Mark D. Zimmerman

By Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, New York — A tradition in some ultra-Orthodox communities before Yom Kippur is kaparot, the ceremonial swinging of a chicken over one’s head three times before slaughtering the bird. This act is a symbolic transfer of one’s sins to the animal, which is then donated to the poor. What other […]

Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died at the age of 80. Unlike his flamboyant bandmates, Watts was known to be relatively reserved, providing a solid percussion groove informed by his jazz background and instincts. He toured with the Stones until just two years ago, providing a beat that defined such songs as (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, Paint It Black, and Honky Tonk Women. What was a Jewish connection in Charlie Watts’s life? [Mark D. Zimmerman]

By Mark D. Zimmerman Following the lead of Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida State Board of Education has threatened to withhold funds from the school boards in Broward and Alachua counties, where local officials want to enforce mask requirements for their students. DeSantis has stated that mask wearing should be an individual choice, and even

By Mark D. Zimmerman MELVILLE, New York — With the imminent final withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban is quickly taking control of the country. The Jewish history of Afghanistan goes back at least to the 7th century, with some claiming that Afghani Jews were descendants of the so-called lost tribes of Israel.

. In the 1970’s, Mason had an affair with Ginger Reiter, leading to the birth of a daughter whom Mason denied was his. Ultimately a paternity lawsuit led to his providing child support, though he had little to do with his daughter, Sheba Mason. Which of the following is true about Jackie Mason’s relationship with Ginger Reiter and Sheba Mason? [Mark D. Zimmerman]

Haim Eshed, the director of space programs for the Israel Ministry of Defense for nearly 30 years, gave an interview on the topic of UFOs. Eshed is considered to be the father of Israel’s space program, and has won many awards, including the Israel Defense Prize (the highest civilian defense honor of the State of Israel) on three occasions. What did Eshed say regarding the possibility of life on other planets? [Mark D. Zimmerman]

Congressman Louie Gohmert has clearly stated that America is a Christian nation, and his religious beliefs are the foundation of his political beliefs. What verse did Gohmert quote from the Bible to justify one of his political beliefs? [Mark D. Zimmerman]

Attorney F. Lee Bailey died last week. Bailey gained fame for defending a wide range of controversial figures, including The Boston Strangler, Patty Hearst, and O. J. Simpson. He brought a very theatrical presence into the courtroom, and advocated strongly for his clients with a focus on the concept of reasonable doubt. What did Bailey say that offended many in the Jewish community? [Mark D. Zimmerman]