By Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune Mar. 11--Such tributes often prove more effective as civic events than cultural ones, but not this time. Between them, singer-guitarist Bikel and cantor Mizrahi explored ancient Hebraic prayer, modern secular song and many genres and epochs between them.

Weight Watchers announced today the grand-prize winners of the 2007 WEIGHT WATCHERS INSPIRING STORIES OF THE YEAR CONTEST. These eight winners will travel to New York City where they will each receive a fashion styling from world-class designer, style expert, celebrity favorite, Isaac Mizrahi.

Women's groups in Israel plan to protest a plea bargain in the sex abuse case against former President Moshe Katsav, it was reported Sunday. Israel's High Court postponed an indictment hearing for Katsav until at least Monday to give the groups time to file their petitions, Ynetnews.com reported.

By Amy Teibel, Associated Press JERUSALEM -- Israeli President Moshe Katsav agreed to resign Thursday in a plea bargain that drops rape allegations and the threat of jail time in return for pleading guilty to lesser charges.

Elder statesman Shimon Peres was elected Israel's ninth president Wednesday, capping a campaign to extend his six-decade political career in a race marred by rape allegations against the sitting president, the parliament speaker said.