18+ hour, 8+ min ago (86+ words) [Rabbi Sid Slivko (photo credit: Yoni Slivko)]Jerusalemite of the Week: Through Olim Paveway, Rabbi Sid Slivko is able to help make sure that olim aren't just able to live in Israel " they're able to thrive her Rabbi Sid Slivko: Helping pave the way for olim to live and thrive in Israel Jerusalemite of the Week: Through Olim Paveway, Rabbi Sid Slivko is able to help make sure that olim aren't just able to live in Israel " they're able to thrive here....

1+ day, 28+ min ago (242+ words) Another Advent is upon us, as heralded by the prophet Isaiah: 'A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord!' (Isaiah 40:3). The Gospel of Mark later echoes Isaiah with the story of John the Baptist, a literal voice in the wilderness crying out to the people, 'One mightier than I is coming after me.' (Mark 1:7) Our calendar tells us that it's time again to prepare. Another Advent is upon us, as heralded by the prophet Isaiah: "A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord!" (Isaiah 40:3) The Gospel of Mark later echoes Isaiah with the story of John the Baptist, a literal voice in the wilderness crying out to the people, "One mightier than I is coming after me." (Mark 1:7) Our calendar tells us that it's time again to prepare.The four weeks of…...

1+ day, 10+ hour ago (332+ words) My great-uncle David Young, who has died aged 94, was a university lecturer in English and a linguist who wrote the books Introducing English Grammar and The Structure of English Clauses. These books, first published in the 1980s, are still in print by Routledge and are held by more than 1,000 universities and public libraries worldwide. Their continued relevance lies in showing how grammar can be used to communicate according to context and social cues, not strict rules. This concept of a living and evolving language was informed by the principles of systemic functional linguistics theory, of which the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (UWIST), in Cardiff, was an important centre of research. David had taken up a lectureship there, in the department of English and liberal studies, in the mid-60s, and this was his academic home thereafter. The amalgamation of…...

1+ day, 11+ hour ago (248+ words) My friend and former colleague Mike Alexander, who has died aged 77, made a huge contribution to nature conservation in Wales and beyond. Working with an NCC co-worker, James Perrins, he developed the Countryside Management computer system, now widely used by conservation organisations globally. He also went on to assume overall responsibility for all the national nature reserves in Wales. His book, Management Planning for Nature Conservation: A Theoretical Basis & Practical Guide (2008), is a standard text on the subject. He left home at 16 to become a crew member on the ferry to Skomer, also volunteering on the island as an assistant to the main warden. The following year, in 1966, he became assistant warden on the neighbouring island of Skokholm, then, in 1967, warden of the Calf of Man bird observatory off the Isle of Man. Briefly leaving the UK in 1968 to become…...

1+ day, 17+ hour ago (226+ words) Born in Northern Ireland, William Cathcart was raised in a devout Presbyterian family. While studying for the ministry, he came across Alexander Carson's book "Baptism in its Mode and Subjects."" Carson himself had also been an Irish Presbyterian, and he wrote to explain the reasons he became a Baptist. This book convinced Cathcart to join the Baptists." In 1844 he was scripturally baptized by R.H. Carson, Alexander's son, into the membership of Tubbermore Baptist Church. Cathcart received his education and pastored in England, but was not satisfied with the political climate there. He migrated to the United States in 1853 and was soon the pastor of Third Baptist Church of Groton, Conn. He then ably served Second Baptist Church of Philadelphia from 1857 until his retirement in 1884. On pages 4-5, Cathcart lists the individuals who helped him prepare this colossal work." Included in the list…...

2+ day, 23+ min ago (32+ words) [AMBASSADOR OF Argentina to Israel Rabbi Axel Wahnish. (photo credit: SILVIA GOLAN)]Movers and shakers in Israeli society. Grapevine November 28, 2025: A Latin American ally Movers and shakers in Israeli society....

2+ day, 7+ hour ago (679+ words) " " " | November 27, 2025 As a young teenage girl in Yerushalayim of the 1950s, Batsheva Shemtov sought the Rebbe's advice on how to reach immigrant children in Israel's transit camps. The Rebbe's letter, written just days before Yom Kippur, impacted her forever. Mrs. Batsheva Shemtov has served as the shlucha to Philadelphia, together with her husband Rabbi Avrohom Shemtov, since 1962. She was interviewed in May 2015 and January 2022. Once the war was over, and my courageous mother learned my father's fate, we managed to get permission to leave the Soviet Union. After wandering through Europe with a group of Lubavitcher refugees, we made it to Paris, where we remained for three years. From there, we joined a group of Lubavitchers who moved to Israel. We settled in the town of Lod, and then moved to Jerusalem in around 1952, when I was ten. By this time,…...

2+ day, 15+ hour ago (295+ words) Toni's life reflected her generous and loving nature. She was a source of encouragement, always speaking truth with kindness. Her early education at LoganElementary, Memorial Junior High, and San Diego High School prepared her for a lifefilled with purpose. As a Teacher's Assistant at Chollas Elementary School and an eventusher at several venues, she shared warmth and joy with everyone she met. Toni's faith was the foundation of her life. She accepted Christ as a young girl and wasbaptized at Mount Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late ReverendJohnson. Later she became a member of New Paradise Baptist Church, where shelifted her melodious voice in the choir, bringing inspiration to all who listened. As she moved into adulthood, Toni experienced the blessings of motherhood. Her firstson, Trinell, filled her life with joy, and she was later blessed with…...

2+ day, 15+ hour ago (452+ words) [black and white photo of older black woman]Mardelle Walker was born on April 1, 1924, to Fred and Rebecca Lofton. She grew up inNorth Carolina with her siblings; Fred Junior, known as Brother, and her sister known as Sis. Her early years were filled with interesting experiences that shaped her life. After graduating from high school, she and a cousin traveled north [] Mardelle Walker was born on April 1, 1924, to Fred and Rebecca Lofton. She grew up inNorth Carolina with her siblings; Fred Junior, known as Brother, and her sister known as Sis. Her early years were filled with interesting experiences that shaped her life. After graduating from high school, she and a cousin traveled north to live with an uncle in New York. That adventure eventually brought her to Washington D.C., where she worked at the Pentagon during the Second World War....

3+ day, 9+ hour ago (473+ words) Bishop Reginald Jackson, who for years presided over roughly 500 Georgia congregations in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, has died. He was 71. Jackson took on a new post as bishop of the Second Episcopal District last year that includes AME churches in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. He kept an active schedule, delivering sermons at churches throughout the region while also supporting Democratic candidates and causes....