Elizabeth Bettina is the author of the book, “It Happened in Italy: Untold Stories of How the People of Italy Defied the Horrors of the Holocaust,” published last spring by Thomas Nelson. The book tells the largely unknown story of Jews who survived World War II in Italy — both natives and those who fled…
Ask Richard Goldstone what possessed him, a Jew and self-described supporter of Israel, to accept the job of chief United Nations investigator of alleged war crimes committed in Gaza last winter, and the legendary South African judge invokes his past. His decision in 1980 to accept the racist South African government’s offer of a judicial…
United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism has instituted a broad restructuring that will include deep cuts in staff, a consolidation of its services and even a reduction in its board of directors from 180 to 75 members. The board approved the changes in a vote on September 13. “It was a historic meeting for United Synagogue,”…
In this podcast, Forward contributor Michael Kaminer speaks with former “Seinfeld” writer Carol Leifer about her new memoir, “When You Lie About Your Age, the Terrorists Win,” her relationship with her late father, working with Larry David, and what a body builder and a challah have in common. Produced by Gabrielle Birkner Edited by Nadja…
REMEMBERING STANLEY H. KAPLAN, THE MAN WHO HELPED MILLIONS SUCCEED Among the family members and friends paying their respects by sitting shiva at the Kaplan home following the funeral of Stanley H. Kaplan, a pioneer in SAT test preparation who died August 23 at age 90, was New York Senator Charles Schumer. Pointing to a…
Q: What do you do when you have so many home grown zucchini your friends won’t answer the door when you try to share your harvest? A: Find a car with an open window. The triumph and the tragedy of the summer growing season is the sheer fecundity of gardens and farms. How to partake…
Republicans are mighty pissed At Washington’s chief “socialist” Who spoke to students nationwide. “Subversive bilge!” these critics cried. Barack displayed both guile and gall By urging pupils, one and all, To study hard, their teachers heed, In order to in life succeed. Shocked parents, charging that high marks Were clear inventions of Karl Marx, Discerned…
To participate in the sustainable food movement today is to live on the edge of irony. Especially if you’re taking part in the movement from a seriously urban setting like, say, Washington, D.C. What do I mean by this? Just look at this summer. Over the past few months, I’ve taken digital pictures of my…
The Conservative movement has released detailed guidelines for what experts say could be one of the most comprehensive food certifications in existence. The guidelines for the new Magen Tzedek food certification are intended to ensure that ethical standards are adhered to in kosher food production, and they delve into nearly every phase of the production…
Women make up about three-quarters of the Jewish communal work force, but few Jewish organizations have formal policies that guarantee access to paid maternity leave and flexible work arrangements — and fewer still offer paid paternity leave. Even at organizations with paid parental leave policies, the amount of paid time off is often minimal, leaving…
In late August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gathered hundreds of scientists and public health professionals in Atlanta for its biannual conference to discuss the issue of HIV prevention. One presentation, delivered by an Israeli doctor, managed to catch more media attention than any other, and to trigger the ire of a group…
