Ex-Editor Dies
LONDON — William Frankel, editor of the London Jewish Chronicle from 1958 to 1977, died April 18 of a cerebral hemorrhage at 91. Frankel expanded the scope of the Chronicle’s coverage to include global stories of Jewish interest, such as Vietnam, the U.S. civil rights movement and the trial of Nazi Adolf Eichmann. Born in London to Polish immigrants, Frankel earned a law degree at the London School of Economics. After retiring, he continued to write for the paper, and in 1991, he was named chairman of its board and worked to stem a drop-off in subscribers.
U.S. Matzah Crunch?
NEW YORK — The United States reportedly faced a matzah shortage last week. Shoppers nationwide had difficulty finding matzah on store shelves due to production problems at the Manischewitz plant in New Jersey, and because some stores decided not to carry matzah this year, the New York Times reported.
Shul Arson Suspected
MIAMI — Police are investigating a Miami Beach shul fire as possible arson. The Chabad House synagogue was severely damaged April 22, and its rabbi suspects arson because a piece of the shul’s Torah was found on its front lawn while the rest wasn’t found. Police agreed that could be a sign of arson, the New York Times reported. Rabbi Zev Katz said he will hold Shabbat services on the front lawn, “to show people that we are not quitting.” There was a fire at another Miami shul last October, which police said they will now reinvestigate as arson.
Teens Identified
KIEV — Ukraine officials reportedly identified three teens who allegedly burned down a memorial in the Zhitomir Jewish cemetery. The suspects, aged 17 to 19, are accused of burning down the Ohel of Tzadik Rabbi Aharon from Zhitomir, a student of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Chassidism, on the night of April 15-16. It was the second reported incident of vandalism in Zhitomir, a city of 275,000 in western Ukraine, in five months. The the teens reportedly played soccer near the cemetery before lighting a fire near the Ohel to warm up, but the fire got out of control and burned down the monument.
Aleph Bet Beckham?
LOS ANGELES — Soccer star David Beckham and his wife, Victoria, a former Spice Girl, will send their son to a Jewish preschool. Cruz Beckham, 3, will attend a Los Angeles-area “exclusive Jewish school” that’s “attached to a Jewish temple,” the London tabloid the Sun reported. Beckam’s mother is a non-practising Jew, the Sun said.
Pope’s U.S. Tour Included Shul Visit
NEW YORK — Pope Benedict XVI concluded his visit to the United States, which included a meeting with Jewish leaders and a historic visit to a Manhattan synagogue.
His April 18 visit to Park East Synagogue was the first time a pope has visited a U.S. shul. The Pope gave brief remarks, lauding the importance of “building bridges of friendship” between different faiths. Rabbi Arthur Schneier presented him with gifts, including a seder plate.
“Your presence gives us hope and courage for the road we still have to travel together,” Schneier told the Pope.
At the meeting in Washington with Jewish officials and at the shul, the Pope didn’t refer to the Good Friday Latin prayer that seeks the conversion of Jews. His recent decision to reinstate it has roiled Jewish-Catholic relations.