Bibi on bomb

By JTA Staff (JTA) — What made headlines (in Israel, the U.S. and around the world) in 2014? Test your knowledge with JTA’s annual news quiz: Palestinian officials apologized to Czech authorities after the Palestinian envoy to Prague, Jamal Al-Jamal, was killed in an explosion in his home because: a) aContinue Reading

what's a jew to do

It’s that time of the year again. “All I Want for Christmas is You” has been stuck in your head since Thanksgiving, your bank account balance is frighteningly low, your pants don’t fit, and every time you enter a public space you get mauled by cheer. But who’s calling meContinue Reading

Jewish Day School

By Dan Aznoff, Jewish Sound Correspondent The smaller class sizes at private schools do not necessary translate into a superior education or higher test scores, according to the new administrator at the Jewish Day School in Bellevue. Fewer students often translates into the need for more individualized attention, which canContinue Reading

Tamar Benzikry-Stern

By Diana Brement, Jewish Sound Columnist A couple of issues ago, I mentioned King County Metro’s Poetry on Buses project and poet Merna Ann Hecht, whose poem about bread is one of 50 poems currently featured on the system’s Ballard Rapid Ride line. The project is managed by Bellevue nativeContinue Reading

By Rabbi Marc D. Angel, Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals The Shabbat of Hanukkah was observed among Sephardim of the Ottoman Empire as “Shabbat Halbashah,” the Shabbat of providing clothing for the needy. Traditionally, the rabbi would deliver a sermon that day on the mitzvah of charity and lovingkindness.Continue Reading

old city pita

By Joel Magalnick, Editor, The Jewish Sound Somewhere in the deepest nooks and crannies of Jerusalem’s old city is a small factory that churns out thousands of pieces of round pita bread each day. Softer and more pillowy than the more dime-a-dozen variety found in the local shouks, it wasContinue Reading

By Ron Kampeas, JTA World News Service WASHINGTON (JTA) – Come early next year, there might be yet another world capital that opposes Israeli settlement expansion and sees Benjamin Netanyahu as principally responsible for Israel’s isolation: Jerusalem. Isaac Herzog, the Labor Party leader, is faring well in the polls sinceContinue Reading

WASHINGTON (JTA) – The Obama administration announced the release of Alan Gross amidst sweeping changes in Cuba-U.S. ties, including a return to full diplomatic relations. Gross, a Jewish American contractor, was released Wednesday morning and is flying to Washington with his wife, Judy, where he will be met by U.S.Continue Reading