Rabbi

Israeli woman sues New Jersey rabbi for sexual assault, defamation

Avraham Appel, of Jackson, abused his position as a trusted community leader to sexually assault and exploit the woman, an Israeli immigrant who came to him as a single mother, the lawsuit said.

An illustrative image of a man in handcuffs, being arrested.
California seedless raisins are seen June 9, 2005 in Des Plaines, Illinois.

Raisin industry heir Bruce Lion charged in antisemitic harassment case in LA

Allen Secher was ordained by Hebrew Union College in 1962.

This rabbi made history in the civil rights era, I had to tell his story - opinion

The writer and daughter Noa O’Sullivan on roots visit to Mississippi, 2018. Background: Highway welcome sign upon entering to state, ‘the birthplace of America’s music.’

How a Jewish police chief's mezuzah captivated a Mississippi town


Sirens during Seder? Rabbis advise on how to observe Passover under fire

Even though Seder night is called “Leil Shimurim” (a night of protection), Israeli Rabbi Yitzhak Yaakov Fuchs explains that we must not rely on miracles when danger is common.

 An illustrative image of a Passover Seder table.

This month in Jewish history: From Exodus to modern Israel, and many birthdays

A highly abridged monthly version of Dust & Stars.

Happy Birthday to: Yigael Yadin (3rd R), Israeli delegation member to armistice  talks in Rhodes, 1949, with Yitzhak Rabin {R);

Berlin rabbi makes history as first European to head Conservative rabbis’ association

Ederberg is a veteran rabbi of Berlin’s first official egalitarian congregation on Oranienburger Strasse — and this month she reached a new milestone.

Rabbi Gesa Ederberg is installed as the president of the Rabbinical Assembly at Congregation Beth Sholom in Teaneck, New Jersey, March 11, 2026.

Over 1,100 rabbis sign onto letter supporting immigrant rights: ‘Do Not Oppress the Stranger’

The letter published by the Jewish refugee aid group HIAS comes as Jewish communities across the country are grappling with the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies.

A protest organized by a large number of Jewish groups gather for a rally outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Headquarters to protest ICE raids and arrests in Washington, DC, on Feb. 11, 2026.

Andrea Weiss, trailblazing Reform rabbi who merged scholarship and activism, dies at 60

Weiss died on Tuesday, surrounded by family at her home in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, following a year-long battle with cancer. She was 60.

A photo of Andrea Weiss, former provost of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

Purim Shpiel: Chabad reveals decades-old human-alien shidduch service

Purim Shpiel: The following is a satirical article from The Jerusalem Post's annual parodic Purim page, The Jerusalem Roast. Enjoy!

‘Shadchan’ questions include: Do you prefer gray or green-skinned beings?

Megillah in the Miklat: Tel Aviv moves Purim underground as Operation Roaring Lion rages

Despite Operation Roaring Lion, Israelis continue to celebrate Purim in shelters and homes, with community efforts to ensure the mitzvot are fulfilled, including sending gift packages to the needy.

Israelis take cover in Tel Aviv as a siren sounds warning of incoming ballistic missiles fired from Iran toward Israel, March 1, 2026; illustrative.

Parashat Zachor: Remembering Amalek in every generation

Amalek exploits spiritual weakness; Parashat Zachor calls on us to strengthen our identity and faith in every generation.

Cooling the bath: Amalek.

Zionism's narrow definition hurts American Jews' connection to Israel - opinion

Most Jews have little trouble simultaneously affirming care and concern for Israel and Israelis and opposing Israeli policies, including the extended war in Gaza.

American Jews [Illustrative]

Building bridges through music: Hanna Yaffe’s life of faith and dialogue

Singer and storyteller Hanna Yaffe blends Orthodox faith, music, and interfaith dialogue to build bridges across cultures and beliefs.

Hanna Yaffe sings and plays guitar.