Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor on the Surge in Online Anti-Semitism and Its National Security Implications
BY ESTHER LUVISHIS Social media is a significant part of everyone’s life in the twenty-first century, especially for the young. From X, formerly Twitter, to Instagram and Facebook, there is…
Maintaining Jewish Unity Without Uniformity
BY ELIE DOUER In the months before the October 7 attack, political tensions in Israel were at an unprecedented high, with intense polarization over the proposed judicial reforms. Studies show…
The Six Elements of Resilience Inherent in the Jewish Tradition
BY RAANAN VANDERWALDE There is no denying that Jews are resilient. Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world. For over 3,000 years, Jews have been persecuted, killed,…
What It Means To Be Jewish
If the future of American Jewry is to be composed of, as Milton Himmelfarb put it, "fewer but better Jews", then what does it mean today to be Jewish? And what makes a "better Jew"?
Fewer but More Extraordinary Jews
Taking a deeper look at the context behind Milton Himmelfarb's prediction in 1996 that the future of American Jewry would be "fewer but better Jews" leads to a new perspective on both what he meant by that statement and how we should read it today.
The Orchard
Reviewing "The Orchard" by David Hopen it is easy to be amazed by the coming of age story. Guided by a kabbalistic fable, and interwoven with the complexities of Orthodox Judaism, "The Orchard" portrays Jewish American life in a nuanced way and let's all of the characters, from all walks of life, articulate their own individual appreciation for Judaism.
The Dignity of Difference
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks' book, "The Dignity of Difference", explores the two extremes of a purely religious and a solely political society as well as the place of Judaism and religion in general in this highly political world.
Ethics in A Song of Ice and Fire
George R.R. Martin’s "A Song of Ice and Fire", seeks to ascertain whether a life lived with honor or without is superior. What makes his insights fascinating is how he uses two starkly opposed characters and contrasts them both in life and in their respective legacies after death, in order to provide a full picture of which ethical system is superior.
Hard Times Create Strong Jews
In an examination of American Jewry's financial and intellectual situation, as well as the current political and religious divisions running through the community, one can't say that Milton Himmelfarb was correct in his prediction of a future of "fewer but better Jews".
The Importance of Extracurriculars
Extra curriculars have long been proven to not only aid students in having safe and healthy hobbies, but also in making sure children are ready to become independent adults. The importance of pursuing potential and growing into your own person is both a Jewish value and vital for the future of the Jewish people.