National News

Congressional Races: Cantor Still A Soloist

11/07/2012 | Adam Dickter and JTA

Rep. Eric Cantor will remain the only Jewish Republican in the next Congress after several candidates fell short in Tuesday’s election.

Jewish Democrats seeking congressional seats fared better in Tuesday’s election, however.

UPDATE 1-GOP Senate Candidate Mandel Gets Slammed By In-laws

11/06/2012 | Helen Chernikoff

(Adds election result)

Jews are famous for in-law jokes, and Ohio State Treasurer and GOP Senate candidate Josh Mandel is in a prime position to make one, but he probably isn't laughing.

With 45 percent of the vote, Mandel lost the election to incumvent Democrat Sherrod Brown, who garnered 50 percent, according to the New York Times.

Jewish Groups Set To Fight Cuts For Charity Deductions

11/02/2012 | Stewart Ain | Staff Writer

Jewish groups are preparing to fight cuts to the charitable tax deduction that both President Barack Obama and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney have proposed to reduce the budget deficit.

Cantors Changing Tune To Stay Relevant

11/01/2012 | Helen Chernikoff | Staff Writer

Congregation Beth El in Bethesda, Md., is a classic suburban Conservative synagogue, boasting a membership of 1,100 households and such varied programming as a Yiddish film festival, tallit-making workshops and an adult education institute. A sprawling building, newly enlarged, contains all this bustling activity.

Large congregations like Beth El offer much, yet they sometimes suffer from a reputation for lackluster services that contrasts with their crowded preschools and the abundant activities on offer.

Jews Could Play Outsized Role In Battleground Ohio County

11/01/2012 | Stewart Ain | Staff Writer

Cincinnati — It may be the battleground county in the battleground state.

In the bellwether state of Ohio (no Republican president has ever won the White House without winning Ohio’s 18 electoral votes), there are said to be seven swing counties to watch. Hamilton County here is the largest, and according to many the most critical. It went for Republican George W. Bush in 2004 and Democrat Barack Obama in 2008.

A Jewish Flavor In College Basketball

11/01/2012 | Steve Lipman | Staff Writer

Jewish sports fans may have a hard time choosing a favorite team in one conference of college basketball when the 2012-13 NCAA season opens next week. Three of the head coaches in Conference-USA are Jewish.