Howard Blas Archives

Howard Blas

Howard Blas is a social worker and special-education teacher by training. He teaches Jewish studies and bar/bat mitzvah to students with a range of disabilities, leads disability trips to Israel and writes regularly for many Jewish publications, including JNS.org.

Harriet Schleifer (center) with her son, David, and Pam Murray of the Chapel Haven Schleifer Center on a trip to Israel, May 2023. Credit: Courtesy of Accessibility Accelerator.

‘Jews can’t afford divisiveness,’ says incoming chair of Conference of Presidents

Harriet Schleifer, newly 70, is the rare leader who has distinguished herself in multiple spheres.

Howard Blas

May 24, 2023

Israel trip aims to forge ‘ambassadors for accessible travel’

“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.

Howard Blas

May 19, 2023

Jewish children in Ukraine hold up shmurah matzah ahead of the Passover seder. Credit: Jewish Relief Network Ukraine.

‘I felt compelled to help’ Ukrainian Jews at Passover time, says 17-year-old

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.

Howard Blas

March 27, 2023

After World Baseball Classic, Michael Wielansky of Team Israel ponders his future

“It is a crazy business,” said the shortstop’s father, Steve. “It is extremely stressful all of the time.”

Howard Blas

March 20, 2023

Jared Green and a half-dozen friends have a 30-year tradition of visiting ballparks that dates back to when they were fellow staffers at Camp Ramah in Canada. Photo by Howard Blas.

The Jewish baseball fan diaspora ingathered in Miami to cheer on Team Israel

“We love baseball, and we love Israel. What better way to spend time than cheering on Jewish sports,” Jeff Goldstein of Toronto, who went to see the players with his whole family, told JNS.

Howard Blas

March 16, 2023

Matt Mervis of Team Israel bats against Nicaragua at the World Baseball Classic in Miami, March 12, 2023. Credit: Courtesy of Major League Baseball.

Israel handed second straight mercy-rule loss at World Baseball Classic

The Dominican Republic mashes and bashes its way to a 10-0 victory.

Howard Blas

March 15, 2023

At left is Israel Baseball team manager Ian Kinsler; next to him is general manager of the Dominican Republic team Nelson Cruz (with flower); and Jordy Alpert, president of Israel Baseball (with bullhorn) on March 14, 2023. Photo by Howard Blas.

Israeli, Dominican Republic baseball teams sign MoU at World Baseball Classic in Miami

“This is an opportunity to come together to promote friendship between the Latino and the Jewish communities,” says Jesse Rojo, director of the Philos Project.

Howard Blas

March 14, 2023

Jordan Gladstone, a batboy for Team Israel, and his father Adam Gladstone, who works in operations for the team, at the World Baseball Classic on March 13, 2023 in Miami. Photo by Howard Blas.

Meet Team Israel’s 14-year-old batboy from Baltimore

Jordan Gladstone got permission from his Jewish day school to play hooky for a week.

Howard Blas

March 13, 2023

Joc Pederson (left) of Team Israel congratulates teammates after beating Nicaragua in a come-from-behind win at the World Baseball Classic on March 12, 2023. Credit: Courtesy of Major League Baseball.

Israel comes from behind to win 3-1 in World Baseball Classic

The go-ahead runs came in the eighth inning in a game that was supposed to be easier for Israel.

Howard Blas

March 13, 2023

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In 2023 Your Support is More Important Than Ever

We're a reader-funded news organization on the front lines of the narrative war confronting Israel and the Jewish people. Your help is crucial.