How a 198-year-old New Orleans synagogue became one of America’s fastest-growing Jewish communities

Hamas dissolves its government in Gaza to transfer power to a UN-backed committee

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas did not say whether it planned to take the crucial step of disarming or handing over security to an international force, but described its decision as evidence of its commitment to Gaza’s reconstruction after years of war.

Sanskrit prayers and dosas: Inside one of the oldest Hindu temples in the US

(RNS) — Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati Devasthãnam, the second-oldest traditional Hindu temple built by Indian immigrants, marked the anniversary of its consecration on July 4.

Modern Judaica helps Jews express identity, build community in uncertain times 

(RNS) — Artists and designers say a new generation of Judaica is helping previously unaffiliated and less traditionally observant Jews explore spirituality, rituals and identity amid rising antisemitism and increasing engagement in Jewish life.

For cookbook author Adeena Sussman, moving to Tel Aviv reshaped her kitchen — and her life

(RNS) — Her goal, she told a Pittsburgh JCC audience, is to show Israel in a lens not political or religious, but to cook, tell stories and share who she is authentically living there.

Pope Leo calls for government action to protect children and workers from AI

(RNS) — Like many of us, Leo fears the tools of the digital age — which hold such promise — have been made poisonous.