Bene Israel in India

Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of 9/11: Reflections and Resources from RHR-NA | Rabbis for Human Rights – North America. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on New York and Washington, DC. It often seems hard to believe that it has been that long. So much has changed, and yet for many, the reminders of that day are ever present.  We must remember those who died, pray for peace and healing, and reflect on the challenges that have arisen over the past ten years: American use of torture, two wars, and rising anti-Muslim sentiment. There is…

I have a lot of respect for IMAN. This is a good article. Full: Muslim activist puts his faith to work in troubled Chicago – The National. Nashashibi has been cultivating Iman for nearly 15 years. Today the organisation provides just about everything to those in need in Chicago Lawn, a predominantly African-American neighbourhood with a mix of Latinos and Palestinians. Its free clinic serves the sick from across the city. A computer lab offers technical training. Tens of thousands of people go to its annual concert benefit, Takin’ It to the Streets, while its bimonthly music and arts gatherings…

The good folks at Jews on First were kind enough to include an essay I wrote at Religion Dispatches as part of their resource kit. Park51: Sermons and Essential Observations. Broad attacks have been launched against the validity of Islam as a religion and the situation of Muslim-Americans has been made more precarious in ways that many Jews have found to be all too familiar. In the course of our research on the issue, we have found many articles and sermons to be very helpful in charting the course of the controversy and in articulating principles that can help guide…