Kosher chocolate chip change causes controversy

Jewish cooks across the US have been left distraught after a popular brand of chocolate chips was stripped of its "parev" label.

The Trader Joe's semisweet chocolate chips have long been a staple of the kosher kitchen, with people using them to whip up all manner of milk-free desserts.

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BBC defends 'Jewish lobby' interview

The BBC has defended an interview with controversial American Jewish academic Norman Finkelstein in which the presenter referred to “the Jewish lobby”.

Three complaints have so far been received by the corporation about the Hardtalk programme broadcast on the News Channel last week.

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Jewish groups respond to Obama backing gay marriage

American Jewish groups have expressed support for President Barack Obama’s declaration in support of gay marriage.

In a landmark statement on Wednesday the president said: “I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.”

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Conviction in Baltimore Shomrim attack case

An Orthodox Jewish man from Baltimore accused of assaulting a black teenager 18 months ago has been convicted of false imprisonment and second-degree assault.

Eliyahu Werdesheim, 24, was on patrol for the Shomrim, a community neighbourhood watch group, when the 15-year-old was attacked.

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Jewish voters still not convinced by Mitt Romney

Jewish voters are more likely to back President Obama than Mitt Romney at the general election in November.

A new survey commissioned for the American Jewish Committee has revealed that while the Democratic politician is less popular among respondents than he was in 2008, he would still be backed by nearly two - thirds.

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Biden: Obama best for Israel since Truman

Barack Obama has been praised for doing more for Israel's security than any other president since the Jewish state was established.

His vice-president, Joe Biden, said the president's record was equalled only by Harry Truman, who was in office in 1948 when the US offered the fledgling state recognition.

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Evangelicals set up £190k conversion drive in LA

The Chosen People Ministries, one of the largest evangelical groups in the United States which focuses on proselytising among Jews, has launched a $300,000 (£190k) "witnessing" drive in an effort to convince Jewish people to accept Jesus as their Messiah.

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'Jew Pond' gets name change in New Hampshire town

A small watery area used for fishing and skating in New Hampshire will no longer be known as "Jew Pond" after voters in the town of Mont Vernon opted to change its name.

The small rural town will now ask the US Geological Survey to rename it, after all but 33 of 157 voters backed the proposal.

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Victory for Jewish basketball team over Shabbat game

A Jewish basketball team will be playing for a place in a tournament final after organisers relented and changed the date of the semi-final game so it does not fall on Shabbat.

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Organisers refuse to move game for Jewish basketball team

A Texas school's basketball team have been denied its chance to compete in a state championship because the game has been scheduled for Shabbat.

Pupils at the Orthodox Jewish Robert M Beren Academy in Houston were left celebrating after they reached the semifinals of the state contest.

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Congressman urged to challenge aide on 'chained wife'

More than 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for a senior aide to a US congressman to grant his wife a religious divorce.

Aharon Friedman, who works for Michigan Republican congressman Dave Camp, split up with his wife for good two years ago.

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'Unrepentant bigot' Buchanan sacked from news network MSNBC

One of the most controversial political commentators in the US has been sacked from his role on a major US news network.

Pat Buchanan had already been suspended by MSNBC, but this week the network said it was parting ways with the social conservative pundit.

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