By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM– While some Arab Christians in Israel are about to form a political party with a platform that specifically includes commitment to service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a sizeable group of Hasidic gurus in Israel are planning a trip to the United States to lobby against their […]
Haredim mount campaign to avoid IDF service Read More »
Middle East
By Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Was Jesus a Palestinian? That is the latest historical claim of Mahmoud Abbas. The status of Abbas is its own problem, due to his term as President of the Palestine.National Authority having run out in January, 2009, and there being no subsequent election. His claim about Jesus is even
Abbas claims Jesus was a Palestinian Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
Jordan Valley sovereignty bill approved by Israeli ministerial committee (JNS.org) Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Legislation on Sunday approved a bill proposed by MK Miri Regev (Likud) that would apply Israeli law to Jewish lands and communities in the Jordan Valley. “This bill is purely motivated by diplomatic and security considerations,” Regev said, Israel Hayom reported.
JNS news briefs: December 30, 2013 Read More »
InternationalBy Alina Dain Sharon/JNS.org As 2013 is drawing to a close, JNS.org takes a look at its biggest news stories from Israel and the Jewish world that have shaped the outgoing year. Egypt Andrew Driscoll Pochter, a Jewish student at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, was fatally stabbed June 28 in Alexandria during clashes between
2013 Jewish news year in review Read More »
International
Mike Sager, High Tolerance, Sager Group, 2013, ISBN 9780988178564, 265 pages. By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO–If you enjoy puzzles, you may like to ponder the meaning of this novel’s title, “High Tolerance.” Does it refer to the protagonist, Jewish television writer Nathan Sulcov, who is the white partner in a black/white marriage, whose biracial,
Current fiction: ‘High Tolerance’ Read More »
Donald H. Harrison
QUEENS, N.Y. (Press Release) – Victor Mooney, AIDS crusader, had the words “Shalom” and “Never Forget” printed in Hebrew in vinyl letters onto a 12 inch metal tube to symbolize the Peace that we all pray for in this world, but also to remind us to Never Forgot our history. Mooney will carry this tube
‘Shalom’ tube to be carried on Transatlantic rowing attempt Read More »
The World We ShareBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — It’s generally assumed that Palestinian leaders have a vested interest in derailing the peace talks with Israel, because any agreement that would pragmatically accept a two-state solution would destroy their cherished myth about if not driving the Jews into the sea then at least wrecking their state. The increase
Are Netanyahu and Abbas colluding to fool U.S.? Read More »
Middle East
By Aryeh Savir Two Katyusha rockets were fired at Northern Israel Sunday morning, Dec. 29. The rockets fell in the hills near Kiryat Shmonah. Fires broke out as a result of the explosions. Another two rockets fell in Lebanese territory. No damage or injuries were reported. IDF guns retaliated by firing several shells at
Rockets fired at Northern Israel Read More »
Middle East
Female (top) and male ducks spotted at Poway Lake on Saturday, Dec. 28 By Donald H. Harrison POWAY, California — On the periphery of a bunch of old coots, I saw a couple keeping more or less to themselves, clearly outsiders. On that Shabbat afternoon, Dec. 28, he wore what looked like a
Water animals and the Jews Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, The World We Share, Yeruchem Eilfort-RabbiBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — Electoral reform has been on the agenda in Israel for a very long time. People abroad, even more than in Israel, argue that the two-party system of the United States, or at least fewer political parties like in Canada or the UK, would make it easier to govern. Though
Would electoral reform in Israel disenfranchise Arabs? Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–There are lessons to be learned from recent politicking about gays and lesbians, and the Kerry peace process. It’s all about smoke and mirrors, or what you see isn’t there, and is meant to satisfy by deceiving. First on gays and lesbians. There is a Future, Yair Lapid’s new party with a
Political smoke and mirrors on single-sex and peace issues Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
NEW YORK (Press Release) – The International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians (ICJP) is urging US President Barack Obama to commute the sentence of long-imprisoned spy Jonathan Pollard. “We, the members of the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians, write to urge you to use your power of clemency to commute Jonathan Pollard’s prison sentence to time
Jewish parliamentarians seek Pollard’s release Read More »
USA
ENCINITAS, California — The Irish are known for having a special connection to horses and Audrey Reynolds is no exception. She grew up riding and competed successfully for many years in Ireland, England, and the United States. Twenty years ago, she suffered a serious injury which brought a halt to her show jumping and riding.
Saving Horses Inc. allows equines to retire in peace Read More »
Mimi Pollack, The World We ShareBy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California–Hassidic literature teaches that one of the reasons given for Hassidim swaying in prayer is based upon the analogy of the movement that occurs in the act of love making. Prayer is like “making love to the Shekhinah.” The Baal Shem Tov is purported to have taught: Prayer
Davening at Victoria’s Secret Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi