As the United States celebrates its 245-year-old freedom, the current climate is unfortunately rife with rising anti-semitism. As anti-semitic attacks – both physical and verbal – increase in this country (targeting Orthodox Jews most commonly, though not exclusively) let us remember on this Independence Day, the promise that was made to the Jews of the […]

In the midst of rising anti-Semitism, raging protests and increased all-around Jew hatred worldwide, Germany has come out in full support of the Jews and Israel. In November, Berlin outlawed the slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” It was criminalized, declaring it a form of incitement to hate. The slogan, […]

I had the privilege of seeing Harmony last night, the final week before the show closes in an unfortunately short run. The production opened in mid-October and is having its last performance on February 4.  While the show was created well before October 7, 2023, it’s almost like the writer knew how deeply the themes […]

When I was a kid, my parents would take me on trips to Florida where the only kosher food available was what you could buy in a supermarket, and the only cooking utensil we brought with us was a sandwich maker. Now, two decades later, the tools for kosher cookery have only improved – and […]

Celebrating Chanukah this year is just different. While we’re still eating our donuts and latkes, we’re lighting with extra prayers for hope, for miracles, for salvation. This year, it’s normal and expected to light with a heavy heart, as we continue to mourn the atrocities in Israel and the soldiers that continue to give their […]

For far too long, the stories of persecution against the Jewish people have been brushed aside as exaggerations or even complete falsehood. Despite Antiochus IV Epiphane having been a real historical figure — as is the Hasmonean War — there are elements of the Chanukah story which have been met with skepticism. That is now […]