Here’s an awesome freebie from Hillel—one of the best organizations for Jewish students. Fill out the form to receive a free collapsible water bottle by mail.

On Monday, The Jerusalem Post was abuzz with news of the “Israel 68” sneaker release, created by Reebok in honor of Israel’s 68th Independence Day celebration. It was to be auctioned off on Facebook with proceeds benefiting a mental disabilities charity.

As you can tell from the above pic, this is a very cool-looking blue & white shoe and the idea behind it is even cooler. (Personally, I would love to wear these sneaks!) They were guaranteed to be popular with Jews around the world as a collector’s item and I really wanted a pair.

Almost immediately, protests came from the Arab world, stirred up by the “Divestment, Boycott, and Sanctions” lunatics whose sole mission is to destroy Israel’s economy. I was concerned, but not overly so, because they make a lot of noise and no legitimate person would pay attention to them anyway.

Fast forward a day. To my complete shock and horror, the latest news is that Reebok has cancelled the release, bowing to Arab pressure in a most gutless fashion. It is so unbelievably sad that any company would behave in this way!

What is so controversial about the sneaker? That it says Israel or that it’s celebrating the 68th anniversary of modern Statehood? (Perhaps both concepts are equally intolerable to anti-Semites?) Whatever the excuse, the result is inexcusable. I’m very upset that Reebok would turn their back on the Jewish community and I will not be buying anything from them in the future.

Weigh in on the controversy. Do you think the sneaker is good or bad?

“Soon By You” is a new web series about six Modern Orthodox Jews living the single life in New York City (similar to a Jewish version of “Friends”).

Newcomer Leah Gottfried, who helms the project, and her team of writers and actors have partnered with the Jewish Entertainment Network in Los Angeles and Shabbat.com to produce this delightful comedy.

The pilot episode “The Setup” has just been released on YouTube. The plot was pretty cute: David’s train gets delayed on the way to a blind date, forcing him to sprint through the city. When he finally arrives, he sits down across from the wrong Sarah…or was she really the right one?

The episodes are short, around 15 minutes, so this will be an easy series to follow. Episode 2 is already in the works and I’m looking forward to it.

Anna-Michelle emailed me the following question:

“I’m a Jew by choice for 3 years now, ever since my husband and I married. Before him, I lived Catholic, raised on NKJV bible. I’m in need of Jewish resources, specially a prayer book. Can you recommend the perfect prayer book for me?”

My reply to her: “No, I can’t, because there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to prayer.” Some people like to use a bible, some a prayer book, some like to go strictly on feel. Guess what—every single method is equally good and acceptable!

Personally, I use Gates of Prayer. This is also called The New Union Prayer Book and it’s the standard text in Reform temples across America. I received my G.O.P book when I was only 10-years-old and have been using it ever since. At that time, each child in my Hebrew school was given a copy with their name inscribed on the back. This was probably the best Jewish gift I ever received, because long after I forgot every school lesson I learned, I still have the book.

G.O.P has a good mix of weekday, Sabbath, and festival prayers, along with some songs. There is both English and Hebrew text which I find very helpful and all of the important liturgy is included. Some folks do feel it’s outdated, but I still use and love it, probably because it’s what I learned on.

My late Father, on the other hand, never used a book, preferring a combination Torah/Talmud program for the computer. It was very comprehensive, with the ability to add notes for each section. I really prefer to hold something in my hands, but for those who prefer an online method, this could be excellent.

That brings us to the “go on feel” folks. I’ve met so many people, of all different faiths, that say Scripture doesn’t seem relevant. For them, I think just listening to their own heart and expressing their cares/concerns in their own way would be best. Remember: There is no such thing as an incorrect prayer! The Lord has the ability to hear all of them and knows our hearts, anyway. Don’t let a lack of information/fear hold you back.  

Do you use a prayer book? If so, which one?