American Jews

How Jewish immigrants invented American childhood through classic toys, comics, and media

Virtually every major American toy company at the turn of the 20th century, with a few exceptions, had been founded by first-generation Jews, who invented the material culture of American childhood.

A woman shops for toys at a store in Houston, Texas, on August 24, 2026.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul listens as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during the annual New York State Financial Control Board meeting on August 12, 2026 in New York City.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul promises to increase holiday security at synagogues, Jewish sites

US Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks at CompoTech, a defense technology and advanced manufacturing company, in Brewer, Maine on August 24, 2026.

Vance to speak at Republican Jewish Coalition summit after Jewish conservative criticism

NEW IMMIGRANTS from France arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport in June. The number of aliyah files opened by individuals and families expressing interest in future immigration has surged dramatically.

North American aliyah wave continues as 2,200 immigrants set to arrive this summer


Young US Jews embrace Judaism informally despite limited communal participation - study

The report found that socially immersive experiences lead to more success in creating a sense of belonging. These experiences involve summer camps, Israel travel programs, youth groups, and more.

Hebrew Union College celebrated the academic achievements of students in its Israel programs during the Ordination and Academic Graduation at the Taube Family Campus.

Jewish, Hindu, Zoroastrian parents sue California school district over mosque field trip

Jewish, Hindu, and Zoroastrian parents allege students were encouraged to wear Islamic attire and exposed to religious advocacy on a school trip.

Santa Clara, California.

Remembering IDF soldiers who lost their lives to hidden wounds - opinion

My heart is once again torn and hurting from receiving more devastating news.

Family and friends attend the funeral of Zehava Shaul, mother of fallen Israeli soldier Oron Shaul, at the Poria Illit Cemetery in northern Israel, July 26, 2026.

Jewish watchdog urges NYPD to increase officers in hot spots after synagogue attack

In the incident on Friday night, Montes yelled during the service, disrupting it, and then struck a 63-year-old congregant and headbutted a member of security personnel who was escorting him out.

Central Synagogue in Manhattan.

Jewish Federations fires consultant over advice to avoid 'Zionism,' sparking debate over term

In an interview with JTA on Tuesday, Berger, who worked as a reporter for JTA from 2000-2006, declined to comment on either JFNA or the presentation in Minnesota.

“120 Years of Zionism,”  an exhibit at Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport, was launched in 2017 to mark the establishment of the World Zionst Congress in 1897.

What El-Sayed’s victory means for US politics - opinion

The DSA and the Democratic Party’s Left wing have skillfully built their message around real and troubling issues, yet they're simplified by identifying a single overarching scapegoat: Israel.

Abdul El-Sayed, winner of Michigan US Democratic primary, speaks during a press conference in Detroit, Michigan, US August 5, 2026.

Trump names Jewish Will Scharf as new White House counsel, assistant to the president

"Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law. Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!," Trump wrote.

Will Scharf

The question raised inside the White House that could define America's future - opinion

The Constitution protects liberty, but can the US preserve freedom without the moral culture that sustains it?

The US Capitol building is pictured at 5:04 pm, five years after the building was overrun by pro-Trump supporters, in Washington, DC, US, January 6, 2026

Jewish teen attacked with phone and metal chair at North Miami Beach Starbucks

The suspect has been charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with prejudice, and disorderly conduct.

A Starbucks sign is show on one of the companies stores in Los Angeles, California, U.S. October 19,2018

With two current films, director Rachel Israel offers comic relief for Jewish trauma

Two unabashedly Jewish comedies were directed: The Floaters, set at a Jewish summer camp, and Influenced, a satire of Manhattan influencer culture that culminates in a b’nai mitzvah celebration. 

Director Rachel Israel, right, and producer Shai Korman arrive at the premiere of "The Floaters" during the 2025 San Francisco Jewish Film Festival,  Aug. 3, 2025.