(Chabad.org/News via JNS) – Chest rising and falling, machines beeping, the hospital room is eerily calm. Nurses flitter in and out, staying just as long as they need to before turning their attention to the next patient. They have so much to do and so little time to do it. The easy chair beside the hospital bed is empty, as are […]

By MARCY OSTER NEW YORK CITY (JTA) – The suspect in a stabbing attack at a rabbi’s home in Monsey, N.Y., that left an elderly man dead has been deemed not mentally fit to stand trial by a federal judge. The recent ruling released found that Grafton Thomas currently can not assist in his own defense because he is suffering […]

By SHIRA HANAU NEW YORK CITY (JTA) – Simmy Cohen has hardly read from the Torah since his bar mitzvah. When he’s not working at his marketing job from his home in Queens, New York, Cohen spends far more time these days reading children’s books to his 13-month old daughter. But with a spark of comedic genius and perhaps a […]

By Rabbi JONAH GEFFEN NEW YORK CITY (JTA) – On Monday, April 20. I officiated my first funeral in the time of social distancing. My clergy colleagues have been doing this for weeks and been through so much more. I’m in awe. But I wanted to share my experience — mostly to process, partially to inform. Survivor Dies Alone On […]

By MARCY OSTER NEW YORK CITY (JTA) – A Brooklyn attorney has filed a lawsuit accusing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of violating his right to free speech and ability to observe his Jewish faith because of the state’s ban on large gatherings due to the coronavirus. Lee Nigen also alleges that telling state residents to limit travel, Cuomo has […]

By JOSEFIN DOLSTEN NEW YORK CITY (JTA) –As the coronavirus continues to spread, synagogues, Jewish centers and other organizations that serve as gathering places for the community around the world have closed. But even while communities cannot come together physically, some are still organizing projects to provide support to those who are suffering or at perilous risk amid the pandemic. […]

Individuals who have experienced hate crimes and bias-based incidents are encouraged to call the ongoing hotline at 1-800-771-7755, or e-mail Civil.Rights@ag.ny.gov  New York City – Attorney General Letitia James has announced the launch of a hotline for New Yorkers to report hate crimes and bias-based incidents. The hotline, which will continue indefinitely, comes in the wake of rising reports of harassment and […]

Earlier, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo reminded New Yorkers that in New York love wins and that New Yorkers will get through the COVID-19 pandemic because we are united.

By  BEN SALES NEW YORK CITY (JTA) – At least 100 people have tested positive for the new coronavirus in Borough Park, a Chasidic neighborhood in Brooklyn. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency confirmed the number with an official at Asisa, an urgent care clinic in the New York City neighborhood that caters to the Chasidic community. According to the official, who […]

By FAYGIE HOLT (JNS) – New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced several steps on Thursday aimed at providing safety, security and peace of mind to Jews and other minorities in the state as the number of hate crimes continue to swell nationwide. Under the umbrella of “No Hate in Our State,” the governor proposed legislation that would label hate crimes […]