During the eight-day Jewish holiday of Passover, observant Jews follow a set of kosher laws. Kosher food refers to the types of food and ways of preparing food that follow Biblical laws. Orthodox Jews follow these religious laws very closely and do not eat or drink what is not kosher. During Passover, observant Jews do not eat leavened products and during the Passover Seder meals, and they drink the ‘fruit of the vine” or grape juice as an important part of the observance. There is currently some competition for Orthodox shoppers in the grape juice business. Listen to hear more about Passover and the market for grape juice.
Story Length: 1:48
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May 23, 2016
3:30
In 2015, worldwide religious freedom deteriorated and in some places, spiraled downward. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that violations included denying health care and voting rights, to imprisoning people of certain religions. In some countries, religious freedom is a matter of life and death, and governments fail to protect people from attacks or violence. The issue of religion can also lead to terrorist violence. The commission did not report on the status of the United States, but these global examples may put religious freedom violations in the United States into perspective.
Read MoreApril 21, 2016
6:09
Passover, an important Jewish holiday, begins this Friday night. During the Seder, or Passover meal, Jews remember, retell, and celebrate parts of their religious history. Various foods, such as matzo balls, have a significant and symbolic role in this feast. In this story, a reporter and chef come together to cook matzo balls and discuss how food relates to history. Listen to learn more about Passover traditions.
Read MoreDecember 7, 2015
4:55
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, the festival of lights, is celebrated this week. It is eight days long, and is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah. According to the legend, Jews rebelled against Greek-Syrian oppressors during the second century B.C. and rededicated a Temple in Jerusalem. At that time, Jews were living in an ancient Greek civilization and were trying to stay true to their religion while living in another culture. The story has been rewritten for political reasons. The rabbis declared this holiday unofficial, and created a story of national liberation to be celebrated. Listen to hear more about the political history of Hanukkah.
Read MoreDecember 16, 2014
3:59
Today marks the first night of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights. Hanukkah comes with many traditions both ancient and modern. This story explores the historic origins of foil wrapped chocolate coins given during Hanukkah, known as gelt. Listen to hear how migration to urban areas to and to America changed the traditions of Hanukkah.
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