As we put this issue of The Jewish Star to bed, we look forward to the much anticipated chag of Pesach. I actually have the pre-Pesach mindset starting from Chanukah, when I stop buying pasta and cereal (how does the closet get so full of chametz?) more

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

Among the sought-after kiruv speakers, Rabbi Amnon Yitzhak held a public ceremony in Jerusalem this week, where his followers tossed their television sets into dumpsters. It is clear that Rabbi Yitzhak’s act was unrelated to any specific program, but one recent set of televised ads by the Israeli Ministry of Immigration and Absorption, is stirring strong opposition across a wide spectrum of American Jewry. more

Among the pleasures of newspaper work is feedback from readers, which comes in the form of letters, phone calls and emails. As a publication serving the wider spectrum of Jewish Orthodoxy, it is no easy task to represent this spectrum in an accurate, professional and objective manner. more

Sometimes ignoring the problem will not make it go away. It would simply continue to fester, gradually gaining in momentum, peeling away support from the mainstream, speaking a message of irreverence and rebellion in a time of widespread disaffection. more

At the centennial dinner of National Council of Young Israel and the 114th annual dinner of the Zionist Organization of America, attendees arose to recite the Star-Spangled Banner, demonstrating gratitude and support for our current home. more

More than a half century ago, a Jew from Palestine landed on these shores, warning of the holocaust and finding his efforts rebuffed by mainstream Jewish organizations. more

When the SAT and ACT test cheating scandal arose at Great Neck North High School, many of our readers wondered aloud whether the specter of dishonesty was present within the student body of our local day schools. more

It appears that as hard as President Barack Obama struggles to preserve his image as a supporter of Israel, the truth continues to leak out. Following his defense of Israel at the United Nations, the boost Obama received in the polls among Jews, was jeopardized by Vice President Joe Biden’s harsh dismissal of clemency appeals for convicted spy Jonathan Pollard. Nonetheless, the president values the support of the Jewish community, and recently appointed likeable Long Island native Jarrod Bernstein as his liaison to the Jewish community. more

In the two decades since the Madrid Conference of 1991, the Palestinian Liberation Organization has gone from a terrorist organization to an apparent peace partner, and back to a pariah, as far as the Israeli government is concerned. But on the world stage, it appears to incrementally pick up the trappings of statehood. An anthem, a flag, diplomatic immunity, UN observer status, and this week, full membership in the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. more