Rabbi Laura Geller, who has been breaking down barriers for Jewish women since becoming the Reform movement’s third woman rabbi 50 years ago, told The Journal a story only a woman could tell. “Picture this” she began. “I am 23 years old, in a class [at Hebrew Union College] where the other 29 students are […]
Continue Reading
Rabbi Brad Artson, American Jewish University’s Goldstine Distinguished Scholar, received the Mathilde Schechter Award from the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism (WLCJ) during the organization’s international convention, which was held this month in Alexandria, Va. “I am grateful beyond words to my friends in Women’s League for Conservative Judaism for the honor of receiving their […]
Continue Reading
Va’etchanan — I entreated (Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11) As one who follows the teachingsof Jewish theologian and scholar Mick JaggerI have learned the Torah ofnot always getting what I want. I’m at the point where it sometimes feels likenot always becomes rarely ever. I have learned,like Moses, to ask earnestly, but, like to Moses,the response is uncomfortably […]
Continue Reading
“Here Where We Live Is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Bund” by Molly Crabapple. Random House, NY (2026) Rummaging through her great-grandfather’s obscure past, Molly Crabapple transports herself back to the tumultuous world of Eastern European Jewry: a world of national awakenings, pogroms, emerging modernity, democratic ferment and revolutionary struggle. It was a […]
Continue Reading
“Many people today believe,” Guy Rogers observes in his “For the Freedom of Zion: The Great Revolt of Jews against Romans, 66–74 CE,” “that the fate of humanity itself will be decided at the site of the destroyed Temple. Visitors to the Western Wall today are immediately aware that they are visiting not just another […]
Continue Reading
Israel Bonds recently hosted two Young Investors events in Los Angeles. According to Israel Bonds leadership, “these gatherings reflected a new generation of Jewish professionals in Los Angeles supporting Israel” and were part of the organization’s effort to foster the next generation’s advocacy for Israel. On June 9, Israel Bonds Prime Minister’s Club and Platinum Society […]
Continue Reading
Trendsetting Rabbi Laura Geller – the first rabbi to give birth and the first to lead a major metropolitan synagogue – retired from Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills a decade ago, but she has been busy ever since, teaching, speaking and writing books. Raised in the Boston suburb of Brookline, Mass., she grew up in […]
Continue Reading
Hollywood loves makeovers. New hair. New teeth. New accent. Sometimes even a new birthday. And if all else fails — change your name. When Mili Avital arrived in America in the early 1990s, she received the standard Hollywood welcome package. “Your name is too foreign.” “Your accent is too Israeli.” “Maybe audiences would connect better […]
Continue Reading
JD Vance’s appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” was disturbing but not surprising. To be clear, Vance said what the thought he needed to make sure he gets President Donald Trump’s endorsement for the 2028 presidential election. Trump has a habit of encouraging employees to have competing ideas and see who the public likes better. […]
Continue Reading
On Jul. 8, 2026 former White House chief of staff, once Chicago Mayor, and possible Democratic presidential candidate Rahm Emanuel gave a speech at Tel Aviv University about U.S.-Israel relations. He did not hold back. Emanuel begins by stating that he understands why Israelis might dismiss criticism from outside. Palestinian leaders, after all, have refused offer after […]
Continue Reading
