Racy Chasidic Photoshoot, French Parenting, Shmuley For Congress

Maya Pollack shoots back

Maya Pollack, editor of the Israeli fashion magazine Belle Mode, took a literal shot at the controversy surrounding gender segregation in Israel when she commissioned a series of provocative photographs that shows men dressed in Chasidic garb interacting with women on a bus -- a recent flashpoint in Israel's ongoing gender wars. The sexually charged images have proven controversial, but Pollack defended the choice, arguing (in Hebrew) that women have a lot of power in the fashion industry and that the shoot serves as a protest against the encroaching limits on women promoted by Israel's haredi Orthodox communities.

Pamela Druckerman raises French babies

First, a Chinese-American with Jewish children told us to raise our kids like Chinese tigers. Now, a Jewish-American living in Paris tells us, mais non, raise your children like the French. That’s the message of the latest entry in the mommy wars, Pamela Druckerman’s “Bringing up Bebe,” out this week. There’s nothing so controversial as Amy Chua’s exhortation to deny your kids playdates and berate them until they perform at Carnegie Hall, just a lot of anecdotal reporting from the frontlines of Parisian parenting. Among the recommendations: Don’t obsess, delay gratification and live in a socialist country.

Jona Rechnitz scores two for charity

Jona Rechnitz has charities cheering his choice of where he will spend the $50,000 he won on a fluke bet on the Super Bowl. Rechnitz, 29, said he will give away the post-tax bucks earned on his $1,000 wager at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas: a 50-to-1 shot that the first score in the big game would come on a safety. And so it was, when Patriots quarterback Tom Brady put up two points for the Giants when he was penalized for intentional grounding in the end zone. Rechnitz will give $5,000 to a charity chosen by Brady. The Giants' defensive linemen who put the heat on Brady also will decide where some of the money will go. Not bad for a guy who says he only makes one bet a year.

Shmuley Boteach wants the values vote

You can be forgiven for thinking "publicity stunt" upon hearing that Shmuley Boteach -- rabbi, author, TV star, debater, columnist, radio host, neighborhood activist -- has decided to run for Congress. But Boteach, whose website touts him as "America's Rabbi," says he's serious. In his regular Jerusalem Post column, the author most recently of "Kosher Jesus" explained that he wants to be the "values voice" in Washington. Among the ways Boteach aims to restore the country to its former values-based glory is the reinstitution of an "American sabbath" and making marriage counseling tax deductible. No word yet on whether Boteach plans to use a congressional seat to promote more kosher sex.

Mei Lin Kallman becomes a bat mitzvah

Mei Lin Kallman, 12, faced more than the usual obstacles on the way to her bat mitzvah. For one thing, she lives in Jakarta, Indonesia, a flight away from the nearest Hebrew school. Mei is also deaf, relying on cochlear implants to hear. But with the help of a determined Chinese mother who converted to Judaism 13 years ago, Mei began her studies, commuting to Singapore’s Chabad every Sunday before getting a live-in Israeli tutor. Last Saturday, she read from the Torah in what must have been Indonesia’s most unusual (and possibly only) bat mitzvah ever. Mazel tov, Mei.

Need an Israeli-designed bed that instantly converts to a sofa? How about some "kosher" toys to spice up your sex life? In time for Valentine's Day, Edmon J. Rodman offers a rundown of some kosher options to keep you warm with that someone special.

@TheCrunchyJew: I just learned reefer is not kosher for Pesach for Ashkenamim.

@Roopunzel: I'm an auntie again - mazal tov!

@EricCantor: President Obama's HHS regulation violates religious freedom. It is like forcing a kosher deli to sell pork chops. #NotKosher

@imamiriam: Now that Tu b'Shevat is over its time to start thinking about Pesah. Menus, recipes, shopping lists and wines needto be sorted.

@MJayRosenberg: Hey #Santorum. I think Jews need respect just like Catholics. Ban pork. Yeah 92% of us eat it but 98% of Catholics use contraception.

@efink: Ooh. We got preferred parking because my father is a rabbi.

@dovemerson: what's the most expensive Kosher @starbucks drink i can order? I have to 2maximize my free drink birthday coupon :)

Check out the Weekly Sizzle! This week, Gene Simmons and KISS are creating a video game. Oprah prepares to air a two-part show about Chabad.

Scarlett Johansson hosts fashion show for Obama. Joan Rivers reveals she had 739 plastic surgeries. Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg appear on Fallon. Birthday haiku for Mark Spitz.