Google Sidewiki entry by Russell

Well put, Rabbi Yoffie. "What we need, rather, is to be respectful of each other’s choices and customs." Unfortunately, what this means in real life is that the alternative streams of Judaism show respect for one another and for Orthodoxy/ultra-Orthodoxy, while Orthodoxy continues to disrespect and delegitimize progressive Judaism. So much for mutual respect...

in reference to:

"And since there is not a single, universally accepted religious standard that governs Jewish religious life, we should make no attempt to impose one at the Kotel. What we need, rather, is to be respectful of each other’s choices and customs."
- At the Wall, which side is the right one?: The Kotel belongs to the entire Jewish people | j. the Jewish news weekly of Northern California (view on Google Sidewiki)

Google Sidewiki entry by Russell

So let me get this straight: all we have to do to retard Global Warming is to turn the planet into a desert? Oh, wait, we're doing that already!

in reference to:

"By looking at the other side of the equation, the two researchers discovered that desertification was not necessarily all bad - in fact, it may have retarded global warming by as much as 20%. The desert reflects sunlight and releases infrared radiation, which has a cooling effect. And in a world in which desertification is continuing at a rate of about six million hectares a year, that news might have a significant effect on how we estimate the rates and magnitude of climate change."
- Desertification may have retarded global warming | Science and Environment | Jerusalem Post (view on Google Sidewiki)

School uniforms for Israel?

There is more to be said in favour of school uniforms than against, provided that uniforms are "uniform" across the entire school system. When each school insists on its own distinctive uniform, it immediately becomes an expensive proposition, with exclusive retailers, inflated prices, etc. The only difference permitted between schools should be a unique badge.

School uniforms help to create a school spirit and to take the emphasis off socio-economic differences between classmates. A simple, widely used uniform can also reduce the financial pressure on parents of schoolgoers and can be a time-saver.

Israel should definitely strongly consider the reintroduction of school uniforms, including optional "multi-form" items such as standardised wind breakers, track suits, etc.

in reference to: Mandatory school uniforms likely to make comeback | Israel | Jerusalem Post (view on Google Sidewiki)