The GPS had not been invented when Shelly set off on a Friday afternoon many years ago to join the Bnei Akiva camp in the English countryside. The organizers always managed to find a farmer who welcomed young campers under adult supervision; thus they set up their tents and during the week took the opportunity to learn the halachot of building an eruv. There would be no problems on Shabbat and they would be able to carry within the campsite.

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Her obituary definitely mentions a host of hobbies, interests and activities, but it leaves out something that was very crucial to her life, Judaism.

No one can envy President Obama’s current dilemma over Syria.

His decision to begin arming the Syrian rebels challenging Bashar Assad’s regime drew charges that the rebel forces are driven by jihad movements, particularly al Qaeda. Further, many rebel spokesmen have regularly denounced Israel and suggested that once in power they will end Mr. Assad’s policy of not rocking the boat with Israel. How, then, critics ask, could the president align the U.S. with the rebels?

Four Israeli Jewish teenagers were detained by police Wednesday for bowing down at the Temple Mount, an act that seen as a prayer and which is prohibited by the Muslim Waqf, the Muslim religious administration that is authorized by Israel to manage the holy site. A rabbi also visiting the site told Israel National News [...]

In a gushing report on the election of Hassan Rohani as Iran’s new president, The New York Times began with this: “In a striking repudiation of the ultraconservatives who wield power in Iran, voters…overwhelmingly elected a mild-mannered cleric who advocates greater personal freedoms and a more conciliatory approach to the world.”

Last month in this space we noted that the New York State Assembly was considering legislation that would prohibit domestic insurers from including on their financial statements investments in companies that engage in investment activities in Iran. These financial statements are relied upon by the state to determine whether the company is solvent and able to pay claims. That bill has since passed the Assembly, but the New York State Senate is balking at passing it as well.

Most governments subsidize or price control some necessities to win over the underclass… or at least keep them from burning down everything in sight.

A GE mechanic who also loves the KKK comes up with an X-ray WMD device. What better market for the gadget than Jews, who can use it to annihilate Israel’s foes. But the Jews snitched on him to the FBI.

The NY Times has a very (appropriately) one-sided article on the Baruch Lebovits and Sam Kellner situation.

There is no other candidate running for mayor who supports our community’s values as Salgado does.