Judaism

Settlement Reached in Workplace Discrimination Lawsuit

January 6, 2001

Source: The Buffalo News

On January 6, 2001, The Buffalo News reported that "a Williamsville company has settled a lawsuit with two Jewish women [from Buffalo], who claimed they were discriminated against because their religious beliefs prevented them from working on Saturdays." Attorneys from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said that Esther Smothers and Amanda Brooks, both in their 20s, "received a combined $ 50,000 in damages and back pay from National Action Financial Services/SITEL, one of the largest collection agencies in Western New York...

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Muslims Celebrate End of Ramadan

December 31, 2000

Source: Los Angeles Times

On December 31, 2000, the Los Angeles Times reported that while many were celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, hundreds of Muslims gathered in the San Fernando Valley this year for Eid-al-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which "commemorates what Muslims believe was God's revelation of their holy book, the Koran, to the prophet Muhammad nearly 1,400 years ago. It is a month of prayer, reflection, goodwill toward those less fortunate and fasting from dawn to dusk. Eid al-Fitr...is celebrated with family and feasts, and...

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Synagogue's Dwindling Congregation

December 27, 2000

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

On December 27, 2000, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on "a tiny, resilient Jewish community in Greene and Washington counties" serviced by the Beth Israel Synagogue. If the size of the congregation does not grow, said its vice president, "the decision has to be made as to whether it's viable to continue." Both counties have tiny Jewish populations, and, with southern Allegheny county, contribute "fewer than 150 members" to the congregation. The synagogue is able to survive on bequests from late members....

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Multifaith Families Recognize Hanukkah and Christmas

December 25, 2000

Source: Star Tribune

On December 25, 2000, the Star Tribune reported on the unique ways in which the holidays are celebrated in the home of a junior in high school, who lives in a home with a Jewish father and a Catholic mother. They celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas each year.

Jews Find Joy In Christmas Season

December 24, 2000

Source: St. Petersburg Times

On December 24, 2000, the St. Petersburg Times reported that many Jews enjoy some aspects of the Christmas season. Sheila Weinstock, a Jew who grew up in Boston, said she never felt left out of the Christian holiday. Although she does not celebrate Christmas, she does not resent it, either. She said she enjoys the sacred connotations that go along with Christmas. Clara Solomon, also a Jew, said she loves the season. "Solomon always has loved sparkly things. For a time, she sold gold and diamonds at the Wagon Wheel Flea Market....

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American Jews Celebrate the Meaning of Hannukah

December 23, 2000

Source: St. Petersburg Times

On December 23, 2000, the St. Petersburg Times reported that Hannukah is considered a minor holiday since its origins are historical rather than biblical. For many children, however, it is their favorite holiday. "Brittany Allen, 9, learned how Hanukkah began in Sunday school. 'Hanukkah is a fun holiday,' she said, mentioning how the Syrian-Greeks failed to vanquish the Jews. Brittany is looking forward to the special dinners, which will include matzo ball soup and chicken and mashed potatoes. Potato pancakes called...

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American Jews Celebrate the Meaning of Hannukah

December 22, 2000

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

On December 22, 2000, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Hannukah celebrates the power of faith and miracles. Chicago's Jewish community prayed for Jews in Israel in a time of renewed violence there. "As we rekindle the lights, we do so with a special sense of solidarity with the land of Israel, with the state of Israel and with our brothers and sisters in Israel, who are today -- bazman ha'zeh -- under siege," read a Hanukkah prayer prepared by the Chicago federation. "May the kindling of these candles help to hasten the coming...

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Clintons Celebrate Hannukah With Third Graders

December 22, 2000

Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune

On December 22, 2000, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that President and first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton greeted 25 third-graders from the congregation of B'nai Tzedek in the oval office in recognition of Hannukah. The children sang a song about spinning dreidels and also lit one candle on a candelabrum.

American Jews Celebrate the Meaning of Hannukah

December 22, 2000

Source: The Boston Herald

On December 22, 2000, The Boston Herald published an article entitled "Menorah Lightings Mark Beginning of Hannukah," in which the lighting of a 22-foot-high menorah on Boston Common and its significance is described.

American Jews Celebrate the Meaning of Hannukah

December 22, 2000

Source: Los Angeles Times

On December 22, 2000, the Los Angeles Times reported that in spite of criticism that Hannukah is being negatively affected by the influence of Christmas, many Jews feel that it remains a spiritually meaningful holiday. "Educators at the West Valley Jewish center use the season to teach some serious lessons about Jewish history, culture and values--and have a little fun as well. Kids here knocked on a dreidel-shaped pinata, made candles and baked cookies this week, but preschoolers also learned about the concept of tzedekah, or...

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American Jews Celebrate the Meaning of Hannukah

December 21, 2000

Source: The Denver Post

On December 21, 2000, The Denver Post reported that Hannukah, which means dedication, is a celebration of the rededicating of the temple in Jerusalem after Israelites recaptured it from Syrian-Greek oppressors. Jews put menorahs in their windows so that others can also see the light. " 'It is a way of bringing the light of freedom, morality and spirituality not only into our own homes but also into the lives of others,' said Rabbi Simon Jacobson, author of Toward a Meaningful Life. The best-selling author believes Hanukkah...

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American Jews Celebrate the Meaning of Hannukah

December 21, 2000

Source: The Washington Post

On December 21, 2000, The Washington Post reported that the Jewish Community Center in Rockville, MD hosted about 50 recent immigrants from the former Soviet Union last Friday during pre-Hannukah festivities. Some of the immigrants recounted stories about how it was forbidden for them to practice their faith in Russia. "The Gateway program and the Community Resettlement Program, both of which are funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, helps Jews to resettle in the Washington area. Since the Soviet Union broke...

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Anti-Arab Jewish Group Outsmarts Law

December 19, 2000

Source: The New York Times

On December 19, 2000, The New York Times reported on the Rabbi Meir Kahane Memorial Fund, which was established in memory of "the radical Brooklyn Jew and Israeli politician who was assassinated" 10 years ago. The fund supports the "political and religious activities in Israel" of Kahane's son Binyamin, who has "been associated with terrorist groups." Members of the Kahane political organizations "are still seen organizing anti-Arab demonstrations and handing out literature." In 1995, the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai...

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Advocacy Group For Jewish Developmentally Disabled Comes Closer To Achieving Goals

December 18, 2000

Source: Los Angeles Times

On December 18, 2000, the Los Angeles Times reported that Rose Lacher, founder of the Jeremiah Society, an advocacy group for Jewish developmentally disabled adults based in Orange County, is closer to realizing her dream of buying a house for these adults. Rabbi Moishe Engel spoke to society members at Congregation B'nai Tzedek about Hannukah. Lacher's daughter, Amy, who has Williams syndrome, was part of the congregation. "The society, which was awarded independent nonprofit status in May, meets the third Sunday of each month...

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