A New Year, New Beginnings and Plenty of Good Jewish News

Reflections on Jewish pride, Israel, new ventures and the traditions that keep us connected.

Shana Tova! As we welcome the Jewish New Year 5787, I find myself reflecting on just how much has changed over the past year, both personally and professionally. It's been a busy time, filled with new projects, interesting people, unexpected opportunities and plenty of reasons to be thankful.

When I founded GOOD JEWISH NEWS in Adar 5783, my intention was to create a publication that focused on the positive side of Jewish life. There is certainly no shortage of troubling news in the world, and we hear enough of it every day. I wanted something different: a place to celebrate Jewish accomplishments, fascinating personalities, philanthropy, business, culture, history and the traditions that make our community so special.

That mission remains the same as we begin 5787. Our motto says it all: We only publish the good stuff!

New Projects and Old Passions

On the business side, this has been one of my busiest years in recent memory. My latest publishing venture, PLAYHORSE Magazine, has brought together several of my longtime interests, including horse racing, luxury automobiles, yachts, travel, entertainment and the colorful personalities who make those worlds so interesting.

With its tagline, "Luxury Lifestyle in the Fast Lane," PLAYHORSE is a decidedly different kind of publication from GOOD JEWISH NEWS, but both share something important: an appreciation for interesting people and worthwhile stories.

I'm also continuing work on Buddy from Brooklyn, the motion picture project inspired by the extraordinary life of Howard "Buddy" Jacobson. Researching this story has taken me through decades of New York history, horse racing, the fashion business and some remarkable personal connections. It's an ambitious undertaking, and one that continues to reveal fascinating new chapters.

Meanwhile, our Luxury Chamber Media Group publications and business events continue to expand, bringing together entrepreneurs, philanthropists, artists and professionals from many different backgrounds. I've always believed that good relationships are at the heart of successful business, and that philosophy has served me well.

Israel, Jewish Pride and Looking Ahead

Like many Jewish Americans, I follow developments in Israel with great interest. I was glad to see Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu and his political allies emerge ahead in Israel's recent election. Although the process of forming the next government is not yet settled, I remain hopeful about Israel's future and its ability to overcome the challenges it faces.

Whatever one's political opinions, I believe we can agree that a strong, secure and prosperous Israel is something worth hoping for. The Jewish people have overcome extraordinary adversity throughout history, and that determination to survive and thrive remains one of our greatest strengths.

On a more personal note, something rather encouraging has been happening lately. I've been receiving an unusually large number of compliments on the Star of David pendant I wear around my neck.

What makes these compliments especially meaningful is that they often come from people I wouldn't necessarily expect. Sometimes it's a stranger, sometimes someone at a business event, and occasionally it's simply a person who notices the pendant and wants to say something nice.

It may seem like a small thing, but in a world where antisemitism continues to make headlines, these friendly encounters are genuinely refreshing. I wear my Star of David proudly, and it's good to be reminded that there are plenty of people out there who respect and appreciate Jewish identity and tradition.

Sometimes good Jewish news arrives in the form of a simple compliment.

Looking Forward to Chanukah

With the High Holidays behind us, I'm already looking forward to Chanukah, which begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, 2026.

One of my favorite traditions is lighting my olive-oil menorah. There is something especially beautiful about the warm glow of real olive-oil flames. It connects us directly to the ancient story of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil, while bringing a sense of peace and continuity into our homes.

In our increasingly fast-paced world, I appreciate those moments when we put aside our phones, our work and the day's distractions to enjoy something that Jewish families have celebrated for generations.

Chanukah is, after all, a celebration of perseverance, faith, freedom and light. Those are values worth remembering all year long.

Here's to a Sweet and Successful 5787

As we move further into the new year, I want to thank our readers, advertisers, contributors and friends for helping GOOD JEWISH NEWS continue to grow. Your encouragement and support make publishing this magazine particularly rewarding.

My hope for 5787 is simple: more good health, more prosperity, more opportunities to help others, more Jewish pride and, hopefully, a little more peace in the world.

And, of course, plenty more good Jewish news to share.

Shana Tova U'Metuka, and an early Happy Chanukah to everyone!