Forward.com

What 'Jews a Race' Debate Means for Israel

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 EST

Are Jews a race — and if so from where? Jarrod Tanny explains why the answer to these explosive questions says less about Israel and Zionism than many may think.

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'War' With Ultra-Orthodox Over Western Wall? Bring It On

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 EST

After shocking attacks on women praying at the Kotel, American Jews are galvanized as never before. If the ultra-Orthodox wish to escalate the ‘war,’ so be it.

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Why Can't Israelis and Palestinians Both Be Right?

Sat, 18 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

In a month that commemorates both Israel’s independence and the Palestinian’s “catastrophe,” how do we reconcile the demands and aspirations of these two people?

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Reform Rabbi Urges Hebrew Union College To Reconsider Decision on Intermarriage

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

In a very personal and open letter, Rabbi Ellen Lippmann urges Hebrew Union College to reconsider its decision to deny entry to students who are romantically involved with non-Jews.

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Israel's Shas, Right-Wing Kingmaker Party, Takes Sharp Turn to Left

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 EST

Israel’s Shas Party has long been a pillar of the right wing. After the election earthquake that bounced it from power, the party is making an unexpected — and sharp — turn to the left.

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Rabbis Must Speak About Israel, Warts and All

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

Rabbis must speak about Israel, warts and all. Every rabbi’s bottom line must be a non-negotiable affirmation of the spiritual intimacy with the Jewish State.

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A Wide Tent on Israel, of Respectful Tension

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

It’s important to have a very open tent when it comes to Israel. At one synagogue, the result is often not unity but a generally respectful tension and disagreement.

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Use Israel To Build Bridges Not Walls

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

The acrimonious divisions between secular and religious Jews in Israel has spilled over into this country. We should be building bridges, not walls, among Jews.

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Don't Allow Views on Israel To Overwhelm Congregation

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

Valerie Cohen works hard not to let her views overwhelm her diverse congregation in Jackson, Miss. She’s just one of 7 rabbis speaking out on how they talk about Israel in shul.

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Congregation Needs To Be Involved in Israel To Make a Difference

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

How do you deal with Israel from the pulpit? Insist that people visit, roll up their sleeves and dig in. Otherwise, it’s all just talk. And God knows there’s plenty of that to go around.

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In Kansas City, Backyard Issues Higher on Agenda Than Israel

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

Members of one Kansas City temple care about Israel and sometimes visit it. But it’s not their central focus. Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn offers one of 7 takes on talking about Israel in shul.

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Make Israel a Personal Issue for Congregation

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

Asher Lopatin says it’s important for rabbis to tap into Israel as the land for which all Jews share a love. It’s one of 7 rabbis’ opinions about how to talk about Israel in shul.

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Shavuot Is Tough Sell in Age of 140 Characters

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:40:00 EST

Shavuot is a hard sell to young adults hooked on Facebook and Twitter. Telling them to embrace a holiday of ideas is like asking them to hug a thesaurus.

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Bangladesh Factory Collapse, Like Triangle Fire, Should Bring About Change

Mon, 13 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

The tragic collapse of a clothing factory in Bangladesh has now claimed more than 1,000 lives. Like the Triangle fire, will it bring real reform to labor standards?

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Agriprocessors Raid Made Us, Briefly, Rethink Kashrut

Sun, 12 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

A massive raid on the Agriprocessors plant in Iowa set in motion a scandal that rocked the Jewish world. Five years later, J.J. Goldberg looks at what has — and hasn’t — changed.

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Anger Is Missing Ingredient in Making Unions Strong Again

Sat, 11 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

Why are unions incapable of making an impact? Leonard Fein thinks it has to do with our fundamental inability to get angry and do something about it.

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Church of Scotland Insults Jews With Denial of Claim to Israel

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

The Church of Scotland wilfully mischaracterizes and dismisses Jewish claims to the land of Israel. That’s as insulting and offensive as it is historically inaccurate.

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Battle for Jerusalem Set Stage for Half-Century of Conflict

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

Hours after conquering the Temple Mount, Israeli paratroopers argued over giving it back in exchange for peace. On Jerusalem Day 46 years later, we’re still arguing.

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A Father's Pain at Overseeing Son's Circumcision

Tue, 07 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

Preparing for a son’s circumcision is not easy. One father feels conflicted about inflicting pain on an infant to fulfill the requirements of an ancient ritual.

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If Only Iran Nuclear Red Lines Were as Simple as Hockey for Israel

Sun, 05 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

Israel has set out ‘red lines’ that Iran must not cross. Unlike hockey, it’s not always so easy to tell when they’ve been crossed — and what to do about it.

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