It is perhaps a measure of Israel’s elevated stature in the world that its newly elected right-wing government is under scrutiny not just for its domestic policies and its approach to the … more

In My View By Howard Kopel Issue of Sept. 5, 2008 When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said in a rather scornful tone, “it means what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.” … more

By Alan Jay Gerber Issue of Dec. 12, 2008 / 15 Kislev 5769 No, that wasn’t just a nip in the air; it’s really cold outside, which means Chanukah is just around the corner. In addition … more

By Micah D. Halpern Issue of Oct. 2, 2009 / 14 Tishrei 5770 I am a member of a small select group. I am one of few people who believe that the United Nations serves an important purpose. … more

Issue of August 13, 2010/ 3 Elul 5770 Dear That's Life, We were reading and relaxing; it was Shabbat after all, and I suddenly thought I heard bagpipes in the distance. I asked my husband if he … more

A large chunk of my career (16 years) was spent in the world of advertising. I worked for various advertising agencies planning, negotiating and recommending the placement of media for many top advertisers. Once I explained my job as spending money, but since it was other people’s money I had to make sure my clients were getting the best possible deal. more

With Chanukah still very much on our minds this week, it has been my want to check out some recent and not so recent writings concerning this loved and popular holiday. Among those most recent anthologies received lately is one containing some of the most incisive writings on Jewish related topics by one of the most astute observers of the contemporary scene, Rabbi Avi Shafran. more

All the Pesach dishes are packed, refrigerators, freezers and pantries restocked, that can only mean one thing (to me, at least)……baseball is back!!!!! I am an uber die hard Brave’s fan. I never miss a game. I either watch it at home, on my cell or tape it. more

With the upcoming Fast of Tisha B’Av, it is appropriate to note the recent publication of a biography and historical analysis of one of the great prophets of our faith, Jeremiah, whose teachings are the featured prophetic readings that morning and whose scroll, Eichah (Lamentations) is the centerpiece reading the previous evening at the start of the fast. more

Technology, or IT as it’s referred to these days, as great as it is, scares some people. When I say some people, I basically mean my husband Jerry. I kid you not when I tell you he actually leaves his office on the 18th floor, heads outside and down the block in midtown to the bank to check his balance. (I can just imagine the excitement on the employee’s faces as he walks into the bank;there aren’t many people in banks these day). more