Eli Birnbaum, at The Blogs

Oct 8, 2021, 3:19 PM

Taxes. The word sends a shiver down the spine. As actor Will Rogers once quipped: “The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn’t get worse every time Congress meets. Truth be told, taxation and Judaism don’t just fit...

Sep 3, 2021, 5:14 PM

It’s Coming Home

“Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.” The above quote, famously uttered by legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly,...

Dec 13, 2020, 11:35 PM

Chanukah: The ‘Happily Ever After’ That Never Was?

Ask your average Jewish child (or adult!): ‘What is your favourite festival?’ and the answer will almost invariably point to the one with piles of presents, doughnuts, chocolate money, family games and good old sing-song by the windowsill gazing...

Sep 15, 2020, 7:47 PM

Trial By Twitter

On August 9th, British Member of Parliament Dawn Butler was sitting in the passenger seat of a car in London, when police pulled the driver over and requested proof of ownership. Their concern? The vehicle was apparently registered to...

Jun 30, 2020, 8:38 PM

Bulls On Parade

Across the globe, monuments fall. In Bristol earlier this month, large crowds tore down the statue of deputy governor of the Royal African Company and (therefore) prominent slave trader, Edward Colston (1636-1721). His effigy was dragged through the streets...

Jun 10, 2020, 7:47 AM

#JewishHistoryMatters

Trudging through thick mud, a 14-year-old boy entered Berlin via the Rosenthaler Gate. He had walked, most probably barefoot, from his hometown of Dessau some hundred miles away. Frail, malnourished and hunchbacked, he would in time become one of...

Jun 3, 2020, 6:52 PM

Thunderstruck

Like many children, I was scared of thunder storms. Fortunately, I live in England and the weather here is generally as bland as the cuisine; but every now and then those humid, muggy summer’s afternoons would turn into an...

May 26, 2020, 5:01 PM

Featured Post

The donkey, the rooster and the lamp: A lockdown story

The tale of Rabbi Akiva's unfortunate night in a field may seem simple, but a deeper dive reveals a massive tragedy – and a hopeful message for humanity

May 20, 2020, 11:16 PM

Israel-Diaspora Relations: 10 Points to Ponder

Last week, social media served up a buffet of stunning images featuring the national flags of the Diaspora projected onto the Old City walls in Jerusalem in a show of solidarity with communities across the globe who have suffered...

May 13, 2020, 8:26 AM

After We Cure Coronavirus, Let’s Cure Israel’s Societal Sickness

“Victory in the battle between us means losing the war of existence. It is a greater threat than nuclear bombs or terrorism; greater than the enemies who seek our destruction. The threat of internal division will always be the greatest...

About Me

Born and raised in London, England. I spent six years in Talmudic College before studying for Rabbinic ordination in Jerusalem. I hold a BSc in Criminology & Social Psychology. I am fascinated by pretty much everything, but nothing more so than exploring current affairs through the kaleidoscope of Jewish continuity in the 21st century. I currently oversee Aish UK's educational and published content. (All views expressed are my own, and do not necessarily represent those of Aish UK).