Washington Redskins No More?
Until recently, the Jewish athlete had to clear an extra hurdle in the battle to the big time. Not only did the athlete have to be good enough to get to the big leagues, he had to prove a Jewish athlete belonged in the big leagues.
Lessons My Mother, of Blessed Memory, Taught Me
I realize now that when I grew up, even though I acted like I was on autopilot, cruising through the days of my life, I was truly like a sponge absorbing the example that my mother, of blessed memory, set.
A "Shehecheyanu" Moment
It’s been more than a year since I left behind the Religious Action Center in Washington for the not-really-greener pastures of the Union for Reform Judaism’s headquarters in New York.
Galilee Diary: A Picnic and an Infusion
Who is mighty? He who conquers his evil inclination… And some say: He who makes his enemy into a friend.
– Avot d’Rabbi Natan A 23
Tishah B’Av - A Day of Reflection
Tishah B'Av means "ninth of Av" and refers to a traditional Jewish day of fasting and mourning. Av corresponds to July or August of the secular year.
Summer Camp is a Jewish Tradition
My wife and I got up early, packed our car with trunks, suitcases, plastic drawers, and sleeping bags, and drove our two daughters to Jewish summer camp. Actually, first we stopped outside the gates to wait in line with a hundred or so other cars.
How Weddings in Israel are Different
“Ha-na’alayim b’seder?” I asked the blue-shirted security worker lining up bags on the conveyor belt at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. “Are shoes OK?” I knew the answer – I could leave them on – but I asked because I wanted him to talk to me in Hebrew.
"Four Score and Seven Years Ago" - A Jewish Connection to Gettysburg
This Independence Day weekend also marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. Marc Saperstein, Professor of Jewish Studies at King's College in London, tells of a little-known connection between a Philadelphian Rabbi and President Lincoln's most famous commemorative address.
Aunt Trudy Will Not Be Saying Kaddish For Prop 8
The first wail of mourning that I ever heard in my life was at my great-aunt Trudy’s funeral.