“What binds us together is far more significant than what divides us.” This familiar expression is probably more relevant today than ever. And with the launch of our first issue of Arizona Jewish Life, those words truly resonate. It has been a journey to learn about the history of Jewish Arizona as well as the…
In the early 1980s, 14-year-old twins Bob and Mike Bernstein went to the ballpark and learned how opportunity knocks when scarcity calls. Their father had financed his youth buying and selling tickets in New York City. Now living in Scottsdale, the Phoenix Suns game seemed the right time to pass on the trade. “He brought…
It was early morning, and we could tell by the blanket of heat enveloping Grand Teton National Park that the day was going to be a scorcher. We loaded up with water and food, slathered on sunscreen and covered ourselves with enough bug repellent to keep everything, including close friends, away. Ready and raring to…
The year my daughter Lauren became a bat mitzvah, she gave me a gift I will never forget. She taught me how to forgive. Anna and I were more than sisters, better than best friends. We were the closest of confidantes all through college. She carried my books and helped me up icy steps when…
The Days of Awe are an auspicious time of year for parents to connect with their children. The contrast of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and the days of reflection that bind them together present parent and child alike with a profusion of opportunities for joy, growth and togetherness. Here are some fun ways to…
Every year we hear suggestions intended to help people have an easier fast on Yom Kippur. Many of the suggestions can be quite helpful; others are not. This year I have decided to compile a list of what I hope will be helpful suggestions based on a naturopathic medical perspective. Before beginning your fast, begin…
All of our Jewish holidays have strong food connections – we’re always either feasting or fasting. Not to belittle or ignore the ceremonial and religious aspects of each Jewish holy day, but the culinary customs are an unbreakable bond that unites Jews throughout this vast planet of ours. Living in Israel, I’m exposed to many…
Nothing nourishes the Jewish soul like food. Since Sinai, mothers have beefed up our genetic wiring by feeding us love with every bite. Food connects us culturally, religiously, and to family and friends. Where there is food, there are Jews. Conversely, where there are Jews, there is food. So where do Jewish people eat? Everywhere!…
Dor l’dor – generation to generation – weaves a common thread through our young Jewish leaders’ profiles. For leaders raised with cherished experiences at Jewish summer camps and youth programs, their involvement continues lifelong friendships, family ties and traditions. For Jews by choice who have taken on leadership roles, their involvement has yielded the unique…
After hitting the New York Times best seller list with all 16 of his novels, mystery author and attorney Phillip Margolin is eager to publish the historical novel he has worked on for 30 years. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever written,” says Margolin of the yet-to-be named novel due to be published by HarperCollins…
