Judaism

In Long Island, Muslims, Jews and Christians Share Sacred Space

December 21, 2003

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/21/nyregion/21LONG.html

On December 21, 2003 The New York Times reported on Protestant churches on Long Island that have opened their doors to Jewish congregations. The Times notes that "for Protestant congregations burdened with high costs of maintaining churches, renting out space - to other faiths, or, more commonly, to other Protestant denominations - has become crucial to making ends meet... But the...

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Man Charged in California Synagogue Arson

December 20, 2003

Source: The San Diego Union Tribune

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20031220-9999_1mi20arson.html

On December 20, 2003 The San Diego Union Tribune reported that Manuel Tescorena Renteria, 26, was charged Thursday with one count of malicious damage in connection to an Oct. 11 arson fire at a Carmel Valley synagogue. The front wooden doors, stucco exterior, stained glass and office were damaged at the 820-member Congregation Beth...

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Jews Volunteer on Christmas

December 19, 2003

Source: Religion and Ethics News Weekly

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week716/profile.html

On December 19, 2003 the Religion and Ethics News Weekly reported on Jewish volunteers who are carrying out a tradition of doing good deeds while giving Christians the day off on Christmas. At the D.C. Jewish Community Center in Washington, DC, the annual December 25 community service project registers hundreds of Jewish volunteers to work throughout the...

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Hannukah Adapts to American Culture

December 19, 2003

Source: KATU News

http://www.katu.com/news/story.asp?ID=63246

On December 19, 2003 KATU News printed an article by the Associated Press on the increased popularity of Hannukah in America. Hannukah is a minor Jewish holiday compared to Rosh Hashana, Passover and Yom Kippur, and was traditionally celebrated by lighting a menorah, or candelabra, for eight nights. Children received coins - real or chocolate - called gelt, as gifts. These trends "changed in the United States when...

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Non-Christians Embrace Christmas in WA

December 19, 2003

Source: The Bellingham Herald

[bellinghamherald.com/stories/20031219/TopStories/168888.shtml]

On December 19, 2003 The Bellingham Herald reported on how Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, and Pagans celebrate the Christmas holiday season. Interviews reveal that many local Sikhs exchange gifts, that some local Muslims put up Christmas trees, and that Jews sometimes celebrate secular Christmas along with Hannukah. Pagan celebrationsoften involve time for introspection and a ritual commemorating the winter solstice.

Palm Beach Women Sue Over Nativity Scene

December 18, 2003

Source: The Associated Press

http://www.fac.org/rel_liberty/publiclife/news.aspx?id=12368

On December 18, 2003 The Associated Press reported, "Two women are seeking a federal court order to overrule a town's refusal to allow a Nativity scene to be displayed alongside a Christmas tree and menorah in a town park. Maureen Donnell and Fern deNarvaez filed a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach, arguing the town's policy violates their rights to...

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Akron Interfaith Group Promotes Tolerance

December 18, 2003

Source: Akron Leader

http://www.akron.com/20031218/FPAGE/spread.htm

On December 18, 2003 the Akron Leader reported on the Akron Area Interfaith Council (AAIC), an organization of leaders and lay people representing 20 houses of worship that promotes understanding and religious tolerance.Christians from Unitarian Universalist, Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopalian and Baptist churches are represented, as are members of Islamic, Jewish and Buddhist houses...

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Daniel Pearl's Father Reaches Out to Islamic Community

December 17, 2003

Source: The Associated Press

http://www.newhousenews.com/archive/okeefe121803.html

On December 17, 2003 The Associated Press reported that Judea Pearl, the father of journalist Daniel Pearl, is transforming his son's February 2002 murder into an opportunity for dialogue between Muslims and Jews. Pearl is teaming with Islamic scholar Akbar Ahmed to pursue "an insightful and unconventional perspective, an unshaken belief in the effectiveness of education and...

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Holocaust Survivor's Hannukah Banner Burned in CA

December 17, 2003

Source: Ventura County Star

http://www.venturacountystar.com/vcs/co_valley/article/0,1375,VCS_166_2511597,0.htm

On December 17, 2003 the Ventura County Star reported that "members of the Conejo Valley's Jewish community gathered Tuesday afternoon to support a Holocaust survivor whose Hanukkah flag was burned this past weekend in what is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

Victoria Monina, 71, had hung a flag decorated...

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Halal Hamburgers in Meyerland, TX

December 16, 2003

Source: The Houston Chronicle

On December 16, 2003 The Houston Chronicle reported that "a taste of Islam has come to Meyerland [TX], the cradle of Houston's Jewish community... Inside the Citgo convenience store on Beechnut and the West Loop, a Turkish Muslim named Mustafa Ozen has opened a Burger Express featuring meat certified as halal, permitted by Islamic dietary law... Muslims from other suburbs, like convert Christine Young, a dental hygienist, drive to Meyerland to eat there because halal hamburgers are a rarity in Houston, she said."

Orthodox Jewish Congregation Denied Waiver in Newton, MA

December 16, 2003

Source: The Newton Tab

http://www.townonline.com/newton/news/local_regional/new_newnesynagoguems12162003.htm

On December 16, 2003 Town Online reported, "Denying accusations that religious bias was a motivating factor in their decision, the Board of Aldermen refused to issue the Chabbad-Lubuvitch congregation a parking waiver it needs in order to open a synagogue on Dedham Street. Beth Menachem Chabad, an Orthodox Jewish Congregation...

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Scholar Questions the Line Where Anti-Semitism Begins

December 14, 2003

Source: The First Amendment Center

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/commentary.aspx?id=12345

On December 14, 2003 The First Amendment Center reported on the rise of anti-Semitism couched within the rhetoric of the Israeli-Palestinian debate. The article notes that "many proponents of anti-Zionism in Europe and the Middle East have become so extreme, so irrational, so filled with hate that they can only be called anti-Semites in an 'anti-Israel' guise......

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"Festival of Festivals" Promotes Peace Between Christians, Jews and Muslims in Haifa

December 14, 2003

Source: Cleveland Jewish News

http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/articles/2003/12/22/news/israel/rparty1215.txt

On December 14, 2003 Cleveland Jewish News reported, "Thousands of Jews and Arabs fill the winding stone alleyways of a Haifa neighborhood sampling latkes, roasted chestnuts and pastries dripping in honey at a coexistence festival to mark the holidays of Chanukah, Christmas and Ramadan...Now in its 10th year, The Festival of...

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