Sanskrit prayers and dosas: Inside one of the oldest Hindu temples in the US

by News Feed Editor | Jul 7, 2026 | Religion

FLUSHING, N.Y. (RNS) — Temple bells echoed through the sanctuary as priests chanted Sanskrit prayers before black granite deities draped in silk and fresh flowers. Barefoot worshippers carrying coconuts, bananas and jasmine garlands moved from shrine to shrine as...

Modern Judaica helps Jews express identity, build community in uncertain times 

by News Feed Editor | Jul 7, 2026 | Religion

NEW YORK (RNS) — For generations, Judaica referred primarily to traditional ritual objects: menorahs, Kiddush cups, Shabbat candlesticks, tallits, mezuzah cases and Passover Seder plates. These objects are often made of precious metals and fabrics embodying the...

Between July 4 and Nov. 3, faith leaders seek fair access to the voting booth

by News Feed Editor | Jul 7, 2026 | Religion

(RNS) — Four months before the midterm elections, Minnesota faith leaders who previously have protested against federal immigration agents have unveiled a multistate initiative to ensure fair elections. “Our churches, our mosques, our synagogues, our places of worship...

How a 198-year-old New Orleans synagogue became one of America’s fastest-growing Jewish communities

by News Feed Editor | Jul 7, 2026 | Religion

This story was originally published in the Forward. Click here to get the Forward’s free email newsletters delivered to your inbox. This article is based on extensive interviews and on-site reporting for the latest installment in our Holy Ground series featuring...

Khamenei’s other sons appear at his funeral in Iran as new supreme leader remains in hiding

by News Feed Editor | Jul 7, 2026 | Religion

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s top officials and brothers of the new supreme leader emerged into public view Sunday to attend funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Their appearance projected unity, defiance and confidence in their safety as Iran pushes back on U.S....

Cardinals, cake and corndogs: Inside a complicated Vatican July 4

by News Feed Editor | Jul 6, 2026 | Religion

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — This year’s Independence Day party at the private residence of the United States’ ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, was a brightly colored spectacle mixing the patriotic with the sacred, as cardinals lined up to cut a star-spangled cake...