“Machberet” is the Hebrew word for notebook. Since it’s also (appropriately) one of the very first words I learned in my first Hebrew school in Brooklyn (and, until I returned to language study well into adulthood, one of the few conversational Hebrew words I still remembered), I’ve chosen it to title this blog, where I offer write-ups on Jewish news (especially of the literary sort) and occasional commentary.
Normally, in this space on Fridays, the My Machberet blog presents an array of Jewish-interest links (primarily of the literary variety). But I need to beg your indulgence and take a break this week. I hope to post again next week. Shabbat shalom!
“At many American universities, mine included, it is now normal for student organizations to freely call Israel an imperialist power and an outpost of white colonialism with little pushback or discussion — never mind that more than half of Israel’s population consists of Israeli Jews from the Middle East and North Africa, and that the country boasts a 20 percent Arab minority. The word ‘apartheid’ is thrown around without hesitation. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is repeatedly dragged into discussions ranging anywhere from L.G.B.T.Q. equality (where to mention Israel’s vastly better record on gay rights compared with that of any other country in the Middle East is branded ‘pinkwashing’), to health care to criminal justice reform.”
Source: Blake Flayton, “On the Frontlines of Progressive Anti-Semitism” (The New York Times)
In which the My Machberet blog presents an array of Jewish-interest links, primarily of the literary variety.
(more…)So, today is a special day: It’s the day that my latest book, Birthright: Poems, is being published.
(more…)In which the My Machberet blog presents an array of Jewish-interest links, primarily of the literary variety.
(more…)I’m recovering from a flu-like illness and simply couldn’t get a weekly “links” post organized this week. But I have something special to share nonetheless.
(more…)