Short Takes

Writing Through Her Fear Of Death

04/16/2013 | Sandee Brawarsky | Book Critic

Erica Brown was scared to death of death.

The daughter of a child survivor of the Holocaust, Brown grew up with death as a constant shadow in her family’s past, although one that the family tried to ignore.

New Face Of Israeli Politics At BJ

04/10/2013 | Susan Reimer-Torn | Special To The Jewish Week

The young girl’s question — “How do you feel about Women of the Wall?” — couldn’t have been more timely, as Jewish Agency Chair Natan Sharansky made groundbreaking recommendations this week providing access at the Wall for egalitarian Jewish worship services, something Women of the Wall champions.

Panel Explores Charged Topic, But, Alas, No Fireworks

04/10/2013 | Doug Chandler | Special To The Jewish Week

One rabbi refused to host the event, saying he expected it would lead to talk about the anti-Israel Boycott, Sanctions and Divestment movement, while another rabbi welcomed the panel discussion, lamenting what she considers the lack of robust debate over Israel in the Jewish community.

Take One Jewish Oudist, Add Sudanese Muslim Singer, And Stir Gently

04/04/2013 | George Robinson | Special To The Jewish Week

Zach Fredman didn’t set out to make a political statement. He just wanted a band whose sound he could love.

Hamming Up The Ethnic Factor On ‘Mad Men’

04/04/2013 | Chavie Lieber/JTA

Advertising, it’s fair to say, is in Ben Feldman’s blood.

Startup Day School Finds Established Home

03/28/2013 | Julie Wiener | Associate Editor

It was supposed to be the Five Towns’ answer to Yeshivat He’Atid, the popular low-tuition Orthodox day school that has taken Bergen County, N.J., by storm.