One of the best things about a visit to the IJN archives is that you never know where you’ll end up. Example: Intending to write a post about this year’s summer movies, both of which have a Jewish connection, we instead wound up discovering this incredible front page from the IJN’s Rosh Hashanah edition from 1948. Front page of the IJN, Sept. Read more » »

In our search through the IJN archive for mentions of latkes and gelt, an item caught our attention: “Light on Chanukah” is a compendium of fun facts about Chanukah published ahead of the holiday on Dec. 20, 1945 (which that year began on Dec. 24, probably one of the latest first nights of Chanukah ever). Read more » »

Nearing the end of his first year as president of B’nai B’rith International, Seth Riklin’s front-burner order of business is to evaluate the marching orders he gave himself when he was elected to the position: Increase membership, at a time when most all membership organizations suffer from declining numbers. Read more » »

The history of B’nai B’rith Colorado — formerly known as B’nai B’rith Denver Lodge #171 — is basically the history of the Denver Jewish community. Read more » »

DURBAN, South Africa — Some of the Jewish organizational officials flying into the coastal city of Durban, South Africa, on the last week of August, 2001 were excited. They believed the UN’s anti-racism conference there would be an opportunity to exchange notes on a cause that the Jewish world had worked on for decades. Read more » »

By Eliana RudeeThe history of Jews in Portugal predates the country’s official founding in 1143 CE, as Jews lived in the kingdom for millennia, even prior to the Roman Empire. The Jewish people have thrived in the land, been expelled from the land, returned, and have, in the past six years, experienced a rebirth. Read more » »

By Andrea Cooper ASHEVILLE, NC — A granite obelisk at Pack Square in this city’s downtown has commanded attention for more than a century. It’s a landmark set in a spot where groups from evangelicals to Black Lives Matter protesters go to be heard. Read more » »

“303-388-1217.” That sparkle in the eye. That deadpan, which his inner smile sailed through as he was reciting the long forgotten phone number of the person he was summoning so that he, or she, not be forgotten. The setting: Announcements in the synagogue. Read more » »

WASHINGTON — Sheldon Adelson, the multibillionaire casino mogul, conservative donor and philanthropist, has died in Los Angeles at the age of 87. While he may be best known for his political involvement, his contributions to the American Jewish community and Israel, especially in education and health care, could prove his lasting legacy. Read more » »

PARIS — As the French government rolls out a controversial plan that amounts to its most robust crackdown on religious activity in decades, it is enjoying broad support from at least one of the country’s faith communities: French Jews. Read more » »