Opinions | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Opinions

Opinion: This visit to Israel was different 

Opinion: This visit to Israel was different 

Posted on: March 6th, 2024 | 26 Adar I 5784 by Special to the Chronicle

Both of us have been to Israel many, many times. Both of us left for the Jewish Homeland thinking that we knew a lot about the current situation and the repercussions of the Hamas War on the people in our partnership region of Sovev Kineret.    Our four days in the region, from Jan. 15-18, made […]

Opinion: I am an out, Jewish, and joyful local queer! 

Opinion: I am an out, Jewish, and joyful local queer! 

Posted on: March 5th, 2024 | 25 Adar I 5784 by Special to the Chronicle

Queer joy, queer belonging, queer homes, queer coziness, and queer adventures are a profound and constant thread in my adult life as an out, high femme Milwaukee queer. I lean on our community all the time for smiles, fresh recipes, dog sitting help, and during tougher times too.   Likewise, my faith is a major part […]

Opinion: I will return to Israel

Opinion: I will return to Israel

Posted on: December 5th, 2023 | 22 Kislev 5784 by Special to the Chronicle

I have lived a good life and am now a retired guy with extra time on my hands. These days I devote much of my time to volunteer work; one specifically, the Jewish National Fund Water Task Force.   Relying on my expertise in water, hydraulics and pumps, I have visited Israel on frequent “water missions” […]

Opinion: Three tips for resilience

Opinion: Three tips for resilience

Posted on: November 8th, 2023 | 24 Heshvan 5784 by Special to the Chronicle

Probably anyone reading this article already knows about the brutal tragedy, the surprise invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists. Of course, it is an event that will continue to unwind over time as Israel and the world responds. The barbarity, cruelty and war crimes are no surprise to psychiatry. Freud discussed and wrote about our […]

Opinion: What do we stand for?

Opinion: What do we stand for?

Posted on: November 3rd, 2023 | 19 Heshvan 5784 by Special to the Chronicle

As a state legislator, I pay attention to world events, United States events, and of course, Wisconsin events. On Oct. 17, world events were front and center on the Senate floor of the Wisconsin State Legislature as we took up a resolution regarding the attacks by Hamas on Israel. What I heard on the floor […]

Opinion: Marquette should take a stand on Hamas attacks

Posted on: November 3rd, 2023 | 19 Heshvan 5784 by Special to the Chronicle

Editor’s note: This article was published in print on about Nov. 1 and on the internet Nov. 3. Also on Nov. 3, Marquette Today, a university newsletter, published a message from leadership at Marquette University, “Respecting our shared dignity.” The article condemns the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and calls for Israel to mimimize the loss […]

Opinion: It’s time to speak   

Opinion: It’s time to speak   

Posted on: October 6th, 2023 | 21 Tishri 5784 by Special to the Chronicle

We are taught in Ecclesiastes 3:7. “there is a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.”  In my opinion, the North American Jewish community in its relationship with the Jewish State of Israel must live by this teaching.  It is long past the “time […]

Opinion: I prefer the term ‘Jew hate’ to ‘antisemitism’

Opinion: I prefer the term ‘Jew hate’ to ‘antisemitism’

Posted on: August 16th, 2023 | 29 Av 5783 by Special to the Chronicle

Todd L. Pittinsky’s article (“Opinion: Why I don’t love ‘Jew hate’ as a substitute for ‘antisemitism’,” July Chronicle) fails to persuade me that “antisemitism” serves as a more effective term than “Jew hate.”  Pittinsky’s thoughtful article reminds us that we need to think carefully about the ways in which we use language. He deserves recognition […]

Opinion: Hate has gained power 

Posted on: June 9th, 2023 | 20 Sivan 5783 by Special to the Chronicle

“If human beings can be trained for cruelty and greed and a belief in power which comes through hate and fear and force, certainly we can train equally well for greatness and mercy and the power of love which comes because of the strength of the good qualities to be found in the soul of […]

<strong>COMMENTARY: This Passover, at a time of mental health challenges, renewed purpose and meaning may help</strong> 

COMMENTARY: This Passover, at a time of mental health challenges, renewed purpose and meaning may help 

Posted on: April 10th, 2023 | 19 Nisan 5783 by Special to the Chronicle

As we prepare to celebrate Pesach (Passover), America’s young people are facing a mental health crisis. Global events such as the pandemic, financial instability, and war have coincided with a significant rise in mental health challenges among young people. Governor Tony Evers has even declared 2023 the Year of Mental Health.    A theme I often […]