U.S. Report

CHARLESTON (JTA) -- An upcoming exhibit will trace the history of Jewish life in South Carolina. The exhibit will use more than 200 portraits, photographs and household ritual objects to depict Jewish life in the state.

Two hundred years ago, Charleston was considered the cultural capital of Jewish America. The city also was the birthplace of Reform Judaism in the United States. The exhibit will open here next September and travel to New York and Charlotte, N.C., in 2003.

B'nai B'rith moves out; 'out' group moving in

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- B'nai B'rith International sold its Washington headquarters. The organization sold the building, which houses several other Jewish groups, to the Human Rights Campaign, the largest gay rights lobby, for $9.8 million, according to the rights group.

Several Jewish organizations may move to a new building being built for Hillel in Washington, while others, including B'nai B'rith, are searching for new property. The B'nai B'rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum, housed on the property, also will be moving.

Man denies exporting nuke triggers to Israel

LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- A 72-year-old man pleaded innocent Monday to charges that he exported potential nuclear triggers to Israel.

Richard Henry Smyth faces a 30-count indictment involving the alleged export of about $60,000 worth of triggering devices that can be used in nuclear weapons. Smyth is being held without bail and his trial in a federal court in California is set for Jan. 15.

Smyth had been awaiting trial on the charges in 1985 when he fled the United States for Spain. He was extradited from Spain earlier this month.