Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS
Howard Blas

Howard Blas

Howard Blas is a social worker and special-education teacher by training. He teaches Jewish studies and prepares students with a range of disabilities for b’nai mitzvah. He regularly leads Birthright Israel “classic” and service trips for people with disabilities. His publications can be viewed here.

“Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they interacted with a sports legend was truly heartwarming,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline.
Julie Finkelstein of the Foundation for Jewish Camp says “there is lots of interest on the part of Israelis wanting to come, but they are still waiting,” due to the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza.
Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija scored a game best and career high 43 points in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
“The Jewish community was a huge support—with Israeli flags (some bearing the slogan ‘Bring the Hostages Back’) and shouting in Hebrew,” he said.
“They felt that solving the Middle East’s water problem may lead to peace,” said Ellen Marcus of the infusion of money her parents gave to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beersheva.
Israeli doubles team Daniel Cukierman and Edan Leshem retired against the Czech team of Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek due to an injury to Cukierman’s hamstring.
“I noticed that non-working parents often did not have the funds to buy personal army gear for their kids,” says Ashkelon resident Beth Newmark.
Throughout Jewish history, public fasts have responded to and beseeched God for mercy at times of great pain and uncertainty.
Harriet Schleifer, newly 70, is the rare leader who has distinguished herself in multiple spheres.
“Disabilities should not hinder individuals and their families from … participating in cultural exchanges like any neurotypical individual would,” said Michael Storz of the Chapel Haven Schleifer Center in New Haven, Conn.
The day-school-educated son of immigrants from Lviv and Kyiv who now live in the Baltimore area has raised more than $20,000 to bring food to some 1,100 Ukrainian Jews.
“It is a crazy business,” said the shortstop’s father, Steve. “It is extremely stressful all of the time.”