Features

Off the Shelf: Mitzvah projects and new schools

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

I always celebrate when I see Jewish-themed novels being published for the younger generation, particularly tweens. “Eddie Whatever” by Lois Ruby (Carolrhoda Books) seemed perfect for our annual b’nai mitzvah issue because the plot centers on a bar mitzvah st…

Off the Shelf: Folktales and legends

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

Humans are storytellers and the stories we tell give insight into our particular culture. We use stories to teach lessons to the younger generations or offer quiet criticism of the status quo, in addition to their being an entertaining way to pass the time. Whether…

Jewish Online Resources 1/14/22

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. 

The Biblical Archaeology Society will hold a virtual Scholars Series. The four le…

Television Review: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”: Midge unleashed

By Bill Simons

It is 1954, the apex of the Jewish-American century. Yarmulkes sit atop the men’s heads at the post-wedding reception. A 22-year-old bride, Midge Maisel, formerly Miriam Weissman, seizes the microphone. Radiant, beautiful, deliriously happy – and fueled by three glasses o…

Off the Shelf: Moral quandaries

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

When looking for answers to contemporary ethical questions, people debate whether the wisdom of the past is still relevant. Can answers to questions about social media be found in the Torah? What can the Talmud teach us about end-of-life issues based on technologica…