Thoughts on being Jewish

A few years back, when the tsunami struck in the Far East, a friend of mine idly commented, "why don't Jewish organizations give in emergencies like this?" I assured her that they did, indeed, respond to world-wide need and mentioned that Israel was one of the first countries to load up two El Al plans with medical supplies - but were refused landing rights by local governments. Today, I learned the following; United Jewish Communities, on behalf of the federation system, is one of 38 members of... Sign in to see full entry.

When I was a single woman, and then newly married, the phrase “school year” meant little to me. May slid into June slid into July without a discernable change in my day-to-day life. Having kids, of course, changed all that and by the time Ben and Jacob were taking the bus to Bi-Cultural Day School, I was thrust back into the ten month on, two month off rhythm of life that I faced, each September, with a mix of wistfulness, aggravation and anticipation. Even as I approach empty-nesthood, I still... Sign in to see full entry.

My Grandpa Sam was a feisty guy. He was a boat captain- a sailor- and swore like one. He was fiercely devoted to his family and to deep sea fishing, favoring family, but not by much. He was a fervent supporter of Israel at a time when it was struggling to be born, and he was a passionate believer in the power of tzedakah - charity. I remember the pride I felt as a child during the High Holiday Israel Bond Appeal when my grandfather would stand and announce his newest pledge. It was among the... Sign in to see full entry.

IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 2008 ISRAEL HAS ACCOMPLISHED THE FOLLOWING: 1. Scientists in Israel, found that the brackish water, drilled from underground desert aquifers, hundreds of feet deep, could be used to raise warm-water fish. The geothermal water, less than one-tenth as saline as sea water, free of pollutants, and a toasty 98 degrees on average, proves an ideal environment. 2. Israeli-developed designer-eyeglasses, promise mobile phone and iPod users, a personalized, high-tech video... Sign in to see full entry.

A Neighbor’s Child; by Larry Rich On Friday afternoon, the 22 nd of August, five-year old Hassan Shgadi was playing outside with his ten-year old brother. They live in the Palestinian village of Kfar Adja that is adjacent to Jenin. Both were barefoot when a large yellow scorpion (poisonous and deadly) aggressively attacked their feet. Both boys were stung, little Hassan in the big toe of his left foot and his big brother on his ankle. Their anguished cries were heard by their mother and... Sign in to see full entry.