Michele Chabin
Michele Chabin is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Michele Chabin
New Bible seeks to connect modern and ancient Israel
By Michele Chabin — April 18, 2018
JERUSALEM (RNS) — A new Hebrew-English Bible with a distinctly Israeli flavor will be published in honor of Israel’s 70th anniversary.
Archaeologists find more evidence of Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem
By Michele Chabin — July 28, 2017
JERUSALEM (RNS) — The results of the excavation, carried out in Jerusalem’s Old City, come days before Tisha B’Av, a fast day commemorating the anniversary of the destruction the First Temple.
Israeli government suspends mixed-prayer plan at the Western Wall
By Michele Chabin — June 25, 2017
JERUSALEM (RNS) The move is likely to improve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's relations with ultra-Orthodox parties in his ruling coalition.
Israel’s High Court orders Western Wall rabbi to explain why women can’t pray
By Michele Chabin — January 11, 2017
JERUSALEM (RNS) The feminists’ legal challenge argued that the rabbi’s directive 'violates Israeli law against discrimination in access to or use of public property.'
The little-known Jewish holiday that draws Israelis outdoors
By Michele Chabin — October 14, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) Sukkot, which both secular and religious Israelis celebrate, is so ubiquitous that almost every Israeli restaurant and Jewish-owned mall constructs a sukkah for its customers.
Noah’s Ark mosaic uncovered in ancient Galilee synagogue
By Michele Chabin — August 2, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) The mosaic, dating to the fifth century, includes pairs of bears, donkeys, leopards, camels, lions, ostriches and snakes, just as described in the Book of Genesis.
In Israel, followers of different religions help each other keep the faith
By Michele Chabin — June 30, 2016
(RNS) Despite the nation's reputation for interreligious conflict, Jewish, Muslim and Christian co-workers often juggle schedules to make sure all can observe their respective traditions.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews scuffle with worshippers at Western Wall
By Michele Chabin — June 16, 2016
(RNS) A dozen police officers stood by but did not intervene as the ultra-Orthodox men tried to drown out the Reform and Conservative service.
US Jewish groups warn of ‘rupture’ if Western Wall deal collapses
By Michele Chabin — June 2, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) “There is a deep concern, bordering on disbelief, that this deal may not be implemented,” said Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism.
Israeli lawmakers vow to annul court ruling recognizing all Orthodox conversions
By Michele Chabin — April 1, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) The Israeli court ruling is a crushing defeat for the Orthodox Rabbinate, which until now has enjoyed sole authority over Jewish institutions in Israel.
Job opening: High priests needed for ancient Temple ritual
By Michele Chabin — March 31, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) The Temple Institute is looking for a few good priests to perform animal sacrifices as in the days of yore.
Mosaic restoration depicting Jesus at Calvary an interfaith effort
By Michele Chabin — March 25, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) The Mosaic Center in Jericho tries to bridge cultural gaps between Christians and Muslims.
A Bible you can wear on your heart, sleeve or lapel
By Michele Chabin — March 3, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) The company’s goal is to make the wearable Bible affordable and accessible, if not exactly practical.
Israeli-American woman sues El Al after she was asked to change seats
By Michele Chabin — February 29, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) Renee Rabinowitz, a retired lawyer who escaped the Nazis in her youth, said women should not be put in this position.
Archaeologists dig up fabrics dating back to kings David and Solomon
By Michele Chabin — February 24, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) The fabrics provide “new and important information” about the Edomites, the descendants of Esau who often fought against the ancient Israelites.
