The Blog

By Rae Ringel When Muriel Rukeyser, American poet and political activist, wrote that “…the universe is made of stories, not of atoms,” she touched upon a particularly salient point in the enduring tension between humanity and science, and, perhaps even more pertinent, between humanity and technology. I was fortunate to be able to attend the recent TED2018, where over 100 speakers - activists, scientists, adventurers, change-makers and more … [Read more...] about Human Capital in the Age of Amazement:
Reflections on Ted2018

By Rabbi Paul Kipnes Sitting in a meeting, chewing over some complex sensitive issues, I mansplained a respected woman rabbi… and I liked it! There we were a mixed group of highly accomplished rabbis, struggling to find a way forward on a complex issue. Hands went up as the moderator asked for comments. One speaker, a colleague I respect greatly, shared a gutsy, insightful analysis of the situation and, apparently, offered a solution to the … [Read more...] about I Mansplained a Woman Rabbi and I Liked It

By Andrés Spokoiny Israel has two major memorial days: Yom Hazikaron - the remembrance day for fallen soldiers of Israel and Israeli terror victims - and Yom Hashoah Vehagevurah, Holocaust and Heroism memorial day. One is a reminder of the cost of having a Jewish State; the other is a reminder of the cost of not having it. If you’ve ever spent Yom Hazikaron in Israel, you know how special a day it is - how far from the American “Memorial … [Read more...] about After the Siren:
Yom Hazikaron and Gratitude

Baghdad is a part of my soul from which I’ve been largely cut off. Just as we can’t be afraid that Jews are returning to Berlin, as a historical correction, let us now change focus to Babylon, where organized Judaism once blossomed. By Orit Arfa (Sephardi Perspective via JNS) I recently met with a Jordanian couple on a day tour I give to Dresden from Berlin. They were friendly, even after learning that I’m Israeli (and American). We … [Read more...] about From Berlin to … Babylon?