Pictured above: This summer, grab a beach towel and an armful of books and head for the beach, the pool, your backyard or … Every summer I catch up on stacks of books that I haven’t found the time to read. Somehow more hours of daylight always translates into longer hours of activity – and…
Roz Rothstein and StandWithUs help others speak up for Israel Dismayed by the lack of organized support for Israelis in the face of the Second Intifada, three Californians refused to be bystanders. “We did not have a grand plan, we began to meet the immediate need of a voice to support the Israeli people,” says…
Pictured above: Leon Gildin at work in his office. Arizona author Leon Gildin will share his newest book, The Polski Trilogy, at the April 12 monthly book discussion group sponsored by the Arizona Jewish Historical Society. “We do like to give local authors (when they are available) the opportunity to present on their work and…
Pictured above: Joyce Tischler and her dog, Deja. When Joyce Tischler was a law student 40 years ago, animal law didn’t exist. Now the Animal Legal Defense Fund Joyce cofounded in 1979 has three offices on the West Coast and thousands of attorneys protecting animals’ rights. For Joyce, protecting animals is all about tikkun olam,…
“A Jewish wedding has the potential to be one of the most powerful Jewish rituals. It is a reminder of the power of love and union.” Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, twice named one of America’s Top Rabbis by Newsweek, shared that perspective with Jewish Life readers in an article about life-cycle events in 2105. Our…
With holiday parties in abundance this month, thoughts inevitably turn to food. What should you take your hostess? Food and drink to share? Or maybe a thank you gift? A bottle of wine is always a nice choice. Why not try something a little different? Bring a festive bottle of HoneyRun Winery’s Cranberry Honeywine to…
Actor Ed Asner is a grouchy old man (just ask him). Thirty-five years after his popular TV drama “Lou Grant” was canceled as Asner spoke out against U.S. policy in Central America, Asner is still a vocal and fiery activist working to alleviate the wrongs he sees in society. On Oct. 14, Asner was in…
“Art is a necessity, beauty we must have in the world. Painting and sculpture and music and literature are all of the same piece as civilization, which is the art of making it possible for human beings to live together.” ~ Charles W. Hawthorne, painter Throughout history and prehistory, the arts have recorded, reflected and…
For the secular New Year, people make resolutions to improve themselves for the coming year. But the Jewish New Year is preceded by a month of preparation to enter the New Year as a better person with past sins forgiven. During the month of Elul, it is customary to ask those you have wronged for…
“When we try to look our best, we beautify the vessel, so our beautiful soul shines through,” says image consultant Diane Faith. She notes that synagogues keep their Torah scrolls in beautiful arks and often dress the scroll in a bejeweled and ornate mantle that reflects love and respect for the Torah. “When you carry…
