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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.

A view of the destruction in Dr. Amir Shahar's home in Tel Aviv, March 2026. Credit: Clalit Yoseftal Medical Center.
Israel News
Healing others while their own homes are hit by Iranian missiles
Across Israel, doctors push aside personal loss and damaged homes to care for their patients during the war with Iran.
Mar. 16, 2026
Howard Blas
Masa fellows pose for a photograph at the Dead Sea, March 6, 2026. Credit: Masa.
Features
Masa fellows volunteer and recharge while war pauses programs
Mar. 11, 2026
Howard Blas
Kaplan Medical Center's Staff, by Clalit Health Sevices. Credit - Kaplan Spokesperson
Features
An inside look at Israeli hospitals during wartime
Mar. 6, 2026
Howard Blas
Bruce Springsteen performs in Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 21, 2013. Photo by Antonio Scorza/Shutterstock.
Features
Bruce Springsteen has a special connection with his Jewish fans
As the E Street Band opens a U.S. and European tour following a long absence, Jewish “Spring-Nuts” share what it’s like to be faithful to God and the Boss.
Feb. 6, 2023
Howard Blas
The Halleli progam participants visit the library at the Abraham Joshua Heschel School in Manhattan. Courtesy of TALI.
Jewish Life
Pluralistic Israeli educators exchange ideas with New York counterparts
TALI teachers offer added Jewish content to Israel’s state secular schools.
Jan. 15, 2023
Howard Blas
The Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Leaders Assembly in Atlanta, Georgia. Courtesy of the Foundation for Jewish Camp.
Jewish Life
Leaders of the Jewish camping movement gather in Atlanta to plan for the future
More than 300 day and overnight camps provide nearly 180,000 campers and young staff with a meaningful connection to Judaism each summer.
Dec. 14, 2022
Howard Blas
From left: LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Julia Roberts, Clea Newman and Samuel L. Jackson attend the SeriousFun New York City Gala at Lincoln Center, Nov. 14, 2022. Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SeriousFun Children's Network.
Features
Star-studded gala benefits Paul Newman’s camp in Israel for children with serious illnesses
The Jordan River Village is the only free, year-round, medically safe, overnight camp in the Middle East for kids living with serious medical conditions and disabilities.
Nov. 30, 2022
Howard Blas
Darkaynu program participants. Credit: Darkaynu.
Features
Gap year in Israel for people with disabilities offers normalcy
“The unique thing about Darkaynu is that there is no pomp and circumstance,” said Avi Ganz, director of the Darkaynu program for men in Alon Shvut.
Nov. 29, 2022
Howard Blas
Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija. Source: Screenshot.
Features
Israeli hoopster Deni Avdija’s hot streak highlighted by surge in rebounding
“I love the fact that he is cleaning up the boards and we need more of it,” said Washington Wizards Coach Wes Unseld.
Nov. 23, 2022
Howard Blas
From left: Dancing Bear, Bunny Rabbit, Captain Kangaroo, Grandfather Clock, Mr. Moose and Mr. Green Jeans. Source: A promotional postcard/Wikimedia Commons.
Features
‘Captain Kangaroo’ set designer Allen Klein shares his Thanksgiving memories
In both his books and presentations, the self-described “jollytologist” uses examples from Jewish folklore and comedians, all showing how Jews have used humor to deal with adversity.
Nov. 23, 2022
Howard Blas
Israeli runner Lonah Chemtai Salpeter after placing second in the New York City Marathon on Nov. 6, 2022. Credit: courtesy NN Running Team
Features
Israeli runner travels a long road to place second in New York City Marathon
“Whatever race I do, I always remember my nation,” said Lonah Chemtai Salpeter.
Nov. 8, 2022
Howard Blas
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