Scribe, the Forward’s curated contributor network, is a place for showcasing personal experiences and perspective from across our Jewish communities. Here you will find a wide array of reflections on Jewish issues, life-cycle events, spirituality, culture and more.
Community
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You say matzah — and matzo and matzuh and matzee and more
Readers respond to our editor-in-chief’s column about a Passover copy-editing conundrum
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Meet The Diverse Students Of Hadassah Academic College In Jerusalem
In the heart of Jerusalem, at Hadassah Academic College (HAC), students come together to learn, to grow, and to prepare themselves to become active members of Israeli society. This month, as we graduate more than 600 students from our College, we celebrate with all of our students who have reached an academic milestone. More than…
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Orthodox Rabbis Call For A ‘Truly Pluralistic Israel’
As progressive, pluralistic orthodox rabbis associated with the rabbinic group Torat Chayim, we stand fully as allies with our sisters and brothers throughout the entire Jewish community in support of pluralism in America and Israel. We were disheartened to read that the Israeli government has rescinded its commitment to create a space for alternative and…
The Latest
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In Lakewood, Sometimes Corruption And Greed Get In The Way Of The Torah
Since I became observant in high school, I’ve been asked, “How can religious people act that way?” by non-Orthodox friends and family more than I would like to remember — and they are asking a good question. I have had the privilege of spending the decade after high school in full-time learning in two of…
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I Don’t Agree With Israel’s Western Wall Agreement — But I Will Defend Israel All The Same.
At my age, 89, I remember only too well a world sans Israel. Each of us uses her or his experience and wisdom to exercise judgements concerning Israel and the Jewish People. My capacity to do so is constrained by the experiences of my pre-1948 life. One example to illustrate. In 1944, at my age…
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American Jews Have A Role In Ending The Occupation — And Israeli Jews Have No Right To Dictate It
Recently, Mikhael Manekin wrote an article for Haaretz critiquing the role of diaspora Jews in anti-occupation work. Manekin accuses American Jewish activists of not working together with local forces on the ground in Israel and Palestine. However, both actions he criticizes, the rebuilding of a Palestinian village in the South Hebron hills and the disruption…
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Anti-Semitism At Chicago Dyke March A Wake Up Call For Genuine Inclusion
I was born and raised in Chicago where I received an incredible Jewish education and formed a community that aided me in becoming the person I am today. In my studies I was taught crucial biblical lessons such as loving the stranger, pursuing justice, and making everyone feel as if they have dignity. These lessons…
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7 Israeli Films You Must Watch This Summer
As the summer blockbuster season kicks off, Hollywood turns its attention to sequels, reboots and star vehicles. These films attempt to drive box office dollars with explosions and effects while sidelining story and drama. But the summer also opens a window for arthouse cinemas to provide an escape from the heat as well as a…
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Hillel Is Proudly Pro LGBTQ
As someone who is actively working to connect my Jewish and gay identities, I know Hillel to be the most welcoming, inclusive place I have ever worked. One of the perks of my job is visiting campuses across the country and seeing how students are embraced at Hillel because of their myriad identities, not despite…
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How Should You Teach Children About The Holocaust? One Story At A Time.
My mother survived the Holocaust. Her story is one of courage, quick thinking and good fortune. After moving, with her parents, from Austria to France then Belgium to escape the Nazis, she hid in a hospital for two years. She endured. It always was a private story. I never thought to speak about it —…
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We Want To Hear Your Summer Camp Stories!
Ah, summer: a time of increased humidity and daylight, decreased formality, and of course — summer camp! The Forward wants to hear your best stories: did you meet the love of your life at summer camp? Your best friend? Did you break a limb in an epic way? Did you take part in a unique…
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A Letter To Couples Of Jewish And Non-Jewish Backgrounds
Dear Couple of Jewish and non-Jewish Backgrounds: It’s possible you decided not to meet with me because I could not be with you under the chuppah (Jewish wedding canopy). I don’t know for sure, but what I do know is that I missed out on hearing your story. Getting to know you and your relationship….
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Culture Why saying ‘L’shana Tova’ on Rosh Hashanah may not be the correct phrase
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Opinion With killing of Hezbollah’s chief, Israel occupies the inarguable moral high ground
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Fast Forward Meet Lev Kreitman, who brought down Tel Aviv shooter and survived Nova music festival on Oct. 7
In Case You Missed It
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Opinion A year after Oct. 7, Israel has the chance to remake its future — for better or worse
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Opinion Campus protests defined the year since Oct. 7. Could they actually change U.S. policy?
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Special Report At the kibbutz hit hardest on Oct. 7, a wrenching debate over how to rebuild
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Opinion Oct. 7 changed Israel. A year later, it must change American Jews, too
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