Politics | Op-Ed

Second Chances | Jlife

Amongst other things, Shavuot reminds us to give everyone a second chance. After Moses came down the mountain carrying the tablets the first time, he shattered them. Up until that particular moment, there had been no more precious gift ever given to anyone, or any people, and it was gone…….in the blink of an eye.

Thoughts on Shavuot and Second Chances.

Politics | Op-Ed

A Meditation on Meditation | Jlife

I recently participated in a Jewish meditation session, which was beautiful, relaxing and deeply spiritual. For the other people in the room.

Mayrav Saar tells us how she really feels about meditation.

Politics | Op-Ed

Coaching for Peace | Jlife

In August 2014, I moved back to Jerusalem to play on the city’s professional women’s team. My basketball career has always included coaching as well as playing so I accepted a position to coach the 9th-10th grade girls team that is part of the same club as my professional team.

My daughter Rebecca (26) is a professional basketball player in Israel and is also a much sought-after coach. She is in her second year coaching for PeacePlayers International; below are her reflections on the experience.

Politics | Op-Ed

Reeling in the Millennials | Jlife

As a member of the millennial generation, limited participation of women in Torah study, life in the Old Country or even growing up in a predominately Jewish neighborhood—are a few of many aspects to the Jewish experience that are foreign to me.

The identity issues that face Jewish millennials.

Politics | Op-Ed

Kvetch & Kvell: The Iran Nuclear Deal | Jlife

"Huckabee is absolutely right."

Former Laguna Niguel City Councilman Eddie Rose gives his take on the Iran Nuclear Deal.

Politics | Op-Ed

An Old Cure for a New Problem | Jlife

The answer is simple, and Jews have been doing it for thousands of years; Shabbat. There’s no better way to eradicate dependency issues than alleviating oneself from the burden for an entire day.

An old cure for a new problem

Politics | Op-Ed

Who decides who is safe? | Jlife

It’s the question on everyone’s mind. Will the Iran deal push Iran back from the nuclear edge and become a pathway to moderation and the global community? Or, is it a dangerous agreement, a replay of Chamberlain’s tragic deal with Germany that paved the way for war?

Jewish law and the Iran Agreement

Politics | Op-Ed

Death & Taxes | Jlife

"There is an old saying: “You cannot evade death and taxes.” Every April 15th we are reminded about taxes. Death seems far more remote and distant—out of our frame of reference. We are not sure exactly how to deal or plan for it; fortunately, Judaism gives us clear directives."

Politics | Op-Ed

Nesia Tovah | Jlife

"I believe it is important to travel and understand our Jewish history of the places we travel. For us the visits to Jewish historical sites in Europe were not only a reminder of the historically tenous status of Jews in Europe, but also a reminder that we are a people of resilience and fortitude. Yes, our faith has often made us a target—but it has also allowed us to thrive."

Politics | Op-Ed

Expand Your Horizons | Jlife

"Standing on a balcony in the Old City of Jerusalem while watching the sun rise over the thousands of people at the Kotel (Western Wall) for Shavuot, I breathe in the rich history, tradition and culture of our people. I see commitment to continuing it, connections amongst those who came here together and a love for Jewish peoplehood."

Politics | Op-Ed

Mission(s) Accomplished | Jlife

"Depending on your interests, you can choose to travel with Jews from across the community—JFFS has put together Solomon Society, Leadership, All-Women’s, Interfaith Missions and more! Most people tend to go with the type of group that will make the mission the most meaningful (and fun!)"

Politics | Op-Ed

Travel With Your Synagogue | Jlife

"Traveling on an organized synagogue trip can be a wonderful experience! Congregants who participate not only become more connected with Jewish history, but also become more connected to their fellow congregants as well. When Israel is the destination, for many, it becomes more of a pilgrimage than a vacation. It provides the opportunity to not only increase their personal connection to the Jewish people and their heritage, but to increase their own personal spirituality as well as understand the geopolitical nature of what’s going on in the Middle East."

Politics | Op-Ed

From Russia with Love | Jlife

"Oleg Berger immigrated to the U.S. in 1975, with his parents and brother. The family gave up a comfortable life for the freedom that the U.S. offered. However, after living and being educated here for 20 years, Berger decided to repatriate to Russia."

Politics | Op-Ed

Rachel Goes Rogue | Jlife

"I feel like Sacagawea would have had trouble finding a Jewish mate. Yes, they say she was able to navigate even the most treacherous of areas in the United States, but she wasn’t in search of a nice Jewish man."

Politics | Op-Ed

Geezers On the Go | Jlife

You fall down and get up, brush yourself off and keep going. It’s called “living.”

Politics | Op-Ed

Room With an Unflattering View | Jlife

"I thought of everything. In preparing for my husband’s 19-year-old cousin to stay with us for the summer, I helped secure her an internship, find summer job possibilities, readied a room for her in my home and looked up public transportation schedules for my non-driving kin: I thought of everything. Except for one thing: she’s going to think I’m old."

Politics | Op-Ed

Groomzilla | Jlife

"On a quest to appease suspicion, three Orange County Jewish men from very different backgrounds were interviewed, each recently engaged or married to an OC Jewish woman."

Politics | Op-Ed

Love & Violence | Jlife

Politics | Op-Ed

Missing School for Shul | Jlife

The age-old dilemma! School or Shul?!

Politics | Op-Ed

What Muslims Can Learn From Zionism | Rob Eshman

"If pretty words were all that was needed to solve the problem of Islamic extremism, President Barack Obama’s 2009 Cairo speech should have turned the Middle East into Aspen."

Politics | Op-Ed

Jews, Muslims, Liberal Humanist-Optimists, PEN Boycotters, Beware: Voltaire Is Laughing at You

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris last January, the angry French marched not only in the streets but also into the bookstores, where they transformed Voltaire’s Treatise on Tolerance, published in 1763, into a best-seller of 2015. Such

HA! A wonderful insight on the freedom of speech.