Why do many Hasidic Jews abstain from studying the Torah at Christmas? The mythology is that back in the day, Christians liked to persecute Jews during the holiday But according to an authority on the subject, the practice was originally based on a superstition that on Christmas, Jesus had to spend the day “wander[ing] in all pits of excrement or latrines throughout the world” – and studying Torah gave him respite from this torture.
Global Ministries and UCC and Disciples leaders were co-signatories in an ecumenical statement sent today to all members of Congress and the Senate, as well as to the White House. The statement focuses on the shifts in US policy and approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The full statement is published here, in its entirety.
Ha’aretz reports that the Noahide Project, supported by Israel’s Chief Rabbinate and the Israeli government, seeks to create a world religion whose believers adore the Jewish people and the State of Israel… founded by rabbis from Israel, mainly from Chabad… the first Noahide gathering took place in Texas in 1990 and was attended by Rabbi Meir Kahane… members are told they are subservient to Jews…
Israeli settlers – protected by military – demolished 2 homes on a church compound, although the owner had a court order protecting the property, & his belongings were still inside.
Dr. Ashrawi calls on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its recent aggressive actions and to protect the people and holy sites of Palestine.
Every year, Birthright lies about the occupation to 50,000 young Jews visiting Israel. Telling the truth would simply add to the growing dissent against Israel’s policies.
Juan Cole’s upcoming book, Muhammad: Prophet of Peace Amid a Clash of Empires, investigates the origins of Islam, focusing on Muhammad’s vision of peace.
Israel’s new Nation-State Law gives Jews exclusive right to self-determination; names Jerusalem as united capital; prioritizes ingathering of exiles and Jewish-only communities.
On July 19th Israel passed legislation reaffirming its status as a Jewish state. Jewish American analyst and publisher Ron Unz describes his journey of discovery concerning this subject matter. He discusses Israeli professor Israel Shahak’s information, Solzhenitsyn, and more.
Palestinian reaction to Israel’s new Nation-State Law is hostile: words like “racism,” “ethnic cleansing,” “declaration of war,” “legitimization of hate,” and more.