Book Review: "Abraham" by Bruce Feiler

 By Nate Feldman

More than twenty years ago, Bruce Feiler wrote Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths, a book detailing the connection the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths have with their forefather, Abraham.  

In the introduction, the author meets with David, a man who moved to Jerusalem.  David says, "The relationship between a person and another human being is what creates and allows for a relationship with God.  If you're not capable of living with each other and getting along with each other, than you're not capable of having a relationship with God."  

Upcoming Event: Standing Alone Together Sneak Peak

By Nate Feldman

Event: Standing Alone Together: A First-Look Event

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025, 6-7 PM

Location: Marlene Meyerson JCC, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at W. 76th Street, New York, NY

Standing Alone Together is the title of an upcoming documentary about Rula Daaod and Alon-Lee Green, two leaders of an Israeli-Palestinian solidarity movement bringing the two sides together to bring peace and justice to their country.  

The event will have clips from the film, which is still in the progress of being developed.  It will include a chance for discussion with members of the filmmaking team.

This is a part of The Other Israel Film Festival, taking place this month at different locations throughout New York City.

The Interfaith Unity Walk in Washington, DC, Part 2

By Nate Feldman

This is the second part of my report on the Interfaith Unity Walk in Washington, DC held annually in September.  

We started at a Synagogue and went to a Catholic church.  From there, we visited a Sikh Gurdwara.  I have met many Sikhs before, but this was my first time entering one of their houses of worship.  Those who decided to enter had to remove their shoes and cover their heads, which is mandatory when entering a Gurdwara.  After listening to traditional hymns, we went downstairs and were served lunch.

From there, we visited a Greek Orthodox church.  Like Sikhs, I had met many people from this tradition but had never been inside one of their places of worship.  

The walk continued to the Indian embassy and concluded at a mosque, but I had to return home and didn't see that part of the journey.  Nevertheless, it was an immensely rewarding experience that taught me about other faiths, while showing that people from different religious backgrounds can cooperate with one another.

Rossing Center Reps to Speak in Chevy Chase

 By Nate Feldman

This Sunday, October 26, two members of the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, an organization in Israel dedicated to building understanding and relationships between Muslims, Jews, and Christians will be speaking at St. John's Norwood Episcopal Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland beginning at 3 PM.  They will be discussing their work experience with the audience.

Interfaith Philadelphia Walk-A-Thon

 By Nate Feldman

This weekend, the Interfaith Philadelphia organization is hosting its annual Walk-a-Thon for Understanding, where participants from various religious backgrounds will walk around a track to raise money for the organization's initiatives to bring people of different faiths together for dialogue and understanding.  The event will take place at 2 PM at the Wetzler Track at LaSalle University.  

The Coexistence Corner Show, The Washington Interfaith Unity Walk, Part 1

 By Nate Feldman

Here is the first part of my report on the Washington Interfaith Unity Walk that I took part in last month in Northwest DC.  

Demonizing the Other: Lessons for Israel/Palestine and Beyond

 By Nate Feldman

This Sunday, the Jewish-Islamic Dialogue Society of Washington, DC will be hosting an event titled "Demonizing the Other: Lessons for Israel/Palestine and Beyond," at the Rock Spring United Church of Christ in Arlington, VA.  The event will be led by a Ron Kraybill, a veteran peacebuilder, who will focus on how demonization and dehumanization happens.  Afterwards, attendees will gather into small groups to focus on what these terms mean to them and what they can do about them.  

New movie, "The Sea" stirs up controversy

 By Nate Feldman

"The Sea", a new Israeli film, about a Palestinian boy from the West Bank trying to visit the sea in Tel Aviv, won the Ophir Award, the Israeli equivalent of the Oscar's, for best picture.

The Israeli Minister of Culture threatened to cut funding to the Ophir awards because of this.

Doomsday, USA, Third Edition

By Nate Feldman

Below is the script for my third edition of the Doomsday, USA video.  

Josh: Hello, and welcome to Doomsday, USA, a peaceful, prosperous, pristine, yet sometimes petrifying place, where half of the inhabitants are humans, and the other half are monsters!  

My name is Josh, and these are my partners, Kipper and Brownie, and together we are the co-founders and co-directors of MAHU: Monsters and Humans United, a non-profit organization dedicated to building better relationships between the different species in our community.  

We run many projects in the area, but our most notable one is the Camp Doomsday summer camp, a beautiful location where young humans and monsters interact with one another and build lifelong relationships.  

Despite our progress, we have dealt with a tragedy recently.  Two staff members at our camp vanished without a trace while spending the night in the woods one stormy night.  Their belongings were found scattered everywhere, mauled to shreds.

Locals have claimed to have spotted a brain-devouring zombie roaming the area, and many believe it is responsible for their disappearance. 

Out of concern for our campers and staff, we may need to close down our camp while trying to solve the mystery of our missing counselors.  But, that cannot get in the way of the work we are trying to accomplish.  We must learn to live together with one another!  

Review of Show, "Arab Labor, Episode 1, The Car"

By Nate Feldman

Arab Labor was an Israeli TV show written by author Sayed Kashua, focusing on the cultural divide between Arabs and Jews.  It aired between 2007-2013.  The main character in the show is Amjad, an Arab journalist.

In the first episode, titled "The Car," Amjad is driving with his wife and daughter when he is pulled over by an Israeli security official.  Amjad is confused because he doesn't understand how the guard knows he is Arab.  He is speaking Hebrew and wearing clothes and deodorant that makes him not appear to be Arab. A colleague tells him it is the car he is driving.  He drives a Subaru, a car that allegedly only Arabs drive.  Meanwhile, he is criticized by his father for wearing a seatbelt in the village, something most people supposedly don't do.

When he eventually is able to get a Rover, a car his colleague said is considered a "Jewish" card, now he is saluted at checkpoints instead of pulled over.

Amjad also is asked by his supervisor to appear on a show to explain why Arabs have more car accidents than other groups in the country.  He tells her it is because of the poor infrastructure, and she wants him to explain that on a talk show.  However, the rebuttal is that the driving culture in the Arab sector is poor.  

The show gives a unique perspective on the inner workings of Israeli culture, especially from an Arab standpoint, that is not often seen in many shows or programs.

Interfaith Unity Walk in DC

By Nate Feldman

On Sunday, I took part in the annual Interfaith Unity Walk in Washington, DC.  The event, put together by the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, brings together members of different religions to visit different houses of worship along Embassy Row in the northwest section of the city.  Speakers at the event said it was the 20th anniversary of the first walk.

The day began at the Washington Hebrew Congregation, where people of different religious organizations were at tables giving information.  Some notable groups there included the Abrahamic House, a place where people of various faiths live together, the Jewish-Islamic Dialogue Society of Washington, and other faith-based initiatives in the Greater Washington area.

Afterwards, leaders of many faiths addressed attendees of the walk in the synagogue's main sanctuary.  

From there, walkers visited a Catholic Church, a Sikh Gurudwara, a Greek Orthodox church, and the Islamic Center of Washington, DC.  They also met with religious leaders of each faith to learn about their traditions.

Events like these show the potential of people of many backgrounds to live together in harmony when they listen to one another.

Doomsday, USA, Second Edition

By Nate Feldman

Here's my second edition of the story Doomsday, USA, which is about Josh, an idealist in a town where humans and monsters are in conflict, and he tries to bring them together through different means despite the many challenges around him.  Below the video is the script.

Welcome to Doomsday, USA!  My name is Josh, and my town is a peaceful, pristine, prosperous, but at times petrifying place where half of the inhabitants are humans, and the other half are monsters.  As you know, humans and monsters have been in conflict with one another for ages, but I don’t believe it has to be that way.

I am the co-founder and director of MAHU: Monsters and Humans United, an organization dedicated to co-existence between the two species.  We at MAHU run many projects.  We have The Humane Society for Monsters, which takes care of needy monsters in the community.  We also have the Camp Doomsday summer camp, where young humans and monsters interact with one another and form lifelong relationships.

Unfortunately, we’ve been dealing with a tragedy recently.  Two staff members at Camp Doomsday, a human and a monster, who were a romantic couple, vanished without a trace while camping in the woods one night.  Their belongings were found scattered everywhere, mauled to shreds.  Some eyewitnesses have claimed to have seen a brain-devouring zombie in the area, dragging their bodies with visible chew marks on their limbs.

For that reason, we may need to suspend operations of the camp for a short while out of concern for the safety of our campers and our staff alike.  But, we cannot let that get in the way of the work of our organization.  We must learn to live together with one another! 

Vocabulary:

1. pristine = untouched by humans; natural

2. prosperous = a place with great wealth or money 

3. petrifying = very scary 

4. inhabitants = people that in a place

5. in conflict = fighting with one another 

6. ages = a long time 

7. dedicated = committed to

8. co-existence = people of different backgrounds living together in peace  

 9. needy = someone who needs money or help in life 

10.interact = talking or being around another person 

11. tragedy = a sad event 

12. vanished without a trace = disappeared completely 

13. belongings = things you own 

14. scattered = in all places 

15. mauled to shreds = eaten in many pieces 

16. brain-devouring = eating someone's brain

17. dragging = pulling on the ground

18. chew marks = showing where your teeth were 

19. limbs = your arms and legs

20. suspend = to temporarily stop something

For discussion: 

1. Do you think humans and monsters can co-exist?  Can we learn to live together?

2. This is a food class.  What do you think monsters like to eat?

3. If you have a monster over for dinner, what food will you give it?

The Coexistence Corner Show, The 9th annual Montgomery County Interfaith 5K

 By Nate Feldman

Here is a video of The Coexistence Corner Show.  In it, I talk about the Montgomery County Interfaith 5K, an event held annually in Boyds, Maryland to bring people of different religious traditions together.

Some photos from the 9th Montgomery County Interfaith 5k

By Nate Feldman

For the 9th time, people of various faiths gathered at the South Germantown Recreational Park in Boyds, Maryland for a 5k race.  Sponsored by various local synagogues, churches, and mosques, the event preaches togetherness and community.  

According to the race organizers, nine years ago there was anti-semtic graffiti found on a local synagogue.  The race evolved from the idea that people from different religious communities should gather to see all they have in common and not live in ignorance.

Now, every Labor Day, people from many religions run up and down scenic hills in a race that highlights unity, not divisions.

Here are some pictures from the event on Monday, September 1, 2025:

Article about Noam Shuster Eliassi's Comedy

By Nate Feldman

I get emails from the American Friends of Neve Shalom/Wahat Al Salam, a village in Israel with Israeli Jewish and Palestinian residents.  In their most recent newsletter, attached was a recent interview a resident, Noam Shuster Eliassi, did with the Reuters news agency.

Noam, from an Israeli Jewish family, has been performing comedy in many venues, discussing the situation in the Middle East.  Having grown up in a joint Israeli-Palestinian town, she is able to connect with Arab audiences and is very sympathetic to their cause.  The article discusses a documentary about her called Coexistence, my Ass!, which is the name of her comedy routine.  

Reading her interview there are a couple of things that struck me.  On the one hand, I admire that she is willing to connect to the other side of the conflict.  For example she has performed at the Palestine Comedy Festival in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem. She has also been willing to perform her act in parts of Israel where views like her are very unfavorable.  She mentioned the need of reaching out to ultra-nationalists, not just leftwing activists who already favor coexistence.

On the other hand, some of the views expressed in the article seem quite typical for most global leftwing activists, which pretty much present Israel as the big, dark villain of the story and the Palestinians as entirely innocent.  While it focuses on the suffering of people in Gaza, it doesn't really bring up sensitive issues like Israeli prisoners being starved by the Hamas organization, the October 7 massacres, or the fact that entire communities in Northern Israel were endlessly shelled by Hezbollah rockets (or the attacks of Iran on Israeli civilian populations).  This is not to say there is no suffering in Gaza, because there is.  And, it is not to say that Israel never commits atrocities because it does.  

That is not to take away from what Noam Shuster Eliassi does.  I wish there were more people who did work like this.  But, keeping oversimplistic narratives of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict don't help either.

The Jerusalem Youth Chorus 2025

 By Nate Feldman

I recently received a brochure celebrating the Jerusalem Youth Chorus' (JYC's) 13th year.  As mentioned in previous posts, this organization brings Palestinian and Israeli youth together to perform music together.  The brochure mentioned that despite the continuing difficulties in the region, they "saw a 95% retention rate among (their) high school singers."  

The pamphlet mentioned that in the upcoming year they "anticipate the highest enrollment in JYC history of young leaders from East and West Jerusalem."  

They will later be performing in Toronto in the "first-ever Global Congress for Music & Social Change."  

So, the organization continues to build momentum even as there tragically continues to be horrible bloodshed between the two people.  Hopefully, groups like this can continue to have a positive effect on their respective societies by showing that co-existence in some form is possible when given an opportunity.  

The Caring Place in Allentown, PA

 By Nate Feldman

Last week, I began volunteering at The Caring Place in Allentown, PA.  The Caring Place is a youth center that, as stated on its website, "reach(es) out to young people who may be exposed to drugs, violence, teen pregnancy, unemployment and hopelessness everyday."

While there, we always start with a cooked dinner and eat together.  I enjoy having conversations with both the children and the other volunteers during this time.  Afterwards, the children have a chance to either work on schoolwork or some other educational activity.  Then, they have a chance for some fun activities, ranging from card games like UNO, arts and crafts, playing Connect Four, or games on computers at the center.  

The Caring Place is an excellent center where volunteers can make a difference in the lives of local children.  

The Art of Interfaith Understanding, The Sacred Arts of Asia

By Nate Feldman

Today, I took a train ride to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in order to take part in a tour titled The Sacred Arts of Asia.  The tour is a part of the Art of Interfaith Understanding initiative, a program with the Philadelphia Interfaith Association, an organization dedicated to fostering dialogue between people of different religious traditions in the Philadelphia area.  The Art of Interfaith Understanding gives people a chance to learn about one another's beliefs through artwork, while trying to find potential commonalities with their own traditions.

The program this afternoon began with tour participants sharing their names and their religious faiths.  From there, Reverend John Hougen, the tour guide for the Art of Interfaith Understanding, guided us through rooms showing artwork from Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, and Jain cultures.  While looking at the different works, he explained how elements of different religions were expressed in drawings and sculptures.

The event was highly informative, and I strongly recommend it to both passionate art lovers, along with people who are interested in understanding the different religions of the world.  

Philly Sound Exchange

 By Nate Feldman

On Sunday morning, I watched a report on a local news station about an organization called Philly Sound Exchange, which brings together young students from both the city of Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs and attempts to unite them in their passion for music.  

Abrahamic House in Washington Gives People of Different Faiths an Opportunity to Live and Work Together

 By Nate Feldman

Mohammed Al-Samawi, the founder and director of the Abrahamic House at Dupont Circle in Washington, DC, wrote an article for the Interfaith America website about the work of their organization, which gives people of different faiths an opportunity to be roommates and do work for the local community, promoting religious pluralism and tolerance.  

In the article, he describes how over the last couple of years, the residents, a Catholic architect, a Muslim student from Afghanistan, and a Jewish journalist, have lived in the same building, hosting over fifty events bringing people of different religious traditions together.

The article can be found here: https://www.interfaithamerica.org/article/living-in-dc-interfaith-engagement/

Interfaith Iftar Held at State Capitol Building in Harrisburg, PA

 By Nate Feldman

On March 24, 2025, there was an interfaith Iftar meal held in the Main Rotunda of the State Capitol building in Harrisburg, PA.  The Iftar meal breaks the day-long fast Muslims do during the holy month of Ramadan where they abstain from eating, drinking, and other things from the morning prayer until the evening prayer.  

According to reports, it was the first time an Iftar meal was hosted at Pennsylvania's State Capitol building.   

The event brought together leaders and people of various faiths and included members of different political parties.

To see a clip of the video, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWQem_YlxXg

Children of Abraham Have an Interfaith Iftar by the Dead Sea

 By Nate Feldman

There was an interesting article in the Jerusalem Post online website about an interfaith iftar that took place at the Dead Sea towards the end of March.  The story is called: An Iftar for all: Israelis, Palestinians come together in shared hope for peace by Mohamad M. Jamous.  Although this event by no means represent the mainstream of the two communities, it once again reaffirms what is possible when given an opportunity.  

You can also see a video of the event at the following link: https://www.threads.net/@mohamad.jamous/post/DHuOY16NrEz

Crossing Boundaries: A Traveler's Guide to World Peace, Chapter on Inter-religious Travel

 By Nate Feldman

In his book, Crossing Boundaries: A Traveler's Guide to World Peace, writer Aziz Abu Sarah includes a chapter on visiting other people's religious places during while in other countries, or even within our own communities.

The chapter begins with an anecdote about his father, a devout Muslim, who while visiting him in the USA wanted to attend a Friday Jummah prayer at a local mosque.  The writer connected his father with the uncle of a local friend, and they went to the mosque together.  When they returned, the father said that the mosque was full, so they did the prayer inside a nearby synagogue that grants space for Muslims to pray when space is unavailable.  It was his father's first time in a synagogue, and it was a real eye-opening experience for him as he had lived his entire life in Jerusalem, where Jews, Christians, and Muslims all live, but he hadn't been inside a Jewish house of worship.

The writer also recounted the time he and his friends, all Muslims, visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, said to be the location of Jesus' crucifixion.  It was their first time being in a Christian holy place, and it gave him the realization that he knew less about other people's faiths than he thought he did.  

From there, Aziz Abu Sarah talks about how he likes visiting places of worship while in other countries, and he also encourages people to take part in different religious festivities or events.  He recounts visiting Buddhist temples in Vietnam and being guided by a local female monk.   

I found this chapter to be very enlightening, and I agree with the advice that we should try and open our minds to other's traditions while not necessarily believing in them.  A lot of misunderstandings between people of different faiths often revolve around ignorance and lack of awareness rather than real understanding of these traditions.

Book Summary, Crossing Boundaries

 By Nate Feldman

In 2020, Aziz Abu Sarah wrote a book, Crossing Boundaries: A Traveler’s Guide to World Peace, that teaches people to explore the world in a responsible way and encourages people to get to know others of different backgrounds, be it from other ethnicities, religions, or point of view. 

A Palestinian, he mentioned having to take a Hebrew class, 20 minutes from where he lives in Jerusalem, and what an eye-opening experience it was.  He eventually became a leader with the Bereaved Parent’s Forum, a group of Israelis and Palestinians who have lost loved ones in the ongoing conflict between the two people.  The organization rejects violence and encourages mutual understanding between the two sides.  They have organized tours for people from both backgrounds to visit each other’s neighborhoods and homes and hear their narratives.

The lesson from these experiences was he realized how little Israelis and Palestinians know about each other, even if they live in the same city, as they do in many cases.  He goes onto advocate for people to explore unknown parts of their own cities or towns to know people with different perspectives and life experiences.  He mentions how people often associate with others from a similar neighborhood or background, but that we should make an effort to become more aware of all the people around us.  He believes the type of travel we do in our own communities great affects the types of travel we do when we go abroad. 

In addition to his own personal experiences, he describes those of Scott Cooper, a Jewish American who is his business partner.  He mentions how Scott, like him, learned about others perspectives while in Israel.  Scott went to Israel to visit his brother who was spending time there, but from there chose also to visit Bethlehem, a Palestinian city.  He went on to become involved with groups that were joint Israeli-Palestinian organizations dedicated to dialogue and building relationships between the two sides.

As for foreign travel, Aziz Abu Sarah strongly encourages travelers to visit destinations off the beaten track, such as small villages, where visitors can interact with locals more easily while supporting their economies.  These positive interactions play a big role in building relationships between people of different cultures.  He also strongly recommends visiting marginalized communities, such as those of minorities, to promote social justice.

Other issues tackled in the book include using tour groups that pay its workers and participants a fair wage as well as being environmentally responsible while traveling. 

The Berwyn Beat, February 24-March 1

 By Nate Feldman

Conestoga High School Performs Chicago

From February 26-March 1, students at Conestoga High School put on a performance of the musical Chicago.  

The play is the story of Roxie Hart, a woman who kills her lover and goes to jail for it.  She hires Billy Flynn, a flamboyant lawyer to represent her.  Meanwhile, she becomes a huge celebrity in Chicago and relishes the attention.

Chicago focuses on fame, and how willing certain people will do extreme things to achieve it.  

The Conestoga performers were outstanding, and the production was top-notch.  

Book Report: Murder on the Baltimore Express

The book, Murder on the Baltimore Express by Suzanne Jurmain, details a plot in 1861 to assassinate Abraham Lincoln by southern sympathizers in Baltimore and how a team of detectives devised a way to get him to safety in Washington, DC.  

In 1861, Abraham Lincoln, who had recently been elected the 16th President of the United States began a journey by train from his hometown of Springfield, Illinois en route to Washington, DC.  Along the way, he stopped by many cities, big and small, to greet Americans, eager to meet the newly elected President and get an idea what his plans for the country were.

It was a perilous time as southern states had begun seceding from the Union in protest of Lincoln's opposition to the expansion of slavery.  Because of that, there was an alleged plot in Baltimore, Maryland, a slave-holding southern state, to assassinate Lincoln when his train arrived in town.  Allan Pinkerton, a top detective in the country and his agency discovered this and needed to warn Lincoln of the danger that awaited him.  

So, a plot was devised to sneak Lincoln through Baltimore undetected so that he could arrive in Washington, DC for his inauguration unharmed.  

The book, written as a story, gives a fascinating look into one of the most dangerous moments in our country's history.  It is written for young readers, but even as an adult, I learned some interesting facts.  I give it a 10 out of 10.  

Travel: A Day at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in NYC

A painting at the MOMA museum

On Monday, I did a day trip to New York City to visit the Museum of Modern Art, or MOMA, in Manhattan.

Before I arrived there, I bumped into six of my students from the ELS language center I teach at, and we sat together for a while.

At the museum, I saw both older and contemporary works of art, ranging from Vincent Van Gogh's iconic Starry Night to works by Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and other famous artists.  

Some paintings that really stuck out to me included Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup Cans paintings.  He painted all of the types of Campbell's Soup he had eaten over the years.  It made me think of things I often eat and if I should paint or draw pictures of them as well.

Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup Cans series of paintings

There is also the Sun Mad Raisins painting, that shows the Sun Maid woman, found on all Sun Maid Raisins products, but as a skeleton.  It says on the painting: Unnaturally Grown with Pesticides.  What is interesting about that is that for years I ate the Sun Maid Raisins, but I specifically always got the Organic kinds to avoid that very issue.  The artist was depicting something I had always wondered about Sun Maid products.

An afternoon at the MOMA is a great way for both art enthusiasts and others to enjoy their time in New York City. 

Coexistence Corner: Palestinian and Israeli journalist discuss their joint project, "No Other Land." 

CNN recently interviewed Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham, a Palestinian and Israeli journalist, whose documentary "No Other Land," is getting headlines throughout the world for its portrayal of a Palestinian village in dealing with the Israeli occupation of its land.  

The film has received a lot of recognition throughout the world.  The two journalists/filmmakers in the interview discussed their inspiration for the project and what they hope for the future of the Middle East region.

The movie went onto win the Oscar for Best Documentary at the 2025 Academy Awards.  Upon receiving the prize, Yuval Abraham stated that, "Together, Our Voices are Stronger."  See the following article for more details: https://www.haaretz.com/life/2025-03-03/ty-article/.premium/israeli-palestinian-coproduction-no-other-land-wins-oscar-for-best-documentary/00000195-5903-d465-a3df-7b3ba1ba0001

To learn more, read the interview at: https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/03/world/no-other-land-documentary-palestine-cec/index.html.   

The Atlantic magazine also published an article about the friendship between the two filmmakers in the following article: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2025/02/unlikely-friendship-behind-oscar-favorite-no-other-land/681858/.  

The Berwyn Beat, February 9-14

By Nate Feldman

The Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl

The Philadelphia Eagles played the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans and won the game handily by a score of 40-22.  Jalen Hurts, the team quarterback, was named the Super Bowl MVP.  The game avenged the Eagles' loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl 57 and is the second time in team history they have won the Lombardi Trophy.  

The next Friday, there was a huge parade in Philadelphia where up to a million fans thronged the streets of Philadelphia to celebrate the Eagles' achievement.  Players greeted fans and gave speeches on the stairs of the Art Museum.  

Another Winter Storm

Tuesday, February 11 saw the return of wintry weather to the Philadelphia area with snowfall occurring in the evening hours and lasting until Wednesday morning.  The area picked up a couple of inches of snow and many schools had delayed beginnings or virtual lessons on Wednesday.  The storm continued a trend this winter of snowstorms that bring precipitation of a couple of inches.  

Nate at the Movies: "House" (1986), a film review 

House is a 1986 supernatural horror movie about an acclaimed writer, Roger Cobb, who moves into his Aunt's house after she commits suicide for mysterious reasons.  He had previously lived there with his estranged wife and son, who vanished during their time there. Despite being implored to sell the house, he insists on keeping it so that he can have solitude and focus on writing a memoir about his experiences during the Vietnam War.  Meanwhile, Cobb begins seeing monsters and other bizarre phenomena, making him realize the house is haunted.  

While the film is a bit dated now, I found it entertaining.  I give it 8 out of 10 in my review.  

The Berwyn Beat, January 19-26

 By Nate Feldman

                                                                  The Berwyn Beat  

                                                              

More Snow and Cold Temperatures 

On Sunday January 19, a winter storm came through the greater Philadelphia area, with a few inches of snow covering the ground.  It was the most significant snowfall of the winter season so far.  The snow was followed by a week of extremely frigid temperatures, with highs in the teens on Tuesday and Wednesday.  

Philadelphia Eagles are Going to the Super Bowl

The local area is filled with excitement as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Washington Commanders 55-23 in the NFC Championship game to advance to Super Bowl 59, where they will play the Kansas City Chiefs, who beat the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship game.  The Super Bowl will be a rematch of Super Bowl 57, in which Kansas City beat the Eagles in a tight game.

Coexistence Corner Report 

MLK Day of Service 2025

On Monday, January 20, people throughout the area held various events and volunteered in many locations in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  This federal holiday is held the third Monday of January to commemorate the life and actions of the iconic civil rights leader who called for equality between African Americans and others while also advocating non-violence.  

The Berwyn Beat, January 5-12, 2025

 By Nate Feldman

Winter Storm Hits Berwyn, PA

Local schools were closed on Monday, January 6, because of a winter storm that brought a few inches of snow to the local area.  The snow began in the early morning hours and lasted until the afternoon, with more snow falling in the evening hours.  The snow left a white blanket over the local area and was followed by a week of cold temperatures and blustery winds.  

Philadelphia Macy's to Close

For years, the Macy's store in the Wannamaker's building in Center City Philadelphia has been an iconic location, especially during the holiday season when visitors come to watch the light show.  However, it was announced this week that the store would permanently close its doors this March.  

Wildfires Ravage areas in and around Los Angeles

This week, a horrible wildfire engulfed many parts of the Los Angeles area, leaving death and destruction in its wake.  Images of burned houses filled news reports.  

Funeral held for former President Carter

President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in late December, had a state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral, which was attended by all living Presidents, and other dignitaries.  Carter was remembered for his efforts during both his Presidency and afterwards to encourage peace and helping others.  

Saying Goodbye to Low Rider (2010-2025) 

Low Rider, my sister's black lab, passed away on Sunday, January 12 at almost the age of 15.  There's a lot I could say about him, but the things that stand out to me the most about him was his relationship with my eldest daughter Sara and my dog Kipper.  When Sara was just over a year old, she met Low Rider for the first time.  He was very protective and loving to her from the start.  When I adopted Kipper, my golden retriever, four years ago, he (Kipper) was very nervous when he first arrived home.  However, when Low Rider came over, Kipper got out of his shell and began running all over the yard with his new friend.  Low Rider had a voracious appetite and enjoyed the many walks we took together.  He will be missed. 

Kipper (left) with Low Rider (right) 

The Allentown Adventurer, Marek's Cafe and Bagels

By Nate Feldman

If you are in the Allentown Farmer's Market on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, I recommend stopping by Marek's Cafe and Bagels.  They offer freshly made bagels of all kinds, sandwiches, and a variety of cream cheese spreads, which you can enjoy in a comfy environment.  The staff is very helpful and the food tastes great.  I give it five out of five stars! 

The Berwyn Beat, January 1, 2025, Philadelphia Welcomes New Year with Mummer's Parade

 By Nate Feldman

The city of Philadelphia welcomed in 2025 with the 124th annual Mummer's Day Parade, an event that only occurs in the City of Brotherly Love.  The parade,  in which many groups, referred to as Mummers, dress in a variety of costumes and often play music and perform dances, takes place in Center City, where the different marchers head down Broad Street in front of large crowds.  

Mummers Marching down Broad Street