Jewish customs

LA real estate investor donates $100M office tower to Chabad for largest Jewish center

Real estate investor Alon Abady donates a $100M office tower to Chabad, setting the stage for the creation of a massive Jewish center in the heart of Los Angeles.

|ByASAF ELIA-SHALEV/JTA
The 16-story building at 9911 W. Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles that Chabad plans to convert into the Chabad Campus for Jewish Life after a $100 million gift from real estate investor Alon Abady.
Two men enjoy Chinese cuisine prepared by Chinese chefs within the guidelines of kosher food preparation at a restaurant.

Jewish Christmas tradition of Chinese food is now backed by science

'We do not completely understand your dietary customs… but we are proud and grateful that your GOD insist you eat our food on Christmas.”, says the so-called 'Chinese Restaurant Association'.

|ByGRACE GILSON/JTA
Val Kilmer in "Top Secret!"

‘That’s Simchas Torah’: The Jewish Val Kilmer moment you might have missed

Val Kilmer’s iconic Simchas Torah punchline in ‘Top Secret!’ brings back memories for fans after his death.

|ByGRACE GILSON/JTA
REPAIR THE WORLD staff prepare items to be donated, in Detroit.

We are called to serve others now more than ever - opinion

Volunteer service enriches both the person serving and the community being served, and helps us embrace our best selves.

|ByROBB LIPPITT

Don’t blame the USY’ers – blame the adults

I’m proud of the times when USY’ers have led the way in publicly modeling Jewish observance – despite frequent poor choices by adult Conservative Jews.

JANUARY 6, 2015ByDAVID BENKOF
Dating in the 21st century

Ask the Rabbi: May one steal wood for Lag Ba’omer bonfires?

Rashbi himself would undoubtedly remind all celebrants that the Torah prohibits stealing and admonishes us to guard our health zealously.

MAY 1, 2014BySHLOMO BRODY
Lag B'aomer