Pro-Israel lawmaker Shelley Berkley facing ethics review

Published on July 10, 2012

The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, a pro-Israel lawmaker, potentially complicating the Nevada Democrat's bid for the U.S. Senate.

The Challenge of Offering Moral Rebuke in the Workplace

Published on March 7, 2012

Zionism: The great Jewish ethical project

Published on February 16, 2012

5 Things to Know When Setting Goals

By Samira Asemanfar
Published on November 17, 2011

LETTERS: Torah Battle, Mormon Official, Ethics

Published on March 18, 2009

Ethics Certificate

I heartily agree with David Suissa and his reservations about the new certificate indicating that Jewish businesses uphold labor laws (“Laboring for Ethics,” March 6). If the Rubashkin scandal [Agriprocessors kosher slaughterhouse] is what prompted the certification idea, it is hardly the most noxious scandal in the Jewish community.

Ethics Plan Would Raise Sanctity of Business

By Rabbi N. Daniel Korobkin
Published on March 18, 2009

An observant Jew was once brought before the judge on counts of tax fraud. Seeing the kippah-wearing Jew before him, the judge innocently asked, “Mr. Schwartz, you are clearly a God-fearing man. How do you explain your immoral behavior?”

Madoff’s Redemption

By David Suissa
Published on December 24, 2008

It's like a quadruple shot of cheap vodka that you drink quickly on an empty stomach. You feel disgusted and drunk at the same time.

NYT learns of ethical kashrut

By Brad A. Greenberg
Published on December 12, 2008

L.A. Orthodox rabbis want business ethics to be kosher, too

By Julie G Fax
Published on October 16, 2008

Seeking to accentuate Jewish traditions that place a premium on ethical integrity, Los Angeles Orthodox rabbis are encouraging local businesses to sign up for a new seal of certification that ensures employers are treating workers fairly and humanely

The mysterious John McCain

By Pol Observer
Published on February 22, 2008

What makes a good politico?

By Bill Boyarsky
Published on January 24, 2008

What makes a good politician? What makes a good Jewish politician? Zev Yaroslavsky, Henry Waxman and Laura Chick each, in his or her own way, illustrates how the values of Jewish life can be carried over into the secular obligations of public affairs. They have set an example for a new generation that will make sure our community is deeply involved in Los Angeles civic life.

Tzedakah or genetics?  Hebrew University identifies possible ‘generosity gene’

By JewishJournal.com
Published on December 11, 2007

Controversial bioethicist pounces on animals in art

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on May 17, 2007

Bioethicist Peter Singer has received death threats for his views on incendiary topics such as infanticide and animals rights. Singer -- an Australian Jew who is considered to be one of the most influential living philosophers -- will lecture about how art depicts animals on May 24 at the Getty Center, in conjunction with the Getty Museum exhibition, "Oudry's Painted Menagerie."

Books: Yehoshua’s latest explores boundaries of responsibility

By Paula Margulies
Published on April 26, 2007

The U.S publishers hated the title of A.B. Yehoshua's latest book "The Mission of the Human Resources Manager." It was, they argued, better suited to a personnel manual than the work of one of Israel's most venerated authors. Ignoring Yehoshua's pleas, they christened the novel's English translation "A Woman in Jerusalem," and the book became a nominee for this year's prestigious Los Angeles Times Book Prize, to be announced at the Times' Festival of Books this weekend (see story page 36).

Ugly ties bind genocide past and present

By Amy Klein
Published on March 15, 2007

The "Genocide and Religion: Victims, Perpetrators, Bystanders and Resisters" Synoposium went deeper than many such conferences by examining as many as possible of the various groups involved in a genocide -- the perpetrators, the victims, the bystanders and resisters -- all of whom can be found in every such conflict, past and present.

Trading in happy meals for real happiness

By Rocky Salomon
Published on November 2, 2006

Living a life of dual identity is no simple task. On one hand, my peers and I are told to live up to the expectations of being Modern Orthodox teens, but on the other side of the spectrum we are tempted by the culture of the secular world on an everyday basis.

Books: ‘Holy’ Ethically Speaking—Rabbi Joseph Telushkin Covers It All

By Sandee Brawarsky
Published on October 26, 2006

When it comes to ethics, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin is an idealist and an activist. He'd like to see Jews develop moral imaginations as much as intellectual imaginations, parents praise children for their kind acts as much as for their academic achievements and individuals improve their track records in doing the right thing.

Education in the synagogue should aim for enhanced Jewish living

By Rabbi Michael Weinberg
Published on October 19, 2006

Synagogue membership that is diverse in background, knowledge, experience and interest also challenges synagogue leadership to be teachers of Judaism. That teaching must be guided by the conviction that Jewish literacy is not simply about book learning but also Jewish heritage and life.

L.A. Times violates journalistic ethics in Anaheim City Council election coverage

By Steven Emerson
Published on October 19, 2006

Bill Dalati, a Syrian-born insurance agent, is running for a spot on Anaheim's City Council. His candidacy has come under scrutiny because of his association with a controversial organization with known links to the Hamas terror group and his participation at a virulently anti-Israel rally this past summer.

Judaism 101: everything we need to know

By Jo Kay
Published on October 19, 2006

What do we need to know to function in or create a Jewish home, to function in the synagogue, to function in Jewish communal life and to function in the world as a knowledgeable Jew? What should we know, feel and be able to do to be considered a literate Jew?

Circuit

Published on August 24, 2006

Circuit News; GOP in the Library With A Tribute; The Great Statesmen; Fond of the New Rabbi; All About Ethics.

Deeds Not Words Will Reveal Real Gibson

By Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
Published on August 10, 2006

If the day ever comes when someone makes anti-Semitic attacks in the United States and the attacks enhance the person's reputation, we Jews will know we are in danger. In the 1980s, Jesse Jackson started attacking Jews and Zionism, which he called a "poisonous weed." When an African American journalist reported some of Jackson's anti-Jewish comments, Jackson felt constrained to issue an extended apology to the Jewish community and has avoided such comments since.

Letters to the Editor 07-07-06

Published on July 6, 2006

Letters to the Editor

A Little Respect

By Tom Teicholz
Published on June 29, 2006

Jewish tradition is marked by rendering the oral tradition in print and recording the stories of the patriarchs and matriarchs, the accounts of the prophets, the tales of Kings David and Solomon and the tales of the rabbis.

Class Notes - National Nachas for Shalhevet

By Julie G Fax
Published on March 9, 2006

Five brief pieces, on the following: Shalhevet School's recent winning streak, Camp Ramah's new solar panels, a five-day summer workshop that shows teachers how to use studying the holocaust to teach morality, an opportunity to serve abroad as part of the "Jewish Peace Corps," and a recent Prejudice Awareness Summit at the University of Judaism.

The Waiting Game

By JoAnneh Nagler
Published on February 23, 2006

If dating was a simple game, we'd all travel effortless paths to love, and we'd enjoy the dating process so thoroughly as to rush toward it with glee it when it's time.

Remember Sinai?

By Rabbi Haim Ovadia
Published on February 16, 2006

Immediately following the Ten Commandments, we read a series of instructions that seem a little out of place: You shall not make gods of silver alongside me, nor shall you make yourselves gods of gold. You need make for me only an earthen altar and bring your sacrifices there, and I shall come and bless you wherever my name is mentioned.

Friedan: Universal Woman, Particular Jew

By Blu Greenberg
Published on February 9, 2006

Betty Friedan, who died last weekend at age 85 at her home in Washington, D.C., was both universal woman and particular Jew. The word Jewish does not appear at all in "The Feminine Mystique," her seminal work, yet every heartbeat was a Jewish one. Once, in her 50s, after fame, fortune and independence had filled her life, she asked one favor of friends -- to find her a nice Jewish husband.

Letters

Published on February 2, 2006

Letters to the Editor

Holy Moly! Robertson Apologizes

By Jewish Journal Staff
Published on January 19, 2006

Last week, The Rev. Pat Robertson apparently decided that he'd better have the government of Israel on his side, too, especially if he wants to build a sprawling evangelical center on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

Abramoff Linked to Jewish Ventures

By Matthew E. Berger
Published on January 12, 2006

Specifically, Abramoff allegedly using money from a Washington charity he oversaw to fund military-style programs in the West Bank. Indian tribes donated money to tax-exempt charities, believing they were supporting anti-gambling foundations, but the money was redirected to help a "sniper school" in the West Bank, operated by a friend of Abramoff.

Foul Mouths

By Rob Eshman
Published on November 3, 2005

Iran-Contra could make one believe that in Washington, D.C., it's not what you did, it's who you know. There was even an element of self-dealing on the part of the first President Bush, who set free insiders who would, as a result, never be tempted to disclose anything damaging about Bush's own record as vice president under Reagan.

Q & A With Bruce Feiler

By Gaby Friedman
Published on October 20, 2005

Feiler spoke to The Journal by phone while taking a break from moving into his new Brooklyn home, which he shares with his wife and his 6-month-old identical twin girls.

Letters

Published on August 4, 2005

Three cheers for the gutsy parent who spoke up about the sexual ethics program at Alonim.

Letters

Published on July 28, 2005

I read with interest Daniel Akst's excellent article on youth philanthropy in your July 22 issue, titled, "Getting Kids Into Charity Pays Off Big."

Agents of Charity

By Tom Teicholz
Published on June 2, 2005

As I write this The Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Los Angeles' annual gala to be held on June 1, 2005 is a few days away.

Why Scapegoat?

By Rabbi Lisa Edwards
Published on April 21, 2005

In response to the three clerics who made the front page of The New York Times, in just one week several hundred clergy, mostly from the United States, signed on to a letter of support for WorldPride in Jerusalem, saying, among other things, that "Jerusalem, a living, holy city, a pilgrimage site for people of many faiths and many beliefs, increases in holiness when all are welcome within her walls."

Principal for a Day, Lesson for a Lifetime

By Sarah Price Brown
Published on March 24, 2005

It's a lot more than Kenn Phillips could have bargained for when he accepted this gig as principal. Lucky for him, he doesn't have to come back tomorrow.

That's because Phillips isn't the real principal, but merely principal for a day. Phillips is among more than 200 professionals who arranged to shadow principals as part of a Los Angeles Unified School District effort to create alliances between businesses and schools.

Jewish Ethical Views Differ on Schiavo

By Joanne Palmer
Published on March 24, 2005

Jews, like others caught up in the debate, have a range of beliefs, and their understanding of how to apply halacha varies accordingly.

New Allegations of Forged Hahn Support

By Idan Ivri
Published on March 17, 2005

A growing number of Jewish community members are saying that Hahn's re-election campaign falsely claimed them as endorsers in that ad.

What’s Next for Shalhevet?

By Julie G Fax
Published on February 3, 2005

Despite its fair share of controversy and assaults on its reputation, the school Jerry Friedman founded 13 years ago has established itself as an innovative, liberal Modern Orthodox high school with high academic standards, where kids for the most part really love the school.

Making the Cut

By Keren Engelberg
Published on January 20, 2005

When my aunt Arlene was 24 years old, she paid $500 to have her nose done. The year was 1957. Her father was against it, so she paid for it herself with money she earned at her first teaching job.

Your Letters

Published on August 5, 2004

Your Letters

Jewish Law Favors Stem Cell Research

By Nancy Sokoler Steiner
Published on August 5, 2004

Even as Ron Reagan makes a case for stem cell research at the Democratic National Convention, Californians may take matters into their own hands.

Justice or Character Assassination?

By Andrea Adelson
Published on July 1, 2004

The painful case reveals the vulnerability of clergy to character assassination as well as the difficulty for lay people in challenging a religious entity that keeps its decisions secret.

Are Sex Abuse Guidelines Working?

By Joe Berkofsky
Published on June 17, 2004

A lengthy battle over how the Reform movement should handle a charge of sexual misconduct against a California rabbi is coming to a head.

The Times Swerves Off the ‘High Road’

By Tamar Sternthal
Published on May 20, 2004

As word of Los Angeles Times Editor John S. Carroll's address on journalistic ethics spread across the Internet, critics were riled by his assertion that the Times is committed to taking the "high road" in comparison to other media outlets nationwide, which are engaging in "pseudo-journalism."

Dr. Laura Loses Her Religion

By Lisa Keys
Published on August 21, 2003

Of her conversion to Judaism, Laura Schlessinger said, "I felt that I was putting out a tremendous amount toward that mission, that end, and not feeling return, not feeling connected, not feeling that inspired. Trust me, I've talked to rabbis, I've read, I've prayed, I've agonized and I came to this place anyway -- which is not exactly back to the beginning, but more in that direction than not."

When Bad Things Happen to Good Institutions

By Gaby Wenig
Published on July 10, 2003

The troublesome public relations problem is not unique to the UJ. In the past six months alone, two local Jewish high schools had to deal with scandals in which students flagrantly violated the institutions' ethics and rules.

Humanist Approach a Must in Medicine

By Dr. Arnold P. Gold
Published on April 24, 2003

Research examining the attitudes of 3,500 entering medical students from across the nation concluded that most were indeed empathetic and humanistic when they began their studies. Clearly, some time during medical school and the end of the residency experience, many caring young doctors change. Why do some students maintain a humanistic orientation while others lose it?

Bringing Caring and God to the Sick

By Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub
Published on April 24, 2003

"So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom...." (Psalm 90:12)

Look to Leviticus

By Rabbi Daniel Bouskila
Published on March 20, 2003

Would any principal ever consider changing the Bible curriculum from Genesis to Leviticus? Genesis to Leviticus? You mean the Book of Leviticus, including this week's Torah portion Parshat Tzav, which deals with animal sacrifices and burnt offerings?

Educator Sees Needfor Teaching Morals

By Sharon Schatz Rosenthal
Published on February 6, 2003

Something vital is missing from public and day school curriculums, says Dr. Hanan Alexander, a rabbi, educator and author of "Reclaiming
Goodness: Education and the Spiritual Quest" (University of Notre Dame Press, 2001), which received the 2002 National Jewish Book Award in Education.

Man as Creator

By Nancy Sokoler Steiner
Published on November 28, 2002

A woman who had taken fertility treatments became pregnant only to learn that she was carrying four embryos.

Ethics and Ironies

By Rabbi Avi Shafran
Published on November 14, 2002

In our sex-saturated -- and in fact, as a result, sexist -- society, men and women eschewing handshakes to avoid any semblance of misplaced sexuality might seem a bit much to many.

Ethics and Warfare

By Rabbi Steven Weil
Published on August 15, 2002

This week's Torah portion opens with a fascinating topic: the psyche of a soldier at war, and the ethical boundaries that even a soldier must observe.

The Ethics of Revenge

By Yitzhak Frankenthal
Published on August 15, 2002

My beloved son, Arik, my own flesh and blood, was murdered by Palestinians.

Physician, Heal The Soul

By Mike Levy
Published on April 18, 2002

Physicians played a significant role in the Holocaust, and today's doctors can learn from the ethical failures of that period, according to an article recently published by Dr. Joel Geiderman, co-chair of the emergency department (ED) of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

In "Physician Complicity in the Holocaust: Historical Review and Reflections on Emergency Medicine in the 21st Century," Geiderman sets out a series of moral failures he attributes to German physicians before, during and after WWII. Published in the March issue of Academic Emergency Medicine journal, the two-part article enumerates ethical challenges requiring greater vigilance from today's physicians.

Fair Weight

By Rabbi Daniel Bouskila
Published on May 3, 2001

Honesty, morality and ethical behavior -- these are the calling cards of Leviticus, and they are the centerpieces of Jewish behavior and identity. Amongst the mitzvot enumerated in Leviticus 19 (known by some scholars as the "Holiness Code") are respect for parents, charity for the poor, prohibitions against stealing and lying, a reminder to pay an employee's wages on time, the moral obligation not to take advantage of the deaf or blind, honesty and fairness in justice, prohibitions against holding grudges or exacting revenge, and the famous mitzvah to "love your neighbor as yourself."

Your Letters

Published on March 8, 2001

Rob Eshman's attack on supposed Jewish hypocrisy is really an attack on Jewish ethics and morals ("Shocked, Shocked," March 2).