Israeli History

The Ethical Conundrum of a Jewish and Democratic State

Rabbi David Ellenson

June 8, 2021

When the State of Israel was established in 1948, its secular founders envisioned a nation that would be both Jewish and attuned to the values of liberal democracy. They were confident that a country with an overwhelming Jewish majority could maintain a Jewish character and ensure civic equality for all its inhabitants.

Lynn Cohen with her face in her hands as Golda Meir in a scene from Steven Spielbergs 2005 film Munich

Israeli History

7 Movie Stars Who Have Played Israeli Prime Ministers

Gabe Friedman (JTA)

April 12, 2021

Just a month after it was announced that the Israeli star Shira Haas would portray Meir in a TV series, The Hollywood Reporter revealed this week that Oscar winner Helen Mirren would portray Israel’s only female prime minister in an upcoming biopic.

A few gravestones at Mount Herlz military cemetery in Israel

Death and Mourning

Yom HaZikaron: Israel’s Fallen Heroes and Us

Rabbi Natan Trief

The day is a gut-wrenching one, and yet one profoundly important in the life of a country. It is a day when we let the pain in, when we listen to and internalize the myriad stories, when we understand that their fight is also our fight.

Black and white image of the courtroom during the Eichmann trial

Jewish History

The Eichmann Trial 60 Years Later: What Have We Learned?

Rabbi A. James Rudin

April 9, 2021

April 11, 2021, marks the 60th anniversary of the opening of Adolf Eichmann’s trial, which coincided with the young Jewish state’s bat/bar mitzvah year of independence. These two events represent a microcosm of modern Jewish history.

Knesset building against a blue sky with statue of a menorah out front

Israeli History

The Israeli Government: Who Aren’t You Sitting With?

Rabbi Josh Weinberg

March 18, 2021

With just a few days left until Israel’s fourth general election in two years, we might ask: Is there a clever coalition calculus that will allow for regime change? Is there a way to avoid sinking into a repetitive Groundhog Day-esque cycle of do-over elections?