By Nina Fondiller Woldin Today we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., the chief advocate of nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement. We focus on racial discrimination in federal and state law, and society at large. Jewish people provided grassroots activism, financial support, and legal expertise to support the Civil Rights Movement nationwide. These actions Continue Reading »
by Nina Fondiller Woldin One of my daughters lives minutes from the LA fires. She has two small children and she’s pregnant. Her children’s school and her husband’s office are closed. Friends of hers have lost their houses. So far, she is lucky. I am telling you this because I’m thinking about what Jewish tradition Continue Reading »
by Audrey Lichter President Carter is being eulogized. After his presidency, he became known for his humanitarian work and his efforts on behalf of international peace. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. For Jews though, his reputation is much more nuanced. Micheal Oren writes in his article Jimmy Carter and Jewish Tragedy: The Continue Reading »
by Michalee Merritt During the High Holidays we think about all the wrongs that we did. We atone for our sins and wish to be written in the Book of Life. At this time I think about how I can be a better person. At the end of the secular year people start to think Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Deb Smith Hanukkah is one of my favorite times of the year because we bring light into a time of shorter days and longer nights. In many parts of the country it is also cold and snowy. Lighting then Hanukkah candles with friends and family, whether on Zoom or in the same room, Continue Reading »
by Nina Fondiller Woldin I’m sitting at my computer dressed in the working-remotely-Zoom-uniform: business casual shirt and flannel pajama pants. Outside it’s dreary and cold, reminding me that the winter solstice is only 5 days away. Everywhere are reminders that during times of darkness, we look for light. Businesses and homes are lit for the Continue Reading »
by Audrey Lichter In the fall of 2022 a scholar from the University of Wisconsin reached out to us, having read Scott’s book Conspiracy U: A Case Study. He submitted a rather scholarly article to us about how Israel’s dealing with the Palestinian issue compares to boarder disputes around the world. Dr. Shale Horowitz was Continue Reading »
by Michalee Merritt The week before Thanksgiving I spent some time with my mom in New Jersey. We did all the things that Moms and daughters do. We went out for lunch, binge watched HGTV, and of course went shopping, We went to a national discount retailer. It was decked out for Christmas like you Continue Reading »
by Audrey Lichter I just finished reading a biography of Menasseh ben Israel (1604–1657), a prominent Jewish scholar, rabbi, and publisher who lived in Amsterdam during the 17th century. Menasseh ben Israel was a key figure in the Jewish community in Amsterdam, which was one of the most significant centers of Jewish life in Europe Continue Reading »
By Rabbi Debra Smith At this time of the year, days grow shorter and the weather becomes chilly and cold, depending on where you are. However, this is also a season of gratitude with the holiday of Thanksgiving soon upon us. Thanksgiving gives me the opportunity to review and practice my gratitude work. Gratitude practice Continue Reading »
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