By Rabbi Samuel B. Press, Rabbi Emeritus, Beth Abraham Synagogue As we approach the observance and celebration of Purim, I choose to share selected thoughts on the holiday, ideas which may serve as a catalyst for our own reflections. The lodestone which initiates my observations are the beautiful words of

Film Review by Michael Fox, Special To The Observer It was a volatile, uncertain and anxious world in which Ruth Gruber came of age in the late 1920s and early ‘30s. But it was also surprisingly open to exploration for a woman with uncommon brains, drive, daring and backbone. Dreaming

Film Review by Michael Fox, Special To The Dayton Jewish Observer Even by the high standards set by Israeli films in the last few years, Ajami is a knockout. A crackling urban drama shot with unblinking realism and steeped in astringent Middle East irony, Ajami sinks its hooks in the

By Eileen Goltz, Special To The Dayton Jewish Observer It doesn’t matter if you fashion your favorite dough into Purim villain Haman’s hat, pockets, or ears; these recipes will ensure that your Purim is festive, fun and delicious. And here’s a general tip: To fold into the shape of a

For the 14th year, The Feinstein Foundation of Cranston, R.I. will divide $1 million among anti-hunger agencies nationwide to spur food donations during March and April. The Jewish Federation Food Pantry, through its Hametz for the Hungry campaign, will take part in this challenge for the second time. Funding from

Retirement of Helen Thomas award brings wave of hate to SPJ national president By Marshall Weiss, The Dayton Jewish Observer Hagit Limor, an investigative reporter for Cincinnati’s WCPO-TV, says she knew she’d learn a lot during her year as national president of the Society of Professional Journalists. “But I never

By Martha Moody Jacobs Special To The Dayton Jewish Observer Ten years ago, the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin brought Dayton Peace Accords figures to Temple Israel On Sunday, Nov. 5, 1995, the Dayton Jewish community played an unexpected role in the struggle for world peace. At that time, Dayton and Wright-Patterson

                By Marshall Weiss, The Dayton Jewish Observer Master fund raiser and community builder Robert Fitterman, who served as executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton from 1948 to 1978, died on May 22. He was 95. His 30-year tenure with

            By Marshall Weiss, The Dayton Jewish Observer Last year, most historical materials of the Jewish Federation were randomly piled up in the basement of Covenant House in Trotwood or stuffed in a storage closet at the Federation’s downtown office at 33 W. First St.

              If you’re enjoying the Ten Decades of Tzedakah page in The Observer during Federation’s centennial year, you’re benefiting from the Federation Archives and the valuable information it contains about the history of our Federation. Thanks to the generosity of the Clarence and Judith