As far as Jewish mobsters go, Arnold Rothstein is perhaps one of the most famous. Also known as "The Brain" and "The Big Bankroll," he allegedly fixed the 1919 World Series.

Born in 1882 to an observant Jewish family, Rothstein eventually became one of the most powerful mob figures in 1900s America. His character is portrayed by actor Michael Stuhlbarg on HBO's series "Boardwalk Empire." You can learn more about him in the article: Arnold Rothstein - Jewish American Mobster.

Image: Rothstein in 1919 via Getty Images

Today is Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) in Israel and tonight Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day) begins at sundown.

Yom HaZikaron is a modern holiday that asks us to remember all those who lost their lives in the struggle for Israel's independence, as well as soldiers who have died while serving in the Israeli armed forces and victims of terror. It is a somber holiday marked by patriotic radio and television programs, flags flown at half mast and an air-raid siren that plays for 1 minute at 8PM. You can read more about Yom HaZikaron in this About Judaism post and view photos of Israel Memorial Day here.

The day after Yom HaZikaron is Yom HaAtzmaut, which is Israel Independence Day. During this holiday people commemorate Israel's declaration of independence in 1948 and celebrate Israel's freedom. People fly Israeli flags in front of their houses, host parties and go on picnics with their loved ones. You can view photos of Yom HaAtzmaut here.

Even though Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut are Israeli holidays many Jews in the Diaspora observe them in their own communities. Does your community do something special for either of these holidays?

Earlier this month comedian Ricky Gervais appeared on "The Daily Show" and made a comment about Anne Frank that has been creating controversy ever since.

During the April 11th appearance Gervais told host Jon Stewart about the time he had to educate his friend and colleague, Karl Pilkington, about the story of Anne Frank. Karl appears on Gervais's show "An Idiot Abroad" and according to the comedian, believed that Anne Frank was a "squatter" hiding in the attic to avoid paying rent to her landlord. Gervais claimed to have educated Pilkington about the truth of the Holocaust, yet simultaneously marveled that the Nazi's hadn't found Frank sooner and joked that she'd even had time to write a book while in hiding. You can view the entire clip of the interview here.

Not surprisingly, Gervais's comments offended people. First a blogger named Dan Bloom began a petition calling for "a worldwide boycott of any TV shows" affiliated with Gervais. Then other bloggers, including the Forward, picked up the story. Eventually Gervais decided to respond in an open letter, which was published yesterday in the Jewish Chronicle and read in part:

"I often get accused of finding comedy in places where no comedy is to be found. I feel you can make a joke about anything. It just depends on what the joke is. Comedy comes from a good or a bad place and the problem is in its interpretation, with some people confusing the subject of a joke with the joke's real target. The target of this joke is the comedian's ignorance."

Bloom didn't buy Gervais's explanation and responded in an open letter to the comedian saying as much. What do you think? Were Gervais's comments on "The Daily Show" offensive?

Image credit: Getty Images/Jason Merritt

Every year Jews around the world remember the tragic events of the Holocaust on Yom HaShoah. Also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, there is no set way to observe this holiday and every Jewish community has its own traditions. Some hold memorial services where poetry is read and prayers are offered. Others light candles in honor of the dead, perhaps at their local Holocaust memorial. In Israel, a siren sounds at 10AM on Yom HaShoah. While the alarm sounds, everyone stands and remembers those who fell victim to the Nazi regime.

This year Yad VaShem, Israel's official Holocaust memorial, hosted a competition where artists were asked to design posters that captured the essence of Yom HaShoah. The winning poster is pictured above and was created by Doriel Rimmer. You can see other entries by clicking here.

Yom HaShoah begins tonight (April 18, 2012) and ends tomorrow (April 19, 2012) at sundown.

Want to learn more about the Holocaust? About.com's 20th Century History Guide, Jennifer Rosenberg, has compiled a comprehensive Holocaust resource.