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Sometimes I feel that I am forced to choose between my love for the Jewish people and Israel and my desire to embrace and heal the whole world. I know this is a question many Jewish leaders grapple with — the universal versus the particular; where to put our time, talent and treasure. There is an Israeli organization doing fantastic work in developing countries, while at the same time raising
Reprinted with thanks to Kveller. As I grow in the knowledge of my faith, my level of religious observation evolves and deepens. I love discovering the meaning and beauty inherent in the ancient practices of my beloved Judaism, the practices that nourish my soul. Recently at Shabbat service, however, I found myself altering the way I worship once again. I remained seated throughout the entire service, and did not rise
Jun 2017
For decades, the relationship between the Jewish communities in Israel and North America has been of critical importance. In the past few years, however, that relationship has seriously deteriorated; there may no longer exist consensus about even fundamental principles. Symptoms of the depth of the divide range from rabbis in America being so fearful of conflict that they refrain from speaking about Israel from the pulpit to the propensity of
We in the Jewish education community are really beginning to dive into general education research when it comes to teaching (and learning) sacred texts. The Mandel Center’s recent two-day conference on developing independent readers of Tanach, organized by Dr. Ziva Hassenfeld, WGF Alum (Class 25) and overseen by the Mandel Center’s Director, Professor Jon Levisohn, WGF Alum (Class 10), was a wonderful testament to how productive such a gathering can
In photo (left to right): Danny Tal (WSL17), Tal Winbrom (Staff) and Ori Ilan (WSL17). On May 10th, Wexner Israel Fellowship Alumni (WIF) and Wexner Senior Leaders (WSL) network/communities visited the Israel Prison Service which was made possible thanks to Talma Tohar-Cohen (WSL16), the Head of Planning and Budget Division of the Israel Prison Service. We toured the Ayalon Prison and the Neve Tirtza prison, which is the only prison for woman in
Limmud FSU New York was held in Westchester ,NY on May 12-14, 2017. An estimated 1,000 participated in this year’s festivities); for additional info, click here. As the first year of our Wexner Heritage program comes to a close, we (New York RSJ 16) wanted to reflect on our experience to-date. The personal bonds our cohort formed resulted in stimulating and passionate discussions, several collaborations aimed to strengthen our Jewish
Reprinted with thanks to Politico. Presidents are used to receiving unsolicited advice. Here’s something for President Donald Trump to ponder as he packs his bags for Israel: Many Israelis really don’t care whether the United States moves its embassy to Jerusalem. Latest reports now suggest that Trump has decided to forestall such a move for the foreseeable future. His path to this destination, after indications that he would eschew the
May 2017
Earlier this month, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 89 into law on Yom HaAtzmaut. The Bill makes it illegal for the State of Texas to do business with companies that are boycotting or divesting from Israel. Any company that contracts with any State of Texas entity will need to verify that they do not and will not boycott Israel. This is not merely a symbolic resolution; these are
May 2017
"There are facts, there are opinions, and there are lies," says historian Deborah Lipstadt, telling the remarkable story of her research into Holocaust deniers -- and their deliberate distortion of history. Professor Lipstadt, a long-time Wexner Heritage faculty, has devoted her life to teaching about the Holocaust at Emory University and around the world, and also fighting Holocaust denial and Holocaust deniers. Recently, Denial, the story of her court battle