Due to a pagination problem , the last paragraph of the article entitled “Bastille Day and the Jews of France” by Professor Joseph Sungolowsky ( July 13, 2012) was erroneously omitted. “The creation of the State of Israel and the wars it had to fight for its survival gave rise to a wave of anti-Zionism which soon became a mask for old-fashioned anti-Semitism. It appears in various strata of French society including academia. The French Republic has vowed to do the utmost to protect its Jewish population. Yet, anti-Semitic incidents are on the rise and many French Jews nowadays fear them, especially in the aftermath of the Toulouse killings that occurred last March. A recent poll indicates that 96% of French Jews are profoundly anguished by the present situation. When one considers the history of the Jews of France, one realizes that it follows the pattern of Jewish history in general. There are both bright and somber periods. French Jews want to hope for brighter days.” more

In about a week from now, the world will tune in to watch the opening ceremonies of the London Olympic Games. With all of the fanfare it deserves, this event brings together most of the world in harmony unseen in almost every other part of international relations. In principle, the Olympics were founded with the goal of placing “sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity.” more

The three year Roman siege of Yerushalayim portended doom for Jewish nationalism. The inhabitants of the Holy City were divided; some were wearied from the hopelessness of the situation; others, although refusing to surrender, fought among themselves. Hunger and disease were rampant. more

With the onset of the annual commemoration of The Nine Days now upon us, I shall devote this week’s essay to a brief review of a major work that employs the literary-theological method focusing on a unique analysis from this week’s concluding chapters from the Book of Numbers, Bamidbar. more

Each year, during the nine days, I always marvel at the amount of people waiting on line at the kosher dairy restaurants around town. more

From gathering the grapes and learning about diverse types of wines to appreciating fine vintages and ensuring they’re kosher, “The Kosher Grapevine,” written by Lawrence resident Irving Langer, covers boundless information about wine. more

July 20 and on Mangano Announces Weekday Golf Specials at Nassau County’s 9-Hole Golf Courses Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced today that all four of Nassau County’s 9-hole golf courses will be offering a special weekday discount. Conveniently spread around the county park system, Nassau offers residents four executive-level 9 hole golf courses at Cantiague Park, Christopher Morley, North Woodmere, and Bay Park. more

On the 21st day of the Hebrew month of Tamuz, I celebrated my birthday. On that day, I was informed by one of my patients that one could give brachot more

In 1986, an Israeli fighter-plane was shot down over Lebanon, and the pilot and navigator, safely ejected from the burning plane, found themselves trapped behind enemy lines. more

Reading through Bamidar Chapter 22, one gets mixed feelings. The Bnei Gad and Bnei Reuven (tribes of Gad and Reuven) look at the land the Israelites have recently conquered, East of the Jordan, and they realize they have a match made in heaven. more