You are standing on a hilltop, watching children play soccer on a dusty patch of dirt in the valley below. Hours earlier, that same field had been too dangerous for anyone to cross. What changed? … more

Nov. 10 marked a double anniversary of two expressions of “the oldest hatred” — the hatred of the Jews. •It was 50 years since the lowest point in the history of the … more

If history over the last century taught anything, it’s that one issue can bring extremists from both the left and the right together: Jews and the State of Israel. The question that … more

The majesty of afternoon tea. No need to shell out megabucks in a fancy hotel for this refined pastime. Tea time is one of the simplest ways to entertain. It can be casual or swanky, and the guest … more

I can think of three people who will be delighted by the election last week of pro-Hamas presidential candidate Catherine Connolly in the Republic of Ireland. Two of them I can name: Zena Ismail and … more

I never thought that I would begin a discussion of the weekly Torah portion by referring to a person who was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. Never, that is, until I sat down to … more

What is it with vice presidents of the United States when they visit college campuses and are asked almost anything about Israel? They end up as tongue-tied as Coldplay’s frontman, Chris … more

One of the great desires and aspirations of millions is to find revelation, to “see the light” and understand the purpose of life. How many people over the ages have asked, appealed … more

A Russian Jew named Yisrael [Irving] Beilin wrote the song “G-d Bless America” as a paean to his beloved adopted country. The song became so popular that it rivaled the “Star … more

My son just started Sunday school. While my wife takes him and a carpool of boys to school, I bring our other two sons to shul. My two-year-old can’t sit quietly through Shemoneh Esrei yet, and … more