Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States

Jewish day school enrollment is rising across denominations

Grace Gilson in JTA · 26 Jun

Jewish day schools across all denominations are experiencing a rise in enrollment, reversing decades of decline for non-Orthodox institutions.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Israeli flag attack ad prompts antisemitism charge in PA state race — yet boosts the Jewish candidate

Hannah Feuer in Forward · 18 May

A Pennsylvania state senate race has been stirred by a campaign mailer attacking Bradley Merkl-Gump, a Jewish candidate, with allegations of being tied to an 'Israel-first' political agenda.

0 Communities History

A defunct synagogue, reminder of a once-proud community, collapses in Pennsylvania’s coal region

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA · 18 Feb

The collapse of the abandoned Beth Israel Synagogue in Pennsylvania's coal region marks a poignant moment for the Jewish community, reflecting a broader narrative of change and loss within American Jewish history.

0 Politics Leadership

Josh Shapiro’s new memoir puts his Jewish identity at the center of his political vision

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA · 30 Jan

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's memoir, "Where We Keep the Light," underscores his Jewish identity as a central pillar in his political life, not merely a private or cultural aspect.

0 Holidays Education

Placing the light in the window

eJewishPhilanthropy · 19 Dec 2025

Rabbi Ariana Capptauber reflects on her experiences educating children from diverse backgrounds about Hanukkah in Central Pennsylvania.

0 Communities Antisemitism

‘Make a friend before you need a friend’

eJewishPhilanthropy · 30 Nov 2025

The narrative emphasizes the importance of interfaith collaboration, illustrated through the swift community response to a firebombing at the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro during Passover.

0 Antisemitism Holocaust

Harrisburg diocese condemns Auschwitz gates in Catholic school’s Halloween float

Grace Gilson in JTA · 3 Nov 2025

A Catholic school in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, faced backlash after including a replica of the Auschwitz gates in its Halloween parade.

0 Politics History

Jews should retreat, before they force us out.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish · 27 Sep 2025

Joshua Hoffman advocates for a strategic Jewish retreat from non-supportive structures and societies, arguing historical precedents show the vulnerability of Jews relying on external acceptance or protection.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Philadelphia Jewish museum won’t rehang Israeli flag now after it was vandalized twice in a week

Benyamin Cohen in Forward · 26 Aug 2025

In response to repeated acts of vandalism, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia has decided not to rehang an Israeli flag on its facade after it was targeted with red paint twice in a week.

0 Politics Culture

Stephen Colbert asked Josh Shapiro about his only campaign defeat. The winner has some thoughts.

Ami Eden in JTA · 31 Jul 2025

In his appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro humorously recounted his only election loss to author Ami Eden during high school.

0 Antisemitism History

A Turning Point for Antisemitism?

Pamela S. Nadell in Hadassah · 11 Jun 2025

Recent acts of antisemitic violence in the U.S., including the murders in Washington, D.C. and an attack in Boulder, Colorado, highlight the persistent threat against Jewish communities, which has intensified following Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel.

0 Antisemitism Politics

The Intifada Is Here in America

The Commentary Magazine Podcast · 3 Jun 2025

Amid a surge of violent antisemitism in the U.S., linked to radical Islamists and the radical left, the podcast discusses the recent firebombing of Jews in Colorado and the political and cultural climate that fosters such actions.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Josh Shapiro recounts arson terror but does not back Schumer’s call for federal hate crime investigation

Philissa Cramer in JTA · 18 Apr 2025

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently experienced a traumatic incident when an arsonist set fire to the governor's residence shortly after his family's Passover seder.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Yes, the attack on Gov. Shapiro was antisemitic. Here's what the left should learn from it

Rob Eshman in Forward · 18 Apr 2025

The attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro highlights the pernicious nature of antisemitism masked as anti-Israel sentiment.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Shapiro recites Priestly Blessing given to him by fire chaplain after Passover arson

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward · 17 Apr 2025

Following an arson attack on the governor's mansion over Passover, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has found solace in his faith, particularly the Priestly Blessing from the Harrisburg Fire Department chaplain.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Alleged Josh Shapiro arsonist believed he was fighting for Palestinians, police say

Andrew Lapin in JTA · 16 Apr 2025

A recent arson attack targeting Pennsylvania's Jewish governor, Josh Shapiro, has been linked to anti-Israeli sentiment, as the suspect, Cody Balmer, reportedly believed Shapiro was harming Palestinians.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Arson suspect attacked Shapiro over pro-Israel stances, search warrant says

Louis Keene in Forward · 16 Apr 2025

The recent arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor's residence is reportedly tied to alleged antisemitic and anti-Israel motives, as the suspect Cody Balmer expressed anger over Governor Josh Shapiro's pro-Israel stance.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The Passover attack on Josh Shapiro was terrifying. But don't assume it was antisemitic

Rob Eshman in Forward · 15 Apr 2025

The piece reflects on the arson attack targeting Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro during Passover, emphasizing that while it occurred during a period of historical persecution for Jews, there is currently no evidence suggesting it was driven by antisemitism.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Suspected arsonist intended to beat Gov. Josh Shapiro with a sledgehammer, investigators say

Julie Moos in Forward · 14 Apr 2025

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish, addressed an arson attack at his residence shortly after hosting a Passover Seder.

0 Politics Holocaust

Man arrested after Penn. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home is firebombed hours after Passover seder

JTA Staff in JTA · 14 Apr 2025

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's home was firebombed shortly after hosting a Passover seder, leading to significant damage but no injuries.

0 Culture Holidays

The Biggest Passover Merch Fails of the Season

Rabbi Yael Buechler in Kveller · 11 Apr 2025

Rabbi Yael Buechler humorously critiques the various non-food Passover merchandise available this season, emphasizing their mismatched depictions and amusing blunders.

0 Culture History

Passover at the Obama White House becomes a children’s tale

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider · 11 Apr 2025

A new children's book, "Next Year in the White House," authored by Richard Michelson and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, depicts the first Passover Seder held at the White House, attended by President Obama and his daughters.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Pennsylvania Jewish groups condemn ‘genocide’ slogan on Gisele Fetterman’s charity

Ben Sales in JTA · 4 Apr 2025

A coalition of Jewish groups in Pennsylvania has denounced an act of vandalism targeting Gisele Fetterman's Free Store in Braddock, claiming it unjustly accuses her and her husband, Senator John Fetterman, of genocide.

0 Culture Politics

The White House Seder started in a Pennsylvania basement. Its legacy lives on.

Olivia Haynie in Forward · 31 Mar 2025

The tradition of the White House Seder began serendipitously in 2008 when three Jewish staffers from Barack Obama's presidential campaign hosted a make-shift Passover Seder in a Pennsylvania hotel basement.

0 Holidays Communities

Hidden in Hanukkah is a story of Jewish unity. At the end of this fractious year, we must heed it

Ariana Capptauber in Forward · 27 Dec 2024

Amidst the ongoing divisions within the American Jewish community, Ariana Capptauber emphasizes the lessons of unity intrinsic to Hanukkah.

JL;DR

Places › United States › Pennsylvania ›

Harrisburg