Religion - Marblehead Current

28 Sep

NEWS IN BRIEF: Public Power Week, new faith leader, MAA applications

Leigh BlanderEducation, Local News, News in brief, Religion

The Current accepts News in Brief submissions of 150-200 words at info@marbleheadnews.org. No changes to MPS cellphone rules — for nowThe Marblehead Public Schools are sticking with their current cellphone rules for now while administrators monitor how well they are working and state lawmakers consider broader restrictions. Superintendent John Robidoux told the School Committee that students in kindergarten through eighth grade must keep phones “off and away” throughout the school day. Administrators are also addressing smartwatches, Meta smart glasses and other connected devices. At…

01 Jun

Preschoolers plant garden to feed families in need

Grey CollinsCommunity Resources, Community Service, Education, Environment, Health, Nonprofit corner, Religion, Top Stories

On Wednesday morning, May 20, the raised gardens on Community Road were buzzing with activity, as preschool students spent the morning digging in the earth, planting vegetables and learning about gardening from their teachers. Soon, the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor will be delivered to the Marblehead Food Pantry by the Manna Project to provide those struggling with food insecurity with fresh produce. JCC preschoolers plant vegetables and fruits, which will be harvested for the Marblehead Food Pantry. It's part of the Manna Project.…

07 May

Pulitzer-winning journalist David Shribman speaks on hate, democracy and the media

Leigh BlanderPolitics, Religion, Top Stories

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Shribman delivered a sweeping and deeply personal talk Wednesday night in Marblehead about antisemitism, political polarization, journalism and the enduring importance of community alliances in confronting hatred. Shribman grew up in Swampscott and has family in Marblehead. Speaking before about 130 people at the high school, alongside Marblehead Rabbi David Meyer, Shribman reflected at length on the 2018 massacre at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue, where 11 worshippers were killed in what he called “the most serious antisemitic episode in American…

27 Apr

NEWS IN BRIEF: Pulitzer winner to speak about tolerance: town to receive more opioid money

Leigh BlanderCulture, Local News, Religion

The Current welcomes 150–200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews.org. Pulitzer Prize winner to speak on tolerance David Shribman COURTESY PHOTO Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Shribman will speak at Marblehead High School on Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. about tolerance. Rabbi David Meyer will join Shribman for conversation as the journalist draws on his decades of reporting, analysis and first-hand experience covering national and global events. The program is free and open to all. It is sponsored by the Marblehead…

22 Mar

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets

Leigh BlanderAbbot Public Library, Animals, Culture, Local News, Recreation, Religion

Current Events spotlights notable happenings around town in the coming week. To submit a listing, email Current Editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org Current Trivia NightWednesday, March 25, 6 p.m. After the blizzard postponed its February event, the Current will host its annual Trivia Night at The Landing Restaurant. Come test your knowledge with Trivia Master (and Current consulting editor) Kris Olson. Tickets are $35. Go to MarbleheadCurrent.org. ‘James’ community conversationWednesday, March 25, 7 p.m. The Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination is sponsoring a “community conversation…

22 Dec

Marblehead Jewish day school fighting to survive

Leigh BlanderEducation, Religion, Top Stories

The North Shore's only Jewish day school — the Epstein Hillel School here in Marblehead — is facing a financial crisis and it's not clear whether it will survive. "After much deliberation, the board has made the difficult decision that starting in the 2026-27 academic year, our school is planning to move to a PreK through fifth-grade model," the EHS board wrote to families, announcing that it will stop offering grades six through eight. "Operating a PreK-5 school gives us the strongest chance to achieve…

19 Dec

Marblehead celebrates Hanukkah with menorah lighting

Leigh BlanderReligion, Top Stories

More than 150 people gathered to celebrate the fifth night of Hanukkah at a menorah lighting outside National Grand Bank Thursday evening. There was singing and storytelling and even the traditional Hanukkah treat sufganiyot (jelly donuts). "Jewish tradition teaches us to kindle the lights of our chanukiah (menorah) by a door or window, so that we can share the miracle, so that others can see it." said Rabbi Jenn Mangold of Temple Emanu-El at the event. "Just as we are doing tonight, sharing our light…

14 Oct

From folk singers to Jewish vampires: A preview of Jewish Book Month

Leigh BlanderArt, Community Resources, Culture, Local News, Nonprofit corner, Religion

The Jewish Community Center of the North Shore is about to launch its 31st Jewish Book Month Speaker Series. The program dives into Jewish literature and culture with author talks and community events meant to inspire meaningful conversations. The series runs Oct. 16 through Nov. 21, at the JCCNS, with books written by Jewish authors or exploring Jewish themes. The first night will feature journalist Jane Eisner and her book, “Carole King: She Made the Earth Move.” In an interview with the Current, Eisner said…

16 Sep

The pumpkins are coming; the pumpkins are coming!

Leigh BlanderLocal News, Religion

Four thousand large pumpkins are on their way to the Clifton Lutheran Church in Marblehead right now and will go on sale beginning Saturday afternoon, Sept. 20. An additional 4,000 smaller gourds will also be arriving. They will all be spread on the church’s front lawn at 150 Humphrey St. Clifton Lutheran has partnered with a Navajo reservation in New Mexico for 10 years to purchase pumpkins to support the indigenous people who live there. For the 10th year, Clifton Lutheran Church is bringing in…

16 Sep

Holiday music tradition returns for 45th year; rehearsals start this week

Leigh BlanderEntertainment, Local News, Nonprofit corner, Religion

It’s that time of year again! The Old North Festival Chorus and Orchestra will hold their first rehearsal on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Registration begins at 7 p.m. and rehearsal starts at 7:30 p.m. The 45th annual Festival Chorus Holiday Concerts will be held Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. at Old North Church, 35 Washington St. Rehearsals will happen every Wednesday, 7:30-9 p.m. until the concerts. (Rehearsals may run longer closer to the concert dates.) Musical selections for the Holiday…