By Pam Ferris-Olson, Special To The Observer New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen hadn’t planned to write a book about the Holocaust. But one night in Venice, Italy, she had a nightmare. In it, she played her violin with the unsettling consequence of transforming a baby into a glowing-eyed monster.

By Rabbi Nochum Mangel Director, Chabad of Greater Dayton As many in the media have noted, the bruising fight over the Iran deal revealed a deep split among American Jews. For many decades, the overwhelming majority of American Jews were united in their support of Israel, no matter what their politics.

Jew in the Christian world Family Education with Candace R. Kwiatek, The Observer “Toe bone connected to the foot bone, foot bone connected to the heel bone…” Inspired by the prophet Ezekiel’s visit to the Valley of Dry Bones (Ezek. 37), the lyrics of this spiritual offer a lively invitation

With Rachel Haug Gilbert, The Dayton Jewish Observer Lazer Mangel, who made aliyah (immigrated to Israel) in February 2013, serves as a digital media manager on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) International New Media Team. The unit has two primary responsibilities: in wartime, to be a constant source of official

Look for The Adventures of Bark Mitzvah Boy each month in The Dayton Jewish Observer and at this site.   To read the complete November 2015 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.

The Jewish Internet with Mark Mietkiewicz, Special To The Observer Last month, we looked at how modern ethical business questions can be solved using traditional Jewish principles. Now it’s your turn to be the judge. Questions 1. A friend invited you as his guest to a fund-raising dinner. A year

Leshon Ima – Mother Tongue, with Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin, Special To The Observer Thanksgiving is on the way, so let’s talk turkey, but in Hebrew. The Hebrew name for the American turkey is tarnegol hodu, literally rooster of India. Why, in Hebrew, is an indigenous American bird connected with

Helen Abramovitz, age 88 of Dayton, passed away Oct. 20 at Cypress Pointe. Mrs. Abramovitz was retired from Good Samaritan Hospital as a counselor, a member of Beth Abraham Synagogue, a board member of Jewish Family Services, a member of the Citizen Review Board for Montgomery County Juvenile Court, a

Dispatch sports writer and Dayton native will talk about The Chase, Nov. 5 By Marc Katz, Special To The Observer Woody Hayes wrote a book more than 40 years ago called You Win With People. The school he’s most famous for coaching, Ohio State, still does that, as Columbus Dispatch

By Scott Halasz Special To The Observer They often crossed paths at social and religious functions around town. But now my Dad, Jerry, and Debbie DiSalvo will be forever entwined thanks to her selfless act. On July 27, Debbie donated a kidney to my 73-year-old father. At the University of