Jewish customs

Jewish School in Chicago secures new head, building for fall 2027 debut

A new Jewish high school in downtown Chicago has appointed its first head of school. Set to open in 2027, it will offer a unique blend of rigorous academics and Jewish pride.

Richard H. Cuenca, the newly appointed head of school for the forthcoming Davis School in Chicago, stands inside the campus as construction continues.
The 16-story building at 9911 W. Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles that Chabad plans to convert into the Chabad Campus for Jewish Life after a $100 million gift from real estate investor Alon Abady.

LA real estate investor donates $100M office tower to Chabad for largest Jewish center

Two men enjoy Chinese cuisine prepared by Chinese chefs within the guidelines of kosher food preparation at a restaurant.

Jewish Christmas tradition of Chinese food is now backed by science

 Val Kilmer in "Top Secret!"

‘That’s Simchas Torah’: The Jewish Val Kilmer moment you might have missed


We are called to serve others now more than ever - opinion

Volunteer service enriches both the person serving and the community being served, and helps us embrace our best selves.

 REPAIR THE WORLD staff prepare items to be donated, in Detroit.

How the Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow wins hearts and minds - opinion

On the site of such horror just decades ago, swarthy Middle Eastern Jews, youthful Ashkenazi Americans, and, yes, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Poles came together to celebrate Jewish culture.

 THE INDUSTRY MUSEUM creates the perfect venue for the inspiring rhythms of Safed-based Maqamat.

Israel owes David Ben Avraham a Jewish burial - editorial

Despite his conversion not being recognized, this man persevered through so much grief in his life and deserves the chance to be buried next to people of his chosen faith.

Har HaMenuchot cemetery, Jerusalem

Growing number of Jews using NY’s first Reform chevra kadisha burial society

In the Jewish vernacular, caring for the dead is called chesed shel emet (“true kindness”) because bestowing honor upon the dead is a favor that cannot be returned by the beneficiary. 

 Sharon Shemesh, a member of New York’s Reform Chevra Kadisha burial society, prepares for a tahara to ritually cleanse the deceased's body at Plaza Jewish Community Chapel.

Super Bowl antisemitism ads should mark kickoff to Jewish cultural revival - opinion

Let us think of the 30-second Super Bowl commercial on antisemitism as the kickoff of sorts to a longer, sustained drive down the field.

 STUDENTS study in the Beit Midrash of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem.

Should Jewish males be circumcised? - comment

While I wouldn’t go so far as to call circumcision a “terrible mistake,” perhaps there’s a middle ground for the Jewish baby boys yet to be born.

 PERFORMING A brit milah

We have seen the Jewish future, and it is all about choice

Choosing to be Jewish is at the center of Jewish life in America, how are the different streams of Judaism adapting?

 Beit Daniel Reform Synagogue in Tel Aviv.

Judaism should bring the 'last confession' (vidui) back

The last confession (vidui), has somewhat disappeared in recent centuries. In this column, I’ll briefly lay out the case for restoring this meaningful ritual.

 WE NEVER truly know which patients might still be able to hear our prayers.

There’s a Grammy for Christian music. These musicians want Jewish music to get one, too.

Two musicians are proposing a "best Jewish music album" category be added to the Grammys.

 Edgar Winter poses with the Grammy for Best Contemporary blues album for "Brother Johnny" during the Premiere Ceremony of the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, February 5, 2023.

The powerful healing from the Mourner's Kaddish - opinon

Jewish rituals enable people to pass their beliefs and values down to future generations.

 THE WRITER, at 13 months old, is held by her father in a photo taken in 1950