By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — I write in response to explicit and implicit questions about why I vacillate between hope and pessimism. Answer: I see no contradiction between deeming it a privilege to live in Israel and being critical of much that goes on here, not least in the realm of politics. Hope isn’t the
An Israeli between hope and pessimism Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Jews remain an easy target. BDS is the best example. Its leadership is Palestinian, but its appeal is wider. It’s attained the support of students and faculty members at supposedly distinguished universities, as well as assorted labor groups and a motley collection of individuals. There is no lack of opposition to the
A response to the BDS movement Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, USABy Sheila Orysiek SAN DIEGO — Most families have some cousins they would rather not think about. Our Crowd: The Great Jewish Families of New York, by Stephen Birmingham (Syracuse University Press, 1996) and Poor Cousins by Ande Manners (Putnam Publishers Group, 1972) relate the stories of the powerful Jewish families of New York and
That ‘Other’ Part of the Family Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, USA
By Vera Meyer MALDEN, Massachusetts — I became interested in German Jewish history and culture because these are my roots, this is my heritage. Both my parents came from Germany. Both their families were deeply assimilated into German culture; that is to say, they were proud to be Germans first and Jews second. The spirit
FB group explores German- Jewish identity Read More »
International, Jewish Historyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troye_Sivan
The Jewish singers: Troye Sivan Read More »
Travel and FoodBy Steve Kramer ALFE MENASHE, Israel –Yesterday, I heard Mottle Wolfe say on his daily podcast (rebmottle.com, itunes, etc.): “Jewish lives matter.” Of course, all lives matter, but when it comes to Jews, especially Israelis, Jewish lives seem to matter less. Speaking to the Swedish TT news agency, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said of the
A refresher course in Israeli history Read More »
Middle East, Steve KramerBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–Where we are is at a place that some would call an anomaly. Palestine is not a country, a state, or even a fully recognized component of Israel or anything else. However, it operates somewhat like a component or dependency (another term that is slippery) of Israel. Israel lets tens of thousands
Despite rhetoric, Israel and P.A. prefer status quo Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Laurie Baron MARGATE, New Jersey─ “The Fright Before Christmas” Twas the night before Christmas, and at the North Pole Santa was worried some elf was a mole For a terrorist network that wanted him dead And planned to blow up his flying sled. Checking the elves with a metal detector To ferret out the ISIS
Humoring the Headlines: December 24, 2015 Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & SatireIsrael sends Merry Christmas wishes (JNS.org) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a video address on Christmas Eve wishing Christians in Israel and worldwide, a Merry Christmas. “From Jerusalem, I wish Israel’s Christian community and Christians everywhere a very joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year.” Netanyahu went on to express pride in Israel’s singular support
Middle East Roundup: December 24, 2015 Read More »
Middle Easthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Simon
The Jewish Singers: Paul Simon Read More »
Travel and FoodBy Morton A. Klein and Daniel Mandel NEW YORK — A major uproar exploded across the political scene recently when Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump called for “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” Conversely, there has been a remarkable, deafening silence on the official position proclaimed by Palestinian Authority (PA) president Mahmoud Abbas: “If
Double standard in U.S. about Muslim, Jewish targets Read More »
Middle East, USABy Rabbi Yaakov Marks SAN DIEGO — After a deeply spiritual life Yaakov is now ready to charge and bless the next generation as they prepare to carry on the mission of teaching the world the greatness of G-d. The angelic glory which emanated from Yaakov must have surely generated an awe-inspiring atmosphere in the
Weekly Torah portion: Vayechi Read More »
Jewish ReligionBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — In their zeal and professed patriotism Israel’s Jewish terrorists – yes, Jewish terrorists in Israel who contravene the laws of the state! – and their fellow-travellers are threatening the security and the integrity of the country. A recent symptom is the pathetic effort by supporters of the suspects now
So far right- wing political parties disown Jewish terror Read More »
Middle East