Look for The Adventures of Bark Mitzvah Boy each month in The Dayton Jewish Observer and at this site.     To read the complete 2018 September Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.

Gloria H. Brackman, age 84 of Dayton, passed away July 28. Mrs. Brackman worked for many years at Fashion Bug, where she not only sold clothing, but also expressed empathy and good will. She often wrote poetry for her customers to include with their purchase. She made people feel important

By Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz, Temple Israel Having served as Temple Israel’s director of education for many years, I have had several conversations with parents about their children’s Jewish education. One topic stands out to me, especially at this time of year when school returns to session: holding funerals on Sunday

Jessica Michna will present her one-woman show, Golda Meir: The Journey, on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 22 at the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education, presented by Hadassah, the JCC, and JFS Active Adults. The event, in honor of Israel’s 70th birthday, begins at 6:30 p.m. with an

When Sofer (Jewish ritual scribe) Rabbi Yochanan Salazar visits Beth Abraham Synagogue to evaluate its Torah scrolls and make necessary repairs for several days, the community will be able to watch him at work during his presentation, The Art of the Jewish Scribe: A Window Into the Sofer’s World, on

By Chaya Rappoport, thenosher.com Harissa is a spicy, rich-flavored North African chili paste traditionally made with roasted red pepper, chiles, garlic, and a mixture of spices. This amped-up Niçoise salad is bright and punchy.   Notes 1. You can simplify this recipe; buy ready-made harissa. 2. Don’t stress about making

With Rachel Haug Gilbert, The Dayton Jewish Observer Nikki Lapine graduated cum laude from South Texas College of Law — Houston. She is a graduate of Northmont High School and a former member of Temple Israel in Dayton. During law school, Nikki was the president of the Jewish Studies Association,

The Bible: Wisdom Literature Series Jewish Family Education with Candace R. Kwiatek, The Dayton Jewish Observer In early June, like millions of Americans across the political spectrum, I was stunned to read a public farewell letter by Charles Krauthammer just two weeks before his death. A familiar face in broadcast

By Jordana Horn, Kveller.com My son’s Bar Mitzvah happened about two months ago. Obviously, being the proud Jewish mama that I am, I have to say the kid nailed it. But I am not here to write The Ultimate Kvell. Rather, I’d like to share with you the lessons I

By Josefin Dolsten, JTA When Esther Thorpe came out as non-binary a year ago, identifying neither as male nor female, Miriam Taylor Thorpe was worried. Esther’s mother already had a child come out as gay and feared that Esther, 14, would have trouble finding a Jewish community that would be