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Deborah Fineblum

Deborah Fineblum

Deborah Fineblum is a freelance writer and book author who made aliyah on July 4, 2013.

“We’ve heard about antisemitism around the world but thought there was nothing to worry about here,” says Australian Ronny Krite, who was on the scene on Dec. 14 in the midst of mayhem.
“A Father’s Story: My Fight for Justice Against Iranian Terror” has been in the works for 23 years, ever since that day in Israel in April 1995 when a Palestinian killed eight people, including his 20-year-old daughter.
J Street U, the student organizing arm of J Street, is pushing to have Palestinians present their view of Israel to Birthright groups run by campus Hillel centers.But Jewish students and leaders argue that the effort is contrary to Birthright’ mission, which is to unify and strengthen the next generation.
Old habits die hard, though eventually, some new immigrants to Israel from the United States leave Turkey Day behind, noting that this one day of national unity is something Israelis experience year-round.
A new book by Wiesel’s longtime assistant (and good friend) Ariel Burger was born of a 25-year bond between student and teacher.
Today’s far-flung families are increasingly challenged to celebrate the holiday traditions together, but some creativity and the use of modern technology can help.
“We were allowed to eat many latkes and doughnuts with homemade preserves, spin dreidels my brother carved out of wood and play cards way past our bedtime . . . ”
Warning: Don’t be surprised if you find yourself pulling out your suitcase and throwing in your Naot sandals, the family photos and a year’s supply of Ziploc bags. Before you know it, you might even be downloading an aliyah application.
A sukkah reinforces the key role such home-based traditions have in Jewish life.