U.S. Report

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal by four Orthodox Jewish students who claimed Yale University had violated their religious beliefs by requiring them to live in coed dorms.

In its decision Monday, which came without comment or dissent, the high court let stand a U.S. appeals court ruling that dismissed the lawsuit against Yale.

Jewish group praises Bush in paper ads

NEW YORK (JTA) -- The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations ran a full-page advertisement in major newspapers honoring the work of President Bush, New York Gov. George Pataki and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

The ad quotes Deuteronomy, and reads "Chazak V'Amatz," translated as, "Be strong and of good courage."

Home Depot teaches how to build sukkah

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The Arlington-Fairfax Jewish Congregation paired up with its local Home Depot in Arlington, Va., for a class on how to build a sukkah.

While the home improvement chain typically does not partner with religious groups and is not running any kind of organized program, stores across the country have done this periodically, a Home Depot spokesperson said.

After the class, participants could purchase the materials needed to build their own sukkot for the holiday.

Rabbi says not guilty in abuse of two girls

NEW YORK (JTA) -- The Orthodox Union youth professional who resigned in July 2000 amid allegations that he sexually abused scores of teenagers is claiming that separate charges that he abused two girls at a Jewish day school are fabricated.

If convicted, Rabbi Baruch Lanner, whose case is being tried in a New Jersey court, faces up to 40 years in prison for molesting two former students at Hillel Yeshiva High School.

Newt: Freeze funds of Hamas, Hezbollah

WASHINGTON -- (JTA) A former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives said it is "very disturbing" that Hamas and Hezbollah were left off a list of terrorist organizations whose financial assets were frozen by the Bush administration.

In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Newt Gingrich said leaving off the two Islamic fundamentalist groups weakens the move's impact and "undermines the moral cause that the president has outlined so strongly."

Bush names envoy for religious freedom

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- John Hanford was nominated by President Bush to serve as ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.

Hanford has been a longtime advocate of international religious freedom, serving in the office of Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.).