Author Vanessa Ochs. Courtesy photo by Dan Addison/UVA
Need to know: Thursday, April 9, 2020
A new book explores the evolution of the DIY handbook for Passover
Vanessa Ochs’ new book, ‘The Passover Haggadah: A Biography,’ recounts how this wine-stained ritual manual, handed to each participant around the seder table, evolved. And no, she doesn’t think the coronavirus will emerge as the 11th plague.
Sabbatical cut short, megachurch pastor relished quiet, turns to pandemic
The Rev. Howard-John Wesley, a Virginia pastor, said he’s no longer asking, ‘Oh God, what am I going to preach on Saturday?’
How faith leaders can help the most vulnerable in a lockdown
Important online and telephone support services for people in quarantine with substance use disorders or people in crisis.
Jews around the world prepare for a Passover different from any other
Despite the COVID-19 crisis, more Jewish households worldwide are now expected to host their own Seder — virtually or in person — than ever before.
This year Easter will feel more like Passover
Rather than putting on their new Easter clothes and gathering at church, Christian families may find it meaningful to read from Exodus together, writes Stephen B. Chapman.
The pandemic has exposed fissures within religions
Worshippers are suspending rites hitherto regarded as vital.
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Court drops rape, other charges against megachurch leader
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Naasón Joaquín García, the self-proclaimed apostle of La Luz del Mundo, has been in custody since June after his arrest on accusations involving three girls and one woman between 2015 and 2018.
Pope creates new expert commission to study women deacons
ROME (AP) — The 10-member commission, the second of Francis’ pontificate to study the fraught issue, includes equal numbers of men and women representing the United States and six European countries.
MuslimGirl founder Amani Al-Khatahtbeh announces congressional run in New Jersey
On Saturday, Al-Khatahtbeh announced her mission ‘to make democracy happen’ by unseating 16-term Democratic incumbent Rep. Frank Pallone in New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District.
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Parents, don’t diminish kids in #QuarantineLife
(RNS) — Parents are quick to vent about being home all day with their kids. But kids can contribute to our mental well-being, not by being cute and delightful, but with their love and truth.
Yes, this Passover will be different
"Game changer" is no longer a cliche. Welcome to the new Passover, writes Jeffrey Salkin.
Fleshly sacraments in a viral, virtual world
(RNS) — Marrying in Central Park in the middle of a quarantine, we inadvertently found ourselves something of an attraction for all of New York City.
