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Amid the ongoing trauma of October 7 and the war in Gaza, the call is not only for guilt and repentance but also for shame. Shame, unlike guilt, demands reflection on what kind of people we become through our actions. Embracing it may be the spark for transformation - helping both Israelis and Palestinians confront painful truths, reject destructive leadership, and open a path toward peace and renewal.

Steven E. Aschheim reviews Time’s Echo: The Second World War, The Holocaust, and the Music of Remembrance by Jeremy Eichler.

A sculptor’s journey from South Africa to Israel traces a life of creativity, Zionist ideals, and devotion to art. From early works in wood and stone to international exhibitions and a monumental piece at Yad Vashem, his sculptures draw on history, nature, and cosmic themes, blending personal experience with universal questions about humanity, memory, and the mysteries of existence.

Constitutional democracy faces growing threats worldwide as populist leaders, oligarchs, and disinformation undermine its foundations. Rising inequality, weakened media, and billionaire influence - exemplified by Trump and Musk - erode trust in institutions and embolden authoritarianism. From the US to Israel and South Africa, the survival of democracy may hinge on resilient civil societies defending the rule of law.

A few words from Leon Fine, editor of Kaleidoscope magazine, on Issue 3.

A pioneering economist and central banker, he shaped global financial policy, guided nations through crises, and mentored a generation of leaders. From the IMF and World Bank to Israel’s central bank and the U.S. Federal Reserve, his steady leadership left lasting impact. Remembered for vision, resilience, and warmth, his legacy endures in the strength of economies and the lives of those he influenced.

by Stephen Clingman June 24, 2025 This essay is dedicated to the memory of Alon Confino. At around 7 pm on October 7th, 2023, I arrived at Oliver Tambo Airport in Johannesburg; I was on my way to Bloemfontein to present the Bram Fischer Memorial Lecture, a talk I had titled, “Bram Fischer, or What Happens When the World Becomes Inhospitable.” [1] By the time I made it to my hotel room at the airport—I was traveling on the next day—I was exhausted after something approachin

by Meir Margalit June 24, 2025 In this age of barbarism, the peace movement is going through the most critical moment of its existence...

June 23, 2025 The composition and audio performance of “Virtuoso Variations”, can be played by clicking on the below arrow. Editor’s introduction This composition is based upon a melody from an Israeli children’s song and had its origins when Ittai Shapira, Israeli-American composer and violinist, served as artist in residence for a new arts Center in Pennsylvania in 2004. Shapira explains: “The concerts were programmed for children and were aimed to stimulate excitement of n

by Terry Kessel and Sivan Yaari June 23, 2025 “ In Chalenga Village, I met Mary, a mother of three who told me that before the...

by Professor Owen Epstein June 22, 2025 Heuristics are mental shortcuts, like the autopilot mode on a plane. Instead of calculating every...

by Emanuel Derman June 22, 2025 This article is extracted from “Brief Hours and Weeks: My Life as a Capetonian” by Emanuel Derman. ...

by Michal Govrin June 21, 2025 A Personal Note I am a woman and mother who lives in Jerusalem. I am also the daughter of a survivor....

by Basil Porter June 20, 2025 To the Editor. In the trying times in which we now live in Israel, I am led to recall a set of occurrences...

A few words from Leon Fine, editor of Kaleidoscope magazine, on Issue 2.

Rising populism, media manipulation, and billionaire influence threaten constitutional democracy, pushing nations toward authoritarian rule.

The decline of strong, ethical leadership fuels global populism. Education fostering critical thinking and moral integrity is the solution.

Habonim balances inclusion and exclusion, shaping Jewish youth while navigating tensions of belonging and social divide.

Challenging common beliefs about Israel, Ian Joseph critiques narratives on democracy, peace, and security, exposing them as mass delusions.

A poem by Des Kahn.