Jerry Kowalski, an occasional contributor to the Forverts, is a retired lawyer, rabbi, writer, lecturer and humorist.
Jerry Kowalski
By Jerry Kowalski
-
Yiddish World My embarrassing moment in a Yiddish-speaking men’s clothing store
In the 1950’s, this neighborhood had so many Holocaust survivors, even Italian shopkeepers understood Yiddish
-
Yiddish World At this yeshiva, academics, religion — oh, and the occasional Playboy mag
Although students were unruly, at times even sneaking the rabbi’s car keys from his coat pocket, many later became highly successful.
-
Yiddish World Tea, cake and passionate political discussions
For years, the author's parents hosted lively gatherings of Holocaust survivors in their home in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.
Explore
Most Popular
- 1
Fast Forward ‘Rabbi rebellion’: 33 Orthodox rabbis endorse Harris
- 2
Opinion I was a Bernie supporter. This year, I’m voting Trump. Here’s why liberal Jews like me made the switch
- 3
Opinion Here’s why Orthodox Jews are loyal to Trump — even if they don’t love him
- 4
FIRST PERSON As a rabbi, he helped others mourn. So why wouldn’t his daughter say kaddish for him?
In Case You Missed It
-
Fast Forward Many Israelis are celebrating Trump’s win, seeing him as more likely to back their country
-
Fast Forward Eugene Vindman, whose Jewish immigrant story played a role in Trump’s impeachment, elected to Congress
-
Fast Forward Anxiety, concern and hope: How swing-state rabbis, and their communities, are reacting to Trump’s win
-
News For some Orthodox Jews, joy and a little schadenfreude as their candidate reclaims the White House
-
Shop the Forward Store
100% of profits support our journalism