rabbi, educator, scholar, and communal leader. Yet for many people, one of his most enduring contributions was not a scholarly book or a halakhic essay … it was his willingness to speak publicly about depression at a time when few Orthodox Jews were prepared to do so.
Breaking the Silence: Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot
Rabbi Nathaniel (“Nati”) Helfgot occupies a distinctive place in Modern Orthodox life as a rabbi, educator, scholar, and communal leader. Yet for many people, one of his most enduring contributions was not a scholarly book or a halakhic essay … it was his willingness to speak publicly about depression at a time when few Orthodox Jews were prepared to do so.
The Melody We Thought Was Ancient
Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse, Report this post. There are very few musical composers who can say that their melody is sung every day by hundreds of thousands of children.
The Melody We Thought Was Ancient
There are very few musical composers who can say that their melody is sung every day by hundreds of thousands of children. Cantor Moshe Nathanson—who I’m guessing very few of my readers are even familiar with—is one of them. Who was Cantor Moshe Nathanson, and why might he be the most famous Jewish musician that you have never heard of? Nathanson is the individual who composed the melody that’s universally sung for the grace after meals.
Breaking the Silence: Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot Reflects on Twenty-Five Years of Mental Health Awareness
Rabbi Nathaniel (“Nati”) Helfgot occupies a distinctive place in Modern Orthodox life as a rabbi, educator, scholar and communal leader. Yet for many people, one of his most enduring contributions was not a scholarly book or a halachic essay, it was his willingness to speak publicly about depression at a time when few Orthodox Jews were prepared to do so.
What’s in a Name?
Have you ever wondered how we decided on our deeply ingrained customs for naming children? If you grew up in an Ashkenazi household, you probably take it for granted that you name a baby after a beloved relative who has passed away. It’s so widespread today that many people assume it goes all the way back to Avraham, Sarah and the rest of our biblical ancestors. But as it turns out, history tells a much more complicated—and fascinating—story.
It’s the Little Things…
Tova Our daughter Tova, of blessed memory, would have turned 39 years old this coming week. It occurred to me recently that it has been a while since I’ve written about her. That certainly doesn’t mean she hasn’t been on my mind. Not a day goes by where something doesn’t bring her to heart or where I don’t feel the quiet ache of her absence. Time may soften the sharpest edges of losing a child, but it never truly heals that space in your heart.
It’s the Little Things…
Tova Feldstein (Credit: Michael Feldstein) Our daughter Tova, of blessed memory, would have turned 39 years old this coming week. It occurred to me recently that it has been a while since I’ve written about her. That certainly doesn’t mean she hasn’t been on my mind. Not a day goes by where something doesn’t bring her to heart, or where I don’t feel the quiet ache of her absence. Time may soften the sharpest edges of losing a child, but it never truly heals that space in your heart.
It’s the Little Things…
Our daughter Tova, of blessed memory, would have turned 39 years old this coming week. It occurred to me recently that it has been a while since I’ve written about her. That certainly doesn’t mean she hasn’t been on my mind. Not a day goes by where something doesn’t bring her to heart, or where I don’t feel the quiet ache of her absence. Time may soften the sharpest edges of losing a child, but it never truly heals that space in your heart.
More Than Just a Kashrut Organization: An Interview With Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph of the OU
A Yachad gala For many people, the Orthodox Union is instantly recognizable for the small “OU” symbol on millions of kosher products worldwide. For more than a century, the organization has been synonymous with kosher certification, establishing itself as one of the most trusted and influential brands in Jewish life. But while kashrut remains a cornerstone of its work, today’s Orthodox Union is far more than a kosher agency.
New Ways to Extend the Life of Electroless Nickel Baths
Dear Products Finishing Audience Member: Starting on Thursday August 8, 2024, PF will begin “gating” its premium content, asking all new website users to provide some information about themselves — name, title, employer, email address — before they are provided free access to the content. We are doing this because the ways PF’s audience finds and accesses our content is changing.
What’s in a Name?
Have you ever wondered how we decided on our deeply ingrained customs for naming children? If you grew up in an Ashkenazi household, you probably take it for granted that you name a baby after a beloved relative who has passed away. It’s so widespread today that many people assume it goes all the way back to Avraham, Sarah, and the rest of our biblical ancestors. But as it turns out, history tells a much more complicated—and fascinating—story.
The Escape Artist Who Could Not Escape Time - Michael Feldstein
When I was a youngster, I was fascinated by magic. I can still remember the excitement of opening a magician’s kit that my parents bought for me. Inside was everything a budding magician could want: a black cape, a magic wand, a top hat, and a collection of simple tricks that allowed me to amaze family members and friends. Magic was a big part of childhood.
The Blogs: Out of Sync
It’s happening again this year — that odd Jewish calendar quirk where the Torah readings in Israel and the diaspora fall out of sync. This year, Shavuot in the diaspora is celebrated on Friday and Saturday, and the special Torah readings for Shavuot are read. In Israel, however, the second day of Shavuot is an ordinary Shabbat, so Israelis read the regular weekly Torah portion instead.
Out of Sync - Michael Feldstein
It’s happening again this year — that odd Jewish calendar quirk where the Torah readings in Israel and the diaspora fall out of sync. This year, Shavuot in the diaspora is celebrated on Friday and Saturday, and the special Torah readings for Shavuot are read. In Israel, however, the second day of Shavuot is an ordinary Shabbat, so Israelis read the regular weekly Torah portion instead.
When the Wind Knew Our Names - Michael Feldstein
I can still see it as clearly as if it were parked in my driveway yesterday: my very first bicycle, a bright red Schwinn with a long banana seat and high-rise handlebars that made me feel, at least in my own mind, like the coolest kid on the block. It was the late 1960s, and in those days a bicycle wasn’t just a toy—it was freedom on two wheels. Back then, every kid had a bike. Not some kids. Not a few kids. All of us. It was how we got around, how we found each other, how we filled our days.
What’s Great About Jewish Life in America? Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month
As the country approaches 250 years of independence, Jewish community members reflect on the pride, resilience, and unity of American Jewry May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the history, culture, and enduring impact of Jews on American life.
Still Grateful, Still Flourishing: Being Jewish in America at 250 - Michael Feldstein
Tree of Life Synagogue … Colleyville … Poway. Pro-Hamas demonstrations on campus. A New York City mayor who believes that Israel has no right to exist as a Jewish state. Record-high numbers of antisemitic incidents reported across the country. It’s no wonder that so many of our friends have decided to make aliyah, feeling that there is no future for American Jewry. And others who have passports in hand, ready to flee the country if matters get any worse.
Listening between the Words: Tova’s Legacy - Michael Feldstein
It has been more than three years since our beloved daughter Tova tragically died, and yet there are moments when her presence feels as vivid and immediate as ever. Not only in the memories we hold, or the stories we tell, but in the quiet ways her influence continues to shape how we see other people—and how we try, however imperfectly, to respond to them.
Breakfast Treasures: Remembering the Magic Inside the Cereal Box - Michael Feldstein
It didn’t exactly make the top of my news feed, but I recently noticed a small story that stopped me in my tracks. Kellogg’s—the cereal giant that anchored so many of our childhood mornings—is bringing back the practice of placing small toys inside cereal boxes, something it abandoned years ago. The new promotion will feature special editions of Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, and Corn Pops, each containing plastic figurines tied to the upcoming film Toy Story 5.
The Missing Pieces of the Skills Economy are the Skills and the Economy
The idea of a “skills economy” finally appears to be getting broader interest and increasing action, for many reasons. AI is certainly one. Jobs are changing faster than ever. The jobs that need doing and the skills required to do them evolve visibly over months rather than years now. And AI could enable us to create and analyze digital evidence of a person’s skills with substantially less labor (although we’re still quite early in that shift). Other, less sexy changes are also major drivers.
A Life That Matters: An Interview with Richard Joel - Michael Feldstein
Richard Joel has devoted virtually his entire professional career serving the Jewish community … directing Yeshiva University’s Torah Leadership Seminar programs … serving as the President of Hillel International… and leading Yeshiva University as its fourth president. I had a chance to speak to him so he could reflect on his professional career and look back at the various challenges he faced.
Whispered at Night: The Shema Across Generations - Michael Feldstein
Back in the days when our children were young, bedtime in our home followed a familiar script. Pajamas were put on (sometimes willingly, sometimes less so), teeth were brushed, one more glass of water was requested, and then, finally, the room would grow quiet. The lights dimmed, the day receded, and in that small, sacred space between wakefulness and sleep, we would say the bedtime Shema together. At first, my children needed me for every word.
Numbers, Waiting, and a Whispered Prayer - Michael Feldstein
Remember when medical tests came wrapped in a certain kind of mystery? You went to the lab, rolled up your sleeve, watched the vials fill, and then… you waited. Days later, perhaps a week later, your doctor would finally call. Or you’d sit in an office, trying to read the expression on his or her face before a single word was spoken. And then, almost always, you would hear some version of the same reassuring phrase: “Everything looks fine.” That was it. No numbers. No charts. No color-coded warnings.
An Explanation of AI that Could Be Wrong (Which is Good)
I haven’t blogged much in the past couple of years. Partly, I’ve been absorbed by my job as Chief Strategy Officer at 1EdTech, which I absolutely love. I firmly believe that we can powerfully and uniquely influence the future of EdTech, including but not limited to influencing AI’s role in it. I will be writing more about what we’re up to in the coming months. I’m devoted to the work in a way I haven’t been in quite a long time. I have something else to get off my chest first, though.
One Room, One Prayer, Many Hearts - Michael Feldstein
I still remember the weight of the pen in my hand. It didn’t feel like signing a consent form. It felt like signing something far more final, far more terrifying—permission for strangers to take our child into an operating room and do whatever they needed to do to keep her alive. Twice it was open-heart surgery. Once it was back surgery. Each time, the words were clinical, but the meaning was anything but.
Tracing Stamford’s Rich Orthodox Jewish History
In the past 10 years, the Stamford Orthodox Jewish community has experienced geometric growth. Several new kosher restaurants have opened, Torah learning has expanded, and youth activities at both Orthodox synagogues are bursting at the seams.
The Power of the Pause
If you’re anything like me, you probably belong to more WhatsApp groups than you can count—organized around hobbies, causes, schools, neighborhoods, shuls and everything in between. Most of us join these groups mainly to read what others are saying. Every so often, we’ll chime in to ask a question or share a useful piece of information. But then there are those who feel compelled to weigh in on everything—often without much thought about how their words might land.
The Death of the Research Paper - Michael Feldstein
There was a time—not so long ago—when the research paper was a foundational rite of passage in education. It began modestly. In the early grades, it was the humble book report: a lined notebook page, a carefully handwritten title, and the familiar prompts—What is the story about? Who are the main characters? What is the theme? Did you like the book, and why?
Literally Nobody Understands AI. That’s bad.
This is not an anti-AI post. I use AI extensively and believe it is hard to overstate its importance. I will argue that modern artificial intelligence is still in the pre-scientific phase. That’s problematic because we have no way to account for or reliably address AI failures at tasks that are not hard for humans, including tasks that are critical for education. The gap creates serious risks that we ignore at our peril.
From Trauma to Resilience: Understanding the Inner World of Israel’s Children - Michael Feldstein
In the past six years, the children in Israel have been exposed to the effects of Covid on their schooling, the horrors of October 7th, a two-year war with Hamas in which many of their parents who fought in the army came home injured (or didn’t come home at all), and missiles being shot at them from Iran. How have these precious children dealt with these traumatic episodes, and what has the country of Israel done to help them through this difficult period?
From Spontaneity to Structure: The History and Meaning of Tachanun - Michael Feldstein
Pity the poor prayer of Tachanun—it’s the Rodney Dangerfield of our liturgy: it gets no respect. Congregants smile when there’s a bris in the community, or when it’s Tu B’Av or Shushan Purim—and the service is unexpectedly shortened by a few precious minutes because Tachanun is skipped. And who among us hasn’t felt a quiet sense of relief during the entire month of Nisan, when Tachanun disappears altogether? I’ll admit it—I’m as guilty as anyone.
Unified agent workspace with seamless cloud handoff power
Cursor Glass is a new interface for agentic development that solves a real pain: managing multiple agents across local and cloud environments without losing visibility. With a unified workspace for agents, repos, and tasks plus Cloud Handoff to switch between local and cloud mid-task, it reduces context-switching and keeps workflows seamless. Composer 2 adds strong performance at lower cost.
Shovels, Cookies, and Community - Michael Feldstein
There’s a common stereotype that Orthodox Jews live in a bubble—insular, focused only on their own community, and uninterested in the broader society around them. However, one member of the Stamford Orthodox Jewish community (who wishes to remain anonymous) breaks that stereotype … he recently worked with others in the broader Stamford community to shovel snow from their neighbors’ sidewalks and encourage others to help out.
Waiting for the Pictures - Michael Feldstein
A few weeks ago, we celebrated our granddaughter Sarit’s bat mitzvah. It was a wonderful simcha. Sarit delivered a beautiful dvar Torah that focused on a mishnah in Pirkei Avot that she had studied with me. There was dancing, good food, and a lot of family in attendance to mark the occasion. Of course, there was also a photographer to capture the moment.
Behind the Mask: What Purim Costumes Reveal About Us - Michael Feldstein
I don’t know about you, but over the past week my social media feeds have been overflowing with Purim costumes. Friends, grandchildren, neighbors — all smiling, posing, proudly showing off superheroes, queens, clowns, and every imaginable creative invention. I must confess something: I’ve never really been a costume person. Even when our children were young, dressing up just wasn’t their thing. Both were absolutely terrified of clowns.
Splitting Hairs: An Interview With Rabbi Michael Broyde
Highlighting: “Splitting Hairs: The History, Law, and Future of Jewish Laws of Modesty and Women’s Head Covering,” by Rabbi Michael J. Broyde. February 2026. Paperback: 509 pages. ISBN-10: 1953829201. In 2009, Rabbi Michael Broyde wrote a controversial article in Tradition magazine, in which he discussed the question of whether women’s hair covering was a biblical or rabbinic prohibition.
Tracing Stamford’s Rich Orthodox Jewish History - Michael Feldstein
In the past 10 years, the Stamford Orthodox Jewish community has experienced geometric growth. Several new kosher restaurants have opened, Torah learning has expanded, and youth activities at both Orthodox synagogues are bursting at the seams.
Learning Context and AI: A 1EdTech Labs Live Webinar
I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be running an interactive webinar on the nature of learning context and AI on Thursday, February 26th at 11:30 AM ET. “Learning context” is not just a play on words here. 1EdTech takes the position that context is fundamentally different from data and needs to be treated as such, both in how we think about it in our application design and in how we handle it technically.
The Blogs: Stolen Tests and Unexpected Lessons: Remembering the 1974 Regents Scandal
In a recent New York Times article, “Students Are Finding New Ways to Cheat on the SAT,” it was reported that websites in China are selling SAT test questions and that software has been developed to bypass test protections and security measures. Reading it immediately brought me back to my final year of high school in 1974, when copies of the New York State Regents examinations were stolen and widely distributed—leading to the cancellation of that year’s exams.
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