RNS Morning Report: The 10 most significant Jewish news stories of 2022

We are in the home stretch of our fundraising campaign – and we need you to help us across the finish line. Will you donate before the end of the year to show your support of our nonprofit newsroom? Top Stories The 10 most significant Jewish news stories of 2022 (RNS) — Though dogged by a pernicious antisemitic wave, the news from the Jewish world had its share of hopeful moments.   In Haiti, a crisis of violence, chaos, and cholera goes largely ignored by outside world (RNS) — Charities do what they can to help the impoverished nation, but international action is needed to bring order and restore infrastructure, experts on the ground say.   Bethlehem rebounds from pandemic, lifting Christmas spirits BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Tourism is the economic lifeblood of this town in the occupied West Bank, where for the past two years the pandemic kept international visitors away.   Shapiro’s big win is a high note amid antisemitism surge PITTSBURGH (AP) — Josh Shapiro will be taking office as Pennsylvania's next governor in January after running a campaign in which he spoke early and often about his Jewish religious heritage.   Some Ukrainians move up Christmas to part ways with Russia BOBRYTSIA, Ukraine (AP) — Some Orthodox Ukrainians have decided to observe Christmas on Dec. 25, like many Christians around the world. Yes, this has to do with the war, and yes, they have the blessing of their local church.   Pope’s lament: Icy winds of war buffet humanity at Christmas VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis used his Christmas message Sunday to make an impassioned plea for an immediate end to the fighting in Ukraine, a 10-month-old conflict he decried as “senseless.”   Stuck at the border, migrants find a little Christmas cheer CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) — Across the U.S.-Mexican border in El Paso, Texas, shelters are already packed beyond capacity, leaving little time for celebrations and many migrants camped out in the streets in below freezing weather. RNS Opinion Frank Pavone, Leonard Feeney and the long story of Catholic fundamentalism (RNS) — The defrocking of the anti-abortion crusader is the latest chapter in an old story.   Muslim Brotherhood at the crossroads (The Conversation) — The group faces internal splits, government repression and dwindling support.   The best books of 2022 They piled up on my nightstand, crowded my Kindle, and invaded my brain. You will love them, as well. ICYMI Hundreds of US rabbis protest new Israeli government in public letter (RNS) — Leaders of several religious nationalist parties will be part of the most hard-right  administration in Israel’s history, one US rabbis say endangers Jewish values.   In court ruling, Sikh recruits can attend USMC training while keeping beards and turbans (RNS) — 'No one should have to choose between serving God and country,' said Eric Baxter, an attorney with a religious liberty legal group that is representing the Sikh recruits. In Other News How faith guided former President George H.W. Bush, according to his pastor Republican Jewish coalition says Santos ‘deceived us’ about his heritage   Talk to Us We want your feedback on the RNS Morning Report — what you think we're doing right and what we should be doing differently. Send us an email at Comments@ReligionNews.com Subscribe to other RNS Newsletters. Forward this email to a friend. View the archive of past newsletters. Religion News Service is free to read, but it's not free to produce. If you value our reporting, please consider making a donation today at religionnews.com/donate. If you prefer to mail a donation, please address to: Religion News Foundation, PO Box 1808, Columbia, MO 65205. Yes, I support the work you're doing! Forward this email to a friend