Forward Forum


Tough Roads Ahead for Two Men of Peace

By Leonard Fein

Pope Francis is looking to bring together Christians with atheists. John Kerry is looking to bring together Israelis and Palestinians. Both men have a tough road ahead.Read More


If Rabbis Are Allowed To Intermarry, Get Ready for the Non-Jewish Rabbi

By Joel Alperson

As the Reform movement reconsiders its prohibition on intermarried rabbis, one writer imagines what Jewish policy could be next on the chopping block.Read More


Balkanization of Western Wall Prayer ls Threat to Jewish Unity

By Avi Shafran

The push by Women of the Wall and others to promote ‘pluralism’ at the Kotel could end up slicing it up. Far from building Jewish unity, that would devalue our holiest site.Read More


End Orthodox Monopoly on Jewish Marriage in Israel

By Nancy K. Kaufman

Israel is a thriving and progressive Jewish democracy in many ways. So why does it allow Orthodox rabbis to maintain a stranglehold on marriage and divorce?Read More


What 'Jews a Race' Debate Means for Israel

By Jarrod Tanny

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.Read More


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

By Eric Yoffie

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.Read More


Why Can't Israelis and Palestinians Both Be Right?

By Leonard Fein

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?Read More


Reform Rabbi Urges Hebrew Union College To Reconsider Decision on Intermarriage

By Ellen Lippmann

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.Read More


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

By J.J. Goldberg

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.Read More


Make Israel a Personal Issue for Congregation

By Asher Lopatin

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.Read More






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