News

As my wife and I approached a milestone birthday, we decided that we would travel to Israel. We had not been in Israel since the bris milah of our oldest grandson. We knew this would not be a “typical” visit due to the wartime conditions that have existed since October 7, 2023. Indeed, on three separate occasions, we had to retreat to shelters and saw what reality is like when you are awakened by incoming rocket attacks. This article is a reflection on what we saw and a suggestion for ourselves as individuals and as a community.

There should be no confusion regarding the severity and cause of the California wildfires: It’s the fault of the California and Los Angeles governments. That is not to say that they can stop fires from occurring any more than that they can stop earthquakes, that Minnesota can stop snow, or that Florida can stop hurricanes. Natural disasters are the most predictable unpredictability of any geographic location. That is not an excuse, however, for not adequately preparing for a disaster that occurs every few years or so.

I recently attended an afternoon/evening remembrance ceremony (azkarah) for a chayal (soldier) who fell in Gaza one year ago. He was the son of dear friends. I had first met him when he was a child but was unaware of the special character of this fallen soldier.

As the clock ticks down to President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the Republican-led Congress has been busy filing and passing as much legislation as they can.  Knowing that they have, at best, a year before midterm election season will cloud every vote, the legislative agenda is looking to accomplish as much as they can in the short window.  With a few days left before Trump comes in to start signing their bills, Republicans are making the most of what they can.  

After years of debate, delays, and arguments, congestion pricing finally has gone into effect in Manhattan. The tax on traveling is incredibly popular with the affluent and car-less, and far more unpopular with everyone else. In a state where you can’t find people who can agree on if water is wet, a shocking two-thirds of respondents oppose congestion pricing – and for good reason. It is a scheme to bilk as much money out of people while simultaneously shoving everyone else into a dangerous, overcrowded, and outdated subway system.

Reports on the recent passing of former President Jimmy Carter have portrayed him as an honest and compassionate man who tried to do what was best for our country. More critical reports portrayed him as a failed President but a great former President, whose humanitarian efforts earned him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize.