American Jewish history -

A defunct synagogue, reminder of a once-proud community, collapses in Pennsylvania’s coal region

February 18, 2026February 18, 2026Sara Wood

An abandoned synagogue in Pennsylvania’s coal region, which until the early 2000s had served Jewish residents of Mahanoy City for more than 80 years, collapsed late Thursday night, officials and neighbors told the local media. Emergency crews responded to reports of falling walls and scattered debris at the former Beth Israel Synagogue, a brick building […]

It’s not just the kids: A third of US Jews 75+ don’t call themselves ‘Zionists’

February 11, 2026February 11, 2026Sara Wood

The newest Jewish Federations of North America survey has already generated its share of anxious headlines: Only 37% of American Jews say they identify as Zionists. Seven percent call themselves anti-Zionist, 8% non-Zionist and 18% aren’t sure. Another 30% say none of the labels offered describe them. And yet 88% say Israel has the right […]

A century before Trump targeted Somalis, Jews faced the politics of blame

January 13, 2026January 16, 2026Sara Wood

As President Donald Trump ramped up his rhetoric against Somali immigrants in Minnesota and ordered a surge in immigration enforcement because Somalis took part in a social-service fraud scheme, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey pushed back. “’When a fraud takes place, when a crime takes place, you investigate it, you prosecute it, you charge it. You […]

He wrote the book on American Jewish history. Stepping back from teaching, Jonathan Sarna says he has plenty of chapters still to go.

July 6, 2025July 6, 2025Sara Wood

Journalists I know joke that the only Jewish historian they ever need to call is Jonathan Sarna. Jews and the Civil War? Sarna knows where the bodies are buried. Need a quote about Jews and bagels? Sarna will give you one with everything. The history of American Jewish prayer? Amen. That Sarna is quoted on […]