$ 0 0 May 12, 2014The Forward TodayA Bissel ControversialBY EZRA GLINTERRuth Wisse pioneered the academic study of Yiddish. As she approaches retirement, she talks about her brilliant literary career — and her right-wing political polemic.The Nazi's BastardBY TODD GITLINIn “Trieste,” a darkly hypnotic WWII novel about an abducted son, Dasa Drndic combines historical fragments with excerpts of memoirs, poetry and photographs.Embracing the IrrationalBY JAY MICHAELSONTwo Jewish rites — circumcision and kashrut — have come under attack from liberal rationalism. Jay Michaelson says we should defend them by reveling in their irrationality.Featured Blog PostBring Back Our GirlsBY NAOMI ACKERMANCounting the Omer — the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot — won’t save Nigeria’s kidnapped girls. But the Jewish ritual just might mobilize us to act on their behalf.