Opinions expressed in the press are my own.
All the Ways We Deny Antisemitism
Rabbi Fersko explores our cultural tendency to diminish or even deny antisemitism
U.S. Confronts Tight but Turbulent Relationship With Israel
Rabbi Fersko comments on the proposed Israel judicial reforms
We Need To Talk About The Way We Talk About Israel
Rabbi Fersko talks about how we talk about Israel and rising antisemitism.
Jewish Blessings for Everyday Situations and Special Moments
Rabbis and other Judaism professionals explain the concepts behind common blessings and prayers.
How the Bat Mitzvah Broke Barriers for Jewish Women
Rabbi Fersko comments on the 100th anniversary of Bat Mitzvah.
When offered a lot of something or a little, always go for the latter. Rabbi Diana Fersko explains this counterintuitive bit of wisdom.
Rabbi Diana Fersko joins us to explain this counterintuitive bit of wisdom, and how it can guide us in anything from prayer to business.
Spiritual leaders preach hope one year into the pandemic
See her interview with correspondent Harry Smith about Passover, the return of spring, and hope after the pandemic.
Capitol Chaos: Anti-Semitic Apparel Worn During Riot Traced To Website Based In New York City
There is outrage over an anti-Semitic sweatshirt worn by a man during the U.S. Capitol riot last week.
About that Auschwitz hoodie: The lack of Holocaust education is not just an alt-right problem
“Substandard Holocaust education is not the problem of any single narrow group of political extremists. It’s not just the far right, it’s not just the far left; it’s most of us.”
A New Rabbi Schleps Through the Village to Meet Her Flock
Shvitzing in a tallis and a leopard-print mask, Diana Fersko does her Shabbat Walk, greeting the faithful on stoops and in lobbies.
The Village Temple Goes Virtual for High Holiday Services
“I really sort of took Jewish history as inspiration and said, you know, ‘What did Jews in the past do when they faced challenges to their worship?'” Fersko said. “One thing I noticed is that there’s always a response to crisis with creativity … And what that led me to do was really embrace technology. I figure if people are at home watching a screen, we should make that screen as visually interesting and stimulating as humanly possible.”
Manhattan rabbi talks observing social distancing while celebrating the High Holidays
“Much of the world is broken,” the rabbi reflects. “This is an opportunity for the Jewish community to nourish themselves. I’m hoping people find comfort and uplift in our religious services.”
Why liberal Jews should embrace Tisha b’Av
“ Gaining fluency in the ugliness of our past in no longer an option; it is a necessity. Tisha B’Av is an opportunity to do just that.”
NY Jews take sides over whether leaders’ policies are antisemitic
DIASPORA AFFAIRS: Issue threatens to further divide community already estranged over Trump-Biden battle