1.Sunday, March 15, 1:30 PM

When we scheduled our conversation with Aviva Klompas at the New Bedford Whaling Museum (be there next Sunday), we thought this would be an "end of the 2025-26 annual campaign" event, and a moment to get together before Passover. While a war with Iran was always in the cards, we did not think it would dominate as it now does.

Klompas is a co-founder and CEO of Boundless. She has made a name for herself as an outspoken advocate for the Jewish people and as a leading Israel educator. Before launching Boundless, she served as the director of speechwriting for Israel's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City and as a senior policy advisor in the Ontario government supporting efforts to resettle Syrian refugees in Canada.

A prolific writer, Aviva has written articles that have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Foreign Policy, The Jerusalem Post, and other international publications. She is also the author of two books. Her first, Speaking for Israel, reflects on her time as a speechwriter for Israel and offers an honest and entertaining insight into Israeli diplomacy. Her second book, Stand-Up Nation: Israeli Resilience in the Wake of Disaster, released in 2024, details Israel’s remarkable and longstanding work in international development. More can be found in this Hadassah Magazine profile, “Aviva Klompas Is Reimagining Israel Education.” 

I hope to see you there.

2.Don't Fall in Love With Old Hatreds

I have this silly habit of reminding myself not to love the things I hate so much that I can't enjoy it when I should. That the most dangerous regime in 80 years may be going down with its huge arsenal and the worst track record of terrorism EVER is a beautiful thing and one to enjoy. That it comes with questionable Constitutional authority (here) and may keep Israel's worst ever leader in office longer is a problem for "after the war."

With that in mind I am not surprised that the Senate rejected (late Wednesday) a measure that would have required President Donald Trump to get Congressional approval to continue fighting against Iran.

"The measure was initiated by Democrats, who have raised questions about the process by which Trump initiated the war alongside Israel on Saturday. The War Powers Act requires U.S. presidents to seek Congressional approval for wars in advance or shortly after their start unless there is an imminent threat to the United States." The key word for me in the above paragraph is alongside. How so you ask? Think about the Arab countries who did not launch but are now fighting alongside Israel and the United States.

The vote took place along largely partisan lines, with two exceptions. Rand Paul, the Republican from Kentucky, who tends to oppose international intervention, backed the measure (not surprising) while John Fetterman, the pro-Israel Democrat from Pennsylvania (who came to the Jewish Federations General Assembly and spoke to a full house) voted no. Read more in JTA's "Senate rejects effort to rein in Trump's power to fight Iran alongside Israel."

****************

And more from the Forward's Rob Eshman in, "A war with Israel, not for Israel." 

"This striking, remarkable fact is a hopeful sign for a more peaceful Middle East, and for Jews around the world ... When Israel and President Donald Trump launched 'Operation Epic Fury' on Feb. 28 the Iranian regime responded by launching missiles at the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan." Don't adjust your TV screens.

3.That Sedaka Box Has 1,000 Songs

Jewish musical legend Neil Sedaka died over the weekend at age 86.

“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka. A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed,” his family shared on social media.

"Sedaka, whose father was the son of Sephardi immigrants from Turkey and whose mother had Jewish Polish-Russian roots, made an indelible mark on the music world during his 70-year career. As a heartthrob in his teens and early 20s, he gave us hits like 'Calendar Girl,' 'Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen,' 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,' and 'Oh! Carol,' inspired by his high school girlfriend, one Carol Klein, who later changed her name to Carole King."

In Kveller's "Jewish Music Legend Neil Sedaka Was a Mensch and an Amazing Grandfather" we get a deep look into his Jewish roots and life, with videos too.

4.Tune In

Now that Tehran has wrapped up another season (aired in the U.S. the day before Tehran was under real fire) here are some "save the dates" for "All the Jewish TV Coming in March 2026."

Below is the trailer for The Faithful, coming March 22. "This new series tells the stories of Jewish women from the bible, and it’s first season focuses on the four biblical matriarchs: Sarah, Rebecca, Leah and Rachel, and also Hagar, Sarah’s handmaid. Sarah, Abraham’s long suffering wife, is played by British-American film legend Minnie Driver. The show is almost exclusively helmed by women, including its two executive producers, Carol Mendelsohn and Julie Weitz, who both were raised in (very different) Jewish households and for whom this has been an absolute dream project. "

And if you missed Jack and Quinn Hughes on SNL (see below) that smile was priceless.

5.Lump It or Leave It

The Jewish website Hey, Alma sees you. This one seemed fun for those of us without the ick who secretly (or openly) eye roll those with it: "How to Get Over Your Fear of Weird Texture to Become a Cottage Cheese Fan."

"One of the benefits of cottage cheese is how effortlessly it blends into recipes. And while I personally think the internet has lost its mind a little bit when it comes to the cottage cheese trend of adding it to everything for a protein boost, it’s undeniable that adding cottage cheese to pancakes, lasagna or any creamy sauce is delicious… and also a great way to disguise its texture."

With that in mind, I share some "gateway" recipes to get cottage cheese into your life (if it isn't already there). And there's also FoodNetwork's "41 Cottage Cheese Recipes That Will Become Your New Favorite."

For Your Calendar

Sunday, March 15, 1:30 PM

The second installment of the Speakers Series comes to our community when we host Aviva Klompas at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Please save the date.

Klompas is a co-founder and CEO of Boundless. She has made a name for herself as an outspoken advocate for the Jewish people and as a leading Israel educator. Before launching Boundless, she served as the director of speechwriting for Israel's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City and as a senior policy advisor in the Ontario government supporting efforts to resettle Syrian refugees in Canada.

A prolific writer, Aviva has written articles that have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Foreign Policy, The Jerusalem Post, and other international publications. She is also the author of two books. Her first, Speaking for Israel, reflects on her time as a speechwriter for Israel and offers an honest and entertaining insight into Israeli diplomacy. Her second book, Stand-Up Nation: Israeli Resilience in the Wake of Disaster, released in 2024, details Israel’s remarkable and longstanding work in international development. More can be found in this Hadassah Magazine profile, “Aviva Klompas Is Reimagining Israel Education.” 

************************************************************************************************************************