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June 22, 2006

Different Tack on Campus Challenge

Speeches about \”holocaust in Israel.\” Academic boycotts. Divestiture campaigns. Professors who intimidate their students. Jewish speakers whose rhetoric is anti-Israel. These program initiatives and phenomena have certainly transformed the campus quad into a zone of controversy. Indeed, the above occurrences are undeniable, as are the vile expressions of Jewish bigotry at a select number of institutions of higher learning. However, Jews are actually experiencing a Golden Age at American universities and that the general atmosphere at the most prestigious schools is positive and supportive of Jewish interests.

Let Us Work to Rid World of A-Weapons

The threat of nuclear weapons is once again a part of the American consciousness. Terrorist groups are seeking to acquire unsecured weapons and mercurial nations like Iran and North Korea want to join the nuclear club. Military experts warn of the possibility of a nuclear strike on an American target within the next 10 years. How should the American Jewish community respond to these developments?

Buddha in Auschwitz

It sounds like the set-up for a politically incorrect joke: Did you hear the one about the journalist who began his journey in the Buddha\’s footsteps in Poland? But what was I doing in Oswiecim, in the southwest corner of Poland? It might make more sense knowing the German name by which Oswiecim is better recognized: Auschwitz.

Jesus’ Man Has a Plan

Warren told Wolfson his interest is in helping all houses of worship, not in converting Jews. He said there are more than enough Christian souls to deal with for starters.

Whose View?

Too often, we become discouraged from pursuing our dreams because of the opposition we face. We assess our chances of success based on the strength of our competitors or enemies. If we would only focus more on our own passions and ambitions, on our own strength of conviction, we would get much farther in life. A very successful person once told me, \”I\’ve never worried about the competition; the only person I\’m competing with is myself, to see if I can rise to my potential.\”

The Beastie Boys, Jesus and Me

I had been dating my girlfriend for a month when I told her that my parents were coming to town for their yearly visit from the East Coast. \”Do your parents know I\’m a shiksa?\” Laura asked, smirking sincerely. \”Not yet,\” I said. \”I haven\’t told them about you yet. But don\’t worry, they\’ll be cool with you not being Jewish.\” I said this, unsure if that last statement was completely true.

Finding Tools That Give Life Meaning

Accepting life\’s ambiguity has gotten me through a lot over the years, particularly this year, as the extremes of experience challenge any vestiges of hope I have held for things to have predictable outcomes. Say what you will about Katrina and cancer, they can be excellent teachers.

7 Days in the Arts

This week in Los Angeles: REDCAT\’s International Children\’s Film Festival; Iris Chang Memorial Essay Contest; \”Elements\” exhibit at the Finegood Gallery; \”Enrico Donati: One of Each\” at galerie yoramgil; Summer Sunset Services from Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue.

Brain-Busting Doc, Eight Letters

The cult status of The New York Times Crossword puzzle is the subject of \”Wordplay,\” an uneven but entertaining documentary by director Patrick Creadon about the people who design the fiendishly difficult crossword puzzles for The Times and the gifted eccentrics who devote their lives to puzzle solving and who compete against each other with all the fury and devotion of Olympic athletes.

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Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.