JEWISH ACTION MAGAZINE HITS THE STANDS WITH ARTICLES ON METZITZAH B’PEH CONTROVERSY, ORTHODOX RELATIONS WITH CHRISTIANS AND OTHER THOUGHT-PROVOKING FEATURES
The Orthodox Union’s Winter 5767/2006 issue of the award-winning Jewish Action magazine is now available to readers with its usual collection of thought-provoking and well-written articles. They include:
•The Metzizah B’peh Controversy:
Rabbi Daniel Korobkin, a mohel and the director of Community and Synagogue Services for the West Coast Region of the Orthodox Union, and Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Halperin, the director of The Dr. Falk Schlesinger Institute for Medical-Halachic Research in Jerusalem, shed light on one of the most emotionally charged halachic controversies to rock the religious world in recent years. Drawing upon historical and medical sources, each provides a vastly different perspective on metzitzah b’peh, the practice that has been the subject of much debate and media attention.
•Orthodox/Christian Relations:
While the divestment movement has lost some of its momentum, Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein, director of Interfaith Affairs at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, takes the opportunity to probe the attitudes that led up to the Presbyterian Church’s divestment resolution. He notes the terribly lopsided view of the Middle East conflict found among many mainline Protestants, and argues that “more and more, it appears that the Orthodox community must play a large role in any action plan regarding Christian attitudes toward Israel.”
•Debugging Your Home:
Over the past year, bug infestation in produce has gained considerable attention in the kosher world. OU Kosher Rabbinic Coordinator Rabbi David Bistricer explodes some of the myths about the topic and provides detailed instructions — including an invaluable chart –on how to ensure that your fruits and vegetables are bug-free.
Elsewhere in the issue, we explore the growth of frum comic books and teenage magazines. Can comics be an effective chinuch tool? Author Rabbi Jack Abramowitz raises this and other intriguing questions about the educational potential in comics. In her analysis of the new teenage magazines on the market, Toby Katz draws some gratifying conclusions about the wholesome values and aspirations of Orthodox young girls today.
The issue also features an exciting article on newly discovered manuscripts of famed cantor Yossele Rosenblatt. Author David Olivestone explains how his previous article in Jewish Action on Rosenblatt was instrumental in bringing these valuable manuscripts to the attention of scholars and chazzanut lovers. In addition, the issue features the deeply moving story behind Rick Magder’s transformation from Hollywood filmmaker to yeshiva student. The son of a Hollywood producer, Magder grew up on a movie set and had a great career in show biz ahead of him. Now, he is the director of the OU Department of Media and Broadcasting and uses his talents to bring people closer to Judaism.
Also, noted psychiatrist and author Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski provides insight into how an authentic Torah life can help alleviate unwarranted anxiety and fear. Additionally, you will enjoy our regular Israel travel feature, book reviews, halacha column, food recipes and so much more!
For subscription to Jewish Action call 212-613-8137. Individual copies are available at Judaica stores for $4.50. Editors may contact Nechama Carmel, Editor, at 212-613-8147 for a complimentary issue.