Seeking to live an Orthodox lifestyle can be an isolating proposition. With constant vigilance for dietary restrictions, Sabbath laws, and various other religious standards, one can easily feel separated from mainstream society. Yet, the perceived isolation is even deeper in…
30 Years After and the threefold identity of Iranian-American Jews
Eager as can be, with my program in hand and my nametag around my neck, I made my way into the ballroom of the historic Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles for what would be a momentous gathering. I had…
Haphazard accusations of genocide hinder humanitarian cause
Since the escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas earlier this month, it has been nearly impossible to sign on to Facebook or Twitter without seeing an exchange of rhetoric between supporters and opponents of Israel’s latest military campaign against…
A positive portrayal of Israel, presented by Ambassador Ido Aharoni
Positively Israel! Changing the world for the better. This was the title of Consul General of Israel in New York, Ambassador Ido Aharoni’s address to the students and community members assembled at UCLA Hillel on Tuesday night, December 4. Elderly…
A short-term scare: Hungarian lawmaker calls for a list of Jews
Unless your name is Oskar Schindler, making a list of Jews has never led to anything positive. Last week, in a shocking and disgraceful turn of events, Hungarian Parliament member Marton Gyongyosi offered a vile tidbit of advice in response…
“Pharaoh” Morsi and Israeli foreign relations: is the broker for peace broke?
What do false goatees, megalomania, and President Mohamed Morsi have in common? Pharaonic rulership, according to a number of disgruntled Egyptians, quoted by The Guardian as believing their country to have acquired a “Mubarak with a beard” after Morsi declared presidential “immunity” from judicial oversight and the ability to pass laws as he pleases. The engineer-come-dark-horse-politician has…
Kosher Korner: Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin Soup Pumpkin soup is one of my family’s favorite post Thanksgiving traditions. This delicious soup is made with our leftover un-carved pumpkins from Halloween. This dish is healthy but hearty, and can be enjoyed on its own or as…
A review of Geraldine Brooks: stories that transcend time
School was out and it was time for my customary summer bookstore expedition. After taking an unnecessarily long, albeit usual, amount of time browsing the shelves, I happened upon People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. Based on the history…
A tale of two communities: Jews and Thanksgiving
For those of us still recuperating from a turkey and pumpkin pie torpor and the ensuing blitz of shopping and sales, the holiday season often fails to elicit any meaningful discourse on appreciation and thanks. Instead, it seems the principles…
Is G-d racist? The Jewish take on the chosen people
Article contributed by JAM Rabbi Avner Engel ————————————————- Why did G-d create you? Does he need you? To say such a thing would imply that G-d is lacking, which is the opposite of Judaism’s infinite, all-powerful G-d. The only thing…