RNS Weekly Digest: At international Chabad conference, emissaries celebrate Jewish women's leadership

At international Chabad conference, emissaries celebrate Jewish women's leadership When Chani Friedman stepped into the Ohel, the small open-ceiling structure that houses Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s grave in Queens, she immediately felt comforted. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, spiritual leader of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, made an imprint on her at a young age, especially for his efforts to put Jewish women at the forefront of the organization.  “I remember the Rebbe looking into my eyes and believing in me. It’s not something you could put into words. It’s something you could see,” she told RNS, remembering her first encounter with the Rebbe at age 11.  Religion & Politics Faith groups claim legal victories on refugees, ICE raids at houses of worship Trump's pick to run White House Faith Office sparks theological turf war As some Jewish philanthropists withdraw funding, others are standing up for Palestinian causes Photos of the Week: Pope Francis' health; War anniversary People attend a rosary prayer service held for the health of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) In Opinion Jesus fed the 5,000 but the people of God can't fill the chasm left by USAID Trump administration's criticism of pope, foreign aid rejects teachings of Jesus Do Jews have dual loyalty? And finally, Historic Black churches receive $8.5 million in preservation grants Thirty historically Black churches and projects, including those with ties to Civil Rights leaders who led churches and protests across the United States, are receiving grants totaling $8.5 million from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The awards are part of the third annual Preserving Black Churches grant program that focuses on historic African American sites across the country and assists them in avoiding demolition, paying for maintenance and fixing structural problems. “We are honored to support the ongoing legacies of these churches, which have stood at the forefront of social progress for generations,” said Brent Leggs, executive director of the trust’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, in a Monday (Feb. 24) statement. “This $8.5 million investment marks a critical step in safeguarding historically Black churches as enduring symbols of faith, strength and community leadership. By preserving them, we ensure that their powerful presence continues to live on in their communities and inspire future generations.” Support our responsible reporting on religion Forward this newsletter to a friend Make a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit newsroom here Or mail us a check: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205 Email membership@religionnews.com with a news tip or a comment Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.