News Brief

Maharat Ordination Not Kosher, Says RCA

05/08/2013 | Staff Report

While encouraging advanced learning of halacha for Orthodox women, the Rabbinial Council of America says the upcoming ordination of three women at Yeshiva Maharat in Riverdale is a “violation of our mesorah (tradition).”

Israeli Minister Blasts Google’s Recognition Of Palestine

05/08/2013 | JNS

The decision by Google to change the name “Palestinian territories” to “Palestine” across its products might harm the prospects for restarted Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, according to Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Ze’ev Elkin.

After Syria Airstrikes, Obama Says U.S. ‘Coordinates’ With Israel

05/08/2013 | JTA

An airstrike on a military research center in Syria, the second attack on Israel’s northern neighbor in three days, is being blamed on Israel.

YU Student Wins Wiesel Prize For Storm Essay

05/08/2013 | JNS

A Yeshiva University (YU) student writing on Hurricane Sandy won first place in the 2013 Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics essay contest, the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity announced. The contest has taken place since 1989.

Hopes For Sharansky Kotel Plan Fading Fast

05/01/2013 | JTA

Natan Sharansky’s proposal to reduce tensions at the Western Wall has lost support from both Orthodox and non-Orthodox leaders.

Israel Ups Security Payments To El Al After Strike

04/24/2013 | JTA

Three Israeli airlines ended their two-day strike following a deal struck between the Finance Ministry and El Al.

The ministry agreed to fund 97.5 percent of the airline’s security costs, up from 70 percent, in order to keep the domestic carrier competitive under the new “open skies” agreement with the European Union. The airlines also agreed to undergo a streamlining process in order to further cut costs.