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Journal featured post. A corporate culture and workplace favorite.
Are You Going to Hell for Being Gay?
If someone came up to me and asked, “Does being gay mean I’m going to hell?” I would not answer quickly. That question usually comes from fear. It comes from someone who is not trying to argue, but who is honestly worried about their soul.
By Sound and Spirit14 days ago in Journal
Uliana Poltavets on Ukraine: Drones, Blackouts, and Attacks on Health Care
Uliana Poltavets, MS, is the International Advocacy and Ukraine Program Coordinator at Physicians for Human Rights. She focuses on documenting attacks on health care in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion and supporting accountability work. Before joining PHR, she spent roughly a decade strengthening Ukraine’s civil society. Poltavets’ advocacy highlights how drone strikes on hospitals, ambulance targeting, and attacks on energy infrastructure disrupt clinical services, strain health workers, and endanger vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, people with disabilities, and older adults. Her work links open-source verification, partner reporting, and hospital testimony into usable evidence for investigators, courts, and public decision-makers worldwide.
By Scott Douglas Jacobsen14 days ago in Journal
Maayan Aviv: Jewish Leaders on Practicing Tzedakah as Justice, Dignity, and Repair
Maayan Aviv (she/her) is Executive Director and CEO of American Friends of NATAL, leading the organization since March 2023. Trained in international relations, she brings 15 years of nonprofit leadership across strategic planning, community partnerships, fundraising, donor stewardship, and mission-driven marketing. Aviv emphasizes collaboration that strengthens psychosocial resilience and healthier societies. Before joining AFN, she served as Executive Director of American Friends of ALYN Hospital, supporting pediatric rehabilitation initiatives. She is a public-facing spokesperson who links philanthropy, governance, and impact measurement to durable, dignified support for communities in daily practice.
By Scott Douglas Jacobsen15 days ago in Journal
Ramaphosa’s SONA 2026: A Nation at a Turning Point Amidst Challenges
South Africa’s President Charts a Course for Optimism and Action President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his much-anticipated State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 12, 2026, painting a picture of a nation at a crucial turning point. Against a backdrop of persistent challenges, Ramaphosa’s speech sought to inspire optimism, outlining government plans for the year ahead with a particular focus on tackling endemic crime and addressing critical water crises. This blog post delves into the key themes of SONA 2026, the public’s reaction, and the implications for South Africa’s political and social landscape.
By Omasanjuwa Ogharandukun15 days ago in Journal
Scott Silverman, Ed.D. on What Makes a Jewish Community—and How It Survives Conflict
Scott Silverman, EdD, is Dean of Noncredit & External Programs at Santa Monica College, where he leads adult education, workforce training, and community partnerships that broaden access beyond traditional credit pathways. He designs programs for older adults, career re-entry learners, and working professionals, pairing analytical forecasting with student development and engagement. A teacher and public speaker, he also mentors higher-education staff on program design, training, and service. Known for clear communication, he emphasizes in-person connection while using hybrid tools strategically. His career path was sparked by an early mentor in student affairs, turning curiosity into a commitment to community learning. Scott has been a Hebrew School teacher, youth group advisor and Hillel Director, and has been a co-founder and board member for several nonprofit organizations.
By Scott Douglas Jacobsen16 days ago in Journal
FAA Grounds All Flights To and From El Paso Until Feb. 20
In a move that has stunned travelers, airlines, businesses, and border communities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a temporary flight restriction (TFR) grounding all flights to and from El Paso International Airport and the neighboring airspace of Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The restriction, which took effect on February 10 at 11:30 p.m. MST and is scheduled to remain in place until February 20 at 11:30 p.m. MST, includes commercial, cargo, and general aviation operations.
By Omasanjuwa Ogharandukun18 days ago in Journal
