Fran Ostendorf

Featured Most recent

149 results total, viewing 1 - 10

I’ll let you in on a secret: I always feel a little wistful at the end of August. Summer is about over and nights are already cooler. Stores are advertising back-to-school items instead of … more

Fran Ostendorf | 9/8/22

September is on my mind

In the middle of summer, the last thing we really want to think about is responsibility. But that’s exactly what I’ve been mulling over lately. I guess it is part of being an adult. We … more

Fran Ostendorf | 8/4/22

Controversy and civil conversation

It’s been a stressful week or so for those who like to keep up to date with the news, no matter how you like to consume that news. Lots of controversy in Congress, the Supreme Court and on … more

Fran Ostendorf | 6/30/22

It’s time for action

Like everyone else I know, I was totally horrified by the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. And the one barely two weeks earlier, at a Tops grocery store in Buffalo, New York. And the shooting … more

Fran Ostendorf | 6/2/22

Getting back to normal

I spent a beautiful and enriching weekend in Connecticut recently, kvelling as my niece led a full congregation in worship as a Bat Mitzvah. No matter that Rosie is 15, the rabbi told us. She had … more

Fran Ostendorf | 5/6/22

Celebrating freedom … with an eye on the news

Much is going on in the world around us. And in this issue of Jewish Rhode Island, which focuses on Passover and celebrates freedom, I can’t help but look at what’s happening in the world … more

Fran Ostendorf | 4/1/22

Helping our brethren in Ukraine

Like many of you, I have been glued to coverage of the war in Ukraine – in print, online and on TV. Yes, I have my favorite media outlets. But I tend to flip from one to another during this … more

Fran Ostendorf | 3/6/22

Keep up with those connections

As I sit down to write this column, Rhode Island is in the midst of a blizzard, the first in a number of years. The pre-storm hype had whipped our friends and neighbors into a frenzy. Grocery … more

Fran Ostendorf | 2/6/22

Launching into an exciting 2022

Putting together the January newspaper presents a time to look back and think ahead. What a year it was. What a year we hope it will be! In 2021, we had a roller-coaster of ups and downs. That new … more

Fran Ostendorf | 1/10/22

Which team are you on?

Have you listened to the first podcasts from Jewish Rhody Media? It’s a terrific series on leadership called Chutzpah! There’s a new episode every other Thursday, featuring Adam Greenman, … more

Fran Ostendorf | 12/4/21