Cyberspace has been abuzz with the news that the Boy Scouts of America lifted their ban on gay members — but what has not been quite so advertised is the involvement of Jewish activists and community leaders in furthering this…
A free man, a rabbi, and a detective: the continuing mystery behind the murder of Rabbi Chaskel Werzberger
The mystery that began the murder of Rabbi Chaskel Werzberger continues as the man convicted of the crime was released last month after being deemed “not guilty.” In 1991, David Ranta was convicted of attempted robbery and murder of a…
Matchmaker, matchmaker
With phones literally ringing off the hook and iPhone abuzz, it is a typically hectic day for a matchmaker, or a shadchan, like Esther Levy in the Orthodox Jewish community of Midwood, New York. A typical “Jewish mother,” Esther is…
Frozen Bananas
In celebration of the beautiful summery weather and the highly-anticipated return of my favorite comedy series, here is a kosher recipe for delectable frozen bananas. With such few ingredients, this treat is easy to make and cost-effective. Frozen bananas can…
American Jews recognized with their own heritage month
Irving Berlin. Joan Rivers. Groucho Marx. Sarah Silverman. Fanny Brice. Lou Jacobs. Sophie Tucker. Barbara Streisand. Harry Houdini. George Gershwin. These are comedians, magicians, songwriters, performers, actresses, composers, singers, and even a clown. They are also all Jewish, yes —…
Archbishop Gomez unites Catholic and Jewish communities
UCLA is a very diverse campus with numerous religious and cultural groups. There has been a recent struggle to unite these groups in a peaceful manner and to engender collaboration. Within this campus and beyond, the necessity for inter-religious relations…
The “AVIous Choice”: Jewish Bruins take on USAC
We’ve heard a lot about Bruins United. According to their website, they were “formed in 2004 when only 50 student groups could apply for funding from USAC,” not including “religious, pre-professional, political, and Greek groups.” They successfully advocated for the…
Silicon Wadi: Israel’s economic future
Chances are, you have heard of Silicon Valley. Often mistakenly attributed to successful entrepreneur Ralph Vaerst, the term “Silicon Valley” refers to a large swath of Bay Area land replete with both large and small technology firms — the growth…
Kosher Korner: Arepas
Anyone who has had the pleasure of participating in the three-day madness that is Coachella can attest to its beauty. I knew that Coachella’s amazing lineup would leave me speechless, but even the Postal Service, my favorite band since middle…
The “Gaza Doctor” Abuelaish: Feminism Will Deliver Peace to the Middle East
As a part of Kehillat Israel’s (a Reconstructionist Congregation in Los Angeles) “Week of Civil Discourse,” put on by the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies at UCLA, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish was invited to speak in Broad Hall…