By Joel Magalnick, Editor, JTNews Canadian-turned-Israeli Joel Bainerman calls economics the key to peace in the Middle East. He says Palestinians must take it upon themselves to create a viable economy and build a reliable Palestinian Authority. That, he said, must take a lot of time and patience. Bainerman cameContinue Reading

By Diana Brement, JTNews Correspondent Religion and Spirituality We ended our last reviews in Nov. 2002, with a mention of a new compilation of the Zohar by Rav P.S. Berg, director of the Kabbalah Centre. This international organization brings the wisdom of Kabbalah (Jewish mystical texts) to the general public,Continue Reading

By David Chesanow, JTNews Correspondent Hearings on new hate-crime legislation, initiated by the Seattle office of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), were held in Olympia last week. House Bill 1128 and its companion measure, Senate Bill 5193, would prohibit insurance companies from canceling or refusing to renew coverage on property dueContinue Reading

By Gigi Yellen-Kohn, JTNews Correspondent I am talking music with Rabbi Aharon Brun-Kestler, Executive Director of the Va’ad HaRabanim of Greater Seattle—the people who grant the seal of Kosher certification. He’s a traditionalist, of course. “I like the real solid standards of the early rock age — Chuck Berry, CrosbyContinue Reading

By Joel Magalnick, Editor, JTNews Between cosmic rays and track stars, Northwest Yeshiva High School has a lot to be excited about. However, the year started off on a sad note with the death of popular student Ari Grashin. Since then, it has been a time of healing and growing.Continue Reading

By Joel Magalnick, Editor, JTNews Several Israelis rolled into town last week to spread messages of goodwill and economic cooperation. Whether here as volunteers or as a part of their job, they carried the same message: we’re getting through the day, but we need your support. Inna Krotov, Jonathan AikhenbaumContinue Reading

By Manny Frishberg, JTNews Correspondent Rep. Laura Ruderman joked about placing a “tip jar” near her desk asking for contributions to the state’s General Fund. As new legislative session in Olympia began, Ruderman (D–45th Dist.) said that social-service organizations must make cuts and not expect state assistance. “My bet,” RudermanContinue Reading

By Deborah Ashin, Special to JTNews Every night for almost 60 years, the man relived the same hellish nightmare: he is 16 years old and arrives in a cattle car at Auschwitz, where he helplessly watches his parents and grandparents march to the gas chamber. It’s a chilling irony thatContinue Reading