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A view of the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock on Dec. 6.

Trump's Jerusalem announcement is a big deal — but won't actually change much

In announcing U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, President Donald Trump spoke loud and clear — except when he didn't. That's not to say that Israel and … more

By Ron Kampeas, JTA | 12/7/17

Tourists enter the Kotel plaza, as Jews pray at the holy site.

Major American Jewish groups react positively to President Trump's Jerusalem announcement

Here are statements publicized by major American Jewish organizations following President Trump's Jerusalem speech on Wednesday. They are from Agudath Israel of America, the Orthodox Union, Hadassah, the Council of Presidents, RCA, AIPAC, and One Israel Fund, plus Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Additional statements will be added to this post as they become available. more

Combined Sources | 12/6/17

President Donald Trump delivers his Jerusalem speech from the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House on Dec. 6, as Vice President Mike Pence looks on.

Full text of President Trump's Jerusalem speech

When I came into office, I promised to look at the world’s challenges with open eyes and very fresh thinking. We cannot solve our problems by making the same … more

By President Donald Trump | 12/6/17

Florida village adopts U.S. anti-Semitism definition

Bal Harbour, Fla., is best known as a popular destination for snowbirds. With a population ranging from 2,500 to 8,000, depending on the time of the year, it’s hard to believe that this small … more

By JNS | 12/6/17

Jared Kushner (left) at the Saban Forum on Israeli affairs, in Washington on Dec. 3, and Michael Flynn leaving his plea hearing at the federal courthouse in Washington on Dec. 1.

Here’s what Flynn’s plea could mean for both Kushner and Israel

WASHINGTON — Michael Flynn, President Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI twice — both times about policy maneuvering with Sergey … more

Analysis by Ron Kampeas, JTA | 12/6/17

Here’s a Chanukah menu with a lighter touch

The holidays are a wonderful time to share meals with friends and family — but must they be heavy and calorie filled? For Chanukah, this simple and tasty Asian-inspired menu uses oil per the … more

By Megan Wolf, JTA | 12/6/17

As a Chanukah gift, something from the kitchen

It’s the season of eating. From Thanksgiving until Jan. 2, it is all about parties and celebrations and great food. From that golden turkey and all the sides — pecan pies and more — … more

By Joni Schockett | 12/6/17

At night, the Zula Center is often packed with teens making music and clustered around a candle-filled table that serves as a sort of indoor bonfire. These teens’ faces have been blurred to protect their identity.

OU’s Zula center aids at-risk kids in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM — Hadas was just 11 when her mother began to suffer from postpartum depression so severe it rendered her incapable of caring for herself or her children. Her father and an older … more

By Michele Chabin, for the OU | 12/6/17

Observing yichud is key to avoiding indiscretions

It seems that every week another famous personality is outed as a predator or abuser, and publicly fired and condemned. Most of these cases involve a man using his position of power to get away with … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet | 12/6/17

More than selling Joseph, sin was ignoring his pain

Many years ago, at a melaveh malka in Har Nof in the Bostoner Beis Medrash, I heard a wonderful story from Rav Levi Yitzchak Horowitz, the Bostoner Rebbe. It seems that after Reb Yissachar, the … more

By Rabbi Binny Freedman | 12/6/17