Community Corner

One of the most exciting elements of Purim, for many children (and even adults), is the opportunity to dress up in costumes. It is a chance to dress up as your favorite iconic character, or unlock your creative juices and design something from scratch. When wearing a costume, or more specifically a mask, one can pretend to be different people and try on different character traits for the day. It’s fun, energizing and sometimes liberating. But sometimes, as in the story of Purim, the mask is used to conceal and hide what is underneath, and that sometimes people are not who they seem.

 Debbie Isaac has spent decades advocating for the Religious Zionist community, working to ensure its values are represented in the national institutions that shape the future of Israel and Jewish life in the Diaspora.

How the Woke Left is Energizing Their Base

 “Their goal is to silence our power. They do not want men and women to pray together at the Kotel; they want the education system in Israel to recognize only orthodox Judaism, and they do not want synagogues to allow women to serve as prayer leaders.” This was the rallying cry at the Conservative movement’s conference held in advance of the upcoming World Zionist elections.

The mitzvah of giving tzedakah is a cornerstone of Jewish life, reflecting our commitment to chesed (kindness) and unity. As King David declares in Tehillim (89:3), “Olam chesed yibaneh”—“The world is built on kindness.”

Over the past 17 months since Hamas attacked Israel, Jewish communities worldwide have faced unprecedented challenges. The upcoming World Zionist Congress election represents a critical juncture for our collective future. As a candidate on the Aish Ha'am slate, I am calling on American Jews to recognize the profound impact your vote will have on shaping the priorities that guide Israel and Jewish communities globally.

The first time I met Rabbi Nota Schiller zt"l was in his office at Yeshiva Ohr Somayach, then housed in an apartment building in Yerushalayim. I was in my twenties, eager to establish my career in writing, acting, and producing in Eretz Yisrael—while also preparing for my army service. But as my podcast followers know, Hashem had bigger plans.