Category Archives: Barbara Jean Heller

A tale of friendship lost, yet remembered

By Rachel Holtzman Contributing Editor to the Mountain News-WA The subject of anti-Semitism came up in a recent zoom gathering of my little international Yiddish discussion group. Zeev, a professor from Toronto and Mira, a long retired programmer from Moscow … Continue reading

Posted in Barbara Jean Heller, Culture, Folk tales and stories, Rachel Holtzman | 3 Comments

True friendships emerge in the time of Covid

By Rachel Holtzman Special to the Mountain News Free flowing thoughts of Rachel I have a nomination for the Hero Chronicles, or whatever they may be called in the face of Covid 19. It’s not a nurse or doctor or … Continue reading

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Quarantining in New York – a personal account

Special to the Mountain News from our contributor, Rachel Holtzman, who has been in quarantine since early March at her home on Long Island, NY. ******************* Covid ala Altamont Avenue The red sweatshirt or the New York Liberty one? Mock … Continue reading

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Pittsburgh – an essay on the shooting in the Tree of Life Synagogue

By Barbara Jean Heller Pittsburgh, my home, has been shot in the heart. On Shabbat morning of October 27, a man walked into a synagogue open to all who would enter. The man, twisted with hate, raised a semi-automatic rifle … Continue reading

Posted in Barbara Jean Heller, Culture, Family, Resistance and Justice, Spirituality | 8 Comments

Fran and the Volvo

By Barbara Jean Heller Behind the heavy double wooden doors, in its dark chamber resides a Volvo, a four-door sedan, circa 1992, locked. The garage is connected to the brick Tudor at 84 Jeff Street, Garden City. Behind its double … Continue reading

Posted in Barbara Jean Heller, Family, People Profiles, Remarkable men and women | 2 Comments

Guest author, Barbara Jean Heller: “Shira”

a short story: My name is Shira.  It means “song.”  I am fourteen years old.  If you had taken my picture five years ago, you would have seen a different face, a face with eyes dead as a fish and … Continue reading

Posted in Barbara Jean Heller, Folk tales and stories | 7 Comments