Ben Lazarus

London

Assistant Editor at The Spectator

Special Projects Editor @spectator [email protected]

Articles

The Blogs: Faith at 15 and 50

5 days ago | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ben Lazarus

What would the 15-year-old firebrand version of me say to the 50-year-old incarnation—and vice versa? Both have a lot to learn from each other and in fact more in common than they think. The real question is: am I, at 50, open to listening? When it comes to my religious observance, my 50-year-old self looks back at my 15-year-old with a lot of self criticisms – I was intolerant, self-centered, immature, rigid, and clearly lacking in “gray hair” and life experience.
Bikers, Amish, and Bitter Cold: My U.S. Adventures - Ben Lazarus

1 week ago | qoshe.com | Ben Lazarus
The Blogs: Bikers, Amish, and Bitter Cold: My U.S. Adventures

1 week ago | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ben Lazarus

Traveling as a religious Jew in the U.S. is easier than anywhere but Israel. Across 76 trips (yes—I counted and checked), I’ve had some special moments amusing stories that complement my tales in Curry with a Shoehorn and Kosher Burgers Freshly Ironed and Pressed. This post celebrates the remarkable people I’ve met, particularly outside major cities, who made these experiences unforgettable.
“Do It for Your Grandchildren” – BEWARE MLM Sales - Ben Lazarus

1 week ago | qoshe.com | Ben Lazarus
The Blogs: "Do It for Your Grandchildren" - BEWARE MLM Sales

1 week ago | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ben Lazarus

You should “Do it for your grandchildren” – the sales approach that convinced me not to part with thousands of dollars for a miracle cure. Living with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a terminal and untreatable neurological condition, makes you vulnerable in ways you never expect. Recently, I came perilously close to falling for a health-related multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme that preyed on my desperation for a cure.
The Blogs: To those who hate us - 'Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn'

1 week ago | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ben Lazarus

This iconic line from Gone with the Wind captures how I feel today towards those whose fundamental mission is to criticize Israel and the Jewish People, come what may. I warmly value those who challenge us out of love, respect, or a shared commitment to justice. I’ve long worked to help do my littel bit to shape Israel’s perception in the world and counter the vile anti-Zionist and antisemitic rhetoric that persists. There comes a point, however, when its irrationality renders it a wasted effort.
The Blogs: Two Firsts: A Book and a Walker

2 weeks ago | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ben Lazarus

What a strange day. On the same day—a few days shy of 50 (when apparently ‘life starts’—whoever made that up)—I will notch up two notable firsts. I have written and published my first book, and I have just received from DHL a walker because I am no longer able to walk unaided. It represents two incredible contrasts, but I don’t have the time or temperament to complain, nor does it do any good, so I am going to focus only on the upsides and positives.
The Blogs: Yom HaZikaron: My Disrespect to Reverence to ??

2 weeks ago | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ben Lazarus

For too long, I treated Yom HaZikaron with disrespect, even hostility, and I know I’m not alone. As the shock of October 7th fades, we must rethink this day and its role in the Jewish calendar. Yom HaZikaron deserves greater reverence, equal to other major Jewish holidays.
The Blogs: Kosher Burgers Freshly Ironed and Pressed

2 weeks ago | blogs.timesofisrael.com | Ben Lazarus

Last week, I shared a blog post about some of the more amusing and bizarrely inspiring moments from my career, driven by my efforts to keep strictly kosher, observe Shabbat, and follow other religious rules. I received positive feedback and decided to share more stories—this time about an ironing board/trouser press, a melon and cheese saga, a special Shabbat alarm clock moment, and a few El Al anecdotes.
Who will our heroes be – A modern Maccabbe - Ben Lazarus

2 weeks ago | qoshe.com | Ben Lazarus