Editorial & Opinion | Opinion

Prayers From the Holocaust Beyond Yom HaShoah

04/04/2013 | Menachem Z. Rosensaft | Special To the Jewish Week | Opinion

One of the reasons why Cantor Azi Schwartz, our cantor at Park Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan, is one of the foremost cantors of our day is his refusal to allow Jewish liturgy to become rote or be set in a stifling ritual straightjacket.

‘Every Child Has Something To Offer’

04/03/2013 | Susan Wiener | Special To The Jewish Week | Opinion

‘My name is Jacob Wiener. I am from Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, N.Y. I am almost 15 years old. I have PDD-NOS and bipolar syndrome.

Europe Must Designate Hezbollah A Terrorist Group

04/03/2013 | Matthew Levitt | Special To The Jewish Week | Opinion

For years, the European Union avoided talking about designating Hezbollah as a terrorist group, in part because Hezbollah was not blowing up things on the continent.

Opposing NYC Circumcision Rule Does More Harm Than Good

03/29/2013 | Marc Stern | Special To The Jewish Week | Opinion

The challenge to New York City’s informed consent rule for Metziza B’Pe (MBP) should never have been brought. The rule it challenges, requiring informed consent by the parents before a mohel orally suctions blood directly from the circumcision incision, imposes, at most, the lightest of burdens on religious liberty. It does not forbid MBP or even bar mohelim from announcing their disagreement with the Department of Health’s risk assessment.

Long-Term Needs In The Wake Of Disasters

03/28/2013 | Chip Edelsberg | Special To The jewish Week | Opinion

The immense, costly damage caused by Hurricane Sandy last year continues to affect communities along the East Coast. Yet, as is common with severe disasters, after the initial shock and subsequent media coverage dissipate, so too does philanthropic support. Jewish families are not immune to this problem. With this understanding, the Jim Joseph Foundation board of directors awarded grants to help families return to a sense of normalcy by accessing the Jewish education experiences that are integral to their lives.

Are We Missing Israel’s Big Moment This Year?

03/28/2013 | Gil Troy | Special To The Jewish Week | Opinion

For all the handwringing about Israel’s standing in the American Jewish community, the community is missing a major opportunity to celebrate Israel and reframe the conversation.