Author: David Rutman

In the introduction to his book “American Judaism,” Jonathan Sarna shares the following anecdote: “When I first became interested in American Jewish history, I mentioned my interest to a scholar at a distinguished rabbinical seminary, and he was absolutely appalled. “American Jewish history,” he growled, “I’ll tell you all that you need to know about […]

As Los Angeles hosts eight matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at SoFi Stadium,  the city buzzes with vibrant fan celebrations across the region. Yet amid the die-hard pageantry, Los Angeles stands at a crossroads. Beyond the on-field excitement of global soccer lies a deeper opportunity: to draw hard-earned lessons from the nations that […]

Late last week, Vice President JD Vance expressed frustration with Israel, accusing Israeli cabinet ministers of “very personally attacking” President Trump instead of simply criticizing the memorandum of understanding he negotiated with Iran. Around the same time, President Trump asserted that without America there would be no Israel. Within hours, Ambassador Mike Huckabee offered a […]

It feels like an awkward time for Jews to celebrate America’s birthday, when antisemitism is at record levels and we’re witnessing a bipartisan betrayal of Israel with the signing of an MOU with the genocidal tyrants of Tehran. But we don’t choose birthdays. They choose us. And on July Fourth, we will be taking a […]

In a sermon prior to his retirement, Rabbi David Wolpe shared an anecdote that resonated deeply with me. He said: I know that this will sound very strange to you…the part of the service that I both enjoy most and fear most is carrying the Torah around – because I know I will not look […]

I’ve been marveling from afar at how New York City has come together to celebrate the Knicks winning the NBA championship. Here is a great city that has been struggling for years, divided and broken in many ways, and yet, one amazing victory has brought a kaleidoscope of humanity together. Unity, that impossible and elusive […]

Talking to Rabbi Richard Camras, and Rabbi Stewart Vogel of HaMakom synagogue in West Hills, is like talking to identical twins. The two native Angelenos, longtime friends and professional colleagues, have strikingly similar career paths, present convictions and future intentions. They are so much in tune with each other, they practically finish each other’s sentences. […]

Here in Israel, a country still reeling from the trauma of Oct. 7 and the wars that followed, it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t think the ceasefire deal with Iran is a disaster. Times of Israel editor-in-chief David Horovitz, known for his balanced, centrist views, calls the deal a “catastrophic capitulation to Iran’s aggressors,” […]