Andrew Esensten

A few years ago, Carmel Tanaka's parents bequeathed her a precious family heirloom: a black silk kimono with white floral embroidery. Comments

From the blog of Andrew Esensten at The Times of Israel

Hend Ayoub Has Appeared in the Likes of 'Orange Is the New Black' and 'Homeland,' and Is Now Offering Biting Commentary in Her One-woman Show Set for off-Broadway. She Doesn't Want to Be Defined by the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, She Says, but the Everyday Aggressions of It - Big and Small - Have Undoubtedly Shaped Her

After Three Decades, Carolivia Herron's Debut Novel 'Thereafter Johnnie' Has Been Sealed in the Book of Life by a Reissue. The Author Reflects on Finding New Audiences at Age 78, Integrating a Lunch Counter and That Time the KKK Offered Their Support

After the Vote, Rabbis Malchah Netanyahu and Tamar Manasseh Were Swiftly Welcomed to the Movement's Board of Rabbis in the United States. 'It's a Historic Decision. I Wish It Could Be Celebrated Among the Wider Jewish Community,' Says Netanyahu

SAN FRANCISCO (RNS) — The closest thing the United States has to a celebrity rabbi, the Korean-born Buchdahl is also a role model for the tiny community of Asian American Jews.

(RNS) — Faith-based companies making Lego-compatible building blocks are tapping a market for offline toys inspired by biblical figures and events.

Bible Bricks is one of a number of Lego-compatible bricks tapping a market for offline toys inspired by biblical figures and events.

OCCIDENTAL, Calif. (RNS) — ‘There are people who want a Judaism that’s recognizable, and there are other people who want to do something that speaks to their ancestral roots but that also makes them feel alive and connected,’ said Rachel Ruach-Golden, a synagogue board member. ‘We’re in between the tension of those two.’

(RNS) — The Oklahoma City Thunder is the only NBA team to hold a public, ecumenical invocation before the singing of the national anthem — a longstanding tradition that continues to confound basketball fans who live outside the city.