Bibi Wants Low Profile On Syria WMD

Posted: Tue, 04/30/2013 - 17:21 | Political Insider

As President Obama weighs the evidence on suspected Syrian use on Sarin nerve gas and what to do about it, the Israeli government is trying to keep a low profile, or at least low by Israeli standards.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his government not to make this incident about Israel and not to speak publicly about the issue, but first deputy foreign minister Ze'ev Elkin warned that a weak American response to Syrian use of Sarin would encourage Iran to accelerate its nuclear program.

Max Said, Wayne Said: A Boy And His 'Shadow' Reflect On Shabbat Together

Posted: Tue, 04/30/2013 - 15:18 | The New Normal

In my role as a Jewish educator, I take many students on weekend retreats. Such experiences are a wonderful opportunity for teens to live and learn together as we celebrate Shabbat, socialize, talk and play. At retreats, teens build relationships and their Jewish identities, and such experiences expand exponentially on what we accomplish within the walls of our synagogue. Living together in Jewish time and sharing the joy of Shabbat in a unique setting is an amazing springboard from which we can launch our kids into so many other significant opportunities.

Inclusion: It Also Means There's Lots Of Ways To Do It

Posted: Mon, 04/29/2013 - 15:56 | The New Normal

Okay, I know I can be a bit defensive, bristly almost, when it comes to talking about almost anything that I care about. I own that. When it comes to disability and inclusion, I can go a little overboard, but someone’s got to do the dirty work, right?

Obama To Name Two Jewish Activists To Economic Posts

Posted: Fri, 04/26/2013 - 21:26 | Political Insider

President Obama is close to filling out his second term cabinet with appointments to top economic posts of two longtime friends who also have a background of Jewish community activism.

He is expected to name Michael Froman to be the next U.S. Trade Representative and Penny Pritzker as secretary of commerce.

Froman, 50, is a former Harvard Law School classmate of the president, where they were editors of the Harvard Law Review, and he is currently the deputy national security advisor for international economic affairs.

Classroom Tweaks That Help Students With Disabilities Benefit Everyone

Posted: Fri, 04/26/2013 - 13:16 | The New Normal

Editor’s Note: In journalism, we always say that three makes a trend, and the next week will see three communities hosting trainings on how better to include people with disabilities in the Jewish world: the Washington, D.C. area (http://www.pjll.org/content/tzedek-tirdof-pursuing-justice-may-2-2013); the Boston suburbs (http://www.hebrewcollege.edu/gisha-conference) and the Delaware Valley, near Philadelphia (http://www.jewishfederations.org/local_includes/downloads/54713.pdf.) Jaime Bassman, who wrote the piece below, is involved in both the Philly-area and the Boston events.

Last Look: Chim at ICP

Posted: Fri, 04/26/2013 - 11:17 | Well Versed

The International Center of Photography's exhibition "We Went Back: Photographs from Europe 1933 – 1956 by Chim" is up for one more week, till May 5. Admirers of photography, of Israel and of Ingrid Bergman should visit while it's still possible.