Science and Health -

L.A. Educators Visit Israel with JNF-USA, Camp Alonim’s ’Wine and Song,’ Shabbat in the Park

August 28, 2026David Rutman

Nearly 25 Jewish educators—including three from the Los Angeles area representing Valley Beth Shalom synagogue, the Israeli Jewish Community Center (ISJCC) and California State University Long Beach—recently returned from Jewish National Fund-USA and Alexander Muss High School in Israel’s Educators’ Mission to Israel, where participants spent eight immersive days exploring the realities of Israel and […]

When You Come (to dinner) — A poem for Parsha Ki Tavo

August 27, 2026David Rutman

Ki Tavo — when you come (Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8) We went to dinner the other nightand when we asked if we could bring anythingthey said no, but if you want, you could bring dessert or fruit. Being goodcitizens of the dinner guest economynaturally, we brought both. When we arrived, they already hada bowl of fruit and […]

Rosner’s Domain | Has Oct. 7 Made Israelis More Religious?

August 26, 2026David Rutman

We worked on an interesting report dealing with Israeli society. What is the report about? There is an official version and a subversive version. The official version is the report itself, as presented on the website of JPPI: “Trends of Traditionalism Among Nonreligious Youth in Israel.” That is indeed the subject of the research, and […]

This Is Not an Obituary as Annette Shapiro Lives

August 25, 2026David Rutman

There are some people who will just never die. They can’t. It’s unimaginable to consider the world without them. They are such a constant; always at the meeting, showing up to the shiva, shushing the other ladies in the cardroom or ruling the boardroom. They are always there. That is Annette Shapiro. I say “is” […]

Mark Ruffalo Once Admitted the ‘Genocide’ Libel Fuels Antisemitism. Now He’s Doing It Again?

August 24, 2026David Rutman

Mark Ruffalo is entitled to oppose the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. He is entitled to dislike Larry Ellison, David Ellison, Oracle, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, or any corporate or political policy he chooses. What he is not entitled to is immunity from criticism when his arguments against a massive American media transaction somehow metastasize into yet […]

Israel Derangement Syndrome Hits Montreal City Council

August 22, 2026David Rutman

The city of Montreal is so broke that the mayor quipped recently that the “city’s credit card is maxxed out.” Meanwhile, the crises are proliferating, from a rise in poverty, crime and homelessness to decaying infrastructure, a lack of affordable housing and interminable waits for medical care. So, naturally, on Monday the city council will […]

Echoing Ancient Tropes of Jewish Control, Mark Ruffalo Accuses Ellison’s of Complicity in “Genocide” in New Attack on Paramount-Warner Deal

August 21, 2026David Rutman

Mark Ruffalo escalated his campaign against Paramount Skydance’s proposed $111 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery on Friday, accusing the Ellison family and Oracle of complicity in what he called a “genocide” in Gaza—and warning that the company’s technology could eventually be “used on you.” The actor shared a video of Oracle Executive Vice Chair […]

Discovering the Art of Slow Travel in Portugal.

August 21, 2026David Rutman

If your idea of a good trip includes long lunches nobody rushes you through, coastlines still quiet enough to hear the waves, cities built for wandering rather than checking off a list, and a culture that has never once needed a trend to tell it to slow down, you have found your destination. Lisbon Skyline […]

When You Go Out To War — A poem for Parsha Ki Teitzei

August 20, 2026David Rutman

Ki Teitzei — when you go out (Deuteronomy 21:10–25:19) When you go out to war, be nice.Be nice when you get to the war.Be nice to the beautiful captives.Be nice to the trees of your enemies. When you go out to the wardress warmly. It is cold at the war.You don’t want your mother worryingyou’ll […]

Hit the Pause Button

August 19, 2026David Rutman

A confession: I often fall asleep in Shabbat services. I try not to, but the rhythmic cadence of the cantor’s voice, the warm light, and the exhaustion of a long week usually win. But at synagogue recently, I sat wide awake, unable to shake a strange idea out of my mind. Because it was a […]