Good carbs and bad carbs

By Arielle Adelman
Published on April 2, 2013

Widespread khat addiction threatens Yemen’s future

Published on November 14, 2012

Abdulmalik, a 13-year-old boy from Yemen’s capital city Sana’a, started chewing khat leaves at the age of seven. “My father would pass me small handfuls at weddings,” he told The Media Line. “But I didn’t start chewing every day until I turned 12 and started to work. Khat gives me energy for work.”

At What Cost?

By David Mamet
Published on July 25, 2012

It has been suggested that the purpose of a college education is to ease the transition into adulthood. After several decades teaching college-age students, I would agree, only substituting delay and prevent for ease.

Iran says test-fires missiles over threats of attack

Published on July 3, 2012

Iran said on Tuesday it had successfully tested medium-range missiles capable of hitting Israel in response to threats of military action against the country, Iranian media reported, the latest move in a war of nerves with the West.

Iran threatens Israel; new EU sanctions take force

Published on July 2, 2012

Iran announced missile tests on Sunday and threatened to wipe Israel "off the face of the earth" if the Jewish state attacked it, brandishing some of its starkest threats on the day Europe began enforcing an oil embargo and harsh new sanctions.

Israel says clock ticking after Iran talks fail

Published on June 21, 2012

Israel has responded to the failure of the latest nuclear talks between world powers and Iran with a familiar refrain: sanctions must be ramped up while the clock ticks down toward possible military action.

House rejects increase to U.S.-Israel energy cooperation funding

Published on June 8, 2012

The U.S. House of Representatives voted down a Democratic procedural motion to the energy appropriations bill that would have provided additional funds for U.S.-Israel energy cooperation programs.

Satellite images show crews hiding evidence at Iran nuclear site

Published on May 31, 2012

New satellite images show possible recent nuclear activity at the Parchin facility in Iran as well as attempts to hide evidence of past activity.

Iran cleaning building of nuclear traces, U.S. institute alleges

Published on May 9, 2012

New satellite imagery analyzed by a U.S. security think tank shows that Iran may be clearing nuclear evidence from a building at a military site.

World powers to meet Iran in Istanbul this week

Published on April 9, 2012

Nuclear negotiations between Iran and world powers will be held this week in Istanbul, European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton announced.

Massachusetts pension board completes Iran divestment

Published on January 4, 2012

The Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management board announced that it divested all holdings in companies tied to Iran’s energy industry.

Congress approves funds for Israel-U.S. energy cooperation

Published on December 21, 2011

The U.S. Congress maintained funding for a cooperative agreement with Israel that develops energy alternatives.

At Reform biennial, energy, Obama and handwringing over the next generation

Published on December 20, 2011

The metaphors abound. To Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the next president of the Union for Reform Judaism, it’s a gas station. To Rabbi Eric Yoffie, the outgoing president, it’s an anchor. To Stephen Sacks, the incoming chairman of Reform’s board, it’s a supermarket.

Temple Sinai going green with rooftop solar panels

Published on December 7, 2011

Temple Sinai of Glendale is about to begin installing a solar energy system in an effort to go green. The 30-kilowatt rooftop solar panels will be unveiled at an induction ceremony at Temple Sinai on Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.

My Chanukah miracle

By Jonah Lowenfeld
Published on December 1, 2010

And on the fifth day, I learned how not to compost. It was a sunny mid-November morning when I found out that potato peels, celery tops and other vegetable pieces — in other words, most of the 7 pounds of organic matter I had been saving in my refrigerator’s crisper drawer for the past four days — were, in fact, still food.

U.S. expert sees Israel as renewable energy leader

Published on November 11, 2010

Israel is poised to be a leader in developing solar energy and other renewable energy sources, a leader in the energy arena said while visiting the Jewish state.

Waxman will play key role in putting Obama agenda into action

By Bill Boyarsky
Published on November 26, 2008

As chair of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, Waxman is poised to play a leading role in putting the Obama agenda into law, particularly in health care and in pushing the auto industry into manufacturing energy-efficient and minimally polluting cars.

Begone, bygones! Green is the new blue and white

Published on November 13, 2008

" . . . It is troubling that some Orthodox rabbis have joined with the Christian right to eliminate same-sex civil marriage. Banning same-sex civil marriage is about as relevant to Orthodox Judaism as banning the sale of shellfish . . . "

Israel's clean tech advances attract foreign investors' green

By Dina Kraft
Published on July 15, 2008

Spurred by skyrocketing oil prices and growing interest in energy alternatives, a wave of new companies and investors are scouting out new clean technologies in Israel.

Israel-Iran war talk blamed for oil price frenzy

By Ron Kampeas
Published on July 7, 2008

Experts are saying that talk of an Israeli strike on Iran is a key part of what's unsettling already volatile oil markets.

Israel invests in clean tech as energy crunch looms

By Dina Kraft
Published on July 2, 2008

Industry observers say more aggressive government policies, such as underwriting renewable energy initiatives and granting more land for power plants, are needed to bolster the development of alternative energy.

Listening with our ‘third ear’

By David Suissa
Published on June 14, 2007

...I noticed that my hosts were talking about something called the third ear. It sounded like worn-out hippie schmaltz - this notion of tapping into our "third ear energy" to bring more harmony into our lives, and to the world.

Lawyer makes case for answering rabbinical school call

By Peter L. Rothholz
Published on April 26, 2007

And yet despite these avocations, the 40-something Kenneth Klee said he felt there was something missing in his life. He's now studying for his smicha, or ordination, as a rabbi, which he intends to compliment his sideline as a spiritual counselor.

The great (non) depression

By Rabbi Anne Brener
Published on November 30, 2006

Depression is a word that has been cheapened. We forget that it is a diagnosis for a bona fide disease. It becomes a catch phrase for the weighty feelings we experience as we come to terms with life's challenges and honor the process of change.

Prop. 87 fuels high octane fight on oil production tax

By Idan Ivri
Published on October 19, 2006

Next month, California voters will take sides in what has been an epic battle over Proposition 87, called the Clean Energy Alternative Act.

Israel, U.S. Act on Request for Renewable Energy

Published on August 31, 2006

Under the proposed U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperation Act, scientists and engineers from both countries would focus on research, development and commercial use of renewable energy from solar, wind, hydrogen and biofuel sources.

Panama Solar Project Shows Power of Tikkun Olam

By Steve Factor
Published on July 13, 2006

At 7 a.m., after a long, grueling red-eye journey from Los Angeles, our plane landed on a narrow runway carved out of the lush rainforest deep in a remote island area of the Panamanian outback. As my son, Adam, 13, and I trudged off the plane, 40 smiling Kuna natives eagerly welcomed us to the exotic island of Playon Chico. With vivid memories of Adam's bar mitzvah just a fortnight prior replaying in my mind, I couldn't help but think that this would be the adventure of a lifetime. Indeed, it was.

‘Hybrid’ Actor Crafts ‘Everyman’ Show

By Robert David Jaffee
Published on April 13, 2006

Ameenah Kaplan, who calls herself a "hybrid" -- the product of an African American mother who converted to Judaism and a Jewish father -- is directing, choreographing and co-producing "Everyman for Himself." Appearing weekends at the Unknown Theatre in Hollywood, the show is a hybrid itself, in that it blends music, dance, theater and capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian dance form that incorporates self-defense maneuvers.

Eco-Friendly Parties Mix Mitzvah, Simcha

By Pearl Salkin
Published on April 13, 2006

Selecting an environmental mitzvah project is a good starting point. But consider adding eco-friendly substitutes for white plastic tableware, Styrofoam centerpieces, Mylar balloons and elaborate banners. Are your invitations printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks?

Think Green Tips

By Jane Ulman
Published on February 9, 2006

Ten ways to begin greening your synagogue from Barbara Lerman-Golomb, associate executive director of the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life:

Saul Kroll: Healing Hand at Cedars-Sinai

By Tom Tugend
Published on January 5, 2006

Saul Kroll is a firm believer in yetzer hatov, and the 87-year-old Westside resident translates it into practice six days a week as an emergency room volunteer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Unhappy New Year!

By Mark Miller
Published on January 5, 2006

OK, I'll be absolutely honest -- I spent this past New Year's Eve alone. Sure, I could have salvaged the situation with a round of frantic last-minute calling, but I never got around to it because I had to go and get into a fight. Fortunately, I was the only one who got hurt. You see, I picked a fight with myself. And on New Year's Eve day, no less. Almost out of nowhere and with virtually no warning, I started in on myself.

Mental Workouts Keep Your Brain Fit

By Sophia Dembling
Published on November 3, 2005

Teaching your brain new tricks is like a workout for the mind. It's never too early to start, and you don't have to ante up tuition to start your brain fitness program

Books - ‘Love’ Tries to Solve Mystery of the Heart

By Sandee Brawarsky
Published on June 9, 2005

Masterfully, Krauss ties together the stories of Gursky and the young Alma as each searches for clues about "The History of Love."

Two Finish Lines

By Ron Rubin
Published on March 24, 2005

What is the touchstone that unites a 26.2-mile marathon with a Siyum Hashas celebration of completing the 7.5-year page-a-day Talmud cycle?

The Good, the Bad and the Confusing

By Ed Shevick
Published on February 3, 2005

You cannot spend time and energy wondering where the years went. They are finished.

Seniors must concentrate on now. Enjoy life now. Do what you can within your abilities. Life is precious and good. Tomorrow will come at its own speed.

Yeladim

By Abby Gilad
Published on December 9, 2004

We know that Chanukah is all about the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days, right? Well, we have a new miracle driving around our streets. And, just like the little bit of oil that kept on going, these electric/hybrid cars use much less gas than a regular car.

Your Letters

Published on September 2, 2004

Your Letters

Say Cheese, L.A.

By Leora Alhadeff
Published on May 20, 2004

"I wanted to capture the fact that we're not your typical city," said Larry Brownstein, and with that inspiration, he began his photo book of Los Angeles. Filled with vivid images, the book captures all things reminiscent of the city's vibe -- colorful people, bold architecture and, of course, its laid-back energy.

Batsheva Blurs Artistic Borders

By Gaby Wenig
Published on March 18, 2004

During "Naharin's Virus" a provocatative dance/performance piece that the Batsheva Dance company will excerpt this week at UCLA, a dancer holds chalk in her hand, dragging it through her body movements: Arching her back, outstretching her arm, she trails Hebrew words on a blackboard.

Letting Go of Marlene

By Rona Frances
Published on September 4, 2003

We are in the month of Elul, and I'm taking inventory of my year. Much of the year for me was about how I dealt with my grief; it was about the process of letting go.

Fervent Political

By Bill Boyarsky
Published on September 4, 2003

How does a Jewish community journalist cover such a non-Jewish election?

Reduce Oil Demand

By Rep. Henry Waxman
Published on April 3, 2003

The following are remarks and an amendment introduced by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) on March 19 to the House Energy Subcommittee that propose an alternative energy strategy for the United States.

Fill ‘Er Up With Guilt

By Gaby Wenig
Published on December 26, 2002

On Dec. 19 at a forum on energy independence hosted by the American Jewish Congress, Laurie David revealed a new anti-oil television advertising campaign designed to make the suburban soccer-mom set shudder with shame every time they pull into a gas station.

Fuel for the Fire

By Rob Eshman
Published on November 21, 2002

Funny how a massive attack on American shores, the devastating loss of 3,000 innocent lives, the U.S. invasion of one country (Afghanistan), the incipient invasion of another (Iraq) and the continued threat of biological, nuclear and random terror in our own neighborhoods can get people thinking.

Enron Fallout in Houston

By Julie Wiener
Published on January 17, 2002

Enron Fallout in Houston.

California’s New Energy Chief

By Melissa Minkin
Published on May 10, 2001

The day after Vice President Dick Cheney said the best way to meet the country's energy demands was to increase fossil fuel production, reconsider nuclear power, and soften environmental laws, S. David Freeman went to Sacramento to prove him wrong.

Oil Loses Round

By Julie G Fax
Published on May 3, 2001

Neighbors for a Safe Environment (NASE) won a round April 18 in its ongoing battle with an oil company that wants to expand operations at a site in the Pico-Robertson area.