In the first two years after Israel’s independence the Jewish population doubled. Such massive immigration put an almost fatal stress on the resources and social fabric of the young state...
Is My Name David or Dayveed?
One of the cool things about the whole Westboro Baptist thing is that former member Megan Phelps Roper is really compelling. So compelling that she gets interviewed. A lot. And in some of those...
The Oldest Hatred, a practical analysis
Hatred of the Jews is the oldest and most pervasive form of prejudice which humanity knows. In this episode Rav Mike uses the comments of Haman to ask not only why we are hated, but also what we can...
Golda Meir: Israel’s Iron Lady
The U.S. may have the Notorious R.B.G., but long before she came on the scene, Israel had its own tough Jewish female leader who wouldn’t be told what to do – Golda Meir. Meir, was Israel’s...
Southern Comforting – Steel Magnolias Comes to Jerusalem
by Dooby Harvey A catchy selection of 80’s pop music plays at an empty hair salon adorned with posters of big-haired glam models, as you wait for the show to begin at J-Town Playhouse’s production of...
As The Band’s Visit Closes, Four Jewish Plays Open on Off...
On April 7, 2019, the Tony Award winning musical, “The Band’s Visit,” will end its Broadway run. Based on Eran Kolirin’s sleepy 2007 film of the same name, this best musical is an...
TJS S3 Interlude: What is a Jew?
It is time to move away from the divisive question of who is a Jew to ask something more essential – what is a Jew? The first half of this episode offers Rav Mike’s thoughts on the...
TJS S3E2 The Evolution of American Zionism, part II
Part I presented America as an environment of formation for American Zionism, part two adds the other element of evolution – competition. The struggles between American Zionists and first the...
Theodor Herzl: Big Beard & Father of Modern Zionism
Crazy Herzl fact – he thought mass conversion of the Jews to Christianity was the solution to anti semitism. Yep, seriously that Herzl. You know the one – big beard, serious face, father...
A Compelling Jerusalem Debut of “In the Heights”
The standing ovation spoke for itself at the opening night of “In the Heights” in Jerusalem this evening. The sold-out audience was drawn into another world for 2.5 hours, precisely the world of...