By Rabbi Bernard Barsky, Beth Abraham Synagogue, Special To The Dayton Jewish Observer Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, which is to be performed at Wright State University this month, has always carried the stigma of antisemitism. Its portrayal of the vengeful and avaricious Jewish moneylender Shylock belongs at first glance

By Marshall Weiss, The Dayton Jewish Observer There was hardly a place to stand when the funeral service for Ilya Golub began on Dec. 25 in the chapel at Beth Jacob Cemetery. Members of the Russian-Jewish community, friends, business associates and neighbors came to remember the hard working, gregarious Golub,

Jewish Family Identity Forum Rituals in Jewish life series By Candace R. Kwiatek, The Dayton Jewish Observer As I awaited the birth of my first grandchild with joyous anticipation, I came across an intriguing question posed by Esther Jungreis in her book The Committed Life: “We plan all the details

With Charlotte Golden, The Dayton Jewish Observer Stephanie Jarvis, daughter of Ted and Linda Jarvis, has been named general counsel for the Fiesta Bowl. David Katz, son of Allan and Linda Katz, has been promoted to assistant director of the Hillel Jewish University Center of Pittsburgh, which serves the University

By Masada Siegel, Special To The Dayton Jewish Observer Dating is a lot like hiking; there are highs, lows, beauty and snakes to behold. The weather can change in an instant, you can get stuck in a downpour or get a sunburn. Basically, it’s unpredictable. Wouldn’t it be nice to

Ilya Golub, age 53 of Englewood, passed away suddenly Dec. 22. Mr. Golub was the manager of the Cash to Go Pawn Shop on Salem Avenue. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sarina; parents, Shmil and Lyubov of Brooklyn, N.Y.; he was a loving father to his daughter and

By Masada Siegel, Special To The Dayton Jewish Observer American Jews and Guns: An ambivalent relationship Dayton gun enthusiast Ryan Levin believes every responsible Jewish adult should know how to use weapons for self-protection and self-preservation. “We say ‘never again’ and think of the Holocaust as ancient history, but it

First in a series on rituals in Jewish life The Jewish Family Identity Forum By Candace R. Kwiatek, The Dayton Jewish Observer When I visit my father’s house, I have oatmeal for breakfast, just as he has done for years. On vacation in Florida, the first thing my husband and

With Charlotte Jacobson Mazel tov! Beth Abraham Synagogue has announced the recipients of its third Women of Valor Awards, for their commitment and dedication to the Jewish community and the greater Miami Valley. This year’s honorees are Judy Abromowitz, Linda Blum, Debby Goldenberg, Joan Knoll, Karen Levin, Ruth Meadow, and

The Jewish Internet By Mark Mietkiewicz To Butter a bagel You need to finagle/Just to inveigle The slithering spread/To the edge of the bread (http://bit.ly/bagels01). That’s Alma Denny waxing poetic about the food that has conquered bakeries, supermarkets and wastelines everywhere. More than just a piece of dough that’s boiled