National News

Exit Poll: Jews Support Active U.S. Role In Mideast Peacemaking

11/08/2012 | Stewart Ain | Staff Writer

American Jews would like to see former President Bill Clinton named a special Middle East peace envoy, and they support an active United States role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict — even if it means publicly pointing out U.S. differences with Israel and the Palestinians.

Those were some of the findings from a post-election national survey of 800 Jews by independent pollster Jim Gerstein for the liberal pro-Israel lobby group J Street. (J Street favors an active U.S. role in the Middle East peace process.)

In Victory, Obama Gets 69% Of Jewish Vote, Exit Polls Say

11/07/2012 | Stewart Ain | Staff Writer

In winning re-election Tuesday, President Barack Obama beat back a strong challenge from former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who tried to woo Jewish voters by painting Obama as an untrustworthy ally of Israel.

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.