Judaism
Trump’s questioning of Kamala Harris’ racial identity has deep religious roots
By Mark Silk — August 7, 2024
(RNS) — Judeo-Christian thought clings to clear and distinct categories.
Remembering the longest journey to Auschwitz – the deportation of Rhodes’ Jews decimated a small but vibrant community with centuries of Mediterranean history
By Devin Naar — August 7, 2024
(The Conversation) — Even as Germany’s defeat loomed, the Nazis deported nearly 1,700 Jews of the Ladino-speaking community of Rhodes to concentration camps.
Why Christian adoption agencies should have the right to deny Jewish couples
By Avi Shafran — August 7, 2024
(RNS) — Some see Christian nationalism. But really, these laws are an attempt to preserve religious freedom.
Rabbis inundated with questions from Israeli soldiers on Jewish laws of war
By Chloë-Arizona Fodor — August 6, 2024
(RNS) — Experts say the concern demonstrates the rise of religious influence in the Israeli military.
Josh Shapiro won’t be the veep. What are Jews saying?
By Jeffrey Salkin — August 6, 2024
(RNS) — Beyond American Jewish pride and nervousness, there is a deeper truth.
Is it morally acceptable to kill terrorists?
By Jeffrey Salkin — August 5, 2024
(RNS) — Should we rejoice, be sad, be happy but subdued about it? Should we feel all of these emotions? Or none of them?
What, Jews worry?
By Jeffrey Salkin — August 2, 2024
(RNS) — An exhibit on the history of 'Mad' magazine made me laugh out loud. I needed it. We all do.
Israel’s military starts drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews – but the battle over serving ‘the army of God’ vs. the army of the state isn’t over, and points to key questions for the country’s future
By Michael Brenner — August 1, 2024
(The Conversation) — The Israel-Hamas war has fueled tensions around military exemptions, but the issue has long roiled Israeli politics.
Jewish summer camps have been evolving for a century − but 2024 is a summer like no other
By Jonathan Krasner — August 1, 2024
(The Conversation) — The first Jewish summer camps were founded at the turn of the 20th century and have become cherished traditions. But many face tough questions about how to discuss Israel and antisemitism.
Interfaith protest confronts Christians United for Israel summit
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain and Jack Jenkins — July 30, 2024
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (RNS) — For nearly three days in and around Washington, D.C., an interfaith coalition challenged the pro-Israel messaging of pastor John Hagee and CUFI.
What the Talmud says about why men laugh at Kamala Harris’ laugh
By Joshua Hammerman — July 30, 2024
(RNS) — Of course, Trump is not the first to belittle a woman by mocking what comes out of her mouth.
As nations face off in Olympics, interfaith chaplain corps unites to serve athletes
By David I. Klein — July 29, 2024
(RNS) — 'We have a synagogue, a church, a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple and more together,' said Rabbi Moshe Lewin, one of the chaplains in the Olympic village. Some of those ministering to the competitors are former Olympians themselves.
Why Israel is Israel
By Jeffrey Salkin — July 29, 2024
(RNS) — Two recent stories illustrate why Jews should be proud of Israel. Even and especially now.
Would Kamala Harris adopt Joe Biden’s policies on Israel?
By Yonat Shimron — July 25, 2024
(RNS) — For some young Jewish activists, Harris’ ascendancy gives them hope there might be some shifts in Israel policy, if she wins the presidency in November.
Archaeologists discover ancient Jerusalem moat, solving 150-year-old mystery
By Michele Chabin — July 25, 2024
JERUSALEM (RNS) — A different piece of the ancient moat was discovered in the 1960s but mistaken as a natural valley.
