To those unfamiliar with the history of Los Angeles County, its official seal appears to be a strange assortment of unfamiliar symbols, with a Native American woman and some animals thrown in for good measure. To those involved in the…
Too little, a millennium too late? A right of return for Iberian Jewry
July 5, 1950 marks a historic day for the Jewish people. Eager for new immigrants, the government of the nascent Jewish State, Israel, granted the right of return to all Jews. In a historic first, Jews could now obtain citizenship…
Ha’Am Hits: Quarter flashback
With the end of the quarter and finals in sight, the Ha’Am staff took a break from studying to look back at the events that have happened since winter break ended in January. Take a look at some of the…
Getting some perspective: a dialogue with Lev Hakak
Thanks to the lovely 405 freeway, I was running a bit late to our meeting. I called Professor Hakak to inform him that I was coming as quickly as possible. “Don’t worry! Don’t worry! Take your time!” was his response,…
How to make your own Mishlo’ach Manot for Purim
At the conclusion of the war of the Jews against their former aggressors, Mordecai established the Purim holiday as we know it, making the 14th and 15th (for certain cities) of Adar “days of feasting and joy, of the sending…
Amendment advanced to allow Israeli singles and queer parents use of surrogate mothers
On Sunday, March 2, the Israeli Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved an amendment to the existing surrogacy law, which would allow singles and same-sex couples to have children through surrogacy. The law currently specifies that only heterosexual couples may hire…
Ha’Am Hits: Purim
With Purim next Sunday, the Ha’Am staff has been busy preparing. Check out our favorite Purim-related links from around the Web. 1. Brush up on your knowledge of Jewish law and custom pertaining to this major historical holiday with this…
Bruins at AIPAC
“Being a part of sending 40 UCLA Bruins — the largest long-distance delegation — to take part in the biggest gathering of the pro-Israel community truly inspired me to continue the advocacy work I do on campus and encourage and…
Kosher Korner: Ghouribi (Moroccan Butter Cookies)
These melt-in-your mouth cookies are traditionally served as dessert at the festive meal on Purim day. They’re less sweet than most cookies and hamantaschen and are supposed to resemble Queen Esther’s jewelry. (If you also want to make hamantaschen, check…