My Mother’s Day was spent visiting the mother of all lands, Eretz Israel. After a short drive to the California Science Center in downtown, my family and I were graced with a long line for the sold out screening of…
Sefirat Ha’Omer: the 49-day challenge
You shall count for yourselves — from the day after the Shabbat, from the day when you bring the Omer of the waving — seven Shabbats, they shall be complete. Until the day after the seventh sabbath you shall count…
Hiding behind progression: Jewish passivity in the 1960s and beyond in America
The 1960s marked a time of revolution and confrontation for many minorities, including Jews. However, Jews hardly addressed their experiences of anti-Semitism during this time. Why did they not respond to discrimination, and what should we should do now to solve the resulting crisis?
The difficult history of Russian Jews
How can it be that there are so few religious Russian Jews left, when the vast majority of 18th century Jews lived in the Russian Empire? In fact, it is estimated that the Russian Empire had a population of 5.25…
Kosher Korner: Shavuot cheese lasagna
Shavuot, coming up in just over two weeks, is the holiday celebrating the giving of the Torah, as well as the holiday of dairy decadence. This break from the heavy meat consumption common to many homes during most Jewish holidays…
Jews in space: a look into the Jewish world of Star Wars
A young man, alone in the “hive of scum and villainy” he comes from, becomes inspired by an omnipotent force to carry out a message of clarity and goodness. Basically, your average boy finds religion. Luke Skywalker sought something greater…
Why Jewish life at UCLA is extraordinary
If you are reading this article, you are obviously aware that UCLA has its very own student-run Jewish newsmagazine, Ha’Am! Not many universities can brag about having their own Jewish newsmagazine. Contradictory to what some might believe in light of…
A guide to Orthodox Jewish weddings
“You got another wedding invitation!” my brother yelled from the kitchen. I couldn’t believe it. It was the fifth one this year! All of a sudden I had this crazy feeling of déjà vu, and soon I realized…the last time…
Madlibs: The Bear
Monday morning. ______(expletive). You _____(verb) yourself out of bed and head over to your _____(subject) class. Your breath smells like_____(smell) so you pop a _____(something that goes in your mouth). After class you head over to the Hillel to _____(activity)…
Imago Mundi
Illustration by M Moore __________________ As I zoomed away from the ancient city, I noticed a freeway extending where the 405 would be. It was called the 50 freeway. “That’s not right,” I thought. I googled “50 freeway Israel,” and…