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Apr 26, 2026, 6:07 AM

Israel’s Regime Is Not My Zionism

Stain – Herzl – Israeli Artist David Tartakover

When Herzl envisioned a Jewish state in Palestine, his vision was shaped through rose-tinted lenses. He imagined a refuge where Jews could live without fear under a political system based on equality for all. Herzl’s vision, at its core,...

Apr 11, 2026, 11:02 PM

“Hope for This Hour:” From Martin Buber

Looking to have social and spiritual impact during these challenging times? Find direction and inspiration in the teachings of 20th century Jewish thinker, Martin Buber. As an example of Buber’s approach, in the days before E-ZPass, my college friend would...

Feb 25, 2026, 8:37 PM

The Other Synagogue

On Belonging, Grief, and the Limits of Moral Certainty in Jewish Community Life There is an old Jewish joke: A Jewish man is stranded alone on a desert island for fifteen years. One day, a ship appears on the horizon....

Jan 5, 2026, 5:59 AM

Secular and Religious Ethics: What Israel Needs

One of the most damaging confusions in Israel’s current public debate is the assumption that religious moral seriousness and secular ethical reasoning belong to opposing worlds. Religion is often dismissed as obedience to authority and fixed norms; secular ethics...

Jan 4, 2026, 5:15 PM

Corruption: The True Roadblock to Geula and How Torah’s Tavnit Can Pave the Way

Temple's destruction stemmed from sinat chinam (baseless hatred), baseless hatred, and internal rot, including violent factionalism between the camps of Shammai and Hillel (Talmud Shabbat 17a). Priestly nepotism under Roman influence turned sacred roles into political prizes. History warns...

Dec 4, 2025, 8:42 PM

Fear or Distress? (Vayishlach, Covenant & Conversation)

Jacob and Esau are about to meet again after a separation of twenty-two years. It is a fraught encounter. Once, Esau had sworn to kill Jacob in revenge for what he saw as the theft of his blessing. Will...

Jose Lev Alvarez Gomez

Oct 14, 2025, 10:29 AM

Turkey and Qatar: The Brotherhood’s New Throne

The Middle East has entered a new age—one defined not by shifting borders but by tectonic realignments beneath the Arab political order. The old Saudi–Emirati axis that once dictated Sunni politics has collapsed under the weight of its own...

Sam Lehman-Wilzig

Sep 11, 2025, 11:08 PM

Jewish Discourse or Diss-course: Then and Now

“Diss”: insulting or disrespectful expression or talk. The internet – and the political world especially – is now awash in rude, crude, and generally uncivil communication. To be sure, this isn’t something new. Even such luminaries as America’s two founding...

Jennifer Handel

Aug 13, 2025, 7:25 AM

Two Truths and a Lie

The last time we spoke was October 2013, after I staffed his Birthright Israel trip that summer. Then, two weeks ago, a message popped up out of the blue: I was wondering if I could call sometime to chat. I...

William Barclay

Aug 8, 2025, 5:49 PM

A Moment of War for a Lifetime of Peace in Gaza

Recently, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed that the state of Israel will soon attempt to assume control of Gaza, in an effort to liberate the region and its people from Hamas’ savage tyranny and terrorism. Predictably, Israel has already...

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