Living in a mash, not a ‘clash,’ of civilizations

Published on September 27, 2012

Karl Marx once said that history repeats itself: first as tragedy, then as farce. The riots and Iranian fatwa calling for the death of Salman Rushdie, which forced the British-Kashmiri author into hiding for 13 years, can only be described as tragic — for him and for the cause of freedom and tolerance.

We have sunk so low as human beings. Wish I could start my own society!

By Julia Bendis
Published on July 20, 2011

Chivalry is Dead!

By Julia Bendis
Published on June 16, 2011

What is western society’s place in determining halachah?

Published on December 22, 2010

Same-sex marriage and the fabric of society: What does it all mean?

By Julie G Fax
Published on June 17, 2008

For some, it is a spiritual moment of human dignity finally resting upon everyone. For others, it is a sign that society is being sucked into an eddy of moral dissolution.

Lebanon war underscores inequality of Arab Israelis

By Uri Dromi
Published on September 21, 2006

Wars, like hurricanes, tend to expose flaws in societies. In Israel, the recent war with Hezbollah revealed lack of preparedness for this kind of war against an elusive enemy, mediocre
conduct of the operations, deficiencies in equipment, shortages of shelters for the civilians and more.

Beyond Left and Right in Israel

By Ami Nahshon
Published on November 25, 2004

When it comes to politics in Israel, left and right rarely agree. In a country where even sports teams are aligned with political parties, there is one issue that should unite Israelis and their American supporters from across the political spectrum: the need to foster opportunity and equality for Israel's 1.2 million Arab citizens.

Invasion of the Creature Feature

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on January 29, 2004

In 1956's "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," a mannequin-like figure mysteriously appears on a billiards table, a half-formed thing without hair, face or fingerprints. Meanwhile, a woman insists that her uncle isn't her uncle, but an imposter who looks just like him; husbands say the same of their wives and children of their parents.

Home Repair

By Rob Eshman
Published on January 22, 2004

In a narrow Jerusalem alley a few blocks away from the souvenir shops of Ben Yehuda Street, a former drug addict who wants to
be called Shimon is telling me the story of his horrific childhood.

Minority Retort

By Michael Aushenker
Published on April 30, 2003

A war is brewing. A minority in our midst is being actively persecuted. Society fears and loathes them. The government is using legislation to identify them and the military to hunt, contain and kill them. This is not Nazi Germany. This is America.

Zionism, by George

By Naomi Pfefferman
Published on March 27, 2003

In a key scene in "Masterpiece Theatre's" "Daniel Deronda," adapted from George Eliot's 1876 novel, the hero attends a Zionist meeting.

Making Show Business Our Business

By Rob Eshman
Published on October 17, 2002

It has almost risen to the level of obsession, this concern about Hollywood Jews and Israel. Why aren't they speaking out on Israel's behalf? Why aren't they flying to Israel to show their support? Why aren't they sending gobs of money to help out?

Joining the NRA

By Jane Ulman
Published on July 20, 2000

"I can't wait until I'm older so that I can join the NRA," my son Danny, 9, announces.The National Rifle Association? My son?
"Danny," I ask, "don't you know that guns hurt people?'

"Mom," he answers, staring at me incredulously, "they're supposed to."