According to the Ultra Orthodox, most of last year’s Israeli immigrants are not Jewish—by their strict definition, that is, meaning someone born to a Jewish mother or someone who’s had an Orthodox conversion.

While that’s correct from a Halachic point of view, the Law of Return only requires one Jewish grandparent to qualify. Most of the new arrivals, who come from Russia and Ukraine, are the descendants of folks who couldn’t practice their faith under Communism, through no fault of their own. Why should they be punished for losing touch with Judaism when it was outlawed for 70 years? We have to make reasonable allowances here.

Of course, there is also the argument that some of the immigrants actually have no Jewish lineage at all and have phony histories created just so they can relocate. While that’s certainly a possibility, I personally don’t care. If people are ready, willing, and able to move to a Jewish State, to join the IDF, to pay their taxes and observe Jewish holidays and customs, why not welcome them? The more, the merrier!

Israel is still a young country and must plan for the future. Today’s immigrant may not have the same Jewish perspective that we enjoy in the West, but there’s a good chance their kids and grandkids will. I want to see Israel grow and flourish and continue to embrace Jews from all backgrounds.

There’s room for everybody in the Jewish community, both Reform and Orthodox. The in-fighting and squabbles are petty and stupid. Instead of focusing on our differences, we must come together and give our full support to Israel—the Nation of Israel, the People of Israel, the God of Israel, and the continued survival of Israel. That’s what matters.

My heart is so heavy today, thinking about the innocent men, women, and children who perished for no legitimate reason during the Holocaust. While Jewish victims receive the most attention, there were many, many others who were also terrorized, abused, and murdered. We need to acknowledge and remember ALL of the victims. Every single one was a person, had a soul that was created by God, had done nothing wrong, and deserves to be honored.

The Jewish Virtual Library has compiled the most accurate list, with so many victims, it’s hard to even conceive of such evil.

Number of deaths broken down by group:

Jews: Approximately 6 million.

Soviet civilians: Approximately 7 million (including 1.3 million Soviet Jewish civilians, who are included in the 6 million figure for Jews).

Soviet prisoners of war: Approximately 3 million (including about 50,000 Jewish soldiers).

Non-Jewish Polish civilians: Approximately 1.8 million.

Serbian civilians: Approximately 312,000.

Disabled People: Approximately 250,000.

Romani Gypsy: Approximately 200,000.

Jehovah’s Witnesses: Approximately 1,900.

Criminal offenders :  Approximately 70,000.

So often, when statistics are quoted, the individuals are lost in the magnitude, but we need to focus on each and every single person, what they sacrificed, and how they can never be compensated. The least we can do, as a society, is to make sure that the past is not repeated and put an end to genocide.

The killing must stop, along with hatred, violence, cruelty, and prejudice. Love, compassion, faith, and tolerance are the answer. And for those who think that Holocaust education isn’t important, look at this chilling statement…

Zazzle, an online gift company that offers customized products, has pulled a shirt that reads “At least I’m not Jewish” from their website.

This disgusting product was produced and uploaded by a 3rd party seller. According to Algemeiner, that same individual was offering “At least I’m not Christian” shirts as well. 

While I firmly believe that Zazzle should be evaluating everything offered for sale on their site, they did respond properly after being notified and pulled the offensive merchandise immediately. 

I truly don’t understand the appeal of these shirts. What is wrong with being Jewish or being Christian? Why is it bad to love God, to love the Bible, and to commit yourself to living a Biblical life? Anyone who thinks otherwise is in need of help. 

Let’s see someone flip this around and start making “Proud to be Jewish” and “Proud to be Christian” shirts that promote good values and morality. The Secular Humanist agenda is so destructive and really needs to be muted. Trashy shirts that insult religion have no place in a decent society. 

The Jewish Journal has created a lovely centerpiece that’s perfect for Tu B’Shevat aka the New Year for Trees. Consisting of branches, yarn, and pom-poms, even the least artistic among us can easily make it.

This would be a fun and affordable activity for the whole family, especially if you have a bunch of mismatched, leftover yarn hanging around. For those who are more ambitious, add sequins and/or glitter!