Two years after a bruising debate on sexuality that left some wondering if the Conservative movement was irreparably divided, an initiative to link kosher food regulations with labor and environmental standards seems to have reunited the movement’s rabbinate. A number of rabbis have agreed to devote at least part of their High Holy Day sermons…
Louis Park, Minn. — The last time that a non-Jewish lawmaker was elected to the Senate seat currently held by Republican Norm Coleman the president of the United States was Jimmy Carter. Despite a Jewish population estimated at less than 1% of the state’s total — and a history of intolerance that, in 1946, led…
In an effort to raise public awareness about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, a new organization is being launched, with its own paid staff, to focus solely on the issue. The promoters of the group, which is called United Against Nuclear Iran, hope to replicate the Save Darfur Coalition, which has brought together liberals and hawks as…
London — As the school year begins, new research out of Britain is shedding light on the resurgent effort to create successful Jewish schools. On the one hand, a study that was released this summer by a Jewish organization suggests that British schools are in the midst of a decade-long expansion, with 8% growth since…
When an Israeli-made drone was shot down over the Black Sea this past spring in the run-up to the war between Russia and Georgia, it brought to the forefront a recurrent Israeli dilemma: By exporting its military know-how, is Israel endangering its diplomatic standing? Israel’s military assistance to Georgia, including the doomed drone, thrust into…
U.S. Senator Joseph Biden, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, is expected to headline the National Jewish Democratic Council’s upcoming Washington conference, which is focused on mobilizing the Jewish vote, NJDC officials said. Democrats hope that Biden of Delaware will be able to counter some of the influence that Senator Joseph Lieberman has had among Jewish…
Washington — As he serves time in federal prison, a picture is emerging in court documents and in a newly published book of a repentant Jack Abramoff, who is embracing the Jewish notion of “Teshuva” and turning his back on the days of power, money and politics. At least that is what the once-powerful Republican…
Though certain neighborhoods, such as Manhattan’s Lower East Side, have become legendary as incubators for Jewish genius, that appellation has rarely been applied to St. Louis Park, Minn. But now the prominent progeny of this leafy suburb are receiving some serious attention. On September 9, comedian turned politician Al Franken used support from the northern…
Republicans are gearing up to defend the nomination of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate in light of Democratic charges that she is out of step with Jewish voters. Palin has become the focus of criticism since her surprise selection, with Democrats claiming that her conservative views and staunch opposition to abortion rights will…
Only four years ago, Edward Koch — famous for his independent streak and for backing Republicans almost as often as he has backed fellow Democrats — threw his support behind President Bush’s re-election over John Kerry, who, he told a reporter, “doesn’t have the stomach to go after terrorists.” Koch still worries about the threat…
Will a rabbi’s blessing help Barack Obama? What about 300 rabbis? And will the IRS find this arrangement kosher? “Rather than sit and yell at my television, I thought there was an opportunity to do something,” said Rabbi Steven Bob of Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, Ill, in the western suburbs of Chicago. Rabbis for…
