Russia's refusal to release thousands of religious books and documents to the Jewish community is discriminatory, a United States federal judge has ruled. The materials are in the possession of the Russian state library and military archive “unlawfully”.

Two newly-published genome surveys refute historian Shlomo Sand’s theory that Jews have no common origin but are people who converted to Judaism at various times. The studies also shine a new light on Ashkenazi/Sephardi contact over the centuries.

Two new studies published last week using new human genome database validate exile after destruction of the Temple. They refute Shlomo Sand’s theory that Jews have no common origin and shine a new light on Ashkenazi/Sephardi contact.

Jo’burgers are being consumed by the Kollel clearance sale. Owner David Aronowitz promises to “have more than 200 popular titles [at] 75%-off" through Friday & Sunday.” One of his picks this weekend is “The Oral Law of Sinai” by Rabbi Berel Wein, which we review. Read on...

US artist Susan Fischer Weis’ on-line business, “Yontifications" has grown into a full offering of Jewish jewelry. And Yontifications’ newest product is “Words to Live by Bracelets.”

The community are invited to the launch of a fascinating new book, “Boerejode – Jews in the Boer Armed Forces, 1899 -1902” by well-known South African historian and journalist David Saks. David's day job is as deputy director of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies.

Rosh Beth Din thanks staff at the UOS and PnP for their efforts.

The 2010 bumper Pesach Guide is expected to be available in PnP stores early next week.

A 2000-year old stone unearthed in Ohio in 1860 and inscribed in square Hebrew letters? Read on, because it gets so much weirder.

A 1913 murder spawned an Atlanta trial that's still talked about today. CNN and the PBS channel have both aired comprehensive documentaries on this story in the past week. Click headline to read more, and view two short videos.

A freak storm last Friday put popular “House of Judaica” at Norwood Mall out of business for “between 6 and 12 weeks.” But the resilient owners promise to be back.

TOP READ OF THE WEEK

“Jewish,” “Beshugen” and “Katz en Lurie” are among the commonly used words in township-speak, and their origins and meanings are most interesting.

High-tech meets fine art in this collection of jewellery and Judaica by the Israeli born artists, Nachshon Peleg and Stavit Allweis who trade under the name Seeka.

Situated in the "Museum Mile" in central Cape Town, the South African Jewish Museum offers visitors a truly unique experience with its bold architectural design, interactive multi-media displays and engaging accounts of South African Jewish history.

The Jewish Museum in London is closer to saving the 300-year-old silver Chanukah lamp known as the ‘Lindo lamp’, which is one of the most important treasures of British Jewish heritage in the museum.

Sonnyboy, Carla Sher and Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft load up Pesachdik goods destined for Zimbabwean Jews outside a supermarket on Monday. And it is all paid for by the AJC Zimbabwe Fund the “Travelling Rabbi” administers to support this “Community in Crisis”. Read more...