Hundreds of thousands of people around the world, many decked in costume, went to their local Jewish community centers, synagogues and Chabad-Lubavitch centers for a host of elaborate and historic Purim celebrations this week. See the original post here:  Costumed... 

In what police are speculating could be unlinked attacks, arsonists set fire to the Greek island of Crete’s only synagogue twice this month, destroying a staircase, hundreds of rare books and office equipment. Here is the original post:  Greek Island’s... 

Many have fled Port-au-Prince for rural villages, and those who have remained behind live amidst the dead. Read more from the original source:  Hungry and Desperate, Haiti Coming to Terms With Shakable Earth  Read More →

An estimated 200 people gathered at a downtown synagogue to dedicate a Torah scroll in memory of beloved community member David Ahdoot. See original here:  Montrealers Dedicate Torah Scroll  Read More →

In the midst of snorkeling and lounging poolside this year, University of Miami junior Avi Insler did something he had never done before: He kept Shabbat. The rest is here:  Jewish Students Turn to Miami Beach for Self-Discovery  Read More →

The torrential rains that pounded the Southeastern United States last week flooded the Chabad-Lubavitch of South Broward synagogue and community center in Hallandale Beach, Fla. Originally posted here: Floodwaters Trap Students, Elderly in S. Florida... 

A little while back, in addressing recent discussions of minyanim and reacting to Rabbi Elie Kaunfer, BZ posted: Rabbi Kaunfer writes “New self-proclaimed movements sprung up — Reconstructionism, and the Renewal and Chavurah Movements.” The “Chavurah... 

The nice people at the Forward asked me to weigh in on the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s recent stated desire to reach the “young adult” demographic . Here’s what I said: Rabbi Steven Wernick, the new head of the... 

Last week in Toronto, the Union for Reform Judaism held its biennial convention, and as in past years , URJ President Rabbi Eric Yoffie delivered a sermon laying out goals and initiatives for the next two years. The sermon began with a great shout-out... 

Students at Barnstable High School across the street from the Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish Center in Cape Cod are preparing a banner for a unity rally in the wake of three arrests in connection with vandalism at the synagogue. See the rest here:  Vandalism...