Mar 17 The first bat mitzvah in the United States, held a century ago, opened doors for Jewish women By Lisa Fishbayn Joffe, The Conversation Judith Kaplan became the first American bat mitzvah in 1922. The Jewish coming-of-age ceremony has become more popular for girls ever since. Continue reading
Feb 28 Analysis: Putin’s claim that war on Ukraine is to target Nazis is absurd. Here’s why By Jeffrey Veidlinger, The Conversation Russian President Vladimir Putin’s selective telling of the past exaggerates the legacy of Nazism in Ukraine while ignoring the state’s historic struggle for pluralism and democracy. Continue reading
Oct 06 Amid rising infections, Israeli ultra-Orthodox defy lockdown By Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Jews make up roughly 10% of the population, yet account for over one-third of the country’s coronavirus patients. Segments of the community refuse to comply with safety regulations and insist on maintaining a tight-knit way of life. Continue reading
Sep 10 Politics complicate Israeli virus response ahead of holidays By Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press With the coronavirus pandemic raging and the Jewish High Holidays approaching, Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself caught between his ultra-Orthodox partners and the need to drive down surging infection rates. Continue reading
Apr 28 Watch 11:55 How religious leaders are keeping the faith during COVID-19 By Judy Woodruff, Courtney Norris, Alison Thoet Throughout the pandemic, restrictions on social gatherings have forced those who observe major religious holidays to find new ways to practice their faith. How is COVID-19 changing places of worship? Judy Woodruff talks to New York University’s Imam Khalid Latif,… Continue watching
Apr 09 Watch 6:49 How religious observances are adapting to social distancing By John Yang, Rachel Wellford In April, millions of Christians, Jews and Muslims around the world mark Easter, Passover and Ramadan -- some of the holiest observances of the year. But how are followers of these religions expressing faith and community when the pandemic makes… Continue watching
Apr 01 Watch 3:02 A Jewish comedian on why religious beliefs shouldn’t be fair game for derision Comedian Ashley Blaker is an Orthodox Jew. Despite our politically correct modern society, he’s accustomed to strangers judging him by his appearance, making assumptions about his views on Israel and the size of his family. Blaker offers his humble opinion… Continue watching
Nov 27 Watch 8:46 Despite tension between Iran and Israel, Iran’s Jewish minority feels at home By Reza Sayah Jewish people have called Iran home for nearly 3,000 years. The Trump administration and U.S. ally Israel often depict the Iranian government as composed of anti-Semitic radical Islamists bent on destroying Israel. But within Iran, many of the estimated 15,000… Continue watching
Nov 22 Watch 6:34 Why the rise of American Judaism offers a ‘great political story’ On our Bookshelf tonight, the dramatic struggles to turn an ancient faith into an American religion. Judy Woodruff speaks with longtime journalist Steven Weisman, author of “The Chosen Wars,” about why he decided to examine the evolution of Judaism in… Continue watching
Oct 30 Watch 5:52 In Pittsburgh, the president and his protesters mourn shooting victims By PBS NewsHour, Jaywon Choe, Sam Lane, Rhana Natour Saturday’s massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue was the deadliest American attack on Jews in U.S. history. Across denominations, mourners gathered Tuesday to pay their respects to four of the people killed. But divisions remained over the president’s visit,… Continue watching