Wow, so much going on!
First of all, Shabbat Shalom to all of you.
Diwali, much like Chanukah, is a festival of lights. It’s meaning could not be more relevant to our country today, in that it celebrates the victory of light over darkness. And while too much of the country is still lingering in dark shadows, there is a hopeful light at the end of the dark tunnel, and it’s not an oncoming train! So let’s be hopeful and happy we are where we are. And speaking of happy, I have a number of good news items to share.
Good Jew News Item 1 -The t-shirts have arrived and are being shipped today. The shameless commerce division was busy packing and putting the final touches on our exceptional delivery experience. I do, after all, work for Bringg, and exceptional delivery experience is what the company is all about! Note the more subtle treatment of the Jewish star in the logo. Should arrive by end of next week. Tracking numbers will be provided.
Good Jew News Item 2 – We have a tagline for the JNR! The Washington Post’s says “Democracy dies in darkness”, the NYT tagline says “All the news that’s fit to print”, and now the big reveal for the new, first ever, JNR tagline:“L’dor v’dor and so much more!”For those non-hebrew literate folks, it means “from generation to generation” and helps capture the heart, spirit and soul of the JNR mission. Special thanks to Sandra for the brainstorming ideation.
Good Jew News Item 3 (I know, it just keeps coming!) – We are almost live with the JNR website. And special Jew Kudos (Jewdos?) to Nathan Hirsh for volunteering to be our Webmaster and relieving me of the painful WordPress training videos. The website should be live after the holidays, so stay tuned for further updates. A multi-channel social media campaign is in the works.
And now, what you all are waiting for, The News of the Jews this last week, courtesy of The Forward:
– Will Biden be good for Jews?? YES!!!! says The Forward exec editor – Duh. Even the Orthodox aren’t complaining too much. But remember, Joe got into the race in reaction to “there are very fine people on both sides” in the Charlotteville debacle. And what could be better than having the first Jewish family occupying the VP living quarters in the Naval Observatory.
– The Jewish History of Jeopardy, and the sad passing of an American icon, Alex Trebek (did you know he was Canadian?) – I love how The Forward can always find a Jewish angle on everything, and this piece is no exception. –
Honoring the passing of an intellectual Jewish giant, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Baron Sacks of Aldgate (Whew, that’s a mouthful for a name!) – Rabbi Sacks was well known as a leading thinker among traditionally modern conservative Jews. I believe he would have been an ardent supporter of the JNR!
– A Black, deaf and Jewish filmmaker, Eli Steele, challenges how we view race – Not that we need any more challenges, but Eli raises some very interesting perspectives in this interview with the creator of the new film, “What killed Michael Brown”. It won’t do anything to assuage your white guilt, but it will make you think.
– Another homage piece, this one honoring the recently passed Palestinian peace advocate, Saeb Erekat – His name will evoke sharp comments from both sides, but he was a relentless advocate for the two party solution, and if there is any hope of settling the issue, his 30 year commitment to a peace process will be a legacy to build upon.
– Real Jewish housewives of Salt Lake City? – Another in the “you really can’t make this shit up” category, this new reality TV show mostly about the foibles of Mormon women, will surely be a hit. And it really does feature two Jewish housewives in the cast of insipid characters.
All for now. And hey, let’s be careful out there!
Brad out. https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.forward.com/11132020.pdf
Jew News Review 