Shael Siegel, at The Blogs

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Jul 13, 2012, 5:05 AM

As far back as I can remember I've dreaded mid-summer, somewhere from mid-July to mid August in reluctant expectation of the three weeks. As a child I was never sure of the exact date on the Gregorian calendar, but...

Jul 6, 2012, 3:11 AM

A few weeks ago I penned an essay, An Ambivalent Jew (The Times of Israel July 1, 2012) in which I shared some concerns about the orthodox establishment in Israel as well as with the liberal denominations, including Conservative...

Jun 22, 2012, 1:22 AM

The Changing Face of Judaism

The month of June brought good news and bad news to the Jewish community worldwide – it just depends on what kind of a Jew you are. If you’re orthodox you got great news packaged in the form of...

Jun 13, 2012, 12:09 AM

An Ambivalent Jew

News this past week about Israel’s willingness to finally provide financial support to the liberal streams of Judaism was considered a victory for them. While it was indeed something to celebrate, I found myself ambivalent about the wisdom of...

Jun 1, 2012, 1:31 AM

Mesirah Madness

Last July 2011 on the backdrop of the Leiby Kletzky abduction and murder the messy business of Mesirah surfaced once again when Agudas Israel robustly defended the application of Mesirah in cases of suspected abuse and pedophilia. Then Rabbi...

May 28, 2012, 6:45 PM

The delicate balance between victimhood and power is off kilter once again if one takes into account this latest, disappointing exhibition of intolerance and blatant racism exhibited against frightened, disadvantaged migrants. How is it possible that a nation founded...

May 25, 2012, 12:21 AM

Last Ditch Effort: Citi Field

The great Asifa at Citi Field was “the event” for the faithful, the culmination of years in which the haredi community has been struggling and ringing its hands over the calamity befalling “Am Yisroel”: the pernicious Internet and its...

May 23, 2012, 9:37 PM

The delicate balance between power and victimhood created since the establishment of the State of Israel has become a phenomenon challenging the Jewish community. Had Israel been in existence before World War II more than likely there wouldn’t have...

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About Me

Shael was educated in the United States and Israel, served in the IDF and is an observer and commentator on the Jewish ethical, social and religious landscape in the United States and Israel. The posting of essays, musings and short stories are some of the ways he has chosen to articulate his search for Jewish values. You can visit his website at www.shaelsiegel.com or his Facebook page Tishma.