Promote Aliya Now The Jewish Agency and World Zionist Organization are holding their meetings in Jerusalem during this week. Alas, the issue of aliya, which warrants priority on their agenda, beyond a few words of lip service, will almost certainly be shunted to the...
The Relevance of Pesach in our Times Despite alienation from religious extremism and the extortionist tactics of the one dimensional haredi political parties, there has been a remarkable revival in the observance of Jewish traditions and customs among those not committed to observing...
Ice Cream and Conversion When the Israeli Chief Rabbinate decreed that Haagen-Dazs ice cream is no longer kosher because it is not based on Chalav d’Yisrael – milk extracted under authorized Jewish supervision – it is imposing the most stringent interpretation...
Change the System but cease Haredi bashing Last month at the outset of the upheaval over enforced haredi gender separation, I wrote a column titled “Confront Unbridled Religious Zealotry Now“. Regrettably, the fundamental issues requiring attention have been totally submerged by...
Confront Unbridled Religious Zealotry Now Once again I feel impelled to express anger, frustration and pain concerning the primitive behavior displayed by our religious zealots and their frenetic efforts to reject modernism. But more worrisome are their efforts to impose their stringent...
Shana Tova greetings from Isi & Naomi Leibler Isi & Naomi Leibler wish you and your families a Shana Tova – a year of good health, happiness and serenity. May our prayers be answered and may our leaders be endowed with wisdom and integrity. May we merit a year of peace and security...
No tolerance for hooligans The demolition of three homes at the Migron Heights outpost by the army was conducted in an unprofessional, brutal and primitive manner. Three families were awoken after midnight as soldiers in riot gear and bulldozers descended on them and...
Religious extremism and the Jewish state The demonstration that erupted in Jerusalem over the “arrest” of Rabbi Dov Lior, a right-wing religious nationalist leader has the potential of developing into another major crisis. With regard to the challenges currently confronting the...
The incredible Rabbi Shlomo Riskin My first encounter with Rabbi Shlomo Riskin took place many years ago, on his first visit to Australia. He had a dramatic impact on the entire Jewish community, and since then I have been an enthusiastic admirer and supporter. Rabbi Riskin has just...
Open Letter to Claims Conference Board Members List of Board Members I would hope by now that you have all received a copy of the damning report on the Claims Conference by Jeffrey Gruder, QC, which was commissioned by the British Board of Jewish Deputies. This...
