Jessica Bettelheim, a business ethics lecturer at Portland State University and a young Jewish mother, has little time to spare on weekends. Like other professionals her age, she's busy bonding with her husband and 4-year-old daughter, meeting friends at one of Portland's many fine restaurants or gardening, a favorite pastime in the verdant metropolis known as the City of Roses. So when Bettelheim received an email from the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland last month advertising Food for Thought, a festival …More

On Wednesday, April 16, as Jews around the world celebrated Israel's independence, President Shimon Peres honored distinguished soldiers who displayed outstanding service to the defense of the State of Israel. Known as the President's Citation of Excellence, the prestigious award is given once a year on Independence Day to 120 soldiers. One of this year's recipients is 24-year-old lone soldier 2nd Lt. Nira Lee. Second Lt. Lee was always a Zionist. She grew up in Tempe, Arizona, in a Zionist household, but she had …More

As part of this year’s Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations, Israel’s State Archive released a never before published transcript of a speech meant to be given by Albert Einstein. The Jewish physicist was scheduled to give the address to the American people via broadcast with ABC, NBC and CBS. The speech was planned to take place on Yom Ha’atzmaut in 1955, giving a plea to the US to support the Jewish state. Einstein died eight days before the scheduled address. “This is the seventh …More

Temple Ohabei Shalom is at approximately the 24-mile mark on the Boston Marathon route. As he passed the synagogue, its cantor knew he only had two miles or so to go. What he didn’t know was that the finish line would turn into a scene of such carnage. Bostonians are still trying to understand why this came to pass. With yesterday’s horrific news of violence in Boston, perhaps today we can reflect on the message of Temple Ohabei Shalom—its name means “lovers of peace.” The day after …More

US President Barack Obama said Israel's independence validated the vision of Zionism's founder, Theodor Herzl. In his message Tuesday, Obama wished Israelis a "joyous" Independence Day and recalled his visit to the Jewish State last month, when he lay a wreath at Herzl's grave in Jerusalem. "There, I was honored to pay tribute to Theodor Herzl, who did so much to realize the dream of an independent Israel, to the presidents and prime ministers who guided her, and to those in uniform who have laid down their …More

In honor of Israel’s birthday, Israel 21c listed 65 ways that Israel is saving the planet. From toilets that need no water to cardboard wheelchairs, the compilation of inventions is a testament to Israel’s ingenuity and impact in the world in the last 65 years. “The country has set itself the goal of becoming a light unto the nations,” wrote Nicky Blackburn, who compiled this year’s list for Israel 21c. “Israel remains true to that vision and every year, with little fanfare, …More

In honor of Israel’s 65th Birthday, United States Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro issued a statement congratulating the Jewish State on accomplishments made since independence and promoting cooperation between Israel and the United States on energy and environmental issues. “On the occasion of Independence Day,” the statement read, “I want to reaffirm President Obama’s message. The future of US–Israel relations is as bright today as it has ever been, and I am confident that …More

Israeli Independence Day celebrations in Boston were muted and security was increased in the wake of bombings that left three dead and dozens injured at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Mike Rosenberg, director of community relations at Maimonides, a Jewish day school in suburban Brookline, said an event Tuesday commemorating Israel's 65th anniversary had been toned down out of respect for the victims of the attack and their families. “Messages have gone out to parents and students that in the …More

Israeli leaders gathered at the President’s residence today for Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations. Shimon Peres hosted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, for a ceremony including musical performances and awards handed out to military soldiers. Peres called the IDF an “army of peace,” saying, “Without you, Israel would not be defended. With you, Israel will know peace. Here and now, you carry a great legacy.” “The dangers from abroad: an …More

Alex Traiman, JNS.org On Israel Independence Day, Israelis take great pride in the hard work and military victories that have built the world’s only Jewish state. At the same time, many detractors of Israel continue push for boycotts and divestment from elements of that state. The accomplishments of 2013 Israel Prize awardee Ron Nachman, however, have managed to transcend much of the contemporary criticism of Israel. Nachman invested his entire life in a barren mountain in Samaria and turned it into a …More

While Israel celebrates its 65th birthday today with Yom Ha’atzmaut, world leaders came out to offer a giant mazel tov on this milestone anniversary. "As Israelis celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, the American people join me in applauding the remarkable Israeli achievements over the past six and a half decades,” said President Barack Obama. “The United States stood together with the State of Israel at its founding, and we will stand together with you always.” Democratic leader Nancy …More

While a great deal of international and media focus has been placed on Israel's military conflicts, the country quietly has become an energetic, ambitious incubator of entrepreneurialism and invention. What follows is a timeline chronicling some of the most important and interesting innovations produced by Israelis during their country's 65-year existence. RUMMIKUB (1940s): Ephraim Hertzano invents the smash hit board game Rummikub, which goes on to become the best-selling game in the United States in 1977. UZI …More