In this Issue:

• JCRC, JUF Lawyers hear from Israel's leading diplomatic attorney

• Upcoming community events

• Russia resists U.S. position on Iran sanctions, while US House passes divestment law

• Conference to explore women's spiritual wisdom

• Long-running Chicago radio show to go silent

• Chicago playwright explores coming of age in latest offering

• Israel sends aid to Asia, Africa following natural disasters

• From the blogs

L'Shanah Tovah from the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago!

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Daniel Taub, a senior legal adviser to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, sees three ways in which the Goldstone Commission failed in its mission to inquire into the conduct of the Israeli army and the Hamas terrorists engaged in the conflict in Gaza last winter.

The report presents a problematic narrative that ignores Hamas' role in the conflict and the missiles fired at Israel during eight years; represents a "full-frontal attack on Israel's legal system" and any internal investigations the state has undertaken; and issues recommendations that focus exclusively on what Israel must do, including the criminal indictment of Israelis and a moratorium on Israel's use of certain weapons.

"The narrative presented is that Israel was engaged in a deliberate, massive attack directed against civilians to punish them," he told about 75 JCRC organizational leaders and attorneys active in JUF Lawyer’s Division via an interactive video conference Oct. 13.

In related news, the U.N. Human Rights Council reopened the debate about alleged war crimes in Gaza today after Palestinians succeeded in gathering enough support to call a special meeting, according to The Associated Press. The meeting follows a Wednesday discussion at the U.N. Security Council in New York about the report.

• Frankie Valli to perform at JUF Vanguard Dinner

Attendees at the 2010 JUF Vanguard Dinner will be treated to a special performance by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on Nov. 3 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. A minimum gift of $5,000 to the 2010 Jewish United Fund-Israel Emergency Fund is required to attend.

• YLD features Andy Samberg at Big Event

Andy Samberg, star of "Saturday Night Live" and an internationally acclaimed comedian, will joke his way through YLD's Big Event Nov. 15 at the Swissôtel Chicago. Tickets are $75 and include open bar, hors d'ouevres and a dessert reception. Last year’s event sold out, register in advance.

• Tonight: 'Case for Israel'

The "Case for Israel" film will be screened tonight at Anshe Emet. Wall Street Journal's Deputy International Editor Bret Stephens will lead a discussion following the screening. For more information, contact Larry at larry@camera.org or (847) 983-8803.

Denting President Obama’s hopes for a powerful ally in his campaign to press Iran on its nuclear program, Russia’s foreign minister said Tuesday that threatening Tehran now with harsh new sanctions would be “counterproductive,” reports The New York Times.

The minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, said after meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton here that diplomacy should be given a chance to work, particularly after a meeting in Geneva this month in which the Iranian government said it would allow United Nations inspectors to visit its clandestine nuclear enrichment site near the holy city of Qum.

Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed legislation that would allow college funds and state and local government pension funds to bar investment in companies involved in Iran's energy sector, according to Reuters. The Iran Sanctions Enabling Act, sponsored by Reps. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), passed by a vote of 414-6.

An interreligious conference to be held in Chicago will celebrate the spiritual wisdom of women. "Hidden Treasures: Spiritual Wisdom Through the Eyes of Women in Judaism, Christianity and Islam" will take place Nov. 8-9. Co-sponsored by the Chicago Board of Rabbis, the conference will offer a chance to engage in dialogue with women and men of faith to build relationships and discover new pathways of understanding and peace.

Speakers from the Jewish community include:

• Jane Shapiro, founder of Jane Shapiro Associates. Ms. Shapiro is a consultant to synagogues and Jewish organizations in visioning, curriculum programming and professional development, and a doctoral candidate in Jewish Education, Jewish Theological Seminary.
• Miriam Weinberger, executive director of The ARK, a social service agency for the Jewish community in the Chicago area.

Learn more about the conference here.

One of Chicago's longest running radio shows, the Jewish Community Hour, will go silent Oct. 25, reports The Chicago Tribune.

A fixture on Chicago's local airwaves, the show's assortment of news, religious commentary, comedy and music has aired at 11 a.m. Sundays on WCGO-AM 1590 (formerly WNOX) for more than 46 years. Host Bernie Finkel blames the poor economy for leading even the most loyal sponsors to scale back.

Chicago playwright Alan Gross’s newest play, “High Holidays,” might seem like the perfect comedic setup: 13-year-old Billy Roman is preparing for his bar mitzvah when his rebellious older brother returns from college during the High Holiday season. But Gross says it’s much more than a simple comedy.

“It’s about a generation that’s trying to find a grip, that’s lost, and all of the old answers are not satisfying,” Gross said in an interview with JUF News. “It’s about how to be a man.”

“High Holidays” premieres at the Goodman Theatre Oct. 31 and will run through Nov. 29.

An Israeli medical team of six volunteer doctors, nurses and paramedics from the organization IsraAID has arrived in the Philippines to assist in relief efforts to victims of two recent typhoons.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the JDC Israel last week sent supplies to Burkina Faso, which is suffering from a severe humanitarian crisis due to recent floods. Hundreds of thousands of people have become refugees in their own country. The shipment included tents, blankets, medicines and baby food.

Jeremy Fine, aka The Great Rabbino, satisfies Jewish sports fans' need to know the next great Jewish athlete in an Oy!Chicago post.

The JTA's Fundermentalist, Jacob Berkman, speaks with Jerry Silverman, the new CEO of The Jewish Federations of North America, formerly known as United Jewish Communities.

Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic wonders who is responsible for Palestinian suffering.

Elissa Strauss muses about using Wagner's "The Bridal Chorus" as processional music in a Jewish wedding.

Dan Friedman showcases a photographer's search for Jewish community in Finland.

Debra Nussbaum Cohen, of the Sisterhood blog, is mesmerized and shocked by newly uncovered footage of Anne Frank.

Kelly Seeger at New Voices wonders at her dislike for bagels and what it means for her Jewish taste buds.