Cardinal Cupich and American Jewish Committee Come Together to Battle Anti-Semitism

Last updated on: August 23, 2023 at 7:59 am By Susan P Lax

A Catholic Cardinal’s meeting with AJC (American Jewish Committee) stood as a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle of anti-Semitism and Holocaust Denial. In our era, interfaith connections are greatly needed. The core belief in equality for the entirety of humanity is a value that must be nourished by all faiths. This sentiment resonated greatly at the recent Conference of World Religions. A Catholic Cardinal’s meeting with AJC (American Jewish Committee) stood as a beacon of hope, in the... Read more

Humanitarian Organizations Are a Part of Israeli and Jewish Culture.

Last updated on: October 10, 2023 at 12:10 am By Susan P Lax

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A Core teaching in Judaism, the commandment to love and help the stranger. Jews have had to take care of themselves for centuries. All Jews are responsible for each other. Kol Israel aravim zeh lzeh. Jews around the world have heard and internalized this saying. An oppressed minority, Jews learned early on to form their own humanitarian organizations. However, I have used a different core teaching in Judaism to lead my way. The commandment to love and help the stranger... Read more

Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has Succeeded in Disrupting the Flow of Unity

Last updated on: August 9, 2023 at 12:17 pm By Susan P Lax

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Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has succeeded in disrupting the flow of unity even within myself. Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has succeeded in disrupting the flow of unity even within myself. I am heading back to NYC after 3 and a half weeks of being in Tel-Aviv. Ranked one of the happiest cities in the world. I am used to switching gears from my Israeli mode to my NY one. Both, live contently in my heart. Because I spend time... Read more

Israel’s Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu Just Initiated The Biggest War on Israel Since 1948

Last updated on: July 25, 2023 at 3:12 pm By Susan P Lax

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Israel’s Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu petrified of going to jail for crimes he committed, initiated the biggest war on Israel since 1948. Yesterday was a very dark moment for the state of Israel. I knew for weeks, or perhaps as long as I had been demonstrating in the name of democracy(29 weeks straight) in New York and Tel-Aviv it would most probably happen. But the pain, rage and oceans of tears still felt like a strong punch in the stomach,... Read more

Israelis in the Thousands Took to the Streets

Last updated on: July 13, 2023 at 10:46 pm By Susan P Lax

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The pictures I was witnessing was not my Israel, it was not the country so many have given the utmost sacrifice for. The first steps to converting Israel from a Jewish democratic state to a dictatorship passed in the Knesset on Monday night. The following day, tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets. At the airport and corners of every kind to let their voices of disapproval be heard. I knew my fellow Israelis would not stay quiet,... Read more

As the Winds of War and Terror Fill the Streets of Israel and the West Bank

Last updated on: July 5, 2023 at 11:45 am By Susan P Lax

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How could I write about peace and love, as the winds of war and terror fill the streets of Israel and the west bank? I began to write this column a few days ago. With excitement to share with you how peace has connected me to my heritage’s blessings and prayers. There was going to be praise Shir Lashalom, “Song for Peace”, one of the most known Israeli songs for peace. One I have sung since I was a young... Read more

Why Do I Light Shabbat Candles

Last updated on: June 22, 2023 at 10:17 am By Susan P Lax

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Why do I light Shabbat candles every Friday night? I have always found a candle to be quite spiritual, or even magical. In Judaism, almost every holiday begins the night before with the lighting of a candle. On each holiday eve, and on Chanukah for eight nights, there is an opportunity to experience the preciousness of a newly lit flame. But my favorite candle lighting is the one I do every Friday night, Shabbat candles. I didn’t grow up in... Read more

What Can Grief and Loss Teach Us?

Last updated on: May 31, 2023 at 9:29 am By Susan P Lax

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How does one find a new way of being after a loved one has died? Grief and loss are part of the human condition. Both will eventually be a chapter in the storybook of our lives. Most of us will grieve for someone we loved; we will experience the heartache of loss. The progression of age prepares us that our time here in this world is not infinite. It is expected that one life just as it is brought... Read more

The Danger of Bibi Netanyahu and Sounds of Warning Sirens

Last updated on: May 13, 2023 at 10:50 am By Susan P Lax

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Chilling sounds of warning sirens. I wake up at 6:00 A.M., I turn on Israeli news before I get my feet on the ground. I put my eyes and ears on full alert, did a siren go off and where? I can hear the reporters try and talk over the loud and chilling sounds of warning sirens. I jump out of bed and immediately begin texting my family members and friends. A routine that my heart has not adapted to.... Read more

Why Do We Need Jewish Heritage Month

Last updated on: May 12, 2023 at 7:16 pm By Susan P Lax

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This May is Jewish Heritage Month, it is my personal heritage, one I continue to learn about Heritage is a word that invites curiosity within me. I enjoy following the roads of different cultures to learn about the various wonders of people. I am fascinated by the treasures found in heritage. It seems to me that they can be a good source of keeping people connected. Sometimes, the wisdom heritage offers can be a valuable factor in unity. We... Read more

Which Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the Son of God?