Join the editor of JNS in guessing what will happen in the New Year … By JONATHAN S. TOBIN (JNS) – The year 5779 brought tragedy and great sorrow to the Jewish community as the Pittsburgh and Poway synagogue shootings by white supremacists represented the worst instances of violent anti-Semitism in American history. The month of January also brought two […]

The Green Olive Collective, a traveling collective, has launched a writing competition. Anyone who has visited Israel-Palestine is invited to submit a personal peace proposal or reflections from a recent journey. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three articles. The writing competition may provide a platform for anyone who may have had an eye-opening experience or who may have some creative […]

ALBANY–Eleven thousand dollars was raised for the Shalom Food Pantry at the June “Battle of the BBQ,” a fund-raiser barbecue completion, according to Shalom Pantry Program Director Chanie Simon. She explained the need for funds indicating that the pantry provides food to local financially struggling individuals and families. Every month, the food pantry distributes 1,000 pounds of food to more […]

The 2019 B’nai B’rith Capital Area Holocaust Essay Contest award ceremony  which was held in early June will be broadcast on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-8 a.m. on the Public Access channel (Spectrum ch. 1301 and FiOS ch. 36), and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-3 p.m. on the Arts and Education Channel (Spectrum 1302 and FiOS ch. 37), according to Bob […]

Elazar Cramer, a senior at The Maimonides School in Brookline, Mass., and a grandson of Ann and Sidney Cramer of Niskayuna, has been named the winner of the John F. Kennedy Library’s “2019 Profile in Courage Essay Contest.” Cramer was one of 2,515 students from 50 states and three countries who entered the contest, which was established to help high school […]

Holocaust Essay Contest Chairperson Bob Michaels has announced that results for the 2019 B’nai B’rith Capital Area Holocaust Essay Contest. Winning students will read their essays and receive cash prizes and certificates of achievement at the award ceremony slated for Wednesday, June 5, at 7 p.m. at the community room of the Jewish Federation’s Golub Center at 184 Washington Avenue Extension in […]

SCHENECTADY– The Schenectady and Albany Jewish Community Centers teamed up to send 20 athletes, coaches and delegation heads to participate in at the Mid-Atlantic Mini and Junior Maccabi Games in Philadelphia on May 5 at the Kaiserman JCC. Athletes ages 9-12 years old tested their skills in swimming, soccer and basketball at the one-day Olympic-style sporting competition. Overall, 925 athletes […]

The 2019 B’nai B’rith Capital Area Holocaust Essay Contest essay topic is: This year’s essay topic is: Holocaust resistance occurred frequently during WW-2.  What dangers did ‘underground’ resisters face, and what do you think motivated some to resist, while others did not?” The free and non-commercial contest, supported by middle and high school administrators and teachers, is open to middle and high school students in […]

(JNS) – The foundation belonging to Israeli-American philanthropists Adam and Gila Milstein announced recently the 2019 Milstein Family Foundation Innovation Competition. “We are looking for a never-been-done-before, out-of-the-box, pro-Israel initiative on campus and beyond—be it showing positive aspects of Israel, strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance or fighting anti-Israel forces,” according to a poster announcing the second annual contest. Open to incoming and […]

Calling all bakers: You “knead” to enter the Shibolim Whole Wheat Challah Challenge, hosted by Kosher.com Bayonne, N.J. – Bakers with an original challah recipe and an Instagram account have until Jan. 8 to whip up their finest braided loaf for a shot at $1,000 and the chance to “rise” to fame. Launching on Dec. 17, 2018, the Shibolim Whole Wheat Challah […]