Judaism

How New York’s 19th-century Jews turned Purim into an American party
(The Conversation) — Purim put a social spotlight on New York’s Jews and their up-and-coming relationship to the city’s most elite class.

Does NBC have a Jewish problem?

It’s the happiest of Jewish holidays. But this Purim, many are feeling sad.

New Topps cards focus on Muhammad Ali’s faith
(RNS) — ‘Converts to Islam’ tells the impact of his decision on Ali’s life and on the world.

Jews split over storied charity’s support for settlements
(AP) — The charity, known by its Hebrew acronym KKL, is considering expanding into the occupied West Bank, sparking opposition from left-leaning Jewish groups in the U.S.

Are you glad that Rush Limbaugh is dead?
(RNS) — How not to say goodbye to a very dangerous man.

In voting, Orthodox Jews are looking more like evangelicals
(RNS) — American Jews are liberal and vote Democratic; but among them, Orthodox Jews are increasingly voting Republican and spouting familiar conspiracy theories.

Faith, medical leaders collaborate to get COVID-19 vaccine in arms of more people
(RNS) — ‘A really wonderful facet of this work is the multifaith cooperation that we’re seeing already,’ said White House official Melissa Rogers.

California legislator wants religious services deemed essential during state of emergency
(RNS) — Sen. Brian Jones, a Republican in San Diego County, introduced a piece of legislation on Friday (Feb. 12) that would allow a religious organization to file a claim for relief if it has been subjected to ‘government overreach.’

Dream of 3 faiths worshipping in one building meets reality in Berlin
(RNS) — Its designers and leaders hope it will be used by Jewish, Christian and Muslim members as a place to pray, worship, gather and, perhaps above all, host a dialogue among their respective religions and with society at large.

After California ruling, some are worshipping indoors, others still think it’s too risky
(RNS) — ‘We’re going to hold on until we feel better about it,’ said the Rev. Austin Doran, of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Los Angeles County.

When the Bible doesn’t make sense
Kristin Swenson wants to give readers space to understand that the Bible is weird, and a box full of tools to deal with that weirdness.

American Jews are taking a hard look at racism in their midst
(RNS) — The challenge for white American Jews is to understand that they can be both targets of white supremacy and also accomplices.

How Heschel and King bonded over the Hebrew prophets
(RNS) — Black History Month is a fitting moment to recall a brief, remarkable friendship that permanently transformed America.

A divine ‘dance’: Clergy couples on ministry, marriage and their Valentine’s Day plans
(RNS) — Clergy couples — spiritual leaders who are married to each other and sometimes work together too — face a unique balancing act between marriage and work.