Columns

Mea Culpa: Israel Intended No Offense With Ad Campaign

By:

Danny Danon

The State of Israel has always prided itself on being not only a home to its native citizens but a haven for Jews from across the globe. For years, the Ministry of Immigration Absorption has successfully focused on attracting Jews worldwide to make aliyah and reconnect with their homeland. This past year alone, more than 19,000 Jewish people chose to...

Columns

Jews Should Now Be Able to Accept New View of Jesus

By:

Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

The genesis of my new book is a simple question: Who was Jesus of Nazareth? We all think we know who he was -- the inspiration for the world's most successful religion. The deliverer of faith, love, spiritual inspiration and religious commitment to billions of people the world over for two millennia. Christians see him as the son of God,...

Columns

'Rabbi, Matisyahu Shaved Off His Beard! Does That Mean I Should Shave Off Mine?'

By:

Simcha Weinstein

As if the Jewish world doesn't have enough problems with Iran on the brink of starting a nuclear war and the radical Muslim Brotherhood making gains in Egypt's phased elections. Last week, we were rocked by another close shave with disaster: "Chasidic reggae superstar" Matisyahu got rid of his facial hair! Full disclosure: Matis is a friend and I'm a...

Columns

Philly's Innovation Star is on the Rise

By:

Ross Berkowitz

Can one person change the world? It's a popular theme in books and movies, but when it comes to real life, the work that leads to change is not done alone. Most often, one person is utilizing his or her network to affect change. With that in mind, the Charles and Lynn Shusterman Foundation recently convened the first NetWORKS gathering...

Columns

It's All About the Candles

By:

Rabbi Michael Knopf

Chanukah, unlike many other Jewish holidays, is basically a one-note song. The one ritual required, aside from a few changes to the liturgy, is lighting candles. Sure, many of us exchange gifts, eat deep-fried treats and gamble chocolate coins in high-stakes dreidel stand-offs. But from the tradition's perspective, it's all about the candles. If Passover is the season of freedom...