Issue Number 10 Volume 49

JERUSALEM (JTA)—The execution of Saddam Hussein has renewed the debate in Israel over the effect of the American invasion of Iraq on Israel's regional position.

WASHINGTON (JTA)—For Betsy Sheerr, it was the perfect 21st-century moment: A woman had just ascended to within two heartbeats of the presidency, and Sheerr was spreading the news by text message.

WASHINGTON (JTA)—The new Congress doesn't just feature more Jews in powerful positions than the community has seen in more than a decade—it also features more friendly faces across the board, Jewish leaders say.

JERUSALEM (JTA)—A year after Ariel Sharon was felled by a stroke, Israelis are talking about another crippling malaise in the top office. This time, however, it's a metaphor for the corruption and outright criminality that many believe have taken root among those closest to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and other national institutions.

A door-to-door salesman successfully peddled his wares at the childhood home of Jordan Epstein. He didn't come to sell the family a set of 1950 encyclopedias or an illustrated Bible. Rather, an accordion and music lessons.

Two veteran White House insiders—one with President Bill Clinton, the other with President George W. Bush—will be the featured guests at the annual Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Men's Night Out, Jan. 30 at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center.

A women's hockey team representing Israel didn't win medals at a recent Canadian tournament, but for a local participant, the thrill of competition was more than satisfactory.

As a 30-year-old today who grew up in Los Angeles, filmmaker Ethan Isenberg had no opportunity to meet the subject of what was to be his first documentary film.

It's the day after the 110th U.S. Congress has convened. My cousin Marty, looking troubled, drops by my office.
"Marty, you seem upset," I say.

TEL AVIV (JTA)—Teddy Kollek, the longtime Jerusalem mayor who died this month at the age of 95, is being remembered as the most prolific builder of the city since King Herod.