- NEWS & COMMENTARY
L.A. elects first Jewish mayor
Eric Garcetti wins the mayoral election with 53% of the vote (181,995 votes). Garcetti's opponent, Wendy Gruel, received only 46% (155,497 votes).
A prayer for Oklahoma
Lord our God, we stood before You just a week ago to receive the Ten Statements of Your Torah. We stood, as though with our ancestors, and listened to the Torah reader chant descriptions of the smoking mountain, the thunderous…
Chabad center taking in Oklahomans displaced by deadly tornado
A Chabad center in Oklahoma City opened its building as a shelter for those displaced by a deadly tornado.
- HOLLYWOOD
Spielberg to produce ‘Halo’ television series, plus other news from the Xbox One announcement
Microsoft Corp gave the world a first look at its new Xbox One on Tuesday, announcing that its first gaming console in eight years will come with exclusive video and…
Justin Timberlake and Coen brothers answer Jewish questions at Cannes
Using his preternatural smoothness, Justin Timberlake saved the Coen brothers from some serious awkwardness at a Cannes press conference for their folk singer film “Inside Llewyn Davis” on Sunday. “Jewish…
Sean Penn lobbies for Charedi man imprisoned in Bolivia
Actor Sean Penn urged a congressional hearing to pressure Bolivia to release a haredi Orthodox father of five under house arrest in the country.
- LIFE & CULTURE
Sarah Silverman sings about staying home in ‘Perfect Night’
For your listening pleasure, “Perfect Night,” in which Sarah Silverman recounts the benefits of skipping the club for the couch. Because this is a Silverman production you can expect references…
Maccabi Tel Aviv back on top but coach future uncertain
Champions Maccabi Tel Aviv have reasserted their dominance of Israeli soccer but media reports on Tuesday suggested they might have to continue their revival without coach Oscar Garcia.
7 Rules for Perfect Hummus
When was the last time you opened a tub of hummus and swooned? When was the last time a restaurant put a plate of hummus in front of you, and…
- BLOGS
State 194: A Documentary About Palestine
Opening this weekend at Laemmle’s Music Hall 3 is a very hot-button new documentary called State 194, which follows the recent history of Palestine. Many will approach this film with…
7 Rules for Perfect Hummus
When was the last time you opened a tub of hummus and swooned? When was the last time a restaurant put a plate of hummus in front of you, and…
What would my Israeli grandmother think?
When I hear about the latest events in Israel – the air strikes on weapons facilities in Syria, the flare-ups over women donning prayer shawls at the Western Wall –…
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Ghosts of Communism
Two weeks ago, my wife, Ann, and I completed our first trip to the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Everywhere we went, our local guides proudly pointed out the progress that has been made since the fall of communism, and we could readily see for ourselves the affluence, elegance and style that are on display in the places that the tourists like to visit.
Jewish groups weigh in on N.Y. board’s planned vote on waiver for circumcision ritual
A Conservative rabbinic group is supporting a proposed New York City Board of Health measure that requires parental consent for a controversial circumcision practice, while an Orthodox group opposes the regulation.
Water reservoir from First Temple period discovered near Western Wall
A public water reservoir dating to the First Temple period was unearthed next to the Western Wall.
Compensate Jewish refugees from Arab countries, conference urges
Speakers at a conference on Middle Eastern and North African Jewish refugees called for legislative initiatives to support compensation for the refugees.
Israel, not its enemies, would initiate war this year, ex-military intel chief Yadlin says
If Israel goes to war this year it will be initiated by Israel and not one of its enemies, the country's former head of military intelligence told a counterterrorism conference.
Israeli planes strike Gaza terror sites in response to rocket fire
Israeli airstrikes hit four terror-related Gaza sites. The early Monday morning strikes by the Air Force on a weapon manufacturing facility, a terror activity site and a terror tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip, as well as a smuggling tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip, were in "direct response" to rocket fire from Gaza on southern Israel, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement.
Canada closes embassy in Iran
Canada has closed its embassy in Tehran, listed Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism and expelled all Iranian diplomats from Canada.
Debunking myths on Israel and U.S. foreign policy
Nowhere are the urban legends and mythologies more enduring and destructive than those that currently surround Israel and U.S. foreign policy.
Barak: U.S. deployment against Iran ‘impressive’
Israel's defense minister, Ehud Barak, called the recent deployment of U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf "impressive" and suggested that the United States is prepared to deal with Iran.
Obama pledges commitment to Israel, unity against Iran
President Obama said the U.S. commitment to Israel's security "must not waver" and that the world must unite against Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Agreement reached on African migrants at Israeli border
Israel said it will allow two female African migrants -- one who is pregnant -- and a teen to enter the country, and turn over more than a dozen other refugees who have been trapped at its border to Egyptian authorities.
ADL slams Democrats invoking Holocaust analogies
The Anti-Defamation League decried three recent reported Nazi analogies used in political debate, all by Democrats.
Art Modell, ex-owner of NFL’s Browns and Ravens, dies
Art Modell, former owner of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns, has died.
African migrants remain trapped at border following hearing
A group of African migrants remain trapped at the border with Egypt after Israel's Supreme Court decided to hold another hearing next week on their situation.
U.S. military official’s secret visit to Israel is revealed
The vice chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. James Winnefeld, is in Israel to discuss security and defense issues.
A benediction for the Democratic National Convention
We are grateful that our nation is founded on the highest principles of freedom and resourcefulness and creativity and ever renewed strength. And we understand that those worthy ideals stand alongside the commitment to compassion, to goodness, our sacred covenant to care for those who are bereaved and bereft, who are frightened, who are hungry, who are bewildered and lost, who seek shelter from the cold.
Wexler: Obama best bet for Israel’s security
Robert Wexler, a former congressman who is a chief Jewish surrogate for President Obama, told the Democratic National Convention that reelecting Obama was the better choice for a secure Israel.
Why did Jerusalem reference disappear from the Democratic Party platform?
Jerusalem has many mysteries, but none may be as perplexing at present as its disappearance from the Democratic Party platform.
German state of Berlin declares circumcision legal
The state of Berlin declared circumcision legal. Berlin became the first of Germany's 16 states to declare the practice legal following a Cologne court ruling in June that non-medical circumcisions on children amounted to a criminal offense, according to the German news agency DPA.
Israel steps up recognition of Jewish refugees
Naim Reuven was only 8 when he left Baghdad more than 50 years ago, but he still remembers going with his father to catch fish in the Tigris River.
Putting the brakes on runaway shopping carts
On a recent Friday afternoon, Mariz Mosseri went shopping for groceries, as she does on most Fridays. She trolled the aisles of Elat Market and Glatt Mart, Pico-Robertson’s two largest kosher supermarkets, which sit side-by-side on Pico Boulevard.
African migrants stuck at Egypt-Israel border
A group of some 20 African migrants is trapped between Israel's border fence with Egypt and Israeli soldiers who have been ordered not to let them in.
New internet censorship in Gaza
Many Gazans have long lamented that there’s not much to do in the Gaza Strip. There are no movie theaters, pool halls or bowling alleys -- all of which are seen as “un-Islamic.” And it’s not getting any better. In fact, now, curbs are being extended further – to the Internet.
Berlin police probing second anti-Semitic incident in a week
A second anti-Semitic attack in Berlin within a week has prompted the launch of a state police investigation.
U.S. nears deal for $1 billion in Egypt debt relief, a senior U.S. official says
The Obama administration is close to a deal with Egypt's new government for $1 billion in debt relief, a senior U.S. official said on Monday, as Washington seeks to help Cairo shore up its ailing economy in the aftermath of its pro-democracy uprising.
Migron evacuation: A look back and a look ahead
The evacuation of all 50 Jewish families in Israel’s Migron outpost was completed on Sunday evening without major incident. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the successful and peaceful evacuation—but vowed that his government would continue to strengthen Jewish communities in the West Bank.
Calif. Democratic Party chair rues any offense with Goebbels analogy
John Burton, the chairman of the Democratic Party in California, apologized to those who took offense at his remarks comparing Republican statements to Nazi propaganda.
Jewish families leave Migron outpost
All of the Jewish families living in the West Bank outpost of Migron reportedly have evacuated.
Toronto rabbi charged for alleged sexual assault after 40 years
A 71-year-old rabbi in Toronto has been charged with indecent assault for allegedly sexually assaulting a student 40 years ago.
Yaalon: Iran doesn’t see a real military threat
Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon fears that mixed messages are leading Iran to believe it does not face a real military threat from the outside world.
Repaired Sderot-area home takes second hit from Gaza rocket
A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel hit a house near Sderot on Friday morning, but no one was injured.
Jews in the Bible Belt’s small towns face curiosity, ignorance
Sometimes, Benjamin Rosenthal thinks about leaving the small town of Indianola, Miss., pop. 11,000, where he spent most of his life.
Jimmy Carter calls Rachel Corrie case ruling ‘unacceptable’
Former President Jimmy Carter called “unacceptable” a court ruling that declared the State of Israel is not responsible for the death of an American activist.
New Orleans area Jews prepare for a wet, powerless Shabbat
Of all the unknowns being discussed as Hurricane Isaac approached New Orleans, members of Congregation Shir Chadash knew one thing for certain. “Nobody wanted to be the person that said, ‘Oh let’s not move the Torahs this time,’” said Rabbi Ethan Linden. “We sort of went into our hurricane action mode and did the best we could.”
Survivor: Edith Frankie
"Hey, you Jew. Open up the door.' It was 4 a.m. on a Sunday morning, just before Passover 1944, when two gendarmes in the village of Chiesd, Transylvania, banged on the door where 12-year-old Edith Izsak lived with her parents, three siblings and two young cousins.
Designer Galliano reportedly sues Dior over firing for anti-Semitism
Designer John Galliano reportedly has filed an $18.7 million lawsuit against Christian Dior, the fashion house that fired him for anti-Semitic speech.
Leiby Kletzky’s killer sentenced to 40 years to life
Levi Aron, the Brooklyn store clerk who pleaded guilty to killing 8-year-old Leiby Kletzky, was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.
Paws of Love: Fur healing’s sake
Ari Gould, 6, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia three years ago. In addition to the physical pain he has endured, the disease and the stressful medical procedures that followed have also left him socially isolated.
John Hagee: Christian pastor with a Zionist message
It’s become a standard part of John Hagee’s stump speech, the story of how the evangelical pastor and founder of the 1.2 million-member Christians United For Israel (CUFI) first got started on the path of Israel advocacy.
Migron must be evacuated in a week, Israel’s high court rules
Israel's Supreme Court ruled that the West Bank outpost of Migron must be evacuated by Sept. 4.
Australian Jews balk at ‘Breaking the Silence’ abuse reports
Australian Jewish officials lashed out at a group of former Israeli soldiers who reported abuses they witnessed while serving in the Palestinian territories.
Kipah-wearing teen wows ‘America’s Got Talent’ semis [VIDEO]
Edon Pinchot, a kipah-wearing Jewish day school student, won cheers from the live audience and the judges in the semifinals of "America's Got Talent."
Thou shall not have images ... on buses ... neither men nor women
Fearing costly vandalism aimed at buses carrying advertisements that include images of women; to avoid legal issues of discrimination if only images of men appear; and to side-step head-on collisions with Jerusalem's ultra-Orthodox community; Egged, Israel's public bus cooperative has ordered the company handling its on-bus advertising to stop running ads with pictures or representations of either men or women. As of August 1, a "faceless" policy was put into effect.
GOP senators plan resolution promising support should Israel strike Iran
Republican senators plan to introduce a non-binding resolution pledging military, economic and diplomatic backing for Israel should it strike Iran.
Gilad Shalit marks first birthday since being freed
Gilad Shalit marked his first birthday since being freed from Hamas captivity.
Migron not evacuated as scheduled
The Migron outpost in the West Bank was not evacuated as scheduled.
France opens murder inquiry into Yasser Arafat’s death
French prosecutors have opened a murder inquiry into the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
Families of Burgas victims attend memorial ceremony, visit attack site
The families of the Israelis killed in a terror attack at the airport in Burgas, Bulgaria, attended a ceremony for the victims.
Paul Auster’s haunting view of aging
Paul Auster is best known and often praised for his postmodernist novels and short stories, including "The New York Trilogy" and "Sunset Park," but his lifetime of literary achievement actually began with a 1982 memoir, "The Invention of Solitude," his first published work under his own name.
Israel bracing for ‘more tense and Islamist’ region in the coming year
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Director of Military Intelligence Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, in his annual intelligence assessment to Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz and the IDF general staff, warned on Monday that Israel will face an increasingly volatile region in the coming year, one that is "more tense and Islamist in nature than before."
In Rachel Corrie suit dismissal, one small question is key
The verdict by an Israeli court in the case of Rachel Corrie, an American activist killed in Gaza by an Israeli military bulldozer in 2003, may have captured international attention and touched on a range of ethical issues at the center of Israel’s military operations.
Turkish minister: Religious freedom no longer guaranteed in Germany
Turkey's minister for European affairs, Egemen Bagis, has called circumcision bans in Germany "a danger for liberty."
Nine Jewish teens indicted in attack on Palestinians
Nine Jewish teens were indicted in the attack on three Palestinians in Jerusalem that left one of the victims seriously injured.
Amid roasted pigs, country music and rabbinical blessings, Romney seeks to define himself
Whole barbecued pigs, cheerleaders and elegies to skinny-dipping farmers' daughters. That was the organized noise Sunday night at the opening bash of the Republican National Convention at Tropicana Field, the home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg.
Michigan St. student says attack at party was anti-Semitism
A Jewish student at Michigan State University said he was attacked at an off-campus party in what he is calling a hate crime.
Israeli planes bomb Gaza weapons sites
Israel's Air Force bombed a weapons manufacturing site and a weapons storage facility in the northern Gaza Strip.
Rabbi Meir Soloveichik to offer opening invocation at Republican convention
Rabbi Meir Soloveichik is scheduled to deliver the opening invocation at the Republican National Convention.
Egyptian court sentences 76 in Israeli embassy attack
An Egyptian court sentenced 76 citizens in last September's attack on the Israeli Embassy in Cairo.
On the eve of evacuation, Migron projecting tranquility
Off a rough, paved road atop a mountain, on the thin stucco wall of a trailer home, black graffiti proclaims "Private Jewish land." And underneath, in red, "Migron."
Israel opens schools with record number of students
Israeli schools opened for more than 2 million students, a record for the country.
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