Opinion

Responding to anti-Israel sentiment

By Bill Simons

Never since the 1948 rebirth of Israel has U.S. public opinion been more critical of the Jewish state. American Jews are divided about how to respond both to canards and truths. We know what Nazi genocide looked like, insist on the right of self-defense and remain committed t…

Epstein revives canard: “Jews are in control”

By Bill Simons

From adolescence onward, I have experienced feelings of anger, violation and apprehension at the misdeeds of Jewish criminals and miscreants. They give renewed life to antisemitic canards, heightening Jewish American vulnerability. Through my writing, teaching and public lect…

From the Desk of the Federation Executive Director: With Gratitude 04/01/25

By Shelley Hubal

For several years now, the Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton has been in partnership with local Jewish leadership and the national organization Secure Community Network. Together, we have created an active team that is focused on improving safety and security for the …

Gambling on death

By Rabbi Rachel Esserman

The Talmud is pretty clear that Jews are forbidden to gamble. The Mishnah notes that gamblers are forbidden to be witnesses in court cases because they are considered unreliable. Later Jewish texts note that one reason for prohibiting gambling is because the winning…

America’s 25 most impactful Jews

By Bill Simons
Our semiquincentennial – America at 250 – prompts reflection on the centrality of Jews to the nation since its 1776 founding. Hence, this columnist’s eclectic selections of America’s 25 most impactful Jews, listed alphabetically, follow. Nearly half were immigrants or …