Shorts: U.S.

Secular Jews offer $10 million gift

new york (jta) | The Center for Cultural Judaism is matching philanthropist Michael Steinhardt's $10 million pledge for Jewish education.

Backed by billionaire British Jewish philanthropist Felix Posen, the center became the first party to meet the Wall Street wizard's call to help launch a $100 million "Fund for Our Jewish Future."

But Posen said he would give the money only if about half was spent on the 49 percent of U.S. Jews who call themselves secular to some degree and the 48 percent who do not affiliate with any denomination, according to figures from recent population surveys.

Posen said he hoped to "create credible Jewish institutions of learning that are secular and non-religious, not anti-religious.'




Baker or Clinton as Kerry's envoy?

washington (jta) | Sen. John Kerry said he would appoint an envoy for the Middle East peace process if elected president.

The Democratic presidential candidate said Wednesday that former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter and former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker are among those he wound consider for the post.




Young philanthropists award grants to 15

new york (jta) | A group of young Jewish philanthropists announced $400,000 in grants.

Natan, a philanthropic network made up of Jews younger than 50 that supports "innovative, creative and socially meaningful Jewish projects," announced 15 winners from more than 225 submissions.

Details about the grants, for work promoting Jewish identity, Israel on campus activities and Israel-based groups, is available at http://www.natan.org.

The fund, named after the late J.J. Greenberg, son of Rabbi Irving Greenberg, is supported by members of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies. the Nathan Cummings Foundation, the Samberg Family Foundation and an anonymous foundation.




Mississippi shul hit with graffiti

new york (jta) | A synagogue was among several buildings scrawled with pro-Jesus graffiti in Mississippi.

"Jesus is coming, repent y'all" was spray-painted on the synagogue in the city of Vicksburg sometime late last week. Several churches and the Vicksburg Military cemetery were also vandalized with similar graffiti.




Oldest U.S. synagogue gets federal aid

washington (jta) | The oldest synagogue in the United States received $375,000 in federal aid.

The Touro Synagogue in Newport, R.I., will use the money from the Save America's Historic Treasures program to preserve its exterior and reinforce overloaded roof trusses. The grant was applauded by the Orthodox Union, which has pushed for new regulations to allow religious institutions to be considered for federal aid.

Other Jewish groups are concerned the granting of aid to religious organizations will blur the line between church and state.