Editorial & Opinion | Opinion

We Are All The Other

02/26/2013 | Shuli Dichter | Special To The Jewish Week | Opinion

Last month, children were attacked while riding the public bus home from school in Jerusalem. They were 6^th graders, students of the Max Ryne Hand in Hand bilingual school for Jewish and Arab students. Some of the bus riders were disturbed that these children were speaking Arabic among themselves.

‘Every Child Has Something To Offer’

02/26/2013 | 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. The American Disabilities Act allows me to go to school…”

Israel Doesn’t Want Me

02/26/2013 | Rabbi Heidi Hoover | Special To The Jewish Week | Opinion

I read with concern and sadness about some American Jews who want to make aliyah, and whose Orthodox conversions, performed years ago in the U.S., are now being questioned by Israel’s Chief Rabbinate and its Ministry of Interior (“New Convert Snub By Israel Fuels Fresh Anger Here,” Feb. 8).

Creating A New Vision For Israel On Campus

02/19/2013 | Ryan Yuffe | Special To The Jewish Week | Opinion

On Jan. 27, Aaron David Miller, a Middle East analyst and an adviser to six secretaries of state, spoke to arguably the most important people in the American Jewish community. They were not lay leaders, rabbis or presidents of Jewish organizations.

Giving Attention To Israel’s Enemies

02/19/2013 | Steven Bayme | Special To The Jewish Week | Opinion

Decades ago, while serving on the faculty at Yeshiva University, I publicly voiced my dismay that the late Meir Kahane, a rabbi known for his ugly racism and hatred of Arabs, had been a featured speaker on campus.

Silencing Women's Voices: Time To Speak Up

02/15/2013 | Shira Hecht-Koller | Special To The Jewish Week | Opinion

I was riveted by the recent story of an Orthodox Israeli young woman, Ophir Ben-Shetreet, who sang beautifully on the Israeli talent-search program, “The Voice,” and as a result was suspended from her Orthodox school for two weeks because of the prohibition against women singing in public if men are present. Ophir’s performance and evident charm inspired people around the country. The judges praised her as “modest” and “pure,” and she could serve as a role model for young Orthodox women who feel the desire to express themselves and develop their talents. Instead, she was condemned.