Shorts: U.S.

9/11 Torah project begins

new york (jta) | New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg helped launch the 9/11 Unity Torah this week, filling in the first letter of the Torah being written for the SoHo Synagogue in Manhattan.

The Torah is being dedicated to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.




Israeli ranchers come calling

new york (jta) | Israeli cattle ranchers are visiting the United States and Mexico.

The 10-day visit was initiated by Ambal, a group of ranchers that focuses on meat production, with the help of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The tour will include visits to breeding facilities throughout the western United States and Mexico, the Jerusalem Post reported.




Cantor, you're no rabbi

new york (jta) | A cantor in New York was ordered to repay more than $30,000 to people he had married who thought he was a rabbi.

Jerry Heller, 72, was sentenced this week. Under Jewish law anyone can marry a couple, but Heller pleaded guilty in December to charges that he signed civil marriage certificates saying he was a rabbi.