menu_open Columnists
Richard H. Schwartz

Richard H. Schwartz

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Israel’s Best Chance for a Positive Future

The Jewish people have long understood their mission in the world through the words of the prophet Isaiah: to be “a light unto the nations.” It is...

thursday 30

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

Richard H. Schwartz

Has Our ‘Light Unto the Nations’ Become Dim?

The Jewish people are called upon to be a holy nation, a kingdom of priests, God’s witnesses, and a light unto the nations. These ideals stand at...

04.06.2026 40

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

Richard H. Schwartz

Why the Future For Israel and Jews Worldwide Is Likely to Be Dismal, and How To Change That

[TAG]Rabbi Shammai Engelmayer contributed to the writing of this essay. These are extraordinarily difficult times for Jews, for the Jewish state, and...

01.06.2026 40

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

Richard H. Schwartz

What Has Israel Become?

Jews are mandated to be a holy people (Exodus 7:6, Leviticus 19:2), a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6), God’s witnesses (Isaiah 43:10, 44:8), and a...

24.05.2026 50

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

Richard H. Schwartz

How can Jews justify consuming dairy products on Shavuot or any other time?

When considering our Shavuot menu, which has traditionally been centered around dairy dishes, we should consider how cruel the modern dairy industry...

17.05.2026 70

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

Richard H. Schwartz

Best Chance for a Positive Israeli Future

The current situation for Israel and Jews worldwide has become alarming. Despite our mission to be a “light unto the nations” (Isaiah 42:6),...

15.05.2026 70

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

Richard H. Schwartz

Applying Jewish Values Can Help Save Our Imperiled Planet

First, let us consider why the world needs saving. Recently, there have been rising temperatures, melting ice caps, intensifying wildfires,...

10.05.2026 60

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

Richard H. Schwartz

Lag B’Omer and Veganism: Making Every Day Count

Lag B’Omer is considered a minor holiday in the Jewish calendar, but even a minor holiday is still worth celebrating. A great way to celebrate Lag...

30.04.2026 60

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

Richard H. Schwartz

Tu Bishvat and Climate Change

30.01.2026 80

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

Richard H. Schwartz

Questions for Rabbis on the Climate Crisis and Related Issues

27.03.2025 50

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

Richard H. Schwartz

An Open Letter to Rabbis

25.03.2025 60

The Times of Israel (Blogs)

Richard H. Schwartz