Jewish Life

“Emily in Paris” is much like Ophir in New York

| SAT, NOV 14, 2020

Today I won’t write about the lockdown, nor will I elaborate on the mass protest, which is taking place against the Israeli government. Instead, I’d like to embrace the spirit…

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On Caves, Commemoration, and Veterans Day

| WED, NOV 04, 2020

I have been to a lot of funerals in my lifetime. It isn’t that my past is strewn with innumerable losses — thank goodness! Rather, my parents and their church…

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Hanging in the Balance

| MON, OCT 12, 2020

הושע נא.תְּלוּיָֽה עַל־בְּלִימָֽה – Please save; [all of life] is hanging in the balance… – From 5th circuit of the Hoshana liturgy Artists don’t get down to work until the…

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LABA Arts + Culture presents: Clamor in the Desert (Kol Koreh Bamidbar)

| FRI, OCT 09, 2020

In 2020, COVID-19 arrived, which locked us all in our homes, in our cities and countries. In Argentina, where I live, even today, since March, it is not possible to…

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Why I’m in Favor of the Second COVID-19 Lockdown in Israel

| SUN, SEP 27, 2020

Much of what has been said about the second COVID-related lockdown in Israel is enduring. With all its attached hardships, I believe it’s the essential step Israel should take, even…

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Homecoming Isn’t a Walk in the Park

| WED, SEP 09, 2020

I’m overwhelmed. I’m overwhelmed by the sudden shift from a crippling quarantine to an intense new reality in Tel Aviv. So many people want to reunite with me, check in…

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How can I even start saying goodbye?

| FRI, AUG 14, 2020

Truth be told, I didn’t believe this day would come. This day of closure, in which I’ll come back to Israel from two exciting, life-changing years at the 14th Street…

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Why Do We Celebrate Tikkun?

| TUE, MAY 26, 2020

Every year in May or June, the 14th Street Y celebrates a Tikkun: a mesmerizing deep dive into Jewish and Israeli culture, our way of celebrating the Jewish holiday of…

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How Mimouna Can Provide an Antidote to Social Distancing

| SAT, APR 18, 2020

Mimouna is the traditional North African Jewish celebration of eating chametz to mark the end of Passover. Ophir Tal, Israeli Emissary on behalf of The UJA Federation to The 14th…

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Finding New Ways to Connect

| THU, APR 16, 2020

During these challenging times, I have tried to find “happy moments” where I can find them. This has often taken the form of reading a book with my son or…

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