Mixed Reaction to Female Orthodox Clergy Graduates
The graduation of three women from an Orthodox rabbinic school faces tension from a major Orthodox rabbi organization, which has rejected their ordination citing that it violates tradition, reports The Jewish Daily Forward.
Growing Flatbush Orthodox Community Launches Political Group
Religious leaders and community activists in Brooklyn have created the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition to address quality of life concerns and increase their clout through voter registration and turnout, The Jewish Press reports.
L.I. Muslims See Challenges, Hope After Boston Attacks
A wave of fear swept through the Long Island Muslim community after the Boston Marathon bombing suspects turned out to be of Islamic faith. Rashed Mian from Long Island Press reaches out to Muslim leaders to gauge the fears and hopes of the community following the attacks.
Orthodox Activist Calls for Boycott of Israel Parade Over Gay Marchers
An Orthodox Jewish activist upset over gay and lesbian groups participation in the Celebrate Israel parade has launched a boycott campaign, warning that LGBT's presence compromises the “moral integrity of the parade.”
Saudi Women Who Fled Describe ‘Ultra-Conservative’ Restrictions
Women's eNews interviews two women who live or have lived in New York after leaving Saudi Arabia. They discuss the male-dominated society they left behind and what is necessary to spur change.
Hasidic Stores Charged with Discrimination
The New York City Commission on Human Rights filed charges against several Satmar hasidic stores owners in Brooklyn for going too far in their requests for customers to wear modest clothing, reports The Jewish Week.
Jewish and Muslim Teens Build Ties in Southern Brooklyn
A little-noticed friendship between Russian Jews and Turkish Muslim teenagers is taking root in southern Brooklyn thanks to Young Peace Builders, a program started three years ago by a community center and a school, reports the The Jewish Week.
Iconic 140-yr-o East Harlem Church Threatened by Water Damage
Saint Cecilia's mostly Latino parishioners have raised under half of the $1.7 million needed for repairs but more financial help is needed to save the landmark building and its historic murals from further harm, reports El Diario-La Prensa.
Hindus Turn a Midtown Corner into a Festival of Color
A corner of Midtown Manhattan was awash in color and Bhangra music as hundreds of Hindus congregated for their yearly Holi celebration. The Dag Hammarskjold Park hosted the fourth New York edition of the festival of colors on March 31.
After Sandy, Trailer Synagogue Lifts Congregation
The West End Temple in the Rockaways has been conducting services via a makeshift trailer, reports The Jewish Daily Forward, in a profile of the synagogue hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. Despite the tight space, services provide members with relief and hope.
