Matan Kahana Tried to Loosen Ultra-Orthodox Grip
In our interview, the former Israeli religious affairs minister says he attempted to bring Israelis closer to Judaism — by reducing religious laws
Jewish News and Commentary
This section is home to everything Jewish, including my commentaries, book reviews, podcasts, books, and other projects.
Hen Mazzig: Forget Your Preconceived Ideas About Jews
In our interview, the author of “The Wrong Kind of Jew” talks about the Mizrahi community and his struggles to be heard inside and outside Judaism.
PW Interview: New Book Reframes Trial of Jesus
For Publishers Weekly, I interviewed an Israeli author who rethinks the trial of Jesus. He
Ben Freeman Declares War On Internalized Antisemitism
Author discusses ‘token Jews,’ his struggles in the LGBTQ+ community and how to bring back Jewish pride.
Michael Steinhardt, Jewish Pride, and Birth of Birthright
When I was managing editor at JTA (1999-2001) I covered the birth of Birthright Israel and other issues
Jewish Mobsters Knew How to Properly Punch Nazis
Author Michael Benson chronicles how Jewish leaders worked together with the likes of Meyer Lansky.
Is Forgiveness ‘Wrong Way’ to Cope with Holocaust?
Auschwitz survivor Eva Mozes Kor chose to forgive the Nazis. And that went too far for many Jews. But who are we to tell them how to move on with their lives?
Authors Bring Holocaust Story to Young Readers
Publishers Weekly ran a feature I wrote on a groundbreaking children’s book by Michigan author
Palestinian Activist Huwaida Arraf Wants Seat in Congress
Her past statements about Israel has alarmed Jewish groups in the Detroit area. She insists that she stands against antisemitism.
Ben-Dror Yemini On How To Fight Media Bias
Israeli journalist says the problem isn’t only the lies, but the willingness of American Jews to believe them.