Most of us are familiar with Los Angeles’ Jewish-inhabited areas, including La Brea, Fairfax, and Pico-Robertson. These neighborhoods house multitudes of kosher restaurants, markets, and shops. However, most Jews who live in Los Angeles are not aware of how the…
Taste of Torah: Two Approaches to Life
Looking for some productive procrastination? Check out Rabbi Dr. Tal Sessler’s piece on this past week’s parashah, Toldot.
The Hanukkah Story Your Rabbi Forgot to Mention
As wintertime rolls around again, the most universally celebrated Jewish holiday —Hanukkah — will begin. When the average Jew is asked about the historical events leading up to this beloved holiday, he will claim the classic Jewish holiday line: “An…
Trumpflation, the Student Debt Bubble and Jewish Socioeconomics
The election of Donald Trump surprised a vast majority of pollsters and pundits, with many predicting that Trump had a mere 15% chance of winning prior to the election. Many were shocked at Trump’s success due to the huge swaths…
Persian Jewish Life at UCLA: A Reflection
At UCLA, Bruins are encouraged on a daily basis to familiarize themselves with their origins so as to better understand how their identities were formed and have shaped their lives. Persian Jewish Bruins are no exception to this campus phenomenon.…
Kosher Thanksgiving— Trader Joe’s Style
Photo courtesy of pixabay Thanksgiving is, perhaps, one of the American people’s most beloved holidays and with good reason. It is a day during which we emphasize the values of gratitude, humility and community. At the same time, it is…
Ha’Am Fall 2016 Print Edition: “Transitions”
Taste of Torah: Noah and Gilgamesh
By Rabbi Zvi Dershowitz Editor’s note: The following piece makes continuous reference to the “Epic of Gilgamesh”, an ancient Mesopotamian tale that some historians credit with inspiring the biblical story of Noah. Was it the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh, from 2100…