As the crisp autumn air settles in and the days grow shorter, seasonal transitions invite us to slow down, nourish our bodies, and embrace hands-on learning. This November, Milk and Honey Farm is hosting a series of heart-centered workshops designed to help you build seasonal resilience and master the art of natural, farm-crafted goods.

Whether you are looking to bolster your immune system or learn the traditional art of cold-process soap making, these upcoming workshops offer the perfect blend of community, skill-building, and holistic wellness.

Elderberry Syrup & Immune Support Workshop

Sunday, November 1 | 10 am – 12 pm

Kick off the winter wellness season with a practical, hands-on workshop focused on seasonal health. Mitten Lowe and Farmer Becca will guide participants through crafting homemade elderberry syrup, a time-tested remedy for immune support. Along with making a jar of syrup to take home, you’ll explore a variety of immune-boosting herbs and discover holistic strategies to keep your body balanced and vibrant through the colder months.

Soap Making 101

Sunday, November 8 | 10 am – 12 pm

Step into the rewarding craft of traditional cold-process soap making! In this beginner-friendly session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of crafting gentle, nourishing soap from scratch. Participants will take home the coveted recipe for Milk and Honey Farm’s signature moisturizing soap—formulated with rich goat milk, natural beeswax, and dried herbs harvested right from the farm.

Soap Making 201

Tuesday, November 17 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Looking to master the basics of 101? This intermediate evening workshop takes your soap crafting to the next level. Build on core techniques as you explore how to naturally color soap with clays, botanicals, and minerals, plus creative design and swirling techniques to make beautiful, gift-ready bars.

Spaces for hands-on farm workshops are limited. Be sure to reserve your spot early to secure your seat!

Join J Street on November 12th for our annual end of year event, for the largest gathering of the J Street Colorado Community.

Join us for J Street Colorado’s Annual Event, featuring a deeply informed and nuanced conversation between J Street Senior Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Ilan Goldenberg, former United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, and career Senior Foreign Service officer and former senior advisor to the Department of Defense Jennifer Gavito.

Comprised of three of the most informed voices on the future of Israel, Palestine, and U.S. foreign policy, our panel will offer a timely and incisive analysis of the wars that have reshaped the Middle East, a respectful and perceptive appraisal of the defining challenges posed by the Trump administration, and how the results of the 2026 midterm elections and Israeli elections will impact the region and for American policy. Looking ahead, they will explore how policymakers can navigate these challenges, and how we can work to push the pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy movement forward.

The evening will be a powerful forum for the honest, urgent conversations our moment demands. Join us and be part of the conversation that’s shaping our future by supporting J Street’s important work.

All proceeds benefit the J Street Education Fund.

*The J Street Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization. The total cost of goods and services for each ticket is $75. Tickets may not be purchased using donor-advised fund (DAF) grants, as IRS regulations prohibit DAF distributions where the donor receives goods or services in return. DAF supporters who wish to contribute are welcome to purchase a ticket using personal funds or make a general donation instead.

While many of the Boulder Jewish Film Festival screenings are sold out, tickets are still available for some of our most intriguing titles.

The most talked about Israeli film of the year is “The Sea,” winner of the Israeli Oscar and the subject of fierce debate. Don’t miss this heartfelt yet provocative drama about a Palestinian boy who impetuously sets off on a perilous journey to see the Mediterranean. Tickets are available for the screening at noon on Wednesday, October 28.

The most popular film of the Jewish film festival circuit, “Once Upon My Mother” won more audience awards than any other title. Don’t miss this heartwarming, high-spirited French drama about a mother’s love for her disabled child. Tickets are still available for the screening at noon on Thursday, October 29.

One of the most original films being shown this year, “A Burning Man” taps into the universal experience of parenthood. This quirky Israeli drama focuses tightly on a father seized by anxiety after his son returns to active duty in the IDF. Tickets are still available for the screening at noon on Friday October 30, followed by a panel of local parents with children serving in the IDF.

Tickets are also available for two of our profiles of inspiring female figures. “Tovah” introduces viewers to a remarkable actress and Jewish icon, currently starring in “Nobody Wants This.” “Labors of Love: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Szold” pays tribute to a woman whose tireless humanitarian efforts shaped the world we live in.

A few tickets remain for “Rosenthal,” a German drama based on the true story of a celebrity torn between his professional duties and the demands of his Jewish identity. CU Professor Thomas Pegelow Kaplan joins us for the talkback.

We hope you will join us for our eight-day celebration of world cinema exploring the Jewish experience.

Shabbatukah is a CU Boulder Hillel tradition that began just after October 7, 2023, as a way for our broader community to show our Jewish Buffs that they are not alone. This year, Shabbatukah is on Friday, December 4th.

Each year our local community members volunteer their time, and provide funds to support this Hanukkah-themed Shabbat celebration for our students, bringing the joy of the holiday to our Hillel House. This event is a true community effort, and we need both volunteers and sponsors to help make it possible. 

There are two ways to get involved:

Volunteers and sponsors are warmly invited to share in the Shabbatukah festivities with our students! We will have Camp Style Shabbat Services from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM, and a Dinner and Shabbatukah Celebration from 6:00-7:30 PM.

Whether you lend a hand, make a gift, or both, your support means the world to our students. Thank you for showing up for our CU Boulder Hillel community!

AHAV is one of those words whose meaning is often contrary to popular belief. Modern overtones are ideas like: ‘What makes ME happy or feel good? What can someone do for ME that fills up my emotional tank?‘ That, people say, is a definition of love.

However, if we look carefully at the contexts of Jewish prayers and Torah verses, a very different picture emerges. In a verse that is famous both in Torah and the siddur we find: ‘V’AHAVTA,’ the verse that begins, ‘You shall love G-d your Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.’ The sages pour multi-layers of meanings into this verse, but the bottom line is not about what you take, but rather what you GIVE. And GIVING is actually the more accurate meaning of the root of the word HAV. When both the siddur and the Torah speak about G-d loving his people, the obvious intent expresses what G-d does FOR us rather than what G-d gets from us.

Another well-known blessing that conveys the meaning of this root is in the Priestly blessing – the only one that actually commands the Kohen – the priest, to bless His people Israel B’AHAVA – with love! As a descendant of Aaron, the first High Priest and the one who modelled the teaching in Ethics of the Fathers, ‘Love peace, pursue peace, love creatures, and bring them close to Torah.’ Therefore, as a channel for Divine love to the people, the Kohen needs to be aligned with that fountain of love pouring from G-d into the nation. A query was posited to the Hassidic masters, ‘If one had to choose between loving G-d or loving one’s fellow, which should he or she choose?’ One answer given is: ‘Choose loving your fellow (a more accurate translation of the word ‘REI-ECHA’) because if you love whom G-d loves, that is a manifestation of loving G-d.

Lest one thinks that the love is directed primarily to one’s family and friends, there is a Biblical precept to love, literally a stranger, and more directly a convert, who may be less familiar to you personally. In fact, this precept is repeated more often than any other interpersonal directive in the Torah!

Thus, even from a rational perspective, if you chew more on the idea that loving is expressed through giving rather than receiving, it actually becomes easier to fulfill because there are so many ways to  convey that love – through actions, through feelings, and even through thought. The mystics insist that thinking loving thoughts to another can actually be felt by them in ways which help them be more loving. On Shabbat, when we can be more thoughtful, it is a great time to ponder the nature of our love, and where it is coming from.

There is a story both humorous and serious about a doctor who came to visit a rather miserly man with heart problems. When the doctor kept taking the man’s pulse, the elderly man asked why he wasn’t checking his heart instead. The doctor replied, ‘You can sometimes tell the health of a person’s heart more clearly, by the way he holds out his hand!’ A most explicit manifestation of this definition of love is conveyed by the Arizal – Rabbi Isaac Luria, who suggested that people give some coins to charity in the morning before prayer, and recite the verse, ‘I hereby accept upon myself the precept of ‘LOVE YOUR FRIEND AS YOURSELF.’ What a great way to start your day and to bring an added manifestation of love from our divine parent!

Israel is a mess.

When the current Israeli government descends to a new low, it manages to find a deeper hole afterwards. The Likud Party’s policies have, to a large degree, isolated Israel on the world stage. Diaspora Jews suffer from a deluge of antisemitic assaults and rhetoric that worsens every day.

There is plenty of room for dispute over Israel’s attacks on Gaza, but the government’s conduct – indirect conduct, to be more specific – in the Judea/Samaria region (a.k.a. the West Bank) last weekend is inexcusable. On Friday, a 63-year-old Boston-born woman who is a The Washington Post photographer was severely beaten by settlers. The next day, settlers assaulted two Arabs in another village in front of diplomats visiting from France, Poland and Belgium.

“Harvesting olives, reporting the news or carrying out diplomatic duties should never put anyone at risk of attack,” said Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevo, as quoted in Sunday’s New York Times. “Impunity for violent settlers must end.”

Team Bibi has given Israeli settlers three years to feel emboldened enough to terrorize Arab villagers. The government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, nicknamed Bibi, is accused of stepping back as Israelis in Judea/Samaria have beaten Arabs, vandalized their homes and damaged their olive crops. Troops were accused of participating in these activities.

The Israeli human rights group Yesh Din said last Friday that it documented 82 violent episodes since late September, according to the Times. In front of the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu dismissed the perpetrators as 150 “juvenile delinquents,” as if they cannot do much damage. Is that the best explanation he can offer?

With a government that cannot or will not control its own “juvenile delinquents” this way, Israel and its backers have much to worry about. Israel is in deep trouble internally. This is how America treated Native Americans when we expanded into the west. Whether or not the Arabs in the territories are troublesome, this is a horrific way to treat them. It could provoke an uprising there and diaspora Jews will be put upon to answer for it.

We can hope that Tuesday’s parliamentary elections will spur necessary changes in Israeli government policies, but I wish I could be more optimistic. An Israeli friend who lives in my apartment building said the nation is half left and half right. I am not sure he is correct. If he counts Israeli Arabs, then maybe the nation is half left.

Judging by election results, Israel has clearly become far more conservative. Arab aggression since 2000 has hardened much of the population. Jews from the former Soviet Union are known to be more conservative than most Jews. The Orthodox population continues to grow substantially.

Meanwhile, many Israelis have moved to America and other countries. Israeli expats are estimated to exceed a half-million. A sign that most expats are more liberal than those who remain in Israel lies in the political dynamics in their new home areas. New York and California – the new homes of many expats – have become more liberal over the last quarter-century.

Unfortunately, Israeli expats cannot vote by absentee ballot. They must fly back to Israel to cast their votes. Only government employees who work abroad are allowed absentee ballots.

Opponents of Netanyahu’s party, Likud, could very well win, but the opposition is described as fragmented. Opponents of Netanyahu’s government could form a coalition government, but if that fails Israelis could be forced to return to the polls for another election.

Probably the most sensible arrangement would be creation of a coalition combining Netanyahu’s parties and the opposition parties, but even that prospect may already be doomed. Yashar Party leader Gadi Eisenkot told a radio station on Wednesday that he refuses to serve in a government that Netanyahu leads. He also does not want to collaborate with Arab Israeli parties.

“Absolutely not,” Eisenkot said, according to The Jerusalem Post. “I will not serve under Netanyahu, not even in a rotation agreement. If that happens, you’ll see it; I’ll resign an hour later.”

Polls show that 23 members of his party may win parliamentary positions, according to the Jerusalem Post. Yet it appears that Eisenkot will be unable to lead a majority coalition if he spurns both Likud and Arab parties.

The Times reports that masked assailants employed bats and sticks to beat not only Arab villagers on Friday but also Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine, 63, who was treated at Beilinson Hospital in Israel. She suffered a broken rib and lacerations on her legs, rear end and hip, as well as a serious cut on her left hand, her family told the Times.

On Saturday, masked Israelis attacked the Christian town of Taybeh north of Jerusalem. Mayor Suleiman Khourieh told the Times that they beat a teenager, pushed an older woman and broke the window of a Belgian diplomatic vehicle. They scuffled with the visiting mayor of a French town that is now a sister city of Taybeh, according to the Times.

“This violence shows nobody is protected – not Palestinians, not journalists and not diplomats,” Khourieh said.

How can we defend settler violence and the government’s apparent toleration of it? That’s not to mention a range of other abuses. Israel is headed for disaster if government policies do not change. 

On Saturday, October 17th, 2026 (6 Cheshvan, 5787), Claire Segall was called to the Torah as Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Bonai Shalom. Claire read from Parashat Noach.

Boulder Jewish News encourages Bar and Bat Mitzvah students to submit their d’var torah and information about their Mitzvah/Tikkun Olam projects.  For more information, please email editor@boulderjewishnews.org

On Saturday, October 17th, 2026 (6 Cheshvan, 5787), Kevin Henshaw, child of Danielle & Kevin Henshaw, was called to the Torah as Bet Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. Kevin read from Parashat Noach.

Boulder Jewish News encourages Bar and Bat Mitzvah students to submit their d’var torah and information about their Mitzvah/Tikkun Olam projects.  For more information, please email editor@boulderjewishnews.org.

Shabbat shalom. The 2026 Boulder Jewish Film Festival begins this Saturday night – don’t miss it!

We’re just about two weeks out from Election Day 2026, but of course, here in Colorado, mail ballots are already available to registered voters. Rachel Amaru worked with the Intermountain Jewish News to send out and report on a questionnaire to all the Boulder City Council and Mayoral candidates, and we have links to her stories now in the BJN. In that story, we also link to endorsements from the Colorado Jewish Action Alliance which you might be interested in.

Meanwhile, here are the stories from this week.

News/Columns/Letters

• Column: Settlers’ Sticks and Bats May Break Israel’s Fate (10/22/2026) - When the current Israeli government descends to a new low, it manages to find a deeper hole afterwards. Continue Reading
• Which Israeli Party Matches You? (10/20/2026) - Ten questions on the issues the Israeli election turns on. Your answers are matched to each party list’s official positions, with a source for each. It doesn’t tell you who to vote for or what camp you’re in. Continue Reading
• Letter: Difficulty Choosing Candidates This Election (10/20/2026) - The author struggles with voting decisions, citing antisemitism and hypocrisy among candidates, emphasizing informed choices for leadership. Continue Reading
• Letter: Legal Standing of Judea and Samaria (10/20/2026) - The author disputes Ed Kass's claim about the Oslo Accords, emphasizing Palestinian leadership's responsibility for stalled peace. Continue Reading

Jewish Life

• Help Hillel at CU Bring Shabbatukah to Life This Year (10/22/2026) - Shabbatukah, a CU Boulder Hillel tradition, invites community support through volunteering and sponsorship for students. Continue Reading
• Bo El Ha’Teivah – Verb Of The Week: Ahav-Love (10/22/2026) - The exploration of Hebrew verbs reveals depth and significance, enhancing prayers and Torah study through layers of hidden meanings. Continue Reading
• Claire Segall Bat Mitzvah (10/22/2026) - On Saturday, October 17th, 2026, Claire Segall was called to the Torah as Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Bonai Shalom. Continue Reading
• Kevin Henshaw Bet Mitzvah (10/22/2026) - On Saturday, October 17th, 2026, Kevin Henshaw was called to the Torah as Bet Mitzvah at Congregation Har HaShem. Continue Reading
• Bring Jewish Tradition Home: Join the Boulder JCC’s JParent How Do You Jew Series (10/20/2026) - The Boulder JCC offers a fall series for exploring Jewish traditions and rituals, aimed at families and individuals of diverse backgrounds. Continue Reading

Arts and Culture

• Don’t Miss These Intriguing Titles at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival (10/22/2026) - Boulder Jewish Film Festival showcases sold-out films like "The Sea" and “Once Upon My Mother," with tickets available for select screenings and discussions. Continue Reading
• Meet Director Abby Ginzberg at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival (10/20/2026) - The Boulder Jewish Film Festival features director Abby Ginzberg's documentary on Henrietta Szold, highlighting her significant contributions to healthcare in Palestine. Continue Reading

Events

• Tonight: Unleash Curiosity, Movement, and Creativity: Winter After-School Programs at the Boulder JCC (10/20/2026) - The Boulder JCC offers diverse after-school programs for children, including arts, sports, and culinary classes, with an Open House tonight, October 21. Continue Reading

Get ready to ignite your child’s imagination, energy, and confidence this winter! The Boulder JCC is thrilled to present an expanded roster of high-energy, enriching after-school programs crafted for every age group, from Pre-K through middle school. Whether your child wants to craft handmade pottery, learn to walk a tightrope, master classic strategy on the chessboard, or whip up world-class dishes in the kitchen, our upcoming season offers an unforgettable space to grow, connect, and thrive.

To give families a firsthand preview, the Boulder JCC is hosting a Winter Open House on Wednesday, October 21, from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Parents and young participants are invited to tour the Boulder JCC, meet our passionate team of instructors, and explore the complete seasonal lineup before registration fills up.

For young artists looking to express themselves, our creative arts track provides hands-on exploration across multiple mediums. Students in kindergarten through sixth grade can dive into expanded after-school ceramics, learning fundamental hand-building techniques to create functional and decorative pottery. Younger children in Pre-K and Transitional Kindergarten can experiment with paint, collage, printmaking, and sculpture in Mixed Media Art, or learn basic stitching and take-home textile projects in Fiber Arts. Older crafters in 3rd-6th grade can gather in Crafter-noons, a cozy, collaborative studio environment designed for sharing tools and inspiration with peers.

Stage presence, rhythm, and performing arts take center stage with high-demand classes taught by expert local talents. Instructor Acy Jackson leads dynamic Youth Theater sessions that use storytelling and immersive acting games to build confidence and teamwork. Back by popular demand, Shari Polis returns with an expanded, age-tailored Hip-Hop Dance schedule running Monday through Thursday for grades K-8th. Young performers in Pre-K- 1st grade can jump into Intro to Cheer to build coordination through spirited team routines, while Spoon Circus brings its sensational All Things Circus program to the community. Led by professional local circus artists, kids will test their balance and agility across over 20 unique skills during the eight-week course, including tightrope walking, juggling, diabolo, plate spinning, and stilts.

Budding chefs have more opportunities than ever to build essential kitchen skills and culinary confidence. In Jr. Chefs, held on Tuesdays with Farmer Paige, Pre-K and TK students explore seasonal ingredients through simple, hands-on cooking concepts. Older students in third through sixth grade can join instructor Miche Bacher on Wednesdays for Mastering the Menu, an immersive culinary journey covering menu planning, baking, regional seasonal dishes, international fare, and traditional Jewish holiday foods.

For children who thrive on active movement and athletic skill-building, our sports lineup combines physical fitness with positive teamwork. Lil’ Maccabees offers an action-packed multi-sport sampler for ages four to six, introducing fundamental skills in soccer, basketball, hockey, dodgeball, and capture the flag. On Wednesday afternoons, Martial Arts classes teach discipline, focus, and self-assurance for students in grades K-4th, while Tennis gives K- 2nd grades a strong foundation in basic court movement, stroke technique, and athletic endurance.

Strategic thinking starts early with our comprehensive chess offerings. Designed specifically for 3- 5 year olds, the Little Preschool Chess Club uses a targeted 45-minute weekly lesson filled with memorable chess songs and stories to introduce early critical-thinking concepts. For older students in grades K-6th, The Knight School Chess Club delivers a high-energy mix of interactive lessons, laughter, and low-pressure tournaments, helping players develop strategic foresight, patience, and confidence while forging lasting friendships.

Winter after-school program spaces are limited to keep group sizes small and instruction personalized. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 21, to meet the instructors at the Open House, or secure your child’s spot online today to prepare for a winter season packed with growth, discovery, and fun!

The opportunity to engage with filmmakers in person is one of the many reasons audiences flock to film festivals.

This year, the Boulder Jewish Film Festival is delighted to present “Labors of Love: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Szold” with director Abby Ginzberg in person. The filmmaker will be on hand for both the noon and the 3 pm screenings on Monday, October 26 at the Dairy Arts Center.

A Peabody award-winning director, Abby Ginzberg has been producing compelling documentaries about the struggle for justice and women’s empowerment for over 30 years.

Ginzberg has a fascinating personal connection to her subject. She is the granddaughter of Szold’s first love, Louis Ginzberg, and grew up hearing stories of Szold’s impact.

Founded in 1912, Hadassah recruited American Jewish women to upgrade health care in Palestine, and funded hospitals, a medical school, dental facilities, x-ray clinics, infant welfare stations, soup kitchens and other services for Palestine’s Jewish and Arab inhabitants.  

When the founder of Hadassah died at the age of 84 in 1945, the obituary in The New York Times described her as “the most brilliant woman in America.” Szold died in the same Hadassah Hospital she helped to build in Jerusalem.

Whether you want to build vibrant family rituals at home, feel more confident navigating synagogue spaces, or deepen your understanding of Jewish lifecycle traditions, the Boulder JCC is offering a robust lineup this fall.

Designed for parents, adults, and families across all backgrounds, the JParent How Do You Jew interactive series demystifies foundational aspects of Jewish life in a warm, welcoming, and accessible environment. All sessions take place on weekday evenings from 6 – 7:30 pm at the Boulder JCC, with dinner at 5:30 pm and affordable childcare available with advance registration.

Transform Your Friday Night

Monday, November 2 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm 

Transform Friday evening into a joyful anchor for your home. This hands-on session focuses on practical, low-stress ways to pause the weekday rush and craft a meaningful Shabbat experience tailored for your family.

• Topics Covered: Candle lighting, blessing children, baking challah, and creative table activities designed to keep kids engaged and foster family connection.
• Instructors: Co-facilitated by Marcia Seigal (MSW, MA in Jewish Communal Service) and Molly Goldsmith (Elementary Education degree, former Program Director at CU Hillel and Congregation Har Hashem).

What Happens in the Synagogue

Thursday, November 12 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Demystify the sanctuary and feel more at home inside a Jewish house of worship. This class decodes synagogue architecture, etiquette, prayer structures, and communal rhythms so you can navigate services and lifecycle events with comfort and confidence.

• Topics Covered: The layout of sacred spaces (including the Holy Ark and Eternal Light), ritual items, etiquette, Torah reading structures, and what to expect during major lifecycle events.
• Instructor: Led by Nate Shapiro, Executive Director of Congregation Bonai Shalom, who brings extensive leadership experience from synagogues in Omaha, Nebraska, and Jewish communal organizations.

Jewish Rituals and Customs Around Death

Monday, November 16 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Gain a compassionate, structured look at how Jewish tradition navigates end-of-life, burial, and mourning. This thoughtful session traces how sacred rituals honor the deceased (kavod ha-met) while comforting those who grieve (nichum avelim).

• Topics Covered: The role of the chevra kadisha (burial society), tahara (ritual purification), traditional Jewish funerals, and the structured stages of mourning, including shiva and kaddish.
• Instructor: Facilitated by Rabbi Diane Tiferet Lakein (ordained through ALEPH), a spiritual leader at Congregation Nevei Kodesh with an extensive background in Jewish education and leadership across Europe and North America.

The Israeli site HaPetek (The Note) is tracking the Israeli election closely, and offers in-depth information on the parties and their leaders.

One feature of the site is a quiz that matches your positions on ten issues to the positions held by each party, and then shows you, in ranked order, which parties are closest to your position. Of course, in Israel, each citizen gets one vote — you get to vote for a single party, which is then aggregated with everyone else’s votes and translated into the number of seats that each party will hold in the next Knesset. So, you don’t vote for Netanyahu or Eisenkott or Bennett for Prime Minister and then your local Knesset rep — you make a single vote for Likud, or Yashar or B’Yachad or one of the other 37 parties, and everything flows from there — or not, depending on if a leading party can cobble together a coalition with enough Knesset seats to form a majority – 61 seats. (Of the 40 parties, only 11 are projected as of yesterday to get enough votes to “cross the bar” and actually win seats in the Knesset.)

So, here is a link to the quiz. Ten questions on the issues this election turns on. Your answers are matched to each party list’s official positions, with a source for each. It doesn’t tell you who to vote for or what camp you’re in.

Here is a link to the page to learn more about the parties, and here is a link to learn more about the key personalities and what position or ministry they have “declared” for. The site also has information on polls, which includes your own “coalition picker” — see if you can get to 61 seats without running into someone’s stated block on working with another politician or party.

Good luck!

Also, here is the Times of Israel’s Everything You Need to Know: ToI’s guide to the 37 parties that Israelis can choose from.

Editor’s Note: h/t to Rachel Amaru for the link to the site this week! My first pass matched me with the Democrats – what a surprise.

Dear editor:

For the first time in my voting history, I am having a difficult time deciding who to vote for. Too many candidates in both parties seem to be antisemitic. I am not referring to their views on Israel, I am referring to their antisemitic tropes. Too many appear to support terrorist groups or won’t condemn their buddies that support terrorist groups. Too many seek to replace our capitalistic economic system with a socialist /communist one. Too many say one thing before they are elected such as I am a moderate or want to get rid of Congressional stock trading or am for public safety and after they are elected they turn out to be hypocrites. Or they advocate radical ideas such as defund police, abolish prisons and eliminate several provisions of our Constitution.

My relatives in the Ukraine or Lithuania who were murdered by the Nazis would say to me – “remember us; you don’t need another reason not to vote for an antisemite.” The 36,000 Jewish Germans who voted for Hitler because they thought it would help the economy would say the same thing.

The victims of the Oct , 7 ,2023 Massacre on Israel would say – “remember us; you don’t need another reason not to vote for a candidate that seems to support terrorism.”

My father, a refugee from communism and who loved this country, would say: “son you studied capitalism /socialism /communism as an Econ major in your under grad days and know dozens of countries that have tried it and failed. Capitalism may have its warts, but it is the best economic system. You don’t need another reason not to vote for a socialist /communist candidate.”

I recall what The Torah says about choosing leaders:

*Capable individuals, competent with strength of character. Exodus 18:21.
*God fearing individuals accountable to a higher authority.
*People of trust. Honest individuals whose word can be trusted.

As I reflect on these voices from the past, I now realize my duty is to country, not to party. One can’t rely on negative TV ads and postcards. I have to become better informed by reading the League of Women Voters Voter Guide, by watching debates and by researching the internet to discover a candidate’s accomplishments, principles, values and character.

Our Republic has lasted 250 years, may it continue for another 250 years.

Bob Schneider
Cincinnati, OH

Dear editor:

I am writing to respond to Ed Kass’s claim that the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1995 changed the legal standing of Judea and Samaria. (“Letter: Yes, Israeli Settlements Are Illegal“, BJN, 10/7/26)

The Accords were intended as an initial step toward resolving the conflict, with final status talks expected to follow shortly thereafter. More than thirty years later, these talks have not materialized, primarily because Palestinian leadership has maintained that only Israel is required to make concessions. Rather than working toward building a state in which Palestinians could become productive citizens, Palestinian leadership has remained focused on the destruction of the Jewish state. Historical context clearly demonstrates this dynamic.

During Jordan’s illegal occupation of Judea and Samaria (referred to as the “West Bank”), the area was ethnically cleansed of its Jewish residents. Jordan allowed Palestinians to move into homes belonging to Jews who had been killed or expelled. While a few residents received deeds, most did not.

When Israel liberated Judea and Samaria during the 1967 Six-Day War, it did not resort to ethnic cleansing. Instead, Israel recognized valid deeds and permitted residents without deeds to remain as tenants paying nominal rent. The tenants agreed to this arrangement until Yasser Arafat, head of the Palestinian Authority, instructed them to cease payments. When the rightful Israeli owners protested, the situation was wrongfully portrayed as an effort by Israel to drive Palestinians from “Palestinian” land.

Toby F. Block
Atlanta, GA