For 125 years, the Forward has delivered accurate, timely and nuanced news to American Jews. From breaking news to in-depth investigations, our reporting team covers the people, institutions and issues that define the many ways to be Jewish in the…
News
-
36 Rabbis Shaping 21st-Century Judaism
Rabbi Yosef Wolvovsky
“Rabbi Yosef Wolvovsky’s energy and motivation have created a community committed to the beauty of traditional Judaism. Originally numbering hardly a minyan of individuals, today it’s not unusual to find 60 or 70 at a community function. The rabbi’s followers come from a wide range of backgrounds and represent points of view that can be…
-
36 Rabbis Shaping 21st-Century Judaism Rabbi Valerie Cohen
“Upon moving to Jackson last June, I was expecting to find a dearth of Jewish life and Jewish learning. Instead, I found the complete opposite: a weekly Talmud class; a weekly Torah study; Reform-style Friday night services; Conservative-style Saturday morning services, and diverse events and speakers almost every Shabbat — supported and organized by Rabbi…
-
36 Rabbis Shaping 21st-Century Judaism Rabbi Juan Mejía
“I am the religious leader of a small Jewish community in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Our group has for many years consisted of American expats. Several years ago, a few Mexican nationals began coming to our Shabbat services, wanting to reclaim what they felt to be a Jewish heritage. These “B’naiAnusim” — many from…
The Latest
-
A Pilgrimage to Philip Roth’s Hometown
Philip Roth?s boyhood house is ugly. It?s a three-story home in the Newark, N.J., neighborhood of Weequahic, just a couple of blocks from the local high school. The siding on the upper stories is a greenish yellow. Unlit Christmas lights are strung between the bars on the lower- story windows. A hefty iron gate covers…
-
36 Rabbis Shaping 21st-Century Judaism Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn
“I met Rabbi Cukierkorn this year, 30 years after discovering my Sephardic Jewish roots. I spent 30 years investigating my surname, searching the archives, hearing stories of family and how we come to Costa Rica and why. That was 30 years of receiving “NO” for an answer every time I tried to get close to…
-
36 Rabbis Shaping 21st-Century Judaism Rabbi Adam Mintz
“When my significant other and I were having relationship trouble, Rabbi Mintz met us almost at midnight at his apartment — in his pajamas! He proceeded to counsel us for months at no charge. I know that he has done similarly for other members of our community. Rabbi Mintz has also been my chief mentor…
-
36 Rabbis Shaping 21st-Century Judaism Rabbi Lisa Edwards
“I became Jewish under the guidance of Rabbi Edwards. She is not just a rabbi of a synagogue; she finds time to be the personal rabbi for each individual. She leads our LGBT community through all our struggles, and she is always on the forefront for equal rights, justice and tzedakah. Rabbi Edwards inspires me…
-
36 Rabbis Shaping 21st-Century Judaism Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man
“My wife and I were referred to Rabbi Omer-Man for spiritual guidance after we’d lost our son in a tragic accident. We each had overwhelming personal grief issues, as well as issues as a couple to deal with. We had seen other counselors before Rabbi Omer-Man, but he was the only one who was able…
-
36 Rabbis Shaping 21st-Century Judaism Rabbi Patricia Fenton
“Rabbi Fenton’s unique gift to Judaism is her keen ability to see in each of her students their potential and the spark of Torah that resides in them — and only them. She is the humble teacher, working diligently in the beit midrash and helping fledgling rabbinical students of all ages come to know Torah…
-
36 Rabbis Shaping 21st-Century Judaism Rabbi Amy R. Perlin
“I am a lesbian mom, and finding a place to raise my children that would accept ALL types of families was not easy. After being told by other congregations that yes, we could join, but two moms would not be welcome on the bimah for a bar or bat mitzvah — and hearing other comments…
-
36 Rabbis Shaping 21st-Century Judaism Rabbi Sam Fraint
“I was fortunate to study in Sam Fraint’s adult b’nai mitzvah class: When I told him I wanted to learn to read Torah, he promptly taught me himself. I can’t wait for his thought-provoking and inspiring sermons each week. Sam is also an ardent champion of the Ramah camping and USY movements, encouraging our kids…
Explore
Most Popular
- 1
News Exclusive: ADL chief compares student protesters to ISIS and al-Qaida in address to Republican officials
- 2
Opinion Greta Thunberg’s Gaza flotilla was never going to help Palestinians
- 3
Culture I ranked the NYC mayoral candidates exclusively based on their bagel orders
- 4
News How Jewish can you be in a Boca country club? Wrapping tefillin got a family suspended, lawsuit says
In Case You Missed It
-
Culture His parents fled the Nazis in 1937 — now he’s using his chutzpah to fight Donald Trump
-
Fast Forward 24 hours of war leaves Israel reeling, with bomb shelters full and flights canceled
-
Fast Forward In US lawmakers’ response to Israel’s strike on Iran, sweeping support with signs of tension
-
Opinion Trump’s latest move makes Mahmoud Khalil a Joseph for our times
-
Shop the Forward Store
100% of profits support our journalism
