Jerry Isaak-Shapiro

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Dec 12, 2024, 11:58 PM

When is enough, enough?

I'll just own it: I'm channeling my inner Aaron Sorkin right now, specifically President Josiah Edward Bartlet's introductory monologue, when he says that he never should have gotten on that damn bicycle when he was angry. I'm sure that...

Aug 7, 2024, 12:51 PM

The Quiet Part Out Loud

It’s time to say (to write) the quiet part out loud: I don’t know – none of us really knows – how much antisemitism played a part in the non-choice of Governor Shapiro. To say that it’s not on our...

Jul 17, 2024, 10:51 PM

Marvel’s Sabra was an Israeli superheroine – until suddenly she wasn’t

Marvel's Sabra, until now. (via X, formerly Twitter)

Hollywood censoring Jews is nothing new, but roles off-camera or as side-kicks are a far cry from canceling Sabra's identity

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.” ...

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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.

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