With Rachel Haug Gilbert, The Dayton Jewish Observer Beth Abraham Synagogue Sisterhood has announced the recipients of its 2016 Women of Valor Awards: Marcia Kress, Beverly Louis, Joan Marcus, Myrna Nelson, Jane Novick, Wendi Pavlofsky, and Hyla Weiskind. The women will be honored for their achievements in the Jewish and

The Jewish Internet with Mark Mietkiewicz, Special To The Dayton Jewish Observer The image is too familiar. A stabbing in Jerusalem. A shooting in Beersheba. A rocket exploding in Sderot. Within moments, Israeli emergency workers appear on the scene, willing to risk their lives to save the wounded, comfort those

Jew in the Christian World Jewish Family Education Series By Candace R. Kwiatek, The Dayton Jewish Observer Mention to a Jewish audience that 56 percent of Israel’s tourists in 2015 were Christian and you’ll see an untroubled yawn. Note that the Jewish state owes its renaissance in part to evangelical

Leshon Ima – Mother Tongue with Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin, Special To The Dayton Jewish Observer I don’t have to tell you that winter is here. The birds migrate south and even some people follow their path as they endeavor to escape the cold, harsh northern season. The Hebrew word

By Jennifer Richler I can tell that some friends and relatives think my decision to move my family to Israel for a year is, well, questionable. “So you’re really gonna do this?” one friend asked recently over coffee, eyes widening. My father suggested over the phone that we might consider

Look for The Adventures of Bark Mitzvah Boy each month in The Observer and at this site.     To read the complete January 2016 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.

By Diana Burmistrovich, JNS.org A basic way to celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, is to grow a plant or eat some fruit. But those seeking a deeper experience with the holiday may choose to take part in a Tu B’Shevat seder — not to be confused with

Darcy J. Alter (nee Zelman) of Beachwood, Ohio passed away on Nov. 30. She was 54. Mrs. Alter bravely and courageously battled cancer for 10 years and due to her spirit and joy and the way she lived her life, no one thought that the disease would claim her life.

Love of Jewish music brings singers from local synagogues together Photos & Story By Marshall Weiss, The Dayton Jewish Observer The Sabbath when Jews read the Torah portion Beshalach is designated as Shabbat Shirah, the Sabbath of Song. In this Torah portion (Ex. 13:17-17:16), the Reed Sea has just closed

By Shannon Sarna, JTA I first tasted latkes for brunch at a trendy eatery on the Lower East Side about six years ago. Since then, I’ve seen them across the country on brunch menus everywhere from diners to Michelin Star restaurants. Latkes — or potato pancakes, as they’re known to