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Voices We Have Lost

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Jodi L. Goldfinger

Dec 10, 2025, 10:06 PM

The Names History Forgot: Why I Won’t Let My Ancestors Die a Third Time

Image of a women updating her family tree to reflect a women's name instead of daughter | Created by Jodi L. Goldfinger using ChatGPT and edited using Adobe tools on December 10, 2025 via chat.openai.com

In a post that has been circulating online, the author explains the concept of pedigree collapse - the idea that, although the math suggests each generation doubles our number of ancestors, human communities historically overlapped so much that we...

Mihran Kalaydjian

Nov 29, 2025, 9:17 AM

This Thanksgiving, American Jews Are Done Staying Quiet

This Thanksgiving does not feel like the ones we grew up with, and there is no pretending otherwise. For American Jews, this holiday — long cherished as a celebration of safety, gratitude, and belonging — arrives during one of...

Sep 2, 2024, 11:49 AM

Why I decided to join the protests demanding a deal for the hostages

A little over a month ago I posted an article in which I presented arguments both in favor and against a deal with Hamas, without taking a personal stance on this heart-rending dilemma ( And since I was uncertain...

Aug 13, 2024, 12:16 PM

Collective, Commemorative Mourning

I dread Tisha B'Av. Every year, I resent the three weeks, the nine days, and the 25 hours of fasting, smack in the middle of the summer. I watch videos about all the sad things that happened on Tisha B'Av, to...

Mihran Kalaydjian

May 23, 2024, 10:57 AM

Bridging the Connectivity Gap

In an era driven by technological advancements, access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity has become a fundamental necessity. It is imperative that every Californian, regardless of geographical location, has the opportunity to fully participate in the digital age....

May 13, 2024, 11:48 AM

Voices We have lost

To-do lists for a life cut short

Maoz. (courtesy)

Among a fallen soldier's goals for his army service: Don't complain, take initiative, don't be upset by the little things, and help others

Shachar Fridman

May 12, 2024, 10:37 PM

Voices We Have Lost

The late Shachar Friedman, center, who was killed in Gaza on November 19, 2023, and his parents, before he entered Gaza. (Facebook screen capture, used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

Words from a fallen soldier: When you radiate happiness, a circle of joy will slowly form that will create a better world

May 12, 2024, 4:37 PM

Voices We Have Lost

I have no regrets

Joseph Gitarts (Courtesy)

A fallen soldier's letter to his parents: I love you very much and I am proud that you are my parents. I had a very interesting, happy life

Zechariah Pesach Haber

May 12, 2024, 4:14 PM

Voices We have lost

Go south to celebrate Israel’s independence

Zechariah Pesach Haber z"l, his wife, Talia, and their child, on Israel Independence Day, in 2019. (courtesy)

A 2019 essay by a fallen soldier: When fellow Israelis were hiding from rockets just a few days ago, partying doesn't feel right

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