American Jews
Shavuot: The Jewish holiday that became all about children
By Laura Yares — May 22, 2023
(The Conversation) — Shavuot, which was originally an ancient pilgrimage festival, has gone through many changes over the years – as has Judaism itself.
Reform movement leader on Israel: ‘It’s time to lean in; not walk away.’
By Yonat Shimron — March 6, 2023
(RNS) — Like all US Jewish denominations, the Reform movement has given wholehearted support to Israel. In an interview with RNS, Rabbi Rick Jacobs reiterated that support, even as he allowed for some criticism.
At Repro Shabbat, Jewish congregations try to change the narrative on abortion
By Yonat Shimron — February 16, 2023
(RNS) — At more than 1,200 synagogues this weekend, Jews will pushing back against the prevailing Christian view that abortion is religiously forbidden.
Outrage over far-right Israeli government has American Jewish leaders stewing
By Yonat Shimron — February 3, 2023
(RNS) — One New York rabbi has forsworn the Prayer for the State of Israel in the Saturday liturgy. Many others have protested through letters and petitions.
Reconstructionist Jews call for reparations, embark on racial justice pilgrimages
By Yonat Shimron — January 31, 2023
(RNS) — The denominational resolution calls for a ‘deep reflection on the ways in which we have participated in or benefitted from racial injustices in our communities.’
Chabad rabbis celebrate growth at 6,000+ conference in Crown Heights
By Yonat Shimron — November 16, 2022
(RNS) — The five-day event includes workshops on how its emissaries can be more useful — whether on college campuses, in day schools, teaching adult education or in other forms of outreach.
Poll: US Jews overwhelmingly backed Democrats in midterms
By Yonat Shimron — November 10, 2022
(RNS) — American Jews have strained in the past few months under a barrage of antisemitic attacks. Fears for democracy were first on their minds.
Abortion rights scored the biggest midterm victory
By Yonat Shimron and Jack Jenkins — November 9, 2022
(RNS) — Not only did voters support abortion rights ballot measures, they probably also helped Democrats stave off a red wave.
3 Jewish women file suit against Kentucky abortion bans on religious grounds
By Yonat Shimron — October 7, 2022
(RNS) — It's the third such suit brought by Jewish organizations or individuals since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, claiming the state is imposing a Christian understanding of when life begins.
On Yom Kippur, a Ukrainian couple finds a new Jewish home in North Carolina
By Yonat Shimron — October 4, 2022
DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) — Vladislav Bedereu, a ballet dancer and opera singer, and Elizabeth Orela, a theater actress, gave up their lives and livelihoods in Odesa.
American Jewish groups denounce Presbyterian Church for calling Israel ‘apartheid’
By Yonat Shimron — July 11, 2022
(RNS) — The vote was just the latest in a long line of deteriorating relations between mainline Protestant denominations and the US Jewish establishment.
A pioneering Shabbat service marks a new way to observe Jewish Juneteenth
By Yonat Shimron — June 19, 2022
(RNS) —The Juneteenth Kabbalat Shabbat was the first Jewish service organized and led by Jews of color to mark the annual celebration of freedom that is now a federal holiday.
Are relations between young US and Israeli Jews fraying? A new poll suggests no.
By Yonat Shimron — April 25, 2022
(RNS) — A whopping 80% of millennial Israelis and 70% of millennial American Jews said they thought a strong State of Israel is necessary for the survival of the Jewish people, the new AJC poll shows.
US Jews furiously raise money, send delegations to help Ukraine
By Yonat Shimron — March 12, 2022
(RNS) — Thousands, if not millions, of American Jews can trace their ancestors back to Ukraine and feel a special connection to the place, even if it brings up a complicated past.
Evangelical Christians looking for renewal should look to the margins
By Joshua Stanton and Benjamin Spratt — February 18, 2022
(RNS) — The crisis of church and synagogue is not a crisis of faith, so much as a crisis of purpose.
