My father raised me with Jewish observance. Shma at night, Kiddush on Friday night. But the earliest memories I have of reading a sacred text with my father aren't of Genesis, or the Exodus from Egypt, or even of my Bar Mitzvah parsha.
They're of reading the Declaration of Independence with him every July 4th.
He would read them aloud with the same musical, passionate voice that compelled the attention of listeners at state affairs or class day ceremonies. We were a small family of four, often in those early years with another family we were close to, but we felt like a jury listening to the case that he was making in the highest of courts.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal!" he would insist, his eyes meeting ours -- and then pause, waiting to see if any of us would dare to challenge him. I didn't understand many of the specific accusations that the Founding Fathers were laying at Britain's feet, but I knew by the end that my father believed America had the protection of divine Providence, and that he pledged his life, fortune and honor to this country that had taken him in, that had given him a home when he was stateless.
To our fellow Americans, Shabbat Shalom and happy 250th anniversary of these blessed United States of America.
Public denial, private negotiation. That is how Iran operates and has always operated. The question is whether any deal will actually dismantle their nuclear ambitions or just buy the regime more time. History says be skeptical.
We don’t build for calm weather—we build for turbulence. The goal has never been to create something that only succeeds when conditions are perfect. It’s to build an organization that endures through changing markets, shifting consumer expectations, and whatever challenges come next. That means constantly questioning ourselves, adapting, and refusing to become complacent. It’s not always easy, and it doesn’t come with many breaks, but resilience is built through that discipline. If you’re committed to creating something that lasts, you have to embrace change as part of the job—not an interruption to it.
The First Jewish Temple In The Midwest! Check out this clip from our all new episode: How Cincinnati Became the Forgotten Birthplace of Modern Judaism in America!
"Without Cincinnati, the Jewish community as it stands today throughout the United States would not be what it has become. It's simply undeniable."
When you think about the major epicenters of Jewish America, your mind probably jumps to New York, Miami, or Los Angeles. But in the early 19th century, the true gateway to the West—and the birthplace of modern American Judaism—was actually that bustling river city on the Ohio/Kentucky border: Cincinnati.
Host Brad Pomerance welcomes Rabbi Richard Sarason of @huc1875 to reveal the fascinating frontier history of the Cincinnati Jewish community and how this Ohio River town birthed the largest movement in modern Judaism in North America and built a world-class archive that historians and genealogists rely on to this day. @JewishLifeTV@CityOfCincy
Watch here: https://t.co/MzEwPiDfmS
For all episodes & podcast platforms: https://t.co/15rpemKDKu Subscribe and rate 5 stars!
#podcast #jewishpodcast #Israel #cincinnati
Our city doesn’t need more taxes—it needs better spending, stronger accountability, and leadership that puts taxpayers first. Let’s keep demanding responsible use of every public dollar.
Boyle Heights is deeply personal to me—it’s where my family’s story in Los Angeles began, and it’s a community that has too often been overlooked despite carrying burdens like poor air quality and chronic underinvestment for decades. As we pray for the residents affected by this fire and thank the brave firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to protect them, we must also commit to long-term solutions that improve quality of life for the families who call Boyle Heights home. I encourage philanthropists, businesses, and community leaders across Los Angeles to step up, support local organizations, and invest in this neighborhood not just during this crisis, but for years to come. A special thank you to @GustavoArellano of the LA Times for highlighting the challenges facing Boyle Heights and helping bring greater attention to the needs of this community.
https://t.co/egyJhGmRH6
I just saw @MichaelRapaport screening of his new documentary “Am I Canceled Yet” and left feeling more proud to be Jewish than maybe ever. A real life story of sacrifice and courage in and around the worst atrocities any people ever had to endure. I laughed. But mostly I cried. Bravo Michael! I love you pal!
Malibu continues to rebuild STRONG!!!! Beautiful opening day for @wallysofficial here in town. It’s been a longgggg road back. The rebuild seems to be slow so any new addition like Wally’s is soooo appreciated.
I love this town, this community and these people and the fact that after this town burned down everyone truly, truly embraced each other aiming to rebuild to bring back hope and normalcy.
#malibu
In 2005, Israel gave Palestinians exactly what the world demanded: “Land for Peace.”
They unilaterally withdrew from the entire Gaza Strip, but got no peace.
The IDF forcibly removed every last Jew — even digging up Jewish graves. Gaza was made completely Jew-free, exactly as Palestinians demanded.
Israel handed over thriving communities, farms, and hundreds of millions in infrastructure — including productive greenhouses that could have become an economic engine for a Palestinian state.
What did the Palestinians do with this gift?
They destroyed it.
Mobs looted and burned the greenhouses. They ransacked and demolished synagogues. They celebrated with Hamas flags and gunfire.
Then, in January 2006, they voted Hamas — a genocidal terrorist organization whose charter calls for the destruction of Israel and the murder of Jews — into power.
By 2007, Hamas completed a bloody coup, threw Fatah members off rooftops, and seized total control of Gaza.
The result?
- Tens of thousands of rockets fired at Israeli civilians
- More than 500 miles of underground terror tunnels
- Billions in international aid stolen for war, not welfare
- Gaza transformed into a fortified Islamic terror enclave
Land for peace was tried — and violently rejected.
Everything Israel gave away in 2005 became the launchpad for the October 7 Massacre.
This is the ultimate proof: the Palestinian movement has never wanted a state living next to Israel. Its goal has always been the destruction of the Jewish state — in any part of the Land.
Important note: The blockade only came after Hamas seized power in 2007 and turned Gaza into a launchpad for war. And when that happened, Egypt joined it too.
Disengagement didn’t bring peace.
It brought the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.
Good leadership is about setting priorities and delivering results. Thank you, @TraciParkforLA for focusing resources on keeping our beaches clean, safe, and welcoming for families this summer. That's the kind of common-sense leadership Los Angeles needs more of—putting residents first and making government work for the people it serves.
Never forget Amit Man, the 22-year-old legendary paramedic of Kibbutz Be'eri who held out while treating the wounded on October 7th from 6: 30 AM to 2 PM when Gaza's terrorists finally broke into her clinic and murdered everybody there.
We will never forget you, Amit.
Wishing everyone a meaningful and memorable Memorial Day. As we gather with family and friends today, may we honor and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of the courageous American heroes who gave everything to protect them in service of our nation.
Family is part of everything we build. Throughout my properties, there are small tributes to my wife and kids woven into the details. At The Grove, it’s the bronze busts of them across from my office on the top of the Barnes & Noble building. When I am at my desk, I can see my family. Can you find the others? Wishing everyone a great Memorial Day weekend — and remember to enjoy a safe barbecue.
Honored to have welcomed the Youth Board from the The Molly Steinsapir Foundation to The Grove. Spending time with young leaders who are deeply committed to service, compassion, and making a meaningful impact in their communities gives me tremendous hope for the future. We had thoughtful conversations about leadership, responsibility, and the importance of showing up for others. The next generation is already leading by example.