Can journalists really be objective?

By Noga Gur-Arieh
Published on February 20, 2013

WWMD? What would Maimonides do?

By Roger Price
Published on January 4, 2013

VideoGuide to L.A. - Volume 5 - Jew vs. Wild

By Jay Firestone
Published on November 3, 2008

VideoGuide to L.A. - Volume 4 - The Hollywood Dream

By Jay Firestone
Published on October 23, 2008

My VideoGuide to Los Angeles

By Jay Firestone
Published on September 25, 2008

Let kids rule the land

By Shoshana Lewin-Fischer
Published on January 3, 2008

Kids can influence how their families handle the growing global warming issue, at least according to Laurie David and Cambria Gordon, co-authors of "The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming"

The whole megillah: Ten reasons to love Purim

By Jane Ulman
Published on March 1, 2007

So what is Purim about? This short guide explains the various holiday traditions and celebrations, as well as a few suggestions of unique and fun ways to partake in the festivities.

The Jewish Journal’s handy guide to Jewish Tehrangeles

Published on February 22, 2007

The guide includes synagogues, businesses, agencies and services frequented by the L.A. Persian Jewish community.

Book review: The Divorce Lawyers’ Guide

Published on October 5, 2006

Author and former practicing attorney Wendy Jaffe has written an interesting and illuminating work called, "The Divorce Lawyers' Guide to Staying Married."

Runaway Bride Redux

By Shoshana Lewin-Fischer
Published on April 20, 2006

The notion of giving advice to runaway brides came about as Rendahl tried to think about the "loose ends that would be out there if you had the courage to run, even if you didn't realize you should until the very last moment."

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.

Joyce Rabinowitz: A Type Like No Other

By Jane Ulman
Published on January 5, 2006

Joyce Rabinowitz, 76, is a volunteer Braille transcriber. She takes the printed word and, using a special computer program called Braille 2000, transforms it letter by letter into a prescribed set of dots that she saves to disk and gives to the Braille Institute. Each disk, with the help of an embossing machine, is used to produce a book written in raised dot text that a blind person can read with his or her fingers.

David Karp: A Guide for Unity in Scouting

By Marc Ballon
Published on January 5, 2006

"David Karp made it possible for us to have this program," said attorney Yacov Greiff, scoutmaster of Troop 613 at Shaarey Zedek. "Aside from personal kindness and modesty, exemplary menschlichkeit and tireless efforts on behalf of the Jewish community, he deserves particular recognition for going out of his way to reach across sectarian lines."

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the High Holidays

By Amy Klein
Published on September 15, 2005

Goodbye summer; hello High Holidays. While Rosh Hashanah falls later in the calendar than normal this year (Oct. 3-5), it's never too early to get ready for the Jewish New Year. Besides, preparations traditionally begin in the Hebrew month of Elul, which started Sept. 4.

If you didn't know that -- and were too afraid, too preoccupied or too unknowing to ask -- then we have just the thing for you: this handy guide to get your mind, body and soul in the spirit, so to speak, for the Days of Awe.

We've included Frequently Asked Questions about the High Holidays; a how-to on finding a synagogue (no, it's not too late); a music and book list for inspiration and explanation; and a primer for those new to the faith.

We also have prepared our special Congregation Directory (pages 40-47), a comprehensive listing of Los Angeles congregations sorted by neighborhoods.

Like Some ‘Guilt’ With Your Chick Lit?

By Susan Josephs
Published on September 8, 2005

"The Modern Jewish Girl's Guide to Guilt" edited by Ruth Andrew Ellenson (Dutton, $24.95).

When Ruth Andrew Ellenson achieved the writer's milestone of selling her first book, her father responded in classic Jewish parental fashion.

"He was thrilled and said, 'Honey, that's wonderful.' Then there was a long pause," Ellenson recalled. "And he said, 'I guess this means I have to wait longer for grandchildren.'"

As the editor of the newly released "The Modern Jewish Girl's Guide to Guilt," Ellenson now has both the professional and personal credentials to speak on behalf of any Jewish woman who struggles with the notion of "letting my people down. I've always been interested in what's complicated about being Jewish and how you balance the different parts of life," said the 31-year-old freelance journalist. "Jewish women have been given opportunities they never had before. We live in a time of choice and so there are myriad new ways to feel guilty."

Shavuot - Ruth’s Tale Provides Contemporary Guide

By David Brandes
Published on June 9, 2005

Rabbi Levi Meier is fond of saying that we are all on a journey, whether or not we know it. Of course, he is referring to life itself, and in his latest book, Meier illuminates that journey by looking at the compelling and sometimes tragic life of the biblical figure of Ruth. His book, "Second Chances: Transforming the Bitterness of Hope and the Story of Ruth," is at once a rich source of biblical scholarship and a guide designed to help readers deal with their own personal difficulties.

A Traveler’s Guide to Tel Aviv Nightlife

By Orit Arfa
Published on May 19, 2005

New York may be the city that never sleeps, but life in Tel Aviv begins at midnight. There are dozens of nightclubs and about 200 bars in this mini-metropolis, each with its own flavor and theme. Yet they all share a determination and dedication to having a good time.

Rogov’s Puts Israel on Oenological Map

By Todd Pitock
Published on April 14, 2005

At a seder last year, the host put out a few bottles of Israeli wine.

Perfect Gadgets for Jetsetter, Homebody

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on December 2, 2004

When it comes Chanukah, you've got eight nights to get your gift giving right. Our Gift Guide points you toward a cornucopia of categories for every evening of the Festival of Lights.

How-Tos by Jews

By Keren Engelberg
Published on November 11, 2004

There's something very American about a book that claims to be a "guide to life." There's also something very Jewish about it.

Give Your Sukkah a Shot of Style

By Keren Engelberg
Published on September 23, 2004

After the high of the High Holidays, twice-a-year Jews hang up their kippot for another 354 days, or so, and in the process miss out on the lesser-known treat of Sukkot.

B’nai Mitzvah Planning Guide

By Joan G Friedman
Published on August 12, 2004

When the child is born, start saving! It's not a bad idea to start two savings accounts; one for college and one for the bar or bat mitzvah.

Freewheeling Around D.C.

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on March 4, 2004

Bike the Sites, a smart solution to the challenges of sightseeing in heavily trafficked D.C., allows visitors to enjoy Washington's history and architecture in an environmentally friendly way.

A Desert High in Palm Springs

By Lisa Alcalay Klug
Published on March 4, 2004

At the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, there are a host of trails -- including a three-quarters of a mile loop through picturesque Long Valley, just behind the Mountain Station that introduces visitors to regional plants and animals.

Personal Liberation

By Rabbi Mordecai Finley
Published on March 4, 2004

How does one prepare for freedom? One Jewish answer is found in the reading of the four special portions read along with the regular Torah portions in the weeks before

Navigating Aid

By Nancy Sokoler Steiner
Published on February 26, 2004

After hundreds of hours of research and with the help of the Technology Department at Milken; Aliza Sokolow produced the "College Guide to Learning Disability Programs," a CD-ROM featuring links to disability programs at community colleges and universities throughout the country.

Eleven Things to Know Before You Go

By Rabbi Daniel Kohn
Published on August 7, 2003

Congratulations! You have been invited to the bar/bat mitzvah of a friend or family member. Now what?

Balance With ‘One Foot’

By Rachel Brand
Published on May 15, 2003

Has a question or statement about Israel ever caught you so off guard and tongue-tied that you wished you could just reach into your back pocket to pull out an answer?

BJE Selects ‘Leaf’ for Reading Initiative

By Journal Staff
Published on May 1, 2003

Written by Milton Steinberg, the book is based on a historical character, a renegade rabbi who lived during the Roman conquest of Judea and was excommunicated.

Assembly Yiddish

By Tom Tugend
Published on June 21, 2001

For the benefit of the 90 percent of Assembly-members who are not Jewish, and for other Yiddish-challenged lawmakers, Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) has published a 36-page booklet, appropriately titled "Yiddish for Assemblymembers."

Eating and Praying Near Downtown

Published on August 3, 2000

Guide to eating and praying close to downtown Los Angeles.

A Teacher’s Guide to Parents

By Beverly Gray
Published on January 29, 1998

What do Jewish educators think about Jewish parents?