Category: Islam

books, call to action, Commentary, Islam, Judaism, justice, librarians, opinion, politics, religion, Social Justice, Society, Uncategorized, writing

‘What would you tell a friend?’ Bare facts on Israel/Palestine

I wrote this the day after the IDF (read: Israeli army) demolished a building in Gaza that housed several news agencies, including the Associated Press. It's currently running in our local alternative paper, the Shepherd Express, but I'm posting it here, too. Click here if you want to read the magazine version. It came about … Continue reading ‘What would you tell a friend?’ Bare facts on Israel/Palestine

call to action, Commentary, community history, Family history, Family story, Islam, journalism, Judaism, lifestyle, Media, music, opinion, personal history, politics, race, religion, Social Justice, Society, Uncategorized

Random Jewish American seeks Pen Pal: An open letter to Rep. Ilhan Omar

Dear Rep. Omar: I’ve been writing you a letter in my head since the second round of “She’s a raging anti-Semite!” hysteria, but this is the first moment I’ve had time to actually begin setting anything down on virtual paper.  Apologies in advance for the interruptions – our 11 am tickets to “Disney on Ice” … Continue reading Random Jewish American seeks Pen Pal: An open letter to Rep. Ilhan Omar

Book review, book reviews, books, education, Islam, journalism, Judaism, librarians, libraries, Media, opinion, personal history, religion, Social Justice, Society, Uncategorized, writing

Hat tricks & ‘Palestinian Neighbors:’ a crash course in book review protocol

I used to do way more book reviewing than I do these days. I also did a lot more feature writing. But that’s hardly a surprise when your job title is reporter.  I still write the occasional book review at work – in fact, I have 10 to write in the next couple of weeks … Continue reading Hat tricks & ‘Palestinian Neighbors:’ a crash course in book review protocol

call to action, Commentary, Heartbreak, Islam, Judaism, librarians, libraries, Media, opinion, politics, race, religion, Social Justice, Society, Uncategorized

Whistle long enough, dogs show up: Best synagogue shooting response? Weep. Mourn. Vote.

File yesterday under “Days when you’re glad your mother and aunts are dead.” File yesterday under “This is why I grapple with knowing that I look and benefit from being white but don't ever feel entirely white.” File yesterday under “What part of their part in this do Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Chuck Grassley, Paul … Continue reading Whistle long enough, dogs show up: Best synagogue shooting response? Weep. Mourn. Vote.

Commentary, education, Islam, journalism, Judaism, religion, Social Justice, Society, Uncategorized, writing

Together beneath the Abrahamic tree: Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom adventures

Two weeks ago Sunday, two carloads of my Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom chapter drove down to Chicago for an afternoon of camaraderie and training in how to engage in thorny discussions. Along with the Wisconsin contingent (Milwaukee and Madison), women came from Illinois (Chicago and beyond) and Iowa (Quad Cities). Our facilitators did a great … Continue reading Together beneath the Abrahamic tree: Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom adventures