Commanders, Rabbis, And The Great Divide

Posted on: December 23rd, 2009

We are told that “a soldier must have a commander, and it isn’t a rabbi.” The defense minister of Israel accuses us – this writer and other Hesder rabbis – of “destabilizing the foundations of Israeli democracy, inciting toward insubordination, damaging the spirit of the Israel Defense Forces,” adding, “there is no room for such things in a civilized state.”

Bidding Adieu To A Miserable Decade

Posted on: December 23rd, 2009

The arrival of the new millennium proved to be a false alarm for computer users. But, it turned out, the switchover from the ‘90s to the ‘00s did unleash the J2K virus.

Sir Winston A War Criminal?

Posted on: December 23rd, 2009

A British court recently issued a subpoena for the arrest and indictment of Israel's former foreign minister in response to a petition by Hamas and its supporters in Britain. The court claimed historic precedent for its attempt to indict Tzipi Livni.

How Archaeology Boosted Jewish Nationalism

Posted on: December 16th, 2009

Collectors have long recognized that Israel uses archaeology on stamps, coins and currency to advance its political and nationalist goals. Actually, while archaeology in recent years has declined as a mechanism that helps shape Israeli national identity, it has, at the same time, grown both as a discipline and in the way it is practiced in Israel.

The Price Of Neglecting Jewish Values

Posted on: December 16th, 2009

As Israel braces for the next round of pummeling courtesy of the Goldstone report, its security and standing in the international community are impaired not only by terrorists and hostile regimes, but also by two different sets of highly motivated Jews prepared to endanger Israel in the name of “Jewish values.”

The Jewish State, Religious Zionism, And The Limits Of Dissent

Posted on: December 16th, 2009

David Ben-Gurion, the first prime minister of the State of Israel, was often quoted in the early years of the state as remarking, “it is not so important what the Gentiles say as what the Jews do.”

Tears – And Love – For The Rebbe

Posted on: December 16th, 2009

My late husband and I were very close to the Bostoner Rebbe, zt”l, and many memories came flooding back when he passed away earlier this in Yerushalayim.

The Bukay Affair And Israel’s Prosecutorial Double Standard

Posted on: December 16th, 2009

An outrageous assault by Israeli authorities against academic freedom of speech took place in recent days in what is becoming known as the Bukay Affair. The affair combines leftist undermining of democracy, the attempt at thought control by governmental officials and the police, harassment of a university lecturer by an over-zealous prosecutor, and an attempt to create in Israel a political Inquisition against incorrect thinking.

Communal Malaise: When Habits Become Hollow

Posted on: December 9th, 2009

Michael H. Steinhardt, Jewish philanthropist and co-founder of Birthright Israel, spoke recently at the 92nd Street Y about the state of world Jewry.

Sing It Loud – Maoz Tzur

Posted on: December 9th, 2009

What is Chanukah? Here is how Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov puts it:

Thoughts On Sheikh Jarrah, Gilad Shalit

Posted on: December 9th, 2009

It’s not easy to counter images of Arab families purportedly being evicted from their homes – such as the pictures of residents of the northern Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah that were published last week in The New York Times and elsewhere. But Israel must at least try.

Chanukah’s Outer Display And Inner Meaning

Posted on: December 9th, 2009

Our rabbis have traditionally assigned Chanukah “minor festival” status in our liturgical year. However, by closely examining a number of Talmudic and halachic statements that address the legal details of the lighting of the menorah, we will find a deeper meaning, one that elevates Chanukah from the narrative accessible to the youngest Jew to one worthy of the most serious study.

Immeasurable Faith Amid Unspeakable Tragedy

Posted on: December 9th, 2009

The well known story of Chana and her seven sons takes on new meaning these days in light of the tragic murder of David Hatuel’s family – his wife, Tali, and their four daughters.

Thanksgiving In Zimbabwe

Posted on: December 2nd, 2009

Seldom do I use the term "life transforming" because very few things in life are. Change is something that requires diligence, effort and even monotonous repetition. It doesn't come cheaply.

Time To Retire The Term ‘At Risk’

Posted on: December 2nd, 2009

It is time to take back the term “children at risk.” Educators and mental health professionals popularized the term about ten years ago and we need to withdraw it. Labels can be helpful on clothing and shoes but not on children.

For The Sake Of Jerusalem

Posted on: December 2nd, 2009

Jerusalem, as it has so many times in the past, is today occupying center stage in the world theater. Once again the City of David is under siege. Not by an invading army, but by pressure exerted by nations to relinquish Israeli sovereignty over Jewry’s eternal capital.

The Letter Bibi Should Write Barack: No Construction in the Capital – and Palestine for Palestinians!

Posted on: November 25th, 2009

Dear Mr. President,In recent days you have called for a freeze on all construction activities in the southern Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo. It is your opinion that this is "occupied territory" because it lies outside the 1949 ceasefire lines that separated Israel from the Kingdom of Jordan while the latter illegally held East Jerusalem until 1967.

Abuse Survivors: Please Don’t Suffer Alone

Posted on: November 25th, 2009

According to reports circulating in the media and on the Internet, the recent tragic passing of yet another young person in our community may have stemmed at least in part from the trauma of childhood abuse.

Americans Slowly Awaken To The Reality Of Obama

Posted on: November 25th, 2009

It’s no secret these days that the Obama administration leans left. On every crucial issue, from dealing with al Qaeda and the threat of terrorism, to the environment, to health care, to the administration’s handling of our overseas adversaries, the president and his advisers have come down hard on the left side of the political divide.

White House Chanukah Party: Politics And Perceptions

Posted on: November 25th, 2009

Officials in the Obama administration have decided they will be cutting the guest list in half for this year’s White House Chanukah party.