Dunner projects that classic, conservative, immersive Judaism of the kishkes. He is thoroughly traditional, and in a sense, unself-critical, steeped in the credos of Jewish history, learning and observance to the point of enchantment.

While most everyone contended with one pandemic challenge or another, Schuldenfrei had to find a way to satisfy the sometimes opposing interests of kids, parents and teachers

As Farkas embarks upon the blockbuster role of his career, I encountered someone calm but calculated, at ease selling himself and his accomplishments, but also aware he is inheriting a unifying organization at a time of deep political polarization and cultural upheaval.

Guzik’s happiness is the result of finding a specific focus within her rabbinate for the first time.

Over the last year and a half, as the Covid-19 pandemic catapulted Cedars into crisis mode, families were prohibited from visiting their loved ones at bedside. Weiner got used to holding up smartphones so families could FaceTime.

Her journey from theater to Judaism is as much an adventure story as any other, catapulting her from the Five Towns of Long Island to the Ba’al Teshuva Haredi community in Sfat where she said her “neshama was born.” 

While no parent is immune to the challenges of child rearing, parenting a child with severe autism requires a different order of energy, patience and generosity.