Jewish World Review
Wednesday December 06, 2017
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Nothing in our times has become so unattractive as virtue.
— Edward Dahlberg

PLEASE READ

[Today's issue begins after this sidebar. But before going there, PLEASE read this actually short but HEARTFELT letter. ]

"If you will it, it is no dream."

This quote might well be the ultimate example of "positive thinking".

Attributed to Theodor Herzl -- the Austro-Hungarian journalist, political activist, and writer who became one of the fathers of modern political Zionism -- it had a profound impact on me as a kid growing up.

There are similar quotes, of course. I would eventually encounter in my readings, "If you can dream it, you can do it."

But to me -- somebody who aspires to be a realist in the most inspired way -- the latter is just plain goofy. No surprise, then, many claim it was uttered by Walt Disney.

Being motivated to accomplish (Herzl) doesn't mean one will, as Disney claims, succeed.

Success starts with a great idea, but must be "watered" with perseverance. Help must come from On High, but also Down Here.

In a few days, JWR will turn 20. Two decades. (No, I can't believe it either!) My guess is that most of you reading the site -- whether it be daily, weekly or periodically -- were not here when I launched it in 1997.

Back in '97 I was a not only a pioneer (The commercial Internet was just taking off.) but also a newly minted -- and newly married -- journalist living in the outer boroughs of "Media City".

Just about any of my fellow students from journalism skool (sic) would have done almost anything to be in my place. I already had a gig at one of the nation's most widely circulated dailies and was a contributing editor at a century-old weekly. My byline had appeared in The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, etc.

But once I reached the near-top of my profession, I realized that I'd landed upon a garbage heap. And, frankly, I couldn't take the stench. Maybe my yeshiva (rabbinic seminary) training still stirred my soul. Maybe.

More likely, though, still in my 20s, my dreams had yet to be quashed.

"If you will it, it is no dream."

I was willing to take a calculated risk to fulfill that dream.

Growing up, I should have been beaten down. Many considered my parents "old fashioned". In practical terms, it meant they had values --- ones that weren't malleable. In my home, trendy didn't trump tradition.

As a member of a religious minority, I was used to being on the "outs". But it wasn't til college that I first met others like myself, who shared similar experiences.

They were believing Christians.

We "People of Faith" were at school, not to party, but to procure a profession. Not to obtain status, but as a means: To live a Godly life and support one's forthcoming family.

On campus, we were mocked and belittled. And intimidated --- too often into silence. We stuck together.

It was at college I had an epiphany: People of faith have more that unites us, than divides us. More importantly, we absolutely must stick together.

It's that belief that animates JWR. It's been a guiding principle since Day 1. For two decades!

My dream was to create a forum of ideas and ideals that eloquently and elegantly defend the values WE hold so dear.

A Colorado Christian baker's problem is this observant Brooklyn Jew's problem as well!

"If you can dream it, you can do it." Not alone you can't.

And I thank God -- and YOU -- that I haven't need to.

I have received mail from caring, grateful readers wondering why I had yet to begin our annual fundraising campaign. Was I ill again? they wondered.

There are two answers. Firstly, I wanted to compose something personal (I hope that I've succeeded) and needed to find the time to write from the heart.

And I decided to limit the fundraiser.

In years past some became annoyed at my once-a-year attempt to keep JWR alive. It lasted too long, they claimed.

You are gaining from JWR. You appreciate the site and want to make sure it continues to publish. I suspect that like me, you will now view it is as a dream come true.

One that's worthy of your support.

All expressions of kindness and gratitude are tax-deductible. They can be made through our secure online site or by making out a check and mailing it to the sponsoring foundation (Keren Yehoshua V'Yisroel/JWR) -- marked in the "memo section" for "Internet Education Project" -- at:

Keren Yehoshua V'Yisroel/JWR
127 Columbia Boulevard
Waterbury, CT 06710
Tax ID: 22-3209160

In gratitude and friendship,
Binyamin L. Jolkovsky
Editor in Chief


Most Pro-Israel President Yet?
US to finally recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital
By David Nakamura, Loveday Morris & Anne Gearan

Trump to keep campaign promise, the 'world' be damned



Reality Check
A credible peace plan, at last
By Caroline B. Glick

Not only does it secure the future of both Israel and the Palestinians, it enables Arab states like Saudi Arabia to work openly with Israel to defeat their joint Iranian enemy



Good News
Putin Vows To Rebuild Christian Syria
By Cristina Maza

Well, it is the season of miracles



Inspired Living
A Rabbi's 10 tips for a safer, healthier workplace
By Rabbi Yonason Goldson



Do we think we're better than Matt Lauer and Charlie Rose? Are we?



Consumer Intelligence
5 Bargain Vacation Destinations Off the Beaten Path
By Miriam Cross



Get ready for something truly different --- sans impatient crowds, over-priced accommodations and rip-offs



To Your Health
'The Woebot will see you now' --- the rise of chatbot therapy
By Amy Ellis Nutt



Welcome to the world of instant therapy for the lonely, the confused and the anxious



Ess, Ess/ Eat, Eat!
The Kosher Gourmet
By Bonnie S. Benwick

This creamy, sumptuous squash soup has connoisseur kick, and a few surprises, too





4 books


[ W O R T H  1 0 0 0  W O R D S  ]

Lisa Benson

Bob Gorrell

Jerry Holbert

Dana Summers

Gary Varvel

Michael Ramirez


[ I N S I G H T ]

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