synagogue

COVID has led us all into sin
(RNS) — As Jews approach the High Holidays, we need to avoid the sins of perfectionism, envy — and becoming couch potatoes.

Shofar lessons are becoming a pre-holiday necessity in the age of coronavirus
(RNS) — Jewish law requires that the shofar be heard in person. But with synagogues shuttered because of the coronavirus, many Jews are dusting off old ritual objects and taking online lessons so they can produce that clarion wail.

Before reopening, houses of worship should consider what their faith holds most dear
(RNS) — What makes the rush to reopen more curious is that it seems to go against the very notions of mutual care that our faith traditions teach us.

An Old World Torah scroll unites a North Carolina synagogue in a time of pandemic
(RNS) — Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the scroll has taken on a starring role on Zoom.

Why some ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities defy coronavirus restrictions
(The Conversation) — Armed men in uniform closing down synagogues spurs collective memories of Tsarist Russia and later in western Europe.

Don’t let COVID 19 kill the synagogue!
This pandemic could prove dangerous to American synagogues. Don’t let it.

In San Fernando Valley, people of faith march together to signal solidarity
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — The Interfaith Solidarity Network in the San Fernando Valley is holding its third annual unity march on Sunday (Oct. 27), just weeks after a Northridge synagogue was struck with vandalism.

Romemu strikes a popular balance of Jewish tradition and interfaith spiritual seeking
NEW YORK (RNS) — ‘We’re working on becoming a real alternative to what many consider to be a Judaism where spirituality is not sufficiently addressed,’ said the synagogue’s founder.

Police: No sign that Duluth synagogue fire was hate crime
(AP) — Police are recommending that prosecutors charge Matthew James Amiot, 36, of Duluth, for arson in the fire that destroyed the 118-year-old Adas Israel Congregation last week.

Ravaged by age, shrunk by immigration, India’s remaining Jews hang on
KOCHI, India (RNS) — The last Jew of childbearing age moved to Israel just months ago, leaving behind a small community of about two dozen elderly people beset daily by tourists.

How safe is your place of worship?
(The Conversation) — Many local police departments will conduct a security assessment for specific congregations or offer a workshop for multiple congregations.

On being a special needs parent on the High Holy Days
(RNS) — The High Holy Days’ long services are often a time when parents of special needs kids must wage the fight between despair and anger on the one hand, and mercy and acceptance on the other.

Fear, resolve and more security at Charlottesville synagogue
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — White supremacists carrying semi-automatic rifles were streaming past the synagogue, taunting congregants with phony Brooklyn accents and mocking Yiddish expressions.

In a bid to promote diversity, Egypt plans to restore Alexandria synagogue
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (RNS) — Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany announced his agency would fund the restoration of the Prophet Elijah Synagogue.

Prague’s synagogue gets first new Torahs since World War II
PRAGUE, Czech Republic (Reuters) – The Old-New Synagogue is over 700 years old, one of the oldest existing synagogues in Europe.