This is the story of two proposed states of emergencies, neither or which was declared, though one still might be. The one that might be declared is President Trump’s threat to declare a state of emergency to do an end … Read More
If you’re a news junkie – and who isn’t these days – then you know that one of the biggest questions surrounding the probes into President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign is whether a sitting president can be indicted. Apparently, the … Read More
On October 27, the front line in the struggle to save and perpetuate Judaism ran through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I know a little something about that front line. Born in Pittsburgh, raised in her suburbs, an adult living on the North … Read More
At the risk of overloading those of you still recovering from the High Holy Days, I want to talk about – Passover. Don’t turn that page, and don’t let your eyes glaze over. Stay with me. This coming year, Passover … Read More
When Julie Weinberg-Connors, a bubbly, smiling 23-year-old Jewish woman from Boston, arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in September, she was first interrogated, then informed by an Israeli security agent that she would not be allowed to enter the country. Her … Read More
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree and grow mighty like a cedar in Lebanon. — Psalm 92 The cedars of Lebanon are dying, and climate change is to blame. Psalm 92, which appears in most Shabbat siddurim, contains … Read More
One Friday, 13 years ago last month, I flew to Philadelphia for my wedding. But first I hung out for a couple of hours at the row home of my future brother- and sister-in-law. That was when I met Alan … Read More
When Rabbi Alfred Gottschalk, then-president of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, ordained Sally Priesand in 1972 (over the objections of many of her soon-to-be colleagues), he made history. Priesand became the first woman rabbi ordained in America. Since then, … Read More
At Adath Jeshurun, during Tikkun Ley’l Shavuot, efforts were made to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that probably stretched more than a few comfort zones. Leading a workshop titled, “Difficult Conversations: The Hard Questions Yet Unsolved After 70 Years,” Rabbi Diane … Read More
Lee Chottiner will succeed Shiela Steinman Wallace as interim editor of Community. A career journalist, Chottiner spent 13 years as the executive editor of The Jewish Chronicle in Pittsburgh following a long career in daily newspapers. During his tenure, the … Read More
