Judaism
Awe and dread: How religions have responded to total solar eclipses over the centuries
By David Crary, Mariam Fam, and Deepa Bharath — April 5, 2024
(AP) — Ahead of the total solar eclipse that will follow a long path over North America on Monday, here's a look at how several of the world's major religions have responded to such eclipses over the centuries and in modern times.
Judge rules sex abuse lawsuits against Yeshiva University can proceed
By Michele Chabin — April 4, 2024
NEW YORK (RNS) — New York Supreme Court Judge Alexander M. Tisch rejected Yeshiva University’s motion to dismiss two lawsuits related to the allegations, opening the way for trial.
Jewish group launches Holocaust survivor speakers bureau to fight increasing antisemitism worldwide
By Kirsten Grieshaber — April 4, 2024
BERLIN (AP) — The Survivor Speakers Bureau was launched Thursday by the New York-based Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, also referred to as the Claims Conference.
Where was God on Oct. 7?
By Jeffrey Salkin — April 3, 2024
(RNS) — An ancient question becomes tragically timely. One of Judaism’s greatest thinkers tackles it, and sparks fly.
Death, justice, love: Three rabbis open up Judaism for beleaguered readers
By Beth Kissileff — April 3, 2024
(RNS) — A trio of new spring books written by rabbis demonstrate the strength of the adage that no two are alike.
Poll: Muslims most discriminated group in US, but Jews not far behind
By Yonat Shimron — April 2, 2024
(RNS) — The poll, taken in February, reflects changing attitudes toward U.S. Jews in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel and the fierce, now 6-month-old war in Gaza.
Israel’s high court says the government must stop funding seminaries. Could that topple Netanyahu?
By Julia Frankel — April 1, 2024
JERUSALEM (AP) — The politically powerful ultra-Orthodox, who make up roughly 13% of Israeli society, have traditionally received exemptions while studying full time in religious seminaries, or yeshivas.
Israelis stage largest protest since war began to increase pressure on Netanyahu
By Melanie Lindman, Wafaa Shurafa, and And Samy Magdy — April 1, 2024
JERUSALEM (AP) — Protesters blame Netanyahu for the failures of Oct. 7 and say the deep political divisions over his attempted judicial overhaul last year weakened Israel ahead of the attack.
High court ruling on Haredi draft exemption may set Israel on course for new elections
By David I. Klein — March 29, 2024
(RNS) — The draft exemptions, long a flashpoint issue in Israeli politics, have become even more fraught since the start of the war in Gaza, as Israel has called up over 300,000 reservists to active service while still exempting Haredis studying Torah.
Senator Joseph Lieberman’s real legacy to America and the Jews
By Jeffrey Salkin — March 29, 2024
(RNS) — A great American, and a great Jew, has died.
Joe Lieberman’s religiously promiscuous campaign
By Mark Silk — March 28, 2024
(RNS) — A missed opportunity for the first Jew on a major-party presidential ticket.
With its soldiers mired in Gaza, Israel fights a battle at home over drafting the ultra-Orthodox
By Melanie Lidman — March 28, 2024
JERUSALEM (AP) — Among Israel’s Jewish majority, mandatory military service is largely seen as a melting pot and rite of passage. The ultra-Orthodox say that integrating into the army will threaten their generations-old way of life.
Right-wing media descends into theological row over Israel-Hamas war
By Jack Jenkins — March 27, 2024
(RNS) — Over the weekend, right-wing pundits fiercely debated whether the phrase ‘Christ is King’ is antisemitic.
Purim’s original queen: How studying the Book of Esther as fan fiction can teach us about the roots of an unruly Jewish festival
By Esther Brownsmith — March 26, 2024
(The Conversation) — Whether thousands of years ago or right now, fans have always created new stories based on familiar characters, weaving their own experiences into the tale.
US Jews upset with Trump’s latest rhetoric say he doesn’t get to tell them how to be Jewish
By Peter Smith and Tiffany Stanley — March 26, 2024
(AP) – This week, Trump charged that Jewish Democrats were being disloyal to their faith and to Israel.
