Jewniverse Articles Archive - Page 42 of 174

How Israel’s National Library Got a Hold of Sir Isaac Newton’s Papers

After Sir Isaac Newton died in 1727, his papers were given to the University of Cambridge. Valuing his scientific manuscripts most, the university eventually decided to auction off what was left—Newton’s manuscripts on alchemy and theology. In 1936, on what was probably a rainy day in London, Sotheby’s held an auction for those papers. One […]

By Zachary Solomon

"Death to Jews" and Other Sleepy European Towns to Avoid

“Camp Kill Jews” and Other Sleepy European Towns to Avoid

Planning a European road trip? Read this first. An hour and a half southeast of Paris lies the sleepy hamlet of La Mort aux Juifs, otherwise known as “Death to Jews.” Dating back to the 11th century, this town’s name somehow escaped scrutiny until last year, when the Wiesenthal Center successfully petitioned the French government […]

Marilyn Monroe's Rabbi Sent Fan Mail to MLK, Jr.

Marilyn Monroe’s Rabbi Marched in Selma With MLK, Jr.

Rabbi Robert E. Goldburg was the beloved spiritual leader of Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, Connecticut for 34 years. His sermons were energizing and sometimes controversial, tackling tough issues like civil rights and McCarthyism. He drew together lessons from the Talmud, Shakespeare and Dr. Martin Luther King (to whom he wrote a fan letter). […]