Jewish News and Commentary
Shalom, and welcome to the Jewish area of my website. Peruse the news, listen to a podcast, read excerpts from my memoir. In these unsettled times for Jews, I hope this will be a home for Emet – Truth.
Judaism
Notes From a (Still) Progressive Jew
The rise of antisemitism within progressive circles won’t force me into the arms of MAGA
Rachel Freier on Relations Between Hasidim, Secular Jews
Civil court judge, paramedic, Hasid, and mother of six discusses the changing public perception of Hasidim.
Tehran Von Ghasri Has Fun With His Many Identities
Persian Jewish African-American comic discusses how young Jews can also have a strong sense of self.
Roya Hakakian on the Power of Words to Create Change
Jewish poet and refugee advocate talks about her hopes and fears for Iran and what we can do to help.
Ethiopian Israeli Pnina Agenyahu Celebrates Diversity
As director of Partnership2Gether of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Pnina Agenyahu brings together disparate
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
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.
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.
Author Brings Executed Iranian Jewish Leader to Life
Shahrzad Elghanayan was only seven when her grandfather was murdered in the 1979 Iranian revolution. She remembers him in a biography.