The Year in Review
“Like any year, 2007 had its highs and lows, but for Israel and the Jewish people, there was more to worry about than cheer,” writes Gary Rosenblatt, The Jewish Week‘s editor/publisher. Reading his column, I’m inclined to agree.
Posts Tagged‘Random Cultural Notes’
In the News
When I moved (back) to New York last winter, my parents immediately subscribed me to The Jewish Week (thanks, Mom and Dad!). And I have to admit that as each week nears its end, I really appreciate its arrival in my mailbox. Among the items that particularly caught my attention this week:
–Rabbi David Goldstrom’s description of Chanukah in Baghdad;
–Rabbi David Wolpe’s explanation of why we place pebbles on graves; and
–A story I’ve followed elsewhere in the New York press, about an anti-Semitic attack on the subway (and the Muslim passenger who interceded on the victims’ behalf).
Uncharitable Thoughts
Somehow, I can’t muster up much rachmones for this guy.
Chanukah Lit
Have there always been so many wonderful essays written about Chanukah? Or is this just the first year I’m noticing? (Or does it simply have something to do with heavy-duty anthology promotion?) For an officially minor holiday, Chanukah seems to be inspiring some truly lovely writing. Here are two more finds: Amy Klein’s “Hanukkah Is in the Holiday Season, Too,” and David Bezmozgis’s “Festival of Birthdays.”
Happy Chanukah
Happy Chanukah! To launch my celebration, I took this quiz over on MyJewishLearning.com. The result: Apparently, I’d get a B-minus in Chanukah studies. Not too impressive, even if I think one of my errors resulted from careless reading. Why don’t you check it out and see how you do? And then be sure to eat some latkes.
And on a more serious note, do read this extraordinary Chanukah-related essay by Joanna Smith Rakoff.