This past Monday night, UCLA students held a vigil for the victims of the Charlie Hebdo and Hyper Cacher grocery store shootings, as well as for the policewoman who was killed in a related shooting. 8:30 p.m. found about 70…
A “frank and open” conversation with Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Lau
This past Sunday afternoon, current students and alumni of UCLA, USC, CSUN, and SMC gathered to ask questions about American Jewry and the State of Israel to Rabbi David Baruch Lau, the Ashkenazi chief rabbi of Israel, during his first…
Debate Table: Is Israel a Jewish State?
Is Israel a Jewish State? No. But it can be. by Ha’Am Contributor Groups like Bruins for Israel love to tout the idea that Jews, like all other national groups, deserve a state. That would be a good argument if…
Anti-Israel media bias around the world and around campus
An American woman and her husband tried for three years to have a child before their daughter, Chaya Zissel Braun, came into the world four months ago. To show their gratitude to G-d for this precious gift, they traveled to…
Is protesting enough?
Protesting is quite a common subsequent reaction for Los Angeles Jews when an unfavorable incident occurs in Israel. This past summer especially, my Facebook blew up with event invites to the Federal Building or to the Israeli Consulate to protest…
Remembering Yitzhak Rabin
Nineteen years later, the Jewish people still mourn the tragic loss of a national and international hero. In the month of November, we remember the life of Yitzhak Rabin – Nobel Peace Prize winner and iconic figure of hope and…
Campus rabbis: the mensches and martyrs of UCLA
Growing up, I belonged to a synagogue with two rabbis — one senior rabbi and one associate rabbi. I was close with one of them, but mainly because we studied together in the weeks leading up to my bat mitzvah.…
Batsheva Dance Company at Royce Hall: dancing with the ground, falling to the stars
The chitter-chatter dies abruptly. The lights dim, except for up front. If you are not in your seat, rush back to it. Make sure your cell phone is shut off, or at least set to silent mode. You’ve probably forgotten…
Comic: Home
Through childhood to adulthood, the topic of Israel — the sole Jewish state — is vibrant, sacred, and ever-present. This graphic comic portrays the connection that many Jewish populations possess with Israel. The comic embodies the scrutiny, battle, and desire…