Sometimes, heroes are the most ordinary people, who rise to the most extraordinary occasions. Like Noam Apter. more

It was the summer of 2007 when I took my sons to Israel to see the Land, and spend precious time with family and friends. One outing was to an olive press in Shilo. People were busy working in all phases of this lively operation and a tour guide greeted us and proceeded to educate us. more

A new hour-long documentary, “The J Street Challenge,” is a powerful, must-see film for anyone with even a casual interest in Israel. It was produced and released by Americans for Peace and Tolerance, a multi-ethnic organization promoting tolerance in communities across the nation. more

#Rethink2014 is one of the more creative Twitter hashtags I’ve recently encountered. Launched by students opposing the hatefest otherwise known as “Israeli Apartheid Week” (IAW), the hashtag is designed for incorporation into tweets that explain why this ghastly annual event is a series of calumnies and lies from beginning to end. more

The first rule for news about Israel, is ask questions. According to a Jerusalem Post story published on Monday, Mattot Arim and Professors for a Strong Israel, two groups that oppose a two state solution are claiming that Benjamin Netanyahu raised the issue of recognizing Israel as a Jewish State as a tactical trick to force Israel into territorial concessions. more

That there is widespread anxiety over the Obama administration’s Middle East policies is hardly a secret. It is not the so-called “Israel Lobby” that is the ultimate authority for Washington’s stance in the region, it is presidents and their appointees who make policies. And under Obama, the U.S. has pushed policies that directly clash with the long-established positions of pro-Israel groups. more

I received an invitation to a Purim costume party with a “historical figure theme” a few weeks ago. I love costume parties —until I actually have to come up with a costume. So I tried to come up with some creative ideas. more

“Who gives snow like flakes of wool, Who scatters frost like ashes. … Who casts forth His ice like lumps — who can stand before His cold?” (Psalms 147:16-17) Yes, there is a spiritual message to the snow we have been experiencing in such excess. My interest in this matter was peaked recently by Rabbi Dr. Martin Cohen of Shelter Rock in an essay he wrote concerning snow referencing his favorite Kapital Tehillim, Psalm 147. more

Moshe saw all the work, and behold they had done it. Just as G-d commanded, so they did. And Moshe blessed them.” more

I couldn’t help myself; a huge grin spread across my face, and I felt like dancing, and then that one terrible word escaped, the one I still remember: “Todah.” (“Thank you.”) I could tell I was in trouble as soon as the words left my lips; his eyes changed first, then his entire face, and then the glare we all feared, the one that meant you were about to get a serious work-out. more