NEWS STORY
RNS-Ramadan-Dates: Coachella Valley Date Farmers Enjoy Ramadan Boom
(RNS) — Ramadan is a blessing for the farmers of a California desert valley on the edge of the Salton Sea. When Muslims in America and around the world break their fast this Ramadan, many reach for dates grown in California’s Coachella Valley, where 15% of the global date crop is grown. The valley’s farmers see a sharp spike in sales during the month of Ramadan and the preceding weeks. By Joseph Hammond. 750 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Scubi-Jew: Scuba diving rabbi adopts the ocean as his part of the world to repair
(RNS) — In 2009 Eckerd College Rabbi Ed Rosenthal founded “Scubi Jew,” an ocean restoration initiative that now has outposts at six college campuses across Florida and certifies 50 student divers, Jewish and non-Jewish, each year to focus attention on the health of the world’s waters. Rosenthal has since founded Tikkun HaYam, which he says is the first Jewish marine conservation organization in the world. By Christine Luby. 960 words. (category: a)