Matzo Shortage Plagues Passover in Calif.

Jewish new year coincides with Muslim month of Ramadan in city special to both

(NEWSER) - This year’s intersection of Jewish new-year holidays and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan—a rarity due to Islam’s changing calendar—is felt particularly keenly in Jerusalem, a sacred city for both religions, Ethan Bronner notes in the New York Times. Night has become “a kind of monotheistic traffic jam,” with devout Jews praying at the Western Wall while Muslims break their fast. More»

Benedict is first pope to visit an American synagogue

(NEWSER) - Pope Benedict XVI became the first pontiff to ever set foot inside an American synagogue with his visit to New York's Park East Synagogue yesterday, the New York Times reports. Benedict, presented with matzo, a Seder plate and a Passover prayer book, spoke to the congregation of "building bridges of friendship" but didn't touch on any thorny issues. More»

(NEWSER) - Among the families around the world gathering tomorrow to celebrate the beginning of Passover with a dinner, or seder, will be a high-profile group: the Obamas. The White House seder tradition started on the campaign trail in 2008, when then-senator Barack Obama surprised three staffers by showing up for their makeshift celebration in a Pennsylvania hotel basement. Last year's seder was a bit more impressive, with close to two dozen friends, relatives, and staffers gathering at the White House. More»

Ark of the Covenant may have been in Zimbabwe all along

(NEWSER) - An African tribe's claim to be descended from Jews who fled the Holy Land 2,500 years ago has been backed up by DNA testing. The Lemba, who live in South Africa and Zimbabwe, are largely Christian or Muslim, but they practice many Jewish traditions, including wearing skullcaps, eschewing pork, and placing the Star of David on their tombstones, the BBC reports. More»

'Open Carry' backers grab coffee, tea and a .43.

(NEWSER) - A growing number of gun rights supporters in Northern California are making a frightening point by packing guns in places like Starbucks. The members of the Bay Area Open Carry Movement sport guns in holsters reminiscent of the Old West. Luckily, they're not loaded, so the guns are in full compliance with state law, but that's not making other customers feel secure. “You can have a functioning loaded weapon in two seconds,” boasted one college student who carries plenty of ammo and has been packing a gun on his hip for about a month. More»