When is a joke not a joke?

I have just returned from New York. It was quite a trip. I managed to "medicate" Mr O to the point where he could shop for seven straight hours without moaning. At least not out loud. Mind you, he didn't have much to moan about. This trip was all about Art and Jews.

More..

A poignant musical emigration

The news this week that Valery Gergiev, arguably the most powerful conductor in the classical-music world, is to leave the London Symphony Orchestra, has sent shock-waves through the British capital's chattering classes.

More..

How to learn the dance-steps to peace

As I am no celebrity, let me give some background on myself.

Born during the Second World War, I grew up in a working-class, strongly traditional Anglo-Jewish family, who were delighted when the state of Israel came into being in 1948.

More..

It’s vital that the community throws off this rigid, single-issue harness

The recent debate surrounding our community's engagement with those who criticise Israel failed to address whether our community's support of Israel must be the single issue that dictates our approach in other areas of Jewish life.

More..

Remember: HMD is more than a day

This coming Sunday is Holocaust Memorial Day. We in the Jewish community know the details of the Holocaust all too well, and dedicate a day in our calendar to mourn the loss of six million lives, and the damage and destruction to millions more: Yom HaShoah.

More..

Newcomers who built Britain’s future

Not long ago I was talking to a social worker from Manchester. She was complaining that in her city there were families with three generations who were unemployed; grandfather, father and son. I said that wasn’t really a problem; the youngster should go where there was work and when he’d made enough money, send back for his father and grandfather.

More..

Israel’s other refugee question

Last year Israeli politician Orit Zuaretz declared that in Israel “the phenomenon of the sex trade as we knew it is practically eliminated”. Her statement is reflective of a positive shift in Israeli government policy since 2006 in regards to the issue of sex trafficking.

More..

Spies and silence: When politics is put before justice

With the huge success of the latest Bond film, Skyfall, and celebrations last year of the 50th anniversary of Ian Fleming’s blockbuster creation, fascination with all things relating to spies is trendy again. Of course, to get nearer to the truth of the gritty underworld that protects our shores we would do better to pick up a John le Carré novel.

More..

A study in family and freedom

He died aged 93. A big, handsome, positive-minded man, his last years brought ill health. His memory failed and speaking became difficult. But on Friday night just before his death, there was one thing that animated him — kiddush. He joined in and was word-perfect. Last Pesach, when he hardly had the ability to ask, let alone understand the answer, he still knew Ma nishtana.

More..