The article discusses the perception of 'the squad', a group of four Congress members, as being anti-Israel due to President Trump's attacks, highlighting that not all progressives share the same views on Israel. It focuses on Rep. Ayanna S. Pressley's support for Israel's right to exist and a two-state solution, despite some of her political actions that contain anti-Israel language, challenging the notion that all progressives are against Israel.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended state attorney Andrew Warren, labeling him as a 'Soros-backed state attorney' due to Warren's refusal to prosecute cases related to abortion and gender-affirming care for minors. The article discusses the antisemitic undertones of invoking George Soros' name and highlights Soros' political donations, which indirectly connect him to Warren. The piece also touches on past conspiracy theories about Soros' influence in Warren's 2016 campaign.

Warren Zevon, a talented yet troubled rock musician, battled alcoholism and later cancer, leaving a lasting impact on the music world. Known for his wit and intelligence, Zevon's career included both high points and personal struggles. He achieved sobriety through AA and continued to produce music, often reflecting on themes of death and humor. His final album, 'The Wind,' featured collaborations with notable musicians and included the poignant song 'Keep Me in Your Heart.' Zevon's legacy is marked by his unique ability to blend serious and humorous elements in his work, and his influence is acknowledged by peers like Bob Dylan.

Los Angeles County jails, housing approximately 15,000 incarcerated people, are ill-prepared for extreme weather conditions exacerbated by climate change. Advocates highlight the exacerbation of inhumane conditions due to harsh winters, with concerns over disease spread, inadequate heating, and poor ventilation leading to potential health risks like tuberculosis and valley fever. The lack of emergency evacuation plans is also a significant concern, especially with jails located near high-risk flood zones and wildfire areas. The ACLU and Public Defenders Union are actively addressing these issues, with the ACLU fielding requests for additional blankets and thermals for inmates.

Laurie Gwen Shapiro interviews her 99-year-old Aunt Paula Goldstein, who shares vivid memories of her life on the Lower East Side of New York, her family's immigrant experience, and her personal views on various historical figures and events. Paula recalls her family's socialist leanings, her education, and the impact of the Great Depression and World War II on her life. She discusses her experiences with notable figures like Richard Nixon, John F. Kennedy, and Donald Trump, expressing strong opinions about each. Paula also reflects on the Holocaust, her favorite New York mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, and the importance of democracy and voting. The article is a rich tapestry of personal history, political views, and cultural observations from a woman who has witnessed nearly a century of change.

Purim 2023 begins at sundown on March 6 and ends at nightfall on March 7. The Book of Esther is read during the holiday, which is celebrated with costumes, treats, and parties, drawing comparisons to Halloween. Adults traditionally drink to the point of not distinguishing between Haman and Mordechai. Mishloach Manot, gift baskets of food and beverages, are exchanged in some communities. Hamantashen, a triangular pastry representing Haman's hat, is a traditional delicacy. The holiday's timing is standard for the Jewish calendar year 5781, which is not a leap year. Purim occurs on the 14th of Adar, and in leap years, it is celebrated in Adar II. In 2024, a leap year, Purim will be later in the spring.

The article reflects on the personal impact of the recent synagogue attack in Neve Yaakov, East Jerusalem, drawing parallels to a similar attack nine years ago. The author, who has close ties to the affected area, discusses the collective grief and resilience of the Israeli community. The piece highlights the ongoing struggle for peace, the disheartening celebrations of violence by some Palestinians, and the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It underscores the shared pain and determination of those working towards coexistence despite the recurring violence.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, Puerto Rico's Jewish community is preparing for Rosh Hashanah despite challenges such as power outages and water shortages. Synagogues in San Juan, including Temple Beth Shalom, Shaare Zedek, and Chabad of Puerto Rico, are implementing backup plans to ensure services continue. Temple Beth Shalom faces issues with its solar-powered generator, while Chabad and Shaare Zedek have functioning generators but face high operational costs. The community is actively involved in relief efforts, providing essentials to affected areas. Approximately 2,000 Jews live in Puerto Rico, and the community remains resilient in the face of adversity.

A Jewish American woman reflects on her emotional journey through Dachau, Oberammergau, and Berlin, exploring Jewish identity and the impact of the Holocaust. In Dachau, she experiences a profound connection to her heritage, while in Oberammergau, she witnesses the transformation of the historically antisemitic Passion Play, now revised with the help of Jewish leaders. In Berlin, she finds solace in the familiar melodies of Kabbalat Shabbat at the Neue Synagoge, symbolizing Jewish resilience and global connectivity. The narrative underscores the enduring significance of Jewish prayers and declarations in confronting and overcoming historical and contemporary antisemitism.

Tsilye Dropkin's revolutionary Yiddish poetry, once ignored or criticized, is now celebrated in two new music albums by Sveta Kundish and Patrick Farrell, and the duo Tsvey Brider. These albums, 'Nem mayn vort' and 'Kosmopolitn,' bring 20th-century Yiddish poems into contemporary musical settings, blending genres like cabaret, operetta, and klezmer. The musicians aim to highlight marginalized Yiddish poets, especially women, through their innovative and text-driven performances. The albums feature dramatic vocal interpretations and diverse musical influences, making century-old poetry resonate with modern audiences.