All Star Judge Ruchie Freier on The Today Show & Other Orthodox Jews in the News

Meet Ariel Smith, The Newest Ex-Knick Jewish Convert
You can call him Ariel Smith now. Chris Smith, the former Knicks point guard and J.R. Smith’s younger brother, is making a basketball comeback and is set to debut next week in the Israeli League for Ironi Nahariya after recently converting to Judaism. Smith became an Orthodox Jew.

Candle Lighting in Djerba – a Jewish Community to Admire
Djerba is not a Jewish community to be pitied, but one to admire, and live up to. They have chosen to not only stay alive, but to thrive with a now 1500-strong comminuty on this ancient island.

Jew in the City Allison Josephs!
Allison is the special guest on WABC’s The Bernie and Sid Show. The hosts had her on to tell the truth behind the stereotypes about Orthodox Jews.

First Kosher Hotel Opens in Krakow Since the Holocaust
Seventy-five years after the Nazis deported Krakow Jews to concentration camps, descendants of survivors opened the Polish city’s first post-Holocaust kosher hotel. Hotel Polin opened last month but will have an official launch this weekend. The 38-room hotel has an in-house synagogue and elevators programmed for use on Shabbat without breaking Jewish Orthodox law.

Megyn Kelly Welcomes the ‘Hasidic Superwoman of Night Court’
Last fall, Rachel Freier, a 52-year-old grandmother, was elected as a judge, even though she is a member of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. Continuing our series She’s Got Faith, Megyn Kelly welcomes the woman The New York Times has called “the Hasidic superwoman of night court.”

Next to Wrigley, Chicago’s Newest Kosher Deli Pitches Cured Meats and Good Deeds
The latest addition to the redevelopment of the neighborhoods around Wrigley is a kosher deli that is a celebration of Jews and America’s pastime — as well as a place where Jewish adults with intellectual disabilities can find meaningful work experience. Restaurateur and real estate investor Jeff Aeder recently opened Milt’s Extra Innings next door to his kosher Milt’s Barbecue for the Perplexed, which for five years has donated all profits to Jewish causes.

If you found this content meaningful and want to help further our mission through our Keter, Makom, and Tikun branches, please consider becoming a Change Maker today.