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

Jewish Family Education Jew in the Christian world by Candace R. Kwiatek, The Dayton Jewish Observer Especially popular during the Christmas season, Handel’s Messiah celebrates the mystery of Jesus, the messiah or redeemer in Christian tradition. The oratorio’s scriptural text traces Christian thought about God’s promises of redemption from the

Leshon Ima – Mother Tongue with Dr. Rachel Zohar Dulin, Special To The Dayton Jewish Observer Chanukah, the holiday of lights, is at our door. The candles we light during this lovely holiday stand as a yearly reminder of the Jewish struggle against tyranny and religious oppression. Chanukah is a

The Jewish Internet with Mark Mietkiewicz, Special To The Dayton Jewish Observer Far be it from me to question the resilience and immortal appeal of tunes like Oh, Chanukah! Oh, Chanukah! and Sevivon. But if Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel is boring a hole in your head, there are some lovely recent

With Rachel Haug Gilbert, The Dayton Jewish Observer The Dayton Chapter of the Federal Bar Association will honor U.S. District Court Judge Walter H. Rice for his more than 45 years of service to the judiciary and the Dayton community, with a dinner on Dec. 1 at the Dayton Art