Features

Off the Shelf: Israel, the wilderness and poetry

By Rabbie Rachel Esserman

In this column, I see myself not as a critic, but an educator. Those who love stories are always looking for new fiction to fulfil their never-ending desire for new experiences and I find works of which they may not be aware. Not all readers want to read the books …

Jewish Online Resources 7/26/24

By Reporter staff

A variety of Jewish groups are offering educational and recreational online resources. Below is a sampling of those. The Reporter will publish additional listings as they become available. 

Melton will hold the virtual class “Tisha B’Av as a Healing Journey Through G…

My dinner with Abel: Jewish Olympian remembered

By Bill Simons

“Pick me up, feed me and bring me home. I hope you agree or otherwise, forget your interview.” That blunt ultimatum came to me in the form of a letter dated October 8, 1985, and signed “Abel R. Kiviat.” Then 93 years old and a widower, Kiviat, one of the great runners…

Off the Shelf: Venice, Jews and the Ghetto

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

Harry Freedman makes something very clear in his new book “Shylock’s Venice: The Remarkable History of Venice’s Jews and the Ghetto” (Bloomsbury Continuum): the Jews of Venice were treated far better than most Jews in Christian lands during the 16th century,…

Off the Shelf: An almost PI, a manipulative mystery writer & cynical lawyer

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

“Cinnamon Girl"

There is a great deal to dislike about Adam Zantz, the hero of Daniel Weizmann’s “Cinnamon Girl” (Melville House). He refuses to take responsibility for his actions and often spins a lie, rather than tell the complete truth. Yet, readers wil…