Julia Malaga, at The Blogs

Julia Malaga

May 21, 2022, 11:48 PM

I am the second generation descendant of Danish immigrants to the USA. I am also a Jew by Choice. These things are not mutually exclusive, nor are they unrelated. It is just complicated. How does one reconcile having DNA...

Jan 9, 2020, 10:05 PM

A bridge was built. A bridge was burned.

On January 5, 25,000 Jews and their allies held a rally in New York City in unity with Haredi Jews who have been the target of antisemitic attacks. On January 7, it was reported that Chief Sephardic Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef...

Dec 2, 2019, 5:54 PM

Featured Post

Shtisel complicated my Judaism (spoiler alert)

The cast of 'Shtisel.' (Netflix/Dori Media/via JTA)

Exposure to the closed, marginalized culture on the small screen made me realize how important it is to build bridges to the people of this Israeli sector

Sep 30, 2019, 5:16 PM

It’s time to cancel ‘cancel culture’

It is the season of forgiveness. It is that time of year when we, the beinonim (in between), choose our "arc." We choose redemption or we choose damnation. I believe every human being has a redemption arc option, an...

Jun 17, 2019, 7:01 AM

When Shame Eliminated Racism and Anti-Semitism

You never heard of this? That's because it didn't happen. Shaming abhorrent behavior doesn't prevent or change the behavior. It certainly doesn't build any bridges of understanding that could affect long term moderation of attitudes. In fact, the act...

Jun 15, 2019, 12:08 AM

I gave my soul to Mickey Gitzin

Dear Mickey, I attended a parlor meeting at which you were the guest of honor. I had recently learned about the work of New Israel Fund (NIF) and was anxious to meet you and learn more about your vision. I...

May 12, 2019, 5:26 PM

Sharing Shehechiyanu: Writing our Jewish Story Together

For three years, I have been a member of the Kedma (Shared Society) Platform in the Global Connections Department of Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest (New Jersey). Earlier this month, participants in one of our flagship projects visited our...

Apr 28, 2019, 7:53 PM

Why American Jews Care about Arab-Jewish Relations in Israel

Laura Mandel (Abraham Initiatives Board Member) was recently detained as a security risk as she was leaving Israel. She was questioned about her work and separated from her belongings (including her eyeglasses and medication) for the duration of her...

Apr 9, 2019, 6:22 PM

Finding a Place Beyond Taking Sides

I’m done taking sides. I’m exhausted. As a liberal American Jew, I find myself in an impossible situation. If I express support for Israel, the Left brands me a supporter of the oppression of Arabs. If I express any...

About Me

Julia Malaga is a Jewish communal professional with a strong interest in strengthening Israel/Diaspora relations and building living bridges within the Jewish world and between the various Tribes of Israel.