Sometimes others know us better than we know ourselves. In the year 2000, a British Jewish research institute came up with a proposal that Jews in Britain be redefined as an ethnic group and not as a … more

It is not unusual for a book’s title to include a year. 1776 and 1912 are among my favorites. They resonate deep meaning and so does the year 1492. “1492,” subtitled … more

By Chananya Weissman Issue of Sept. 12, 2008 I choose my topics carefully. After all, there is no need to present an exhaustive catalogue of the madness that one encounters or breathlessly … more

The President-elect once bought a home whose deed prohibited its resale or rental to Jews. He had associations with a number of … more

I'm thinking By Micah D. Halpern Issue of October 16 2009/ 29 Tishrei 5770 How far would you go to save your child? What rules would you break? What deals would you make with the … more

Parshat Behar-Bechukoti by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of May 7, 2010/ 23 Iyar 5770 “The Living Torah” is the late Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan’s translation of the Chumash. In addition to the … more

Parshat Ki Savo Issue of August 28, 2010/ 18 Elul, 5770 by Rabbi Avi Billet My grandmother gets "nachas" from reading this column. She told me a few times that one of the things she enjoys … more

Now that the election is over, Barack Obama no longer has to appeal to supporters of Israel or haters of terrorism. Progressive Jews no longer have to lie—calling him a great president for Israel. As he told Russian president Medvedev after the election, he will have more flexibility. more

It is a conversation I will remember forever. We were in the midst of basic tank training, enjoying a brief respite from the grueling pace of maneuvers and marches. more

In Parshat Emor, the Torah tells us, “You shall then count for yourselves seven complete weeks after the day following the [Passover] holiday when you brought the omer as a wave … more