Every day, when my father left for the factory in the morning, he and my mother were unsure he would return home. Any connection to Judaism could lead to arrest and prison. Circumcision, in particular. But for my grandfathers, a boy not circumcised was as though not yet born as a Jew. [Yakov Nayerman]
The statistics paint an alarming picture: A shocking 83% of Jewish college students have experienced or witnessed antisemitism on campus since October 7, 2023. [Jonathan Greenblatt]
ADL Fundraises to ‘Keep All Students Safe and Fight Antisemitism Everywhere’ Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
This book captures 26 years of correspondence, from 1945 to 1971, between two Holocaust survivors who both wrote trilogies about their experiences of Lodz, Poland before, during, and after World War II. [Donald H. Harrison]
Up Close and Personal Correspondence Between 2 Holocaust Survivors, Authors Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
NEW YORK (Press Release) – In the first half of the year, Israel continued enhancing its tourism offerings with a series of new hotels and attractions designed to inspire and delight visitors. With the reintroduction of flights from legacy airlines including Delta and United, new, and moving art installations, the return of prominent festivals and
Tourism in Israel Rebounds with New Flights, Hotels, Experiences Read More »
Israel, Lifestyles, Press Release, Travel and Food, USA
The central theme of Living Dangerously is the tension between material ambition and spiritual fulfillment. Katsof re-imagines the biblical warning against idolatry, casting money as a false god that promises security but delivers isolation. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Living Dangerously: Integrating the Spiritual into the Commercial World Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Business & Finance, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors
As the war in Ukraine continues to displace thousands and disrupt daily life, Chabad of Poland has remained a lifeline to Jewish communities throughout the region. Since 2022, they have provided emergency housing, kosher meals, medical assistance, legal support, education, childcare and spiritual services to tens of thousands of Ukrainian Jews. The summer retreat is a key part of this effort. [Press Release]
Beleaguered Ukrainian Jews Enjoy Weeks of Respite in Poland Read More »
International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Press Release, Travel and Food
The research, directed by Dr. Mijal Bitton and based at the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Research, includes recommendations for community leaders, educators, and researchers to better include Sephardic Jews in the community. The myriad specific recommendations in the report are informed by five new recommended frameworks to approach diversity work in the Jewish community. [Press Release]
Being hugged and kissed by each and every one as they came into the house was heart-warming, especially to experience our nine-year-old granddaughter hurling herself into our arms and telling us that she had missed us, as well as to meet our newest grandchild, four month-old Emily. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Amid Israel’s Political Chaos, There are Still Family and Household Concerns Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The initiative focuses on Northern Israel’s hardest-hit communities, including Kiryat Shmona, Majdal Shams, the Mateh Asher and Upper Galilee regional councils, Mas’ade, and Ein Qiniyye, with a special emphasis on socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. (Press Release)
We studied Jewish text designed to guide us in thinking through our responsibilities in relation to Israel, what is happening in Gaza, and the rising threats to the Jewish people. [Heidi Gantwerk]
It’s a Jewish Time for Soul-Searching Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
This book is more complex than the typical board book. Instead of telling one story, it has three objectives. [Donald H. Harrison]
Multiple Depictions in a Baby Book of a Jewish Family through the Generations Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
If the person is older, I count the years they outlived me and cheer their longevity. I read their obituary avidly for insights, hints, and clues about how they made it to such a long life. Good for them! If they can do it, I “reason,” so can I! [Karen Galatz]
The Matzo Chronicles: By the Numbers Read More »
Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Two Torahs saved from the Holocaust were obtained, one from the Czech Republic; the other from Hungary. A congregant whose hobby is woodworking built the Holy Ark within which to keep them. Another congregant created a rustic chuppah. Jewish books were donated to the congregational library. Temple Sukkat Shalom (Shelter of Peace) is small, yet compact. [Donald H. Harrison]
Alaskan Synagogue Depends on Volunteers Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Henna is seen to ward off the evil eye and increase fertility. In recent generations, more Jews with Sephardic roots are incorporating this practice into their nuptials. [Cailin Acosta]
Henna Rituals Growing in Popularity Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food