Blog

This week is a pessimist’s raison d’etre:  devastation in Haiti, heartbreak and harrowing events in Afghanistan, the continued flourishing of the coronavirus. To say nothing of the wildfires raging on in California, or the water shortage on the Colorado River, or continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah including an alleged missile strike in Syria.

How does Torah—in its mega-sense, meaning all of Jewish teaching and...Read more...

One of my earliest Jewish memories is of the shofar. In particular, the final blast of the season, that long blast at the end of Yom Kippur ne’ilah. My memory is of the synagogue elder, ancient to my little girl eyes, holding the Havdalah candle, and – to my horror – beckoning me and my sister to come join him on the bimah. We must have been sitting in the front rows. I was too shy in those days; I wouldn’t do it. From our seats, I...Read more...

When I was in high school, I spent a large part of my time and energy helping people who were homeless. I helped organize a club at school which collected leftover and unused food from local supermarkets and restaurants and brought them to a local soup kitchen (we called it the Gleaners, taken from the Book of Ruth, though I admit I didn’t get the reference at the time). I spent a summer working at the Crisis...Read more...

One thing librarians, especially librarians who work in small environments, look forward to is the annual conference.

Now that I am retired from the public sector, I especially anticipate the annual Association of Jewish Libraries conference. This international multi-day...Read more...

As we all know, there is a wealth of information on the internet and much is actually available after the original showing…and for free. Visitors, however,  are encouraged to donate to help support programming.

Here are a variety of resources, including some travel sites to help you plan a trip or take one virtually. While the locations are all of interest, the quality of the travel webinar depends on the skill of the guide-...Read more...

There's lots going on in both the cyber and real worlds. As the world continues to open up a bit, live entertainment has slowly begun again or will soon.

The weather encourages outdoor gatherings.

But for when we are confined indoors, here are some programs and activities available via the Internet.

But first—Shavuot is right around the corner. Dairy is a must. Here’s a simple, homey, versatile classic dairy dish...Read more...

Jewish American History Month has been celebrated every  May since 2006. Throughout May the library column will concentrate on American Jewish biography and history, bringing to your attention fascinating—though not always admirable—American Jews who have made their mark.

Jews have...Read more...

Every year the International Board on Books for Young People sponsors a day to celebrate children’s books. Called International Children’s Book Day,  the celebration falls on Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, April 2.  The intent is to both  inspire...Read more...

March is a very busy month with Passover coming up shortly. However,  Women’s history month and the celebration of brave, strong, accomplished women can’t be glossed over.

Think back to the women of the Bible who led, who were warriors, who spoke up for their...Read more...

Jewish Live aggregates websites from many areas of Jewish interest. In addition, Jewish Live produces some of its own content. Follow this link for The Megillah Project created with the cooperation of several Jewish websites.

We think of hamentaschen as a...Read more...

Welcome to Behind Our Members: a new feature that will give you a deeper look at some of the Oheb members you know and love.

What led you to the profession you are in? Was it always a passion, or something that naturally...Read more...

Today,  January 21, marks the 69th anniversary of the Wannsee Conference. Wannsee was a small suburban area of Berlin known for its two lakes and forests. Many members  of royalty had built castles in the area and, in more modern times, prominent wealthy Berliners built mansions.

A prominent recreational area, several events from the 1936 Olympics were held in its woods  and on its golf course.

Read more...

Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, the father of modern Hebrew, was born on January 7, 1858 in what is now Belarus. Like many Jewish boys of his time, he was raised to be a rabbi and scholar of traditional Jewish texts. However, he was exposed to the...Read more...

Hanukkah is almost over, but there’s lots more Jewish fun and learning left for 2020.

If you need some family fun for the last night of Hanukkah, here’s an online game:...Read more...

REMINDER: The library is open for borrowing. It is staffed on Wednesday. There are many new books available as well as great older ones for readers of all ages including teens.  However, if you are reluctant to come into the building, let me know what you want and I will leave it for you in the office. The catalog is very easy to use. There is a link on the library’s home page. Questions or requests: email me at library@Ohebshalom.org....Read more...