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Hold on: We’re not about to lose our chassan

Before World War II, Rav Shneur Kotler got engaged. After the war, his kallah wrote him a letter breaking the shidduch . Her family was gone. The dowry her father had promised was gone. Her health … more

By Rabbi Benny Berlin, Jewish Star columnist, BACH Long Beach | 7/1/26

Abraham was both a parent and a teacher

Just beneath the surface of this week’s parsha , Pinchas, is an exceptionally poignant story. It occurs in the context of Moses’ prayer that G-d appoint a successor as leader of the Jewish … more

By Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, z"tl | 7/1/26

Overwater bungalows on a snorkeling beach in Tahiti.

The Jew who married into the royalty of Tahiti

In the middle of the 19th century, one of the most influential men on the southern Pacific island of Tahiti was a Jewish merchant named Alexander Salmon (originally Solomon). He was not a rabbi, … more

By Michael Freund, Wandering Nation | 7/1/26

Gregg Swain, a mahjong historian, speaks at a mahjong event at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in lower Manhattan on June 28.

Mahjong draws 500 to Jewish museum in NYC

Around 500 people gathered on Sunday at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in lower Manhattan for lessons, lectures, social play and vendors at the New York Jewish Mah Jongg Festival. “I think … more

By Rebecca Szlechter, JNS | 7/1/26

The Jewish Community of Singapore building (left) and the Maghain Aboth Synagogue next door, constructed in 1878, are at the heart of Jewish life in the city-state.

Little Singapore: Israel’s kindred state in Asia

In the heart of Southeast Asia, thousands of miles from Jerusalem, lies a small island nation whose story bears a striking and often overlooked resemblance to that of the Jewish state. … more

By Michael Freund, Wondering Nation | 7/1/26

Since the Oct. 7 massacre, Rachel Lester, who made aliyah from Los Angeles, has produced videos viewed by millions around the world.

Former IDFer promotes Israel’s information war

Since the Hamas massacre of Oct. 7, 2023, Rachel Lester has produced viral videos viewed by millions around the world. In her new book, “Digital Warrior: Inside Israel’s Battle for the … more

By Steve Linde, JNS | 7/1/26

Mel Brooks in the film “High Anxiety” (1977).

Mel Brooks at 100 eyes a ‘Spaceball’ blastoff

Jewish comedy legend Mel Brooks celebrated his 100th birthday on Sunday, as he prepares to release the long-awaited sequel to his 1987 movie, “Spaceballs.” “Spaceballs: The New One” is … more

By The Jewish Star from JNS and other sources | 7/1/26

The president of Yeshiva University, Rabbi Ari Berman, at “Hack the Hate,” an event organized by Yeshiva’s Sy Syms School of Business on June 18.

Primary results were no surprise, YU president says

Some Jewish New Yorkers and others concerned about Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s anti-Israel views have warned that the successes of three Mamdani-backed candidates in Democratic primaries last week … more

By Rikki Zagelbaum, JNS | 7/1/26

America’s first 250 years are worth celebrating

Every Fourth of July is cause for parades, hot dogs and backyard barbecues. But this year’s commemoration is special. It marks the unprecedented success of the greatest experiment in history: 250 … more

By Former Rep. Peter King | 7/1/26

Haym Salomon, a major Jewish financier of the American Revolution.

The Jew who financed American independence

Since 2006, US presidents have issued proclamations in recognition of the contributions Jewish people have made to the growth and success of the United States. Jewish American Heritage Month, … more

By Ferne Hassan, Camera | 7/1/26