Forward.com

Orthodoxy’s Kosher CrisisOver the course of the past five months, the American Jewish community has observed with dismay the gradual unfolding of the Agriprocessors scandal. Agriprocessors may be a private corporation, but as the nation’s leading producer of kosher meat, it is one that operates under the Jewish communal banner. Its actions have been followed closely, not only by Jews such as myself who observe kashrut, but by all Jews — not to mention many in the broader American public.…Read more

Let the Spirit of Bill Gates Be Brought to the PewsAs one of about two dozen religious leaders invited to attend the World Economic Forum last month in Davos, Switzerland, I spent four of the most fascinating days of my life engaged in high-level interfaith dialogue with representatives of the Muslim and Christian world. Where else could I sit with a member of the Saudi royal family to inquire about his views on interfaith relations?…Read more

When We Let John Hagee Speak for UsThe American Jewish community must decide: Does it want to connect young Jews to Israel, or does it intend to drive them away?…Read more

Let Cease-fire Arm Voices of Mideast ModerationAt last, a flicker of hope on the peace front. The cease-fire, we fervently pray, will hold. A flicker of hope, and a welcome opportunity to reenergize American Jews, particularly those of moderate views, and to engage them more intensively in the search for peace.…Read more

Confront Ignorance of Diaspora MovementsIt is stunning how little some of Israel’s leaders know about Diaspora Jewry in general, and about American Jewry in particular. Almost six decades after the establishment of the Jewish state, many of Israel’s senior politicians have had little contact with Diaspora Jews, and they know virtually nothing about the grassroots religious movements…Read more