It is one of the most frequently asked questions, if not THE most frequently asked question, that I receive from my non-Jewish friends: which one of the seemingly-endless list of Jewish holidays is my favorite. When I was younger (pre-Bar Mitzvah), I undoubtedly argued it was Chanukkah. After all, the majority of my friends were Christian, and therefore for most of them the favorite holiday was Christmas.

The turmoil in the markets returned this week as a result of the Japan disaster. Added to the human tragedy is the renewed risk of economic bankruptcy. The unstable situation regarding the nuclear reactors in Fukushima and surrounding districts hit by the tsunami adds yet another layer of concern. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 1.18, which coincidentally I was asked to read in church this week.

Sexual attitudes in the 21st century, particularly as portrayed in TV and film, are very much in line with religious teaching which is thousands of years old. This suggests that, despite huge swings away from a reliance on the Bible as the moral arbiter in our lives, the private morality of individuals has nevertheless stayed true to its Biblical origins. Even among a population which rarely visits church, the key commandments remain as pillars of accepted social behavior.

Jews are imaginative people, and our creativity is not lost on gentiles. This article will list the 10 best Jewish authors, in no particular order, as well as their best Jewish books. Although some books may not represent Jewish culture overtly, it is impossible to ignore the impact of these Jewish books on the literary tradition.

We read alarming reports almost every week on all kinds of topics and although this one could cause alarm in certain circles, it need not. A study emerging from Swansea University indicates that some thousands of people living in Britain are converting to Islam every year, and quite interestingly, with more women becoming Muslims than men. I wonder why? Is it because the Jesus Christ of the Bible has never been fully and adequately preached and taught in Churches? If that is so, then the fault lies at the door of the church! David Pawson's superb and comprehensive book, "The Challenge of Islam to Christians" gives us an insight and understanding of this serious and dangerous phenomenon, and excellent recorded talks are widely available. Consider how much more serious the situation would have been if the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, had not poured out the Holy Spirit throughout the 1960's and 1970's in such a generous and abundant way.