An American woman and her husband tried for three years to have a child before their daughter, Chaya Zissel Braun, came into the world four months ago. To show their gratitude to G-d for this precious gift, they traveled to Israel and took their little bundle of joy to the Western Wall for the first time on Oct. 22. While...

d

Protesting is quite a common subsequent reaction for Los Angeles Jews when an unfavorable incident occurs in Israel. This past summer especially, my Facebook blew up with event invites to the Federal Building or to the Israeli Consulate to protest on behalf of Israel. When the three boys were kidnapped? There was a protest. When the three boys were pronounced...

Nineteen years later, the Jewish people still mourn the tragic loss of a national and international hero. In the month of November, we remember the life of Yitzhak Rabin – Nobel Peace Prize winner and iconic figure of hope and agreement in the Middle East. Had Rabin been with us today, would we still be shedding blood and tears over...

Growing up, I belonged to a synagogue with two rabbis — one senior rabbi and one associate rabbi. I was close with one of them, but mainly because we studied together in the weeks leading up to my bat mitzvah. At UCLA, there are six rabbis — one at Chabad, two at the Jewish Awareness Movement, and three at Hillel...

The chitter-chatter dies abruptly. The lights dim, except for up front. If you are not in your seat, rush back to it. Make sure your cell phone is shut off, or at least set to silent mode. You’ve probably forgotten to do that last part. The stage holds your attention. The show has just begun. The Batsheva Dance Company performed...

Through childhood to adulthood, the topic of Israel — the sole Jewish state — is vibrant, sacred, and ever-present. This graphic comic portrays the connection that many Jewish populations possess with Israel. The comic embodies the scrutiny, battle, and desire for this land after seeing all for which the country stands. Currently and historically, Israel has been fought over time...

UCLA’s Center for Near Eastern Studies lies at the end of a labyrinthine hallway near the top of the beady-eyed and waffle-patterned maroon edifice that is Bunche Hall. If you haven’t been there before, it can be difficult to find. It’s based in a spacious office-cum-lobby and staffed by two individuals, along with numerous associated professors in various departments. Pamphlets...

As my grandmother Esther Moreh remembers, growing up in Iran under the monarchy was a progressive time. In the 1920’s, up until the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the country offered much promise to an Iranian Jewish woman. My grandmother was an activist and pioneer for Israel, paving many opportunities for other Jewish Iranian women while raising awareness for Israel through the...

We’ve all heard an awesome joke or idea we couldn’t wait to tell over, but how often are we jumping at the opportunity to give credit where it is due? Often times, it’s much more tempting to sidestep the reference and let everyone think that we’re the brilliant ones. Our egos work hard to thwart our humility, to make it...