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Lou's Views: The Sydney Hanukkah Massacre: When Hate Goes Unchallenged

Lou Shapiro

4 min read

A crowd of people stands with their backs to the camera on a rainy night, facing a massive glowing golden Hanukkah menorah illuminated against a dark, stormy sky. The nine candles burn brightly, casting warm golden light across the faces of the gathered community. Rain falls gently, creating a misty, atmospheric glow around the menorah and the silhouetted figures, evoking unity, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness during Chanukah.

Farbreng With The Kosher Gang: Fire, Pita, and Serious Vibes

David Greenberg

11 min read

Illustrated scene in warm golden tones: a young man in a baseball cap sits at a wooden table in a cozy Jewish deli, happily eating falafel and hummus from a bowl with a fork. In front of him lies an open copy of The LA Jewish Home newspaper with the headline “Arais Machane Yehuda” and a photo of Jerusalem’s Old City. Behind him, a group of smiling bearded men in black hats and suits, one holding a camera, stand together like a joyful crew, evoking community, Israeli street food vibes, and lively kosher dining.

Am I An Agunah Yet? Part Five: A Tiny Bit of Agency

Faigie Carmel

3 min read

A powerful, painterly portrait of a young Jewish woman standing in soft golden light streaming through a tall window. She gazes upward with closed eyes and a serene, determined expression, her curly hair illuminated, wearing a simple white blouse and dark skirt. She holds a folded white paper (symbolizing her Get application) close to her chest, conveying quiet strength, hope, and emerging agency after hardship.

Where the View Meets the Vision: Inside VIDA Hadera

The LA Jewish Home

3 min read

Luxurious, modern open-plan living room and kitchen in a beachfront apartment at VIDA Hadera. Floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors reveal a breathtaking panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and clear blue sky. The spacious, light-filled space features a large beige sectional sofa, black kitchen island with bar stools, sleek dark cabinetry, wooden accent walls, and minimalist decor including a bonsai tree and potted plants. Clean, contemporary design with warm neutral tones and abundant natural light.

Derech Eretz Corner: “OEBFR TEH DLIBN, OD ONT UPT A BLMUTSNG LKCOB”( Leviticus 19:14 )

Sheina Gilbert

2 min read

A whimsical, Chagall-inspired illustration: An elderly bearded sage in flowing robes gently guides a blindfolded child along a glowing golden path beneath ancient olive trees. A massive unfurled Torah scroll towers behind them, inscribed with Leviticus 19:14 in radiant Hebrew letters. In the distance, friends walk together laughing kindly. Warm, dreamlike colors and intricate details evoke the Torah’s command: “Do not put a stumbling block before the blind” – a timeless call to protect and uplift others.

Part Four: Am I An Agunah Yet??SMEAR CAMPAIGN

Faigie Carmel

3 min read

A young Jewish woman in modest dress and headscarf sits chained at the wrists, her face illuminated by a single candle’s flickering light. Behind her, a crowd of shadowy bearded men in traditional attire loom with judgmental expressions, their forms blending into walls covered with faint Hebrew text. Painted in haunting deep blues and reds, the dramatic scene powerfully symbolizes the isolation and entrapment of an agunah surrounded by community scrutiny.

Derech Eretz Corner: “Tis The Season”

Sheina Gilbert

1 min read

A warm, whimsical illustration in a cozy storybook style shows a joyful multi-generational, multicultural Jewish family gathered closely together on a starry winter night. They surround a glowing nine-branched Hanukkah menorah with all candles lit, casting golden light across their smiling faces. The diverse group includes grandparents, parents, and children of various ages, skin tones, and cozy winter clothing. On the table in front of them are traditional Hanukkah foods: golden latkes, sufganiyot (jelly donuts), challah, bowls of applesauce and sour cream, and small candles. The deep blue night sky sparkles with golden stars and soft falling snow, creating an atmosphere of love, unity, warmth, and holiday magic.

Chanukah and the Eternal Battle for Light

Rabbi Shmuel Reichman

6 min read

A golden Chanukah menorah with nine burning candles stands alone in the center of a dark, ancient temple interior. Dramatic beams of ethereal blue-white light stream down from above, illuminating the menorah and casting long, radiant rays across the scene. Tall classical columns rise in the shadowy background, symbolizing the eternal triumph of light over darkness and the spiritual victory of Chanukah.

Community Originals

Trouble With The Mafia

Yoram walked out of a shiur on emunah, convinced it was unrealistic. Years later, in a foreign country, with a sword pressed against his neck by a mafia boss, those same words came rushing back: “Even if a sharp sword rests on your neck, never despair.” What followed was a rescue he could not explain — and a reminder that emunah often works beyond logic.

Daniel Agalar

Man filming with a camera on a public sidewalk outside a Jewish institution in Pico-Robertson while security and congregants remain calm, illustrating public space, First Amendment auditing, and the economics of online attention

Exposure in the Age of Algorithms

In 2026, every sidewalk can become a stage. What happened outside a Jewish institution in Pico-Robertson reflects a larger phenomenon: the rise of First Amendment audits, the economics of algorithm-driven outrage, and why composure—not confrontation—may be the most strategic response in an age where attention is currency.

The LA Jewish Home

Torah Sparks: Parshat Vayigash

Just as Yosef powerfully declared 'I am Yosef' to reunite with his brothers, so too will Hashem one day say 'I am Hashem', two simple words that will reveal truth, bring clarity, and redeem the world. Speak wisely; your words carry immense power.

Rabbi Ori Strum

Around The Community

Lou's Views: The Sydney Hanukkah Massacre: When Hate Goes Unchallenged

A joyful Hanukkah celebration by the sea turned deadly when gunmen opened fire, killing 15 and wounding dozens. In the chaos, a courageous Muslim bystander, Ahmed Al Ahmed, confronted an attacker and likely saved lives. His bravery proved that hate is the enemy of all decent people. This tragedy demands moral clarity and decisive action,because unchallenged hatred becomes deadly.

Farbreng With The Kosher Gang: Fire, Pita, and Serious Vibes

Arais Machane Yehuda LA brings authentic Israeli alley vibes to the Valley with mouthwatering arais, shawarma, and salads. Founded by Izhak and Omer, inspired by Jerusalem's market, it scores 92/100 for genuine flavors and cozy atmosphere. Perfect for dates or events!

Where the View Meets the Vision: Inside VIDA Hadera

VIDA Hadera, a rare beachfront project in transforming Hadera, nears foundation completion with stunning sea views and Anglo-friendly amenities: Shabbat elevators, private shul, infinity pool, and communal sukkah. Starting at $670K USD, it’s a secure, meaningful investment for families feeling the pull toward Israel.

Exclusive Coverage:

Spotlight

Lou's Views: The Sydney Hanukkah Massacre: When Hate Goes Unchallenged

Farbreng With The Kosher Gang: Fire, Pita, and Serious Vibes

Am I An Agunah Yet? Part Five: A Tiny Bit of Agency

Where the View Meets the Vision: Inside VIDA Hadera

Derech Eretz Corner: “OEBFR TEH DLIBN, OD ONT UPT A BLMUTSNG LKCOB”( Leviticus 19:14 )

Part Four: Am I An Agunah Yet??SMEAR CAMPAIGN

Derech Eretz Corner: “Tis The Season”

Chanukah and the Eternal Battle for Light

Community Originals

Trouble With The Mafia

Exposure in the Age of Algorithms

Torah Sparks: Parshat Vayigash

Around The Community

Lou's Views: The Sydney Hanukkah Massacre: When Hate Goes Unchallenged

Farbreng With The Kosher Gang: Fire, Pita, and Serious Vibes

Where the View Meets the Vision: Inside VIDA Hadera

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