Jerry Isaak-Shapiro, at The Blogs

Apply for a Blog

Jan 6, 2023, 7:20 PM

What’s in a name? Plenty

I genuinely thought that I had read it wrong. When my wife forwarded me the JPost piece announcing the change in Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Ministry, I was (unsuccessfully) trying to multitask – which led me to re-read the article...

Jan 3, 2023, 11:12 AM

What’s in a Name? Plenty

I genuinely thought that I had read it wrong. When my wife forwarded me the JPost piece announcing the name change in Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Ministry, I was (unsuccessfully) trying to multitask – which led me to re-read the...

Aug 16, 2021, 11:18 PM

Did someone send a universal memo out to every shul, temple and synagogue? No matter the geography or architecture or its history in the community; even irrespective of its denominational home or the siddurim on the shelves, whether the...

Jul 31, 2021, 8:09 AM

The Problem with “My Unorthodox Life” is Not About Its Portrayal of Judaism

I would typically look askance if someone else did this, so I will readily admit that I am not (completely) happy with myself, writing about a series I haven’t finished watching. For consistency’s sake, I’ll have to forego lambasting...

Jul 10, 2021, 1:20 AM

Windows and Mirrors

I had, perhaps, deluded myself into thinking that the number of ‘likes’ and ‘hits’ and ‘views’ didn’t mean anything to me – that I was above the external corroboration of my convictions. I may not have been as evolved...

Jul 3, 2021, 12:09 AM

If you say you love your family, then show it

Unfortunately, there are nearly countless — at least, seemingly countless — recent reports about antisemitism. Representative of the current avalanche is CNN’s one-two punch this week of a seven-and-a-half minute segment about antisemitic activity in the U.S., followed by...

Jun 29, 2021, 7:26 AM

Sam Wilson thought he was in pretty good shape, running around the Tidal Basin and the Pedestrian Mall in D.C. It didn’t exactly boost his ego when, in a blur, someone runs by him, yelling out, “On your left.” ...

Jun 19, 2021, 8:21 AM

The first sentence is scary enough, but keep reading (it’s the follow-up from Dr. Edna Friedberg, an historian in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, that’s just as worrisome): “Nazis seem to be everywhere these days. I don’t mean self-proclaimed neo-Nazis....

Jun 5, 2021, 1:17 AM

Do I wear the kippah or switch to a baseball cap?

Illustrative (iStock)

We can be proud demonstration-walking, flag-holding, stand-together Jews-and-Zionists and also worry about everyone else who deserves that worry

Load more

About Me

Jerry Isaak-Shapiro has a Masters's in International Affairs, specializing in Middle East history and U.S. Foreign Policy. He has been a teacher, madrich, camp director, head of school and a mentor/coach, and is convinced that nearly everything can be seen through the lens of leadership. He's a lifelong Zionist and has a hard time choosing between Sondheim, Motown, Dylan and Kaveret.

Contact Me