Along the shore of the Caspian Sea lies the republic of Azerbaijan, a country that gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Although composed primarily of Shi’ite Muslims, this country is still the home to “the largest all-Jewish settlement outside the…
An open letter to the UC Regents working group for the Principles Against Intolerance
Dear Eddie Island, Norm Pattiz, John A. Pérez, Bruce Varner, Avi Oved, Linda Katehi, Dan Hare, and Yvette Gullatt: Your most recent task as regents, chancellors and university leaders is to debate, revise and re-construct the UC Statement of Principles…
The Judaism in thanks-giving
Thanksgiving is perhaps one of the American people’s favorite national holidays. It is a time when individuals unite with friends and family to bask in one another’s company, increase their caloric intake, and brag about the items they intend to…
Our democratic fight
As a student who grew up in a democratic and liberal environment, I was constantly told to be proud of myself and to stand up for who I am and what I believe in. Earlier this week, the student government…
Non-denominational or non-Orthodox?
As an Orthodox Jew, there have been many times in my life where I have felt unwelcome in the wider Jewish community. This feeling of discomfort has arisen in a wide variety of circumstances: from being unable to attend certain…
JWW honors Gabriel family with night of music, art
At their annual gala in recognition of leading community philanthropists, Jewish World Watch presented the Katzburg Gabriel family with the Global Soul Award Wednesday night in Royce Hall. According to co-founder Janice Kamenir-Reznik, Jewish World Watch (JWW) was founded in 2004 in…
Kosher Korner: Soul-warming onion soup
As the weather turns cooler, it’s nice to enjoy some hot, comforting soul food. To me, a rich onion soup is the peak of comfort and definitely something to anticipate at the end of a long, windy day spent trudging…
The question of woman Orthodox rabbis
I have always had a love-hate relationship with the Jewish laws and traditions pertaining to women. There are various accounts in Judaism where women are held in high esteem, and others where women are caught in a multitude of restrictions…
Lo Od Kahane Chai
The first part of this article is a political perspective on a recent event that took place at the Coffee Bean at Hillel at UCLA, written by Samuel Bressler. An event that took place a few weeks ago is a…
Nostalgia’s dreams come true: Yoni Rechter’s visit to Los Angeles
An unsuspecting theatre in the Gindi Auditorium at the American Jewish University was filled with a bunch of nostalgic Israelis last week — and it was beautiful. Yoni Rechter, one of the most notable figures in modern Israeli music, was…