Ever since Israel and the US struck a strategic alliance at the end of the 1960s, the world has seen that alliance as a measure of American credibility and power worldwide. The closer US-Israel ties … more

When the late German writer Günter Grass decided seven years ago to denounce Israel as the greatest threat to the planet’s existence, he chose the medium of poetry to do so. Starting … more

There’s a reason why most Israelis find it difficult to listen patiently to lectures from liberal American Jews. For Israelis, their country is a real place filled with real people and … more

This week, I begin by sharing two very personal experiences. The first occurred several decades ago when a group of Israeli scholars visiting Baltimore, where Chavi and I then resided, … more

A number of midrashim pose the question (ascribed either to Rabbi Yoseh, Yosi, or Dosa), “Why do children begin learning the [Chumash] from the section about korbanot … more

The other day, a friend asked me what I was making for dinner. The truth was that I had no plans for dinner at all. I was still sore and exhausted from non-stop gardening and had been so busy … more

There is quite a bit of sadness attached to this Sabbath, the last of the year. Sure, we look forward to a new year with new blessings and new opportunities. But we cannot escape the fact that this … more

From the other side of the bench By David Seidemann Issue of Jan. 23, 2009 / 27 Tevet 5769 Did you ever wonder why the heart and the mind are concealed while the hands are exposed? In my … more

By Alan Jay Gerber Issue of May 8, 2009 / 14 Iyar 5769 “Ish imo v’aviv tira’u …You shall each fear your mother and father.” This Sunday is Mother’s Day. Should you by any … more

I'm thinking by Micah Halpern Issue of June 11, 2010/ 29 Sivan, 5770 The significance of the Israeli blockade of Gaza resonates far deeper than the obvious facts on the ground, or in this … more