In a move that many see as a turning point for the future of Jewish education in Los Angeles, the Jewish Federation ofGreater Los Angeles board agreed last week to almost double the amount that the Federation gives to Jewish day and Hebrew schools.
Abraham Joshua Heschel said that he prayed for one thing: the gift of wonder. He prayed for astonishment, for the capacity to be surprised. As he wrote, \”I try not to be stale. I try to remain young. I have one talent, and that is the capacity to be tremendouslysurprised at life and at ideas. This is to me the supreme Chassidic imperative.\”
Jewish refugees fortunate enough to make it into Switzerland during World War II, were, in most cases, interned in forced-labor camps, required to perform hard physical labor under primitive living conditions, and separated from their families.\n
Abraham Joshua Heschel said that he prayed for one thing: the gift of wonder. He prayed for astonishment, for the capacity to be surprised. As he wrote, \”I try not to be stale. I try to remain young. I have one talent, and that is the capacity to be tremendously surprised at life and at ideas. This is to me the supreme Chassidic imperative.\”
And why, oh why, entreat the Americans, did weever leave a country full of discount stores to move to one withbadly made goods at high prices, a 17 percent sales tax, a separateannual tax on your television, and fees for the \”free\” publiceducation of your children?
Even the Jewish institutional mainstream beganopenly challenging Israel\’s policies, with delegations expressingconcern over everything from peace talks to religiouspluralism.
In 1854, 30 self-described \”Israelites of this city\” founded the Hebrew Benevolent Society to serve their religious,social and philanthropic needs. Not only was the society the city\’sfirst Jewish organization, but it was also the first charitable groupof any kind in Los Angeles.
California\’s insurance commissioner has promised to use the power of his office to help thousands of the state\’s residents collect on unpaid insurance policies stemming from the Holocaust era.
Readers\’ Quiz: Who was the unhappiest Jew in Indiana last week?
The bad news is that the peace process is going nowhere. The good news is that the Palestinians are learning all over again how to enjoy themselves.
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