Pondering the state of American Jewry
The Jewish Institute for Strategic Studies has just published a poll which suggests that 72% of Israelis think Israel should retain sovereignty over the Temple Mount no matter what peace agreements it signs, while 68% believe Jews should have the freedom to pray there. This is contrary to the current status quo in which only …
Tal Flicker got a gold medal at a Grand Slam Judo tournament in Abu Dhabi. But because he is a Jewish Israel, the host country of the tournament neither displayed the Israeli flag nor played the Israeli national anthem as the medal was awarded. Instead, the flag of the International Judo Federation was displayed, while …
The Conservative Movement has issued a clarification regarding its stance on intermarriage that has many rabbis up in arms. Pretty much, it’s just a doubling down of a double message: We don’t perform marriage between a Jew and a non-Jew. We welcome interfaith couples. It’s a stance that makes no sense. Because either you welcome …
With all the talk about Harvey Weinstein, all the female celebrities are weighing in. Mayim Bialik talked about how dressing modestly protected her from predators like Weinstein. Alas, her words were taken out of context and she is being criticized for blaming the victim. This article in the Forward by an Orthodox Jewish journalist, still …
The Elder of Ziyon blog took Michael Chabon to task for lecturing Jews on how to behave: Now [Trump’s] coming after you. The question is: what are you going to do about it? If you don’t feel, or can’t show, any concern, pain or understanding for the persecution and demonization of others, at least show …
Israeli commentator Caroline Glick, in her New Year’s column, compares American Jewish life to Israeli Jewish life and comes up wanting. “As the New Year 5778 begins, 88% of Israeli Jews say that they are happy and satisfied with their lives. This makes sense. Israel’s relative security, its prosperity, freedom and spiritual blossoming make Israeli …
A poll by the American Jewish Committee published in the Jerusalem Post says most American Jews don’t want the American embassy in Israel moved to Jerusalem, Israel’s capital (an election promise President Trump has not kept): When asked about the embassy, a majority said they oppose moving it. Thirty-six percent responded that they would be in favor of this, …
The shekel is worth more than the dollar and now instead of American Jews putting money in the pushke for Israel, Israel is sending money to American Jews. How do you like them apples? Elliot Abrams has a terrific article on the subject HERE, in which he concludes: It is logical to expect Israel to …
If you or a loved one has food allergies, you know how difficult it can be to make kitchen staff at a wedding or bar mitzvah understand your needs. And if you think that’s difficult, multiply the difficulty by a factor of 100 to understand the needs of the kosher diner. Denny’s accidentally added bacon …
Hurricane Harvey is truly ecumenical, affecting Jews and those of other religions with equal vengeance. Many have been reminded of Katrina, and in fact, New Orleans is bracing for similar flooding to Houston as a result of Harvey. Like the survivors of Katrina, the Jews of Texas remember past floods. “I am sad to report …