John McCain closed out the Republican convention Thursday night with a speech in which he defended traditional GOP policy points, while criticizing his party's recent performance and pledging to work with lawmakers across the aisle. Full Story
U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) accepts his party's nomination Sept. 4 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
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Palin rejects views of church speaker
Vice presidential pick Sarah Palin says she doesn't share the views of a Jews for Jesus leader who at her church suggested that violence against Israelis resulted from God's judgment against Jews who have failed to embrace Jesus. Full Story
Y.U. prof says he was pushed out
Just months ago, Yeshiva University was heralding the arrival of James Otteson as a key step in boosting its academic standing. Now it appears he has been pushed out of his post -- without a clear public explanation. Full Story
Hekhsher Tzedek launches holiday drive
Leaders of the Conservative movement's ethical kashrut certification program Hekhsher Tzedek are taking the campaign to the next level: They are inviting Conservative rabbis to sign onto the initiative, meeting with at least one Orthodox kosher certification agency and making initial overtures to selected kosher food producers. Full Story
The week in photos
Taking Torahs to safety
Members of Congregation Gates of Prayer and Congregation Beth Israel evacuate their Torahs prior to Hurricane Gustav’s landfall. Gates of Prayer has hosted Beth Israel since Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans three years ago.
Congregation Beth Israel
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Olmert visits school
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert visits a Nazareth school on the first day of classes in Israel, Sept. 1, 2008.
Tomer Neuberg/BPH Images
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Digital Scrolls
Using the latest digital technology, the Israel Antiquities Authority has rendered legible fragments of the Dead Sea scrolls that were blackened or otherwise erased over the years. Pictured above are before and after shots. The scroll's digitized versions will be publicly accessible.
Israel Antiquities Authority
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Rice in Ramallah
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, left, meets with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Aug. 26, 2008 in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
Omar Rashidi/PPO/BPH Images
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Freedom in Ramallah
One of the 198 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel in a goodwill gesture to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas weeps at the tomb of Yasser Arafat in Ramallah on Aug. 25, 2008.
Thaer Ganim/PPO/BPH Images
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