Jewish Action
Shul: The Heart of the Community
18 Aug 2021
Synagogues in North America, particularly in non-Orthodox movements, have been facing challenges in keeping congregants engaged and financially supporting th...
18 Aug 2021
Jewish Action
Stacey Goldman
18 Aug 2021
Stacey Goldman, a Jewish educator and philanthropist, has been inspired to bring her teaching online and reach a wider audience after recording her first shi...
18 Aug 2021
Jewish Action
Inside Philanthropy – Fall 2021
18 Aug 2021
This article highlights various philanthropic events and achievements within the Jewish community. These events include the IVDU Dream Triathlon, which raise...
18 Aug 2021
Jewish Action
Keeping It Kosher in the Age of Corona
9 Jun 2021
This article discusses how OU Kosher, the largest kosher certification agency in the world, had to adapt its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensur...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
Putting Hand Sanitizer Within Reach
9 Jun 2021
During the height of the pandemic, a distillery in Chicago began producing hand sanitizer for first responders who were having trouble accessing it. When the...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
Quarantining in a Crunch
9 Jun 2021
When the Covid-19 pandemic began last year, the Orthodox Union (OU) faced a challenge in supervising a cheese plant in the Midwest. They needed kosher superv...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
Stuck in Samoa
9 Jun 2021
Rabbi Reuven Nathanson, director of OU Kosher's West Coast Kashruth Division, experienced challenges during the Covid pandemic while visiting American Samoa ...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
Mashgiach on the Go
9 Jun 2021
Rabbi Yisroel Hollander, a senior rabbinical representative of Europe for the OU Kosher organization, has a demanding job that requires him to travel extensi...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
Of Faith and Crisis
9 Jun 2021
Faith is a central aspect of Judaism, but it is often taken for granted and not extensively studied or articulated. Tragic events can force us to question ou...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
The Making of a Mechitzah
9 Jun 2021
Aviva Oppenheim, an engineer and construction manager, shares her experience leading the mechitzah replacement project at Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fair ...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
Finding Satiety During Sadness
9 Jun 2021
During the Nine Days, when we mourn the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) leading up to Tishah B'Av, refraining from eating meat serves as a re...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
Reviews in Brief – Summer 2021
9 Jun 2021
Rabbi Mordechai Kuber has written a comprehensive three-volume guide called "Crossing the Dateline" to help observant Jews navigate the halachic dateline whe...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
A Summer of Change
9 Jun 2021
The article discusses the transformative power of Jewish summer camps in shaping the Jewish identity of young campers. The author shares their experience vis...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
Letters – Summer 21
9 Jun 2021
In the "Letters" section of the Summer 21 issue, multiple readers express their thoughts on various topics. One reader agrees with Mark Bane's article on the...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
The Increasing, Yet Elusive, Need for Pan-Orthodox Leadership
9 Jun 2021
The Orthodox Jewish community in America is diverse and segmented, with each faction having its own leaders and guidance tailored to their specific needs. Ho...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
What Does God Want From Us?
9 Jun 2021
In this article, the author encourages readers to reflect on what God may want from us during these unprecedented times of the pandemic. They emphasize the i...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
Novelty vs. Renewal
9 Jun 2021
In this article, Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph discusses the tension between the desire for novelty and the commitment to tradition in Orthodox Judaism. He distingui...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
Sora and Jerry Wolasky
9 Jun 2021
Sora and Jerry Wolasky have been deeply involved in the NCSY (National Conference of Synagogue Youth) for decades, starting as young volunteers in Norfolk, V...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
Inside Philanthropy – Summer 2021
9 Jun 2021
The OU Impact Accelerator recently held a Demo Day to celebrate the success of its second cohort, which includes Ani Tefillah/The Voice of Jewish Education, ...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
On Seeing the Display of Victims’ Suitcases at the Auschwitz Museum
9 Jun 2021
This piece is a contemplation on the significance of a name, specifically in the context of the Holocaust. The author reflects on the personal and cultural a...
9 Jun 2021
Jewish Action
Focus on Mental Health
12 Apr 2021
This collection of articles from Jewish Action focuses on mental health and wellness. Topics covered include the impact of technology on social-emotional dev...
12 Apr 2021
Jewish Action
Your Favorite Pesach Recipes!
15 Mar 2021
This text provides three Pesach recipes shared by Joyce Rifkind from Toronto, Canada. The first recipe is for a Chocolate Mousse Torte, which includes instru...
15 Mar 2021
Jewish Action
Send Us Your Favorite Pesach Recipe!
22 Feb 2021
The article encourages readers to share their favorite Pesach recipes with the community. It highlights the significance of nostalgic recipes that bring back...
22 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
In Memory of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
18 Feb 2021
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, who passed away in November 2020, was known for his contributions to various contemporary issues such as Jewish identity, anti-Semitism...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
Never Was a Failure More Prophetic
18 Feb 2021
Rabbi Hillel Goldberg reflects on a decision he made thirty years ago to decline an opportunity to work with Rabbi Jonathan Sacks in London. He felt that his...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
Rabbi Sacks on Contemporary Issues
18 Feb 2021
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks emphasized the dangers of victimhood and the importance of personal responsibility and relationships in his reflections on the future of...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
“Elaine and I”
18 Feb 2021
Rabbi Gideon Black reflects on his experience working with Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and emphasizes the important role played by Lady Elaine Sacks in support...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
The Words of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks from Those He Inspired
18 Feb 2021
This text is a compilation of quotes from various individuals paying tribute to Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, highlighting the influence and impact of his writings. ...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
Giving in Halachah: What Are Priorities in Tzedakah?
18 Feb 2021
In the discussion of tzedakah (charitable giving) in Jewish law, there are principles of prioritization to guide donors in making decisions. While there is s...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
Are We Teaching Our Children to Be Givers?
18 Feb 2021
The question of whether we are successfully raising a generation of children to be givers is being discussed among parents and educators in the Orthodox worl...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
Memories of a Covid Seder
18 Feb 2021
Last year, many people had to celebrate Pesach (Passover) in a different way due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rabbi Benzion Klatzko and his family had a smaller...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
A Scalable Seder
18 Feb 2021
As the author reflects on past Seders, they raise questions about what this year's Pesach will look like. They then provide recipes for a scaled-down Seder, ...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
What’s the Truth About…the Jews in Egypt Keeping Their Jewish Names, Language and Dress?
18 Feb 2021
The idea that the Jews in Egypt were redeemed due to their preservation of their names, language, and mode of dress is a misconception. While these factors c...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
Letters – Spring 2021
18 Feb 2021
In a series of letters to the editor, different perspectives on various topics are shared. One writer discusses the reasons why some youth and adults leave t...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
Time to Grow Up
18 Feb 2021
The author reflects on their youthful religious experiences in yeshiva and the misconception that those years are the pinnacle of religious growth. They comp...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
A Recipe for Continuity
18 Feb 2021
The key to enhancing Jewish continuity lies in modeling a robust religious life and building warm and trusting relationships. A robust religious life should ...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
If You Want to Build a Team, Create a Team That Builds
18 Feb 2021
In this article, Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph reflects on the importance of team building and collaboration within the Jewish community. He emphasizes the idea that...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
Multi-Million Dollar Grant Enables NCSY to Bring Thousands of Teens to Israel
18 Feb 2021
NCSY, a youth organization, will be able to bring thousands of teens to Israel this summer thanks to a generous multi-million dollar grant from The Marcus Fo...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
Eve Gordon-Ramek
18 Feb 2021
Eve Gordon-Ramek, a Jewish woman from California, grew up in an active Jewish household and was encouraged by her father to maintain Jewish traditions and no...
18 Feb 2021
Jewish Action
Memories of “Joe”
24 Nov 2020
Rabbi Joseph Karasick, former president of the Orthodox Union (OU), passed away at the age of ninety-eight. He was a mentor and leader who played a significa...
24 Nov 2020
Jewish Action
OU—and NCSY—Royalty
24 Nov 2020
Rabbi Joseph Karasick, a prominent figure in American Orthodoxy, recently passed away. He was known for his extensive communal service and leadership positio...
24 Nov 2020
Jewish Action
Rabbi K: Mentor and Friend
24 Nov 2020
Rabbi Joseph Karasick, a prominent figure in the Orthodox Union (OU), recently passed away, leaving a void in the organization. The author, Stephen Savitsky,...
24 Nov 2020
Jewish Action
Studying the Singles and Shidduchim
24 Nov 2020
The OU's Center for Communal Research (CCR) launched The Shidduch Crises research project to address questions about the shidduch crisis, such as its origins...
24 Nov 2020
Jewish Action
The Age of Anxiety
24 Nov 2020
The text discusses the rise of anxiety and stress among children even before the COVID-19 pandemic and explores what schools are doing to address these menta...
24 Nov 2020
Jewish Action
Are We Coddling Too Much?
24 Nov 2020
Modern parents have become overly protective, resulting in children who are less able to cope with life's stresses. Safety regulations have made it the safes...
24 Nov 2020
Jewish Action
Parenting the Anxious Child
24 Nov 2020
Anxiety is increasingly prevalent among children, with many Orthodox Jewish families seeking professional help. The article highlights the importance of pare...
24 Nov 2020
Jewish Action
Perspectives on Anxiety
24 Nov 2020
This text discusses different perspectives on anxiety. It highlights the importance of recognizing when anxiety becomes severe and seeking professional help....
24 Nov 2020
Jewish Action
Perspectives on Tefillah
24 Nov 2020
The two perspectives on tefillah discussed in these articles focus on the importance of connection and personal growth in prayer. According to Rabbi Yaakov T...
24 Nov 2020
Jewish Action
My Ideal Shul
24 Nov 2020
The author reflects on their ideal synagogue, which is characterized by solitude and minimal distractions. They describe a cubicle-based design, inspired by ...
24 Nov 2020
Jewish Action
The Power of Tefillah
24 Nov 2020
The author reflects on their personal experience with the power of prayer (tefillah) during a serious illness. Despite dire medical prognoses, the author's r...
24 Nov 2020