Author: David Rutman

While I suspect the average American Jewish community member is unfamiliar with Barstool Sports founder and social media influencer Dave Portnoy, that should change. Portnoy may be a controversial figure—he is raw, direct, and has been the center of controversy for years—but his recent social media posts amount to a masterclass in how to deal […]

The timing of this event was moving and surreal. A few weeks ago, I invited Rabbi Elhanan Danino, father of Ori z”l, to address my Young Professionals Beit Midrash at the Sephardic Educational Center in Jerusalem. We scheduled it for Monday evening, May 12. Little did we know that May 12 would be the day […]

Surveys have shown that the number one fear for Americans is not flying, illness, drowning, or heights – it is public speaking. Death comes in fifth. As Jerry Seinfeld, among others, has observed, most people attending a funeral would rather be the deceased than the eulogist. But if there is a time when Jews in […]

The following is a piece of creative writing, yet possibly being replicated by students across the country. May 11, 2025 Dear Western Valley Admissions Office, I trust all the Mighty Turtles are well. Surely better off than schools in the Ivy League that now find themselves inadvertently recruiting top students for you. I am sure […]

The Journal has obtained a letter from the CEO of Sightglass Coffee to the company’s leadership team saying that a “Free Palestine” sweater worn by an employee violated company policy. Zach Ross, a self-described entrepreneur, posted a video of himself on Instagram April 26 having a dialogue with a female employee who said her name […]

Columbia University Jewish student Eden Yadegar told The Journal about her experience inside the main university library on May 7 when anti-Israel protesters occupied the building, saying that she was “stunned” and that “my mind went to Jan. 6” According to The Washington Free Beacon, 81 people arrested over the events of that day, 44 […]

Literary depictions of love and friendship usually omit the part about cleaning the floor. But one anecdote in the Talmud breaks the pattern: There was once an incident involving a student of Rabbi Akiva’s who fell ill. The Sages did not visit him; but Rabbi Akiva did. Because Rabbi Akiva swept and sprinkled water and […]

Rabbi Jillian Cameron of Beth Chayim Chadashim firmly insists that she is an introvert. Since no one has heard of such a rabbi, she, at times of professional requirement, undergoes a personality reversal. “I figured out how to do it,” she said. “So I became an extroverted rabbi.”  Rabbi Jillian was raised in Bergen County, […]

I was nine years old when we got our first dog … and I have had dogs on and off since then. My first dog’s name was Sandy — a beautiful golden Cocker Spaniel. She was a sweet, kind dog who cared for nothing but to be at our side and have her belly rubbed […]