Dec 30, 2009

Another 'affinity fraud' case, with more than a dozen Orthodox investors allegedly bilked out of more than $200 million; mixed signals on the West Bank; YU split over gays; and more.

 



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Editor's Column
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                                                                           January 1, 2010
Dear Reader,


We first heard of the phrase "affinity fraud" in the Bernard Madoff case, referring to preying on those closest to your social, ethnic or religious community. Now come allegations against a young Lakewood, NJ real estate developer Eliyahu Weinstein, accused of bilking more than a dozen fellow Orthodox investors out of some $200 million. Hella Winston reports.

When Yeshiva University held a panel last week featuring four gay students and alumni describing their personal anguish, more than 800 people turned out. Staff Writer Steve Lipman reports on the mixed reactions, and the school's ongoing struggle to show empathy while upholding the Torah's ban on homosexual behavior.

Also this week, Israel Correspondent Josh Mitnick reports on the bipolar mood in the West Bank after a spike of violence; author and academic Gil Troy looks back on a decade of American Jewish decadence; PJ Library targets Manhattan for free children's books; Staff Writer Eric Herschthal on Michael Goldfarb's new book on the emancipation of Europe; and Singles columnist Abigail Pickus on "the callback."


Enjoy the read, the long weekend, and Shabbat shalom,
Gary Rosenblatt

P.S. Unfortunately, our Web site has been slow to load the last few weeks, especially on Wednesdays. Please know that we are addressing this technical problem and are in the final stages of creating a new, much improved and efficient Web site that will launch in January. We will keep you posted on this exciting development; in the meantime, thank you for your patience and understanding.

 
NEWS & FEATURES
City Of Loss, City Of Renewal
Climbing up the stairs of the Victoria Luise Platz subway station, I had the anxious feeling that I was going to a place that was filled with quiet importance. I expected myself to feel connected to this place, this West Berlin neighborhood surrounding a tree-lined park with benches scattered about, a fountain at its edge.
Caroline Lagnado - Special To The Jewish Week

Hawks, Doves Join Push To Help Iran Dissidents
An increasingly diverse cohort of Jewish activists believes Washington must do more to help the dissidents taking to the streets of Iran to protest their extremist, authoritarian government.
James D. Besser - Washington
EDITOR'S COLUMN

Compromise Has Its Limits:
Gilad Shalit and Iran

by Gary Rosenblatt/Editor and Publisher

Is there is a common thread to - and lesson to be learned from - Israel's agonizing efforts to obtain the release of Gilad Shalit, its ongoing crisis in dealing with the Palestinians, and President Barack Obama's failure to dissuade Iran from its relentless effort to develop a nuclear bomb?
read on...
 
SABBATH WEEK - Shabbat Vayichi

Blessing And Redeeming A Sorry Childhood

Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman -
Special To the Jewish Week

Picture the scene. It is a thought experiment - nothing more.

Your father, old and dying, has summoned his children for a last parental blessing. You haven't been the best sons and daughters - who has?
read on... 
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Peace.

Michael Santomauro
Editorial Director
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