Oprah goes Hasid [Chabad]
Visiting Hasidic communities in Brooklyn for an upcoming episode in her latest program, Oprah sat down for a special interview with Chabad Rabbi Motti Seligson. Oprah discussed misconceptions about the role of women in Orthodox Judaism, the importance of family, and living a life of meaning. When asked by Seligson what she would tell a “non-observant, or a non-traditional Jew who would be curious about exploring their traditions or heritage,” Oprah replied simply:
“Well, I think what I felt today is a closer connection to my own heritage and traditions. I said to the women at the end of the interview, ‘Everybody needs to examine for themselves.’ What I’m hoping will come out of this interview, this experience is that everybody watching will examine for themselves what that is in their own life.”
Santorum’s Jesus-lovin’ Hanukkah cards [Slate]
Whether in an attempt to convert the Jews on his mailing list, or– well, something else– Rick Santorum made a bit more news for his odd choice of Hanukkah cards this past holiday. The cards, which contain Jewish-themed images on them and an uncredited quote from Jesus, have left a few scratching their heads. Well-meaning mistake, or evangelical ploy?
What’s next for the Boycott Israel movement? [Forward]
As tensions rise over the effectiveness and ethics of endorsing a protest boycott of Israel, the Jewish Daily Forward analyzes the potential direction of the movement, including taking inspiration from historic protest strategies of American liberals.
“The movement to boycott, divest from and sanction Israel — long painted as a fringe group by the Israel advocacy community — is seeking to wrap itself in the mantle of the mainstream American left. At the movement’s first-ever national conference, presenters and attendees compared BDS to the Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott, the Cesar Chavez grape boycott and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, from which it draws inspiration.”
The puzzling case of the Bedouin [+972]
After years of rhetoric casting a tenuous light on Bedouin communities, the expected uprising (Intifada) never came. Even now, as many Bedouin anticipate relocation from their homes, the reaction has failed to live up to its hype. In an analysis of the hostile language employed by authors and political leaders, as well as the years following, +972 Magazine seeks to explore what is happening to the Bedouin.
“Israel has also fomented poverty in the Bedouin community. In the 1970s, the state built seven townships for the Negev Bedouin that are home today to approximately 80,000 Bedouin. These ghettos have the country’s highest unemployment and school dropout rates as well as the social problems that accompany poverty and hopelessness, including rampant drug abuse.
Those who remained in the desert have not had it much easier. Despite the fact that many Bedouin live in villages that predate the state itself, Israel does not recognize most of these communities. Some 80,000 Bedouin live in the unrecognized villages that lack infrastructure and high schools.”
Rabbi Richard Jacobs, the spiritual leader of a large Reform congregation in Scarsdale, NY, was just tapped to lead the Union for Reform Judaism next year–effectively making him the top rabbi of America’s largest denomination. 
