In the Forward’s opinion section, you’ll find analysis and essays from diverse corners of the Jewish world.
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Opinion
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Opinion
Preaching Abstinence
In a rare moment of consensus and civility in mid-campaign, Democratic and Republican leaders concurred last week that public debate over the candidates’ family troubles — specifically the pregnant, unwed 17-year-old daughter of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin — is “off-limits,” in Barack Obama’s words. Families, even public families, should be left to sort…
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Opinion Elul, Prep Time
Elul, the Jewish lunar month that began September 1, is a mysterious, emotionally fraught time in the ritual year. It is an annual event that has its own distinct message and special rituals. Elul’s meaning derives from proximity: It is the month leading up to the New Year, Rosh Hashanah, which in turn kicks off…
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Opinion On the Jewish Agenda(s), Part 2
The next president will help set the national agenda on a wide range of issues of importance to the Jewish community. While our collective concern for the well-being of Israel has featured prominently in discussions of our community’s stake in the presidential election, Jewish groups are also vigorous participants in debates over a diverse array…
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Opinion No Time Nor Patience for Cynicism
I know, I know: The Summer Olympics were then, the Democratic Convention is now. But I find it hard to let go of the Olympics, and not just because of my flickering fantasy of yet becoming a gymnast. Not only because I don’t expect soon to forget the neo-fascist opening ceremony, so utterly and eerily…
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Opinion The Front Against Iran Is Unraveling
Barring a doomsday scenario, Israel may be forced to concede to Washington at least some of its freedom to make independent decisions aimed at militarily neutralizing or even delaying the Iranian nuclear threat. In the near future, Israel is far less likely to receive American backing and support for an attack on Iran, as it…
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Opinion Give Professionals Time To Dream
More often than not, young professionals in the non-profit world “do” what they “are.” In the Jewish communal world, this is constantly evident: The professionals who work in our communities also pray in our communities, socialize in our communities and volunteer in our communities. They are the personification of the sense of community that we…
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Letters September 5, 2008
Hezbollah Holds Keys To Power in Lebanon Opinion writer Firas Maksad is surely right in asserting that many Lebanese deeply resent pervasive Hezbollah influence in their country (“All of Lebanon Is Not Hezbollah,” August 29). Unfortunately, they no longer have any ability to do anything about it. Hezbollah has achieved absolute veto status over the government;…
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Opinion The Decision in Denver
America’s political conventions may not be the pivotal moments of decision that they once were, but for all their staged predictability, they are still capable of making history. So it was in Denver on August 27, 2008, when the Democratic Party formally designated Barack Obama as its candidate for president. Obama promised change when he…
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Opinion Not Free To Desist
Not much remains to be said about Agriprocessors, the giant kosher meat company whose Iowa slaughterhouse has been the object of so much public scrutiny. Allegations were made — credible ones, we believe — of abusive working conditions, grossly inadequate worker safety measures, health and environmental violations and much more. Religious authorities who have gone…
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Opinion On the Jewish Agenda(s), Part 1
The next occupant of the Oval Office will help set the national agenda on a wide range of issues of importance to the Jewish community. While our collective concern for the security and well-being of Israel has featured prominently in discussions of our community’s stake in the upcoming presidential election, Jewish groups are also vigorous…
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Opinion All of Lebanon Is Not Hezbollah
In a very significant and potentially dangerous move, Israel’s security Cabinet recently decided to reverse its long-standing policy of distinguishing between Hezbollah and the democratically elected Lebanese government. Instead, Israel has threatened to respond to actions by the Syrian- and Iranian-backed Hezbollah by attacking Lebanese state institutions and the Lebanese national army — on which…
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