Culture
In "Playmakers," Michael Kimmel writes about the mostly first-generation American Jews who led the toy industry in the 20th century, and in many ways invented the American idea of childhood. (W.W. Norton)
August 30, 2026, 10:18 am
This American childhood was brought to you by Jewish toymakers
Michael Kimmel’s new book traces how first-generation Jews created the dolls, games, comics and stories that shaped generations of children.
By Andrew Silow-Carroll
Woody Guthrie (left) and Yiddish poet Aliza Greenblatt. After Guthrie married Greenblatt's daughter, Marjorie Mazia, the two developed a close bond, explored in the new documentary "Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls." (Woody Guthrie Publications)
August 3, 2026, 2:37 pm
The Woody Guthrie story you’ve probably never heard is deeply Jewish
A documentary recasts the folk singer’s legacy through the influence of his mother-in-law, Yiddish poet Aliza Greenblatt.
By Andrew Silow-Carroll
Harold Grinspoon received a warm welcome by the several hundredparticipants at PJ Library's conference held in April 2026 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Courtesy PJ Library)
July 27, 2026, 12:13 pm
The man who changed Jewish bedtime stories is still reinventing himself at 97
The philanthropist Harold Grinspoon has taken up art while continuing to fund the expansion of PJ Library.
By Penny Schwartz
Dave Matthews performs during the 40th Farm Aid at Huntington Bank Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Gary Miller/Getty Images)
June 9, 2026, 3:59 pm
Dave Matthews pushes back on claims his criticism of Israel is antisemitic
Speaking at a North Carolina concert, Matthews said his rhetoric should not be “twisted into anybody thinking that I am bigoted or antisemitic.”
By Grace Gilson
The British Museum with visitors outside, Feb. 28, 2025. (Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
May 28, 2026, 1:36 pm
British Museum postpones a Jewish Culture Month lecture, citing ‘disruption’ concerns
The museum said it made the decision following discussions with “organisers and security partners.”
By Kelly Hartog
(Photo by Joe Hendrickson via iStock)
April 29, 2026, 10:19 pm
An Indiana town had no Jewish cemetery. When its mayor died, it built one
Aurora had no Jewish cemetery in 1871. After Marcus Levy’s death, residents refused to send him away — and set out to consecrate ground and raise a monument
By Austin Albanese
Rabbi Rafi Ellenson (L) and Rabbi Arielle Stein (R), the creators of the "Rabbinic Fit Check" Instagram account. (JTA/Rafi Ellenson)
December 30, 2025, 12:15 pm
On Instagram, ‘Rabbinic Fit Check’ is a look book for Jewish clergy
With “what they’re wearing” posts, Rabbis Arielle Stein and Rafi Ellenson showcase the humanity, and diversity, of the rabbinate.
By Grace Gilson
Guinness World Records. (Photo by Ryan Smith, courtesy of flickr.com)
December 10, 2025, 9:41 am
Iran in, Israel out: Guinness sets a new record for hypocrisy
The selective cultural and economic targeting of Israel represents a profound ethical failure.
By Revital Yakin Krakovsky
Pittsburgh downtown view (Photo by Zongxi Li via iStock)
November 12, 2025, 12:50 pm
Bridges in Pittsburgh
"Living in Pittsburgh has taught me that this city, for all its grit and gray skies, has an unmatched heart."
By Hassan Abidi
Inside a synagogue sanctuary, as new research sheds light on how fewer rabbis are choosing pulpit life. (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
November 12, 2025, 10:47 am
Empirical study of US rabbinate finds ‘shortage’ is more about fit than numbers
The rabbinate is older, happier and more diverse than previously known, according to the study.
By Asaf Elia-Shalev
Restored synagogue interior, Lancut, Poland, 2012. (Credit: Courtesy of David Kaufman, via JNS)
November 6, 2025, 8:22 am
‘Jewish life more fragile than ever,’ says photographer of Jewish cemeteries
“Every place we went, there was someone who knew where the former cemetery or synagogue was,” David Kaufman told JNS.
By Dave Gordon
The new Aron ha-Kodesh at Camp Tel Yehudah (Photo courtesy of Camp Tel Yehudah)
October 16, 2025, 9:46 am
Pittsburgh Catholics partner with Philly man to create new Torah ark for Jewish camp
Pittsburgh's Sirofchuck family worked together to create the new Aron ha-Kodesh for Camp Tel Yehuda.
By Braden Hamelin
Campers and staff don blue and white for EKC's Israel Day (Photo by Claire Lipman)
July 31, 2025, 10:24 am
New traditions and timeless pride shine at EKC’s annual Israel Day
"It’s the highlight of the summer that helps deepen our campers’ connection to Jewish identity and community.” — Aaron Cantor
By Andrew Rich
Waterfall and lilies at the Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden (Photo courtesy of Helena Nichols)
July 22, 2025, 1:13 pm
Biblical roots, modern community: Rodef Shalom garden thrives nearly 40 years on
The space fosters community as well as education.
By Andrew Rich
A photo taken July 28, 1906, shows Jewish agricultural settlers mingling with gauchos and soldiers. (Courtesy of YIVO Institute for Jewish Research)
June 27, 2025, 2:37 pm
Otto Frank’s refugee file, a Rothschild Talmud and a menorah bong tell the story of the Jewish past — and future
YIVO’s centennial publication gives a glimpse of history through 100 objects
By PJ Grisar
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