DENVER (JTA) — In the summer of 1999, we slept head to head in top bunks at Camp Ramah in Canada. We also shared a viral upper respiratory illness that kept us from participating in the much-anticipated yom bli shemesh (a day... Continue Reading ⇒
President Trump’s recent remark about Henry Ford’s “good bloodlines” has aroused curiosity and controversy. Trump actually is not the first president to subscribe to the discredited notion that there is such a thing as “good” blood and “bad” blood. But you have to go back nearly... Continue Reading ⇒
(JNS.org) – “From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free!” You’ve doubtless heard that chant many times from supporters of what is called the “Palestinian cause.” The river is the Jordan. The sea is the Mediterranean. But what does “free” mean?
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (JTA) — Adapting Jewish rituals to fit our tech-dependent, socially distanced times has been a daunting task. These moves, from Zoom Sedarim to online minyanim and shiva calls, reflect the remarkable commitment of a diverse range of Jewish communities to continuing their shared goals of... Continue Reading ⇒
It is now seven weeks since Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued her March 20 stay-at-home mandate for New Orleans. That order, which only pre-dated Governor John Bel Edwards’ similar statewide order by two days, demanded that all but essential workers stay in place and self-quarantine. President Trump’s federal... Continue Reading ⇒
EVANSTON, IL. (JTA) — As longtime faculty members, we have been considering how academic life might change for the better after the pandemic. One of us also happens to be a university president who is called upon to offer a compelling vision for his... Continue Reading ⇒
NEW YORK (JTA) — These past few months have surely tested our understanding of the Talmudic saying to save one life is to save the world. We must continue to live each day by caring for the people who have carried us through this crisis and caring... Continue Reading ⇒
TEL AVIV (JTA) — In 2017, a senior representative of an Asian nation ended her tenure in Israel. We were neighbors and in a meeting, before she headed home, she told the residents of our apartment building how she had served in many posts across the world,... Continue Reading ⇒
MODIIN, Israel (JTA) — Recounting past plagues isn’t pleasant, but Jewish history is replete with leaders whose decisions can help us address the challenges we’re facing during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
In particular, rabbinic authorities throughout history have done their best to protect the public while also... Continue Reading ⇒
NEW YORK (JTA) — Just a few weeks ago, most Americans were not familiar with the concept of Zoombombing. But as the COVID-19 pandemic forced many business, community and even social meetings online, Zoom increasingly became the platform of choice for videoconferencing. The rapid growth in its use came... Continue Reading ⇒
