With communal mourning a health hazard, grieving US Jews must sit shiva alone
Families and communities traditionally converge after a loss, but bereaved are now being forced to face their tragedy alone, without even a quorum to recite the prayer for the dead
View ArticleWhile working remotely, chaplains aim to give COVID-19 patients rare human touch
With a 'new normal' causing most clerical duties to be conducted via phone or video chat, spiritual caregivers try to adapt without changing what works most
View ArticleDad’s Torah reading of ‘Goodnight Moon’ goes viral
Cooped up at home, New York dad Simmy Cohen does some creative parenting -- and racks up 40,000 Twitter views with his Jewish spin on a children's classic
View ArticleJewish burial societies face difficult choices as deaths from coronavirus mount
In the last month, the Chesed Shel Emes in Brooklyn's work has risen fivefold, as it faces hurdles from fears of contagion to mountains of paperwork
View ArticleSynagogues are already planning for a socially distanced High Holidays
With some experts predicting temple closures though 2021, clergy must face the possibility of empty sanctuaries this Rosh Hashanah
View ArticleConservative movement allows livestreaming on Shabbat, holidays during pandemic
Already under debate before the outbreak, 'the conclusions will need to be reassessed as we transition to a new normal,' says the author of the ruling
View ArticleWhat it’s like to start a job as a rabbi mid-pandemic
Meeting congregants and community leaders is usually a priority, but these new US clergy must acclimate while socially distancing - but also have unique opportunities for closeness
View ArticleWant to pray with a quorum? Some US synagogues require a legal waiver first
With religious worship back on the table, congregations introduce limited in-person prayer -- at your own risk
View ArticleHow US Orthodox communities are preparing for a pandemic High Holiday season
For observant Jews, virtual services aren't an option on the holidays. Already fatigued from a prolonged hiatus on usual worship, many do their best to restore a sense of normalcy
View ArticleUS Jews prepare for pandemic-era High Holiday season of rupture and resilience
Many congregations opt for virtual services, while some Orthodox ones will have short in-person prayers, but COVID-19 is testing commitment across the religious spectrum
View ArticleWestern Wall is prepared for resumption of limited group prayers
Dividers set up at holy site ahead of planned opening on Sunday; worshipers will be able to attend in cordoned off sections housing up to 20 people each
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Without authority, police summon artist for questioning for burning name of God
Gregory Israel Abou was told to come in and explain his actions in a video art piece, even though police did not have the necessary okay from state prosecutors
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Sapped by COVID, Jewish and Christian houses of worship strain to rebuild...
After coronavirus pandemic restrictions forced a pause in services on-site, some went online, but as rules ease many community members are still staying at home
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Amid increase in violence, US houses of worship bolster security measures
FBI hate crime statistics show that incidents in churches, synagogues, temples and mosques increased 34.8% between 2014 and 2018
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Jewish marriage rites are robust; now a rabbi is making rituals for Jews who...
Remembering what was lacking when she divorced, Deborah Newbrun adapts existing practices to help people with healing and closure
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