Those of you who enjoyed the best of variety show television in the 1970s will surely recall Carole Burnett’s famous ear tug as she concluded each show. The signal of affection to her beloved aunt who was part of the viewing audience was accompanied by the melodic “I’m so glad we had this time together.” As I go to print today, I find this tune to be an apropos expression of my sentiments. This will be my last issue as Publisher and Editor of The Jewish Star. more

This week’s essay will focus primarily upon an article rather than upon a book. The convergence this year of American Independence Day and the 17th Day of Tamuz was brought together by an interesting and timely essay by attorney Michael W. Schwartz entitled, “A Great Compliment Paid the Jews” [Commentary Magazine.com/article] This essay’s theme demonstrates the uniqueness of the ideological foundations of the American republic and its regard for the integrity of the Jewish faith. more

The release of the Barack Obama/Derrick Bell Harvard video by the Breitbart site was insignificant by itself. Those who were looking for some major smoking gun were very disappointed. more

As one of the few Jews willing to admit to being politically conservative, I get asked the same question all the time, “How you can be both politically conservative and a Jew?” Most of the questioners are either liberal Jews who consider me something of a heretic, or a fellow conservative surprised to see the rare Jew within their ranks. more

The Israel-Palestinian talks are dead, and the administration of President Barack Obama is doing its best to let the world know it blames Israel. Not by blatantly coming out and saying it, because that would cause Israel to fight back against the slander, but by sneaking around and creating a whisper campaign. more

This responds to the letter of Michael Brenner entitled “Obama, AIPAC and Iran” which was published in the March 23rd edition of The Jewish Star. In the letter, it is contended that President Obama solidly supports Israel. I disagree, and believe that support is nothing but a mirage. more

He was born 86 years ago on New York’s Lower East Side, the son of Jewish Polish immigrants who arrived on these blessed shores right after World War I. His name was Rabbi Dr. Herbert Bomzer, zt”l, and his first yahrtzeit was recently commemorated with the publication of a collection of Divrei Torah, entitled “Keter Harachzav,” compiled and edited with an eloquent and informed introduction by his grandson, Aryeh Sklar of Cedarhurst. more

Perhaps no one said it better than Rabbi Berel Wein: “Rabbi Bezalel Naor has done a masterful job in bringing Rav Kook’s thoughts and philosophy to the English speaking public. Rabbi … more

It was a different era, a time that revered idealism yet tolerated a diversity that at times defied reality. Nevertheless, with all that was tolerated, respect for diverse opinion was laced with respect, a respect that was saturated throughout society’s opinion makers’ creed. The legacy of the brief presidency of John F. Kennedy was highlighted by image, personality, ideology and most important of all to this writer, the element of eloquence and elegance in both language and style. more

After months of urging by my wife, I finally made an appointment with an ENT to have my hearing checked. My wife figured that since I wasn’t listening to her I must not have been hearing her in … more