Chronicle wins 11 national Jewish press awards for outstanding work
American Jewish Press Association recognizes Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle with 11 awards for stories covered in 2023
The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle was recognized for its excellence in journalism by the American Jewish Press Association, winning 11 Rockower Awards in the weekly and biweekly newspaper division.
The awards were presented at the Rockower Awards Banquet in conjunction with AJPA’s annual conference on June 3 at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tennessee.
The awards recognized work done in 2023.
The Chronicle received first place in the category Award for Excellence in News Reporting for “Yahrzeit plaques and other mementos collected, as Tree of Life prepares for future,” by Chronicle Senior Staff Writer Adam Reinherz. Judges commented: “Can a story be haunting, hopeful, and uplifting all at the same time? This story is my reminder of why Jewish journalism is compelling, reading it was like praying at a different type of altar. Beautiful photos too.”
The Chronicle received second place in the category Award for Excellence in Personal Essay for “After the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial: A reporter reflects,” by Chronicle Senior Staff writer David Rullo. Judges commented: “In this wrenching essay, Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle reporter David Rullo describes the unique burden of covering the trial of the Pittsburgh synagogue killer — a story that literally hits too close to home. Rullo’s innate understanding of his insider/outsider status makes the essay a compelling and unforgettable read.”
The Chronicle received second place in the category The Boris Smolar Award for Excellence in Enterprise or Investigative Reporting for “A new generation of Jewish spiritual leaders take their turn at Pittsburgh’s bimahs,” “A new generation of Jewish spiritual leaders confronts gender, identity” by Rullo.
The Chronicle received second place in the category Award for Excellence in Arts News and Features — Reporting for “Warhol Museum installs 10 ‘Jewish Geniuses’ amid controversy” by Chronicle freelancer Emma Riva.
The Chronicle received second place in the category Award for Excellence in North American Jewish History for “Civil War seder memorialized in Fayetteville,” by Reinherz.
The Chronicle received second place in the category Award for Excellence in Writing about Seniors for “JAA to offer non-kosher meal option at Weinberg Terrace, AHAVA Memory Care,” “JAA addresses community concerns and revamps kosher dining option,” by Rullo
The Chronicle received first place in the category Award for Excellence in News Obituaries for “Rabbi Stanley Savage, downtown spiritual guide and wrestling savant, dead at 74,” by Reinherz. Judges commented: “An excellent mix of anecdotes and observations make the reader feel they knew Rabbi Savage.”
The Chronicle also placed second in the category for “Pittsburgh sports legend Stan Savran dies at 76,” by freelancer Justin Vellucci.
The Chronicle received first place in the category Award for Excellence in Education Reporting for “Protecting children from trauma during the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial,” by Reinherz. Judges commented: “Excellent work. Adam Reinherz took a novel approach to the Tree of Life synagogue shootings. The article presented multiple perspectives including institutional while never losing its humanity.”
The Chronicle received first place in the category Wild Card Category — Award for Excellence in Writing about the War in Israel: Antisemitism for “After Hamas attack, progressive Jews are feeling abandoned by their left-leaning peers,” by Chronicle Editor Toby Tabachnick. Judges commented: “The best crafted, thoroughly reported and well executed story of the bunch, with a unique angle that educates the reader far more than the typical story about the rise in antisemitism since Oct. 7.”
The Chronicle received first place in the category Wild Card Category — Award for Excellence in Writing about the War in Israel: Personality Profiles for “Pittsburgh medical examiner helps identify bodies of terror victims in Israel,” by Vellucci. Judges commented: “A well written and interesting story for the intended audience. Relates well to the news from Israel at the time of publication, focusing on one individual directly engaged in an activity resulting from the war.” PJC
Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
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