Jewish book subscription program pushes back against publishing industry antisemitism
THE TIMES OF ISRAEL—Marking the centennial of one of the Jewish Book Council’s foundational programs, ‘Nu Reads’ delivers books bimonthly with aim to boost writers and send a message to publishers. Last year, a list circulated online targeting “Zionist” authors for a boycott. Dozens of blacklisted writers, nearly all Jews, had been condemned for infractions […]
One lesson of NYC’s mayoral election: Rabbis’ political endorsements come with a cost
JEWISH TELEGRAPHIC AGENCY—The Book of Exodus begins with a sudden shift in fortunes. Joseph, the Jewish leader who rose to power in Pharaoh’s court, dies. The Pharaoh who favored him dies. And then: “A new king arose who did not know Joseph.” What follows is not just a story of oppression and liberation; it’s a […]
New on Rikers Island: a Jewish prayerbook designed with incarcerated congregants in mind
JEWISH TELEGRAPHIC AGENCY—When some of Rabbi Mia Simring’s congregants named themselves The Very Narrow Bridge Congregation, they weren’t just referring to the anthemic Hebrew song “Gesher Tsar Meod” or the teaching from Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav on which it is based. They were also alluding to their status as inmates on Rikers Island, New York City’s largest […]
Hospitals Treat Souls as Well as Bodies
Hospitalized patients and their families often struggle with religious and spiritual quandaries but can’t attend their houses of worship or don’t have one. Chaplains thus fill crucial gaps.
Innovative Jewish Chaplaincy
CHAPLAINCY INNOVATION LAB—September 17, 2024—Delve into innovative strategies for broadening the impact of Jewish chaplaincy with this recorded webinar from the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab, supported by the Charles Revson Foundation. This program examines evidence-based approaches developed by grant-funded teams to address the spiritual and emotional needs of underserved populations. The webinar also explores the unique […]
Healing minds and bodies from Rikers
DAILY NEWS—July 12, 2024—Each week members of the New York Jewish Coalition for Criminal Justice Reform board the Q100 bus and travel over the bridge to Rikers Island to worship with people in custody awaiting trial. We are welcomed with warmth and gratitude by the staff and those in custody as we pray, sing, connect with one […]
Jewish chaplains: Leading where life happens
EJEWISH PHILANTHROPY — October 26, 2022 — The pandemic put chaplains before the public eye as the country’s “spiritual first responders.” Media reports shined light on their important work, more typically unseen, and on chaplaincy’s evolution into a vocation that is increasingly more religiously and racially diverse. Jewish chaplains were featured in many of these reports, […]
The Gate of Healing
EJEWISH PHILANTHROPY — September 22, 2020 — During Yom Kippur, we will pray for the opening of many gates, including the gate of refuah shelema: the gate of complete healing. This request will carry special urgency this year, as many continue to suffer in both body and spirit from the effects of COVID-19. For decades, the idea of […]