The prophet Ezekiel leaves zero ambiguity about their actual rap sheet: “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.” (Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel)
Parsha Vayera: What was the actual sin of Sodom? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Given its non-Jewish origins, many Jews question whether celebrating Halloween conflicts with Jewish law. Leviticus 18:3 cautions against adopting the customs of other nations, and some rabbinic authorities argue that Halloween’s pagan associations make participation inappropriate. [Cailin Acosta]
Should Jews celebrate Halloween? Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Fred Friendly ( October 30, 1915 – March 3, 1998) was a president of CBS News and the creator, along with Edward R. Murrow, of the documentary television program See It Now. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Fred Friendly Read More »
News Media, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
With his guilty plea, he admitted to these hate crimes that intentionally targeted victims based on their religion or national origin. In addition to his prior state court sentence of life without parole plus over 2,100 years in prison, he will be sentenced on these federal charges in January 2027. (Jonathan Lev and David Paul]
Firebomber of pro-Israel rally pleads guilty in federal court Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The complaint states that the district knew about the harassment the first time it was reported, yet responded with dismissiveness and delay, rather than promptly and effectively addressing the incidents. Student A’s teacher allegedly told her the slurs were not his problem, and administrators allegedly refused to call her parents because staff were “too busy.” (Press Release)
More than a half-million expats are believed to live in America, a great many of them residing in New York and California. Both states have grown more liberal and Democratic in recent decades. If Israeli expats could vote by absentee ballot, wanna bet how that would have affected Tuesday’s election? [Bruce S. Ticker]
Israel should permit voting by mail for expatriates Read More »
Bruce Ticker, California, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of everyday Orthodox Jewish life. Hebrew and Yiddish expressions, synagogue traditions, the mikvah, Shabbat and Jewish community activities are woven naturally into the story. [Cailin Acosta]
11-year-old’s story blends fantasy and Jewish reality Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors
My parents were orthodox Jews and adhered to the set of ancient laws and customs that characterize Jews all over the world. Such precepts as ‘thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal’ and ‘thou shalt not bear false witness,’ which also form the basis of Western society, came naturally to them, along with ‘love thy neighbor as thyself.’ This mindset and general attitude fitted in well with the wider non-Jewish society that was England at that time, namely, during and after the Second World War. (Dorothea Shefer-Vanson)
The right to be a refugee Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodWinona Ryder (October 29, 1971), is an American actress. Having come to attention playing “quirky” characters in the late 1980s, she achieved success with her more dramatic performances in the 1990s. Ryder’s many accolades include a Golden Globe, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award. [Wikipedia]
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Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
It is easy to become so absorbed in our own responsibilities that we overlook opportunities to help others. Do we make time for someone who is lonely? Listen patiently to a struggling friend? Offer help without waiting to be asked? Abraham reminds us that a meaningful life is measured not only by what we accomplish for ourselves, but also by the care we bring into the lives of others. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Vayeira: Becoming more fully human Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined ContributorsFor journalist Aron Heller, the search for his grandfather’s World War II history began with a mystery within his own family. Mickey Heller, affectionately known as Zaidy, had served four years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, including two years as a navigator in Bomber Command in Europe. Yet despite his grandson’s curiosity, Mickey rarely spoke about his military service. (Cailin Acosta)
I found I was sitting next to a woman who admitted she was part of the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and related groups who blockaded access to dorms, dining halls and classrooms for Jewish students and anyone who failed to “correctly answer the question “Are you Zionist or anti-Zionist?” (Barrett Holman Leak)
A beautiful homecoming and an unexpected encounter Read More »
Antisemitism, Barrett Holman Leak, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
NIF and our partners have always believed in Jewish-Arab partnership as the only way possible. We’ve worked for years to support the organizations and activists who persisted in the essential work of building trust, training leaders, and engaging more citizens in democratic life. [Mickey Gitzin and Shira Ben Sasson]
Israel should find a way to bring Arabs into a coalition Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodJonas Salk (October 28, 1914 – June 23, 1995) was an American virologist and medical researcher who developed one of the first successful polio vaccines. He was born in New York City and attended the City College of New York and New York University School of Medicine.
Today’s Jewish birthday: Jonas Salk Read More »
Science, Medicine, & Education, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia