In Remote Communities, Familiar Traditions

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Writer Charles London recently spent a year, traveling to far-flung Jewish communities abroad — from Rangoon, Burma to Esfahan, Iran — as well as to two vibrant communities in the American South and, ultimately, to Israel. He recounts the journey in his new book, “Far From Zion: In Search of a Global Jewish Community” (William Morrow). He recently visited the Forward’s studio to discuss the lost Virginia shtetl that was the impetus for his journey, what the Jewish communities of New Orleans, La. and Uganda have in common, and where, in his travels, he felt most and least comfortable as a gay, Jewish American.
Listen to the podcast:
View a slideshow of the stops along Charles London’s journey:
"Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief"
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
