religion

For the third consecutive year, the Alabama Legislature is considering a bill that would let the Briarwood Presbyterian Church congregation, one of the largest in the state, create its own law enforcement department with sworn police officers.

Church Can Start Its Own Police Force, Alabama Senate Says

4:08pm April 12, 2017

by Bill Chappell

Police officers hired by Briarwood Presbyterian would need to be certified; they would also have the same powers other law enforcement officers have. The bill now heads to the state House.

A 2010 memorial service for the Jonestown massacre in Oakland, Calif., featured photographs of the victims.

Nearly 40 Years Later, Jonestown Offers A Lesson In Demagoguery

2:24pm April 11, 2017

by Terry Gross

In 1978, more than 900 followers of the Rev. Jim Jones committed mass suicide in Guyana. In his new book, The Road to Jonestown, journalist Jeff Guinn details how Jones captivated so many.

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Joan Nathan, the author of 11 cookbooks, has sought out local Jewish food traditions as she's traveled the world.

Religion

A World Of Flavors In A Single Dish: How Jewish Food Spread Across The Globe

1:44pm April 11, 2017

by Jonathan Baer

Cooking legend Joan Nathan documents the worldwide reach of Jewish food in her new book, King Solomon's Table. One example is haroset, a Passover staple that's been adapted to suit many local tastes.

Maamoul, a shortbread cookie stuffed with date paste or chopped walnuts or pistachios and dusted with powdered sugar, is the perfect reward after a month of fasting during Ramadan and Lent. These cookies are waiting to be baked.

Maamoul: An Ancient Cookie That Ushers In Easter And Eid In The Middle East

10:00am April 11, 2017

by Amy E. Robertson

For Christians and Muslims in the Middle East, maamoul is an essential part of Easter and Eid respectively. Stuffed with date paste or nuts, this buttery cookie dates back to ancient Egypt.

Amy Clayton teaches a fifth-grade history class at St. Jerome Academy in Hyattsville, Md. The school, which almost closed eight years ago, has experienced growth over the past few years, largely due to an influx of Catholic families who were drawn to Hyat

Catholics Build 'Intentional' Community of Like-Minded Believers

4:28pm April 10, 2017

by Tom Gjelten

Nationally, Americans are growing disenchanted with traditional religion. But in a Maryland suburb, Catholics seeking more spiritual lives are banding together with others who share their values.

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To make matzo brei, crumble leftover matzo, soak it, drain it and beat it with an egg or two. Then, fry it up, scrambled or omelet-style.

Religion

Wake Up And Smell The Matzo: A Passover Breakfast Tradition

7:00am April 10, 2017

by Deena Prichep

A dish of soaked and scrambled matzo might not sound terribly exciting. But for many Jews, matzo brei is a Passover treat they look forward to all year.

Churches Still Figuring Out How To Protect Immigrants And Themselves

6:18pm April 09, 2017

Hundreds of churches across the country are taking part in the "new sanctuary movement" by offering refuge to undocumented immigrants to protect them from deportation, but not without obstacles.

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Dalia Mogahed speaks at TED2016 in Vancouver, Canada.

Dalia Mogahed: How Does Speaking Up Change Minds?

8:59am April 07, 2017

by NPR/TED Staff

After 9/11, Dalia Mogahed saw an increase in negative perceptions of Muslims in the media, so she made it her job to speak up for her faith and fight prejudice with better understanding.

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North Carolina Church Ousts Scouts Over Transgender Decision

12:20pm April 06, 2017

by Associated Press

North Carolina church leaders have told a Boy Scout troop and Cub Scout pack they're no longer welcome to use their facilities as a home base after the Boy Scouts of America decided in January to a

Idan Cohen's grandmother's famous German layer cake. Idan's mom always said that the Israeli climate did not agree with this cake, but she made it anyway.

The Jewish Food Society Wants To Save The Recipes Of Grandmas Everywhere

2:14pm April 03, 2017

by Larissa Zimberoff

A new project aims to celebrate Jewish food and culture in all its diversity. It's collecting recipes from the Jewish diaspora and staging public events where stories behind the recipes are the stars.