When I signed up for the National Council of Synagogue Youth (NCSY) Kollel summer program in Israel last fall, little did I know that armed fighting would break out between the Jewish state and the terrorist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. more

I recently journeyed to Columbus Circle in Manhattan to savor the atmosphere at two rival demonstrations over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. more

I am not a stranger to sorrow. I have officiated at hundreds of funerals and visited thousands of Shiva houses. But yesterday as I left the home of Effi and Naama Rahav, parents of slain soldier Bar Rahav, I cried. I cried for Bar who had his whole life before him. I cried for his parents whose lives will never be the same. more

In times like these, one feels a sense of helplessness, of unworthinesss. How many of us, were we fit and trained properly, would be willing to go to the front lines, or send our sons to the front lines, knowing we or they might not return? more

Over the past few years, rabbi and singer, Shlomo Katz has become one of the most prominent interpreters of the musical legacy of Reb Shlomo Carlebach. This legacy has recently been reflected in a new book published in Israel by Mosaica Press, entitled “The Soul of Jerusalem: Teachings of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach,” consisting of the texts of stories of Rabbi Carlebach as compiled by Rabbi Katz. more

I realize that for the first time in a long time, I don’t know what I’m going to write about. Nothing funny happened this week; my husband Jerry didn’t do anything out of the ordinary (rare), he didn’t have any funny fasting stories, I wasn’t annoyed at anything, and I had an uneventful, relaxing weekend. more

It has been six years since the economy crashed in 2008, and while finding employment has been a challenge, the tide may be taking a turn for the better — particularly in the non-profit sector. But where do Jewish non-profits fall within the current landscape, from the perspective of both job-seekers and employers? more

When Long Island women arrived they carried something extra — several heavy duffle bags of supplies for Israeli soldiers. The women were part of a “birthright for moms” trip to Israel organized by the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP). more

IDF motivational lecturer Rabbi Shalom Hammer explained on Sunday that there is a huge difference between the lifestyles in the United States and in Israel. more