The horrors of the Nazi death camps are so well documented that it seems impossible that one would agree to trade places with an inmate in Auschwitz, but one British soldier actually did. Denis Avey, in a move of unimaginable courage, decided that he sneak into Auschwitz in order to witness firsthand the atrocities there and to testify to the world after the war was over. Denis Avey was already a prisoner of war and inhabited run-down barracks close to the infamous death camps, however the conditions he faced were luxury compared to those of his neighbors. Exchanging his prison … Continue reading →

Consider the last three presidents with regard to their stands on Jewish political representation in the White House. George W. Bush is the first president since Herbert Hoover who has no Jews in his cabinet at all and has appointed no Jews to the Federal Branch. Bill Clinton appointed more Jews to his cabinet than all of the previous presidents combined and put Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer, both 1st appointed to the federal bench by Jimmy Carter, on the Supreme Court. George Bush in 1985 as Vice President played a personal role in Operation Joshua,’ the airlift which … Continue reading →

During my last year of teaching in Israel, I prepared my own literature program about the Holocaust. Like other English teachers on staff, I was really insecure on how to approach teaching it and more particularly, I was afraid that it would reveal to me the true essence of being a Jew. I chose Elie Wiesel’s powerful gripping account of his experience living at the extermination camps in Buchenwald and Buna in Night. Not too long ago, this book made headlines with Ophra’s Book club. I highly recommend reading this book. I thought the book was age appropriate for my … Continue reading →

In times of personal struggle, strife, unsurety, I always look to one of the more subtle areas of my life where I feel I need to build more of a connection in order to get some answers. If you think about it, Jewish art is one of those areas that needs personalization especially when it comes to finding out your roots. There is nothing more refreshing than learning a bit more truth about yourself and who you are. The Twelve Tribes of Israel is a fine example of what I mean. If you look at the link above, you’ll see … Continue reading →

Few American stories have been as dramatic as the tale of the Jews and their journey to America. Some were here during the time of the Revolutionary War. Others came in around the decades before and after the Civil War. Then there was the great migration of the late 1900s and early 20th century when many Jews were fleeing persecution in Russia and Poland. A few Jews managed to emigrate to America as Hitler rose to power, but many more were prevented from coming because of tight immigration laws that barred their entry. More Jews came as refugees after the … Continue reading →

Yesterday I got to thinking what could possibly be a common denominator between the favorite TV show American Idol and figures of Jewish history? Young people, particularly today, look for role models in ways that I, as a child of the 70’s, didn’t need to look for. Today, there seems to be this criteria going around for successful role models whether you are Jewish or not. Worst off, is the public’s reaction when a role model looses that one effervescent quality that made him or her famous. Oh and one more thing, you’ve got to fill in the shoes of … Continue reading →

I have over the years paid tribute to the 6 million Jews who perished during World War Two like many other Israelis: I stood for a 2 minute siren while watching people getting out of their cars at traffic lights, I taught special lessons, and listened to Holocaust survivors come to schools and talk about their experiences. On the kibbutz, I went to the communal dining room the evening previously, to hear another special service. There are programs on television all day long non-stop for twenty four hours. It’s a very hard day for everybody because it’s a sad reminder … Continue reading →

Today marks the passing of one of the greatest Torah Sages of all time, Moses ben Maimon, known to the world as Maimonides. The laws of the Torah are explained and codified clearly in his Mishnah Torah and in Sefer HaMitzvot. The reason we know today that there are 613 precepts in the Torah is through the work of the Rambam, who discussed the various categories of Jewish law. He was also the author of the 13 Principles of Faith which are read in the morning prayer service and are the basis of Jewish belief. The life of the Rambam … Continue reading →

Today, December 29, the tenth of Tevet marks the day that Jerusalem was attacked by Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian leader, in 3336 or 435 B.C.E. Thirty months later, in 3338, on the 9th of Tevet, the walls of Jerusalem were breached, and on the 9th of Av in the same year, the First Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. The Jewish people were exiled in Babylon for 70 years. On the tenth of Tevet, Jews traditionally fast, pray special prayers to commemorate the terrible events of the day and repent for the sins that led to the destruction. The tenth of Tevet … Continue reading →

Last week marked the anniversary of the passing of Rachel who, along with Sarah, Rebecca and Leah, is one of the matriarchs. Although her sister Leah and their handmaids also gave birth to the leaders of the tribes of Israel, Rachel is considered to be the mother of all Jews. Throughout her life, Rachel faced many challenges and showed persistent faith and self-sacrifice which the hallmark of Jewish women. Rachel was the daughter of Laban who was not a righteous man and who tricked her husband Jacob. Laban promised him the privilege of marrying Rachel if he worked for him … Continue reading →