Shorts: U.S.

Greatest (kosher) show on earth

new york (jta) | The Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus performed before a sold-out crowd of Orthodox Jews at Madison Square Garden.

But the Thursday, April 8, event in New York for 19,000 men, women and children had some changes: No women were allowed to perform, the organizers brought their own kosher food and separate seating was provided for men and women who so wished. Also, the circus band played the Passover song "Dayeinu" and a master clown wore a yarmulke for part of the performance.

The Torah commands Jews to enjoy themselves on Passover.




Wanted: A few Ashkenazi Jews

new york (jta) | The National Cancer Institute is looking for Ashkenazi Jews for a study examining genetic links to kidney cancer. Ashkenazi Jews are being studied because they are a relatively homogeneous population.

Ashkenazi Jews with two or more family members who have had kidney cancer should e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or call (800) 949-6704.