Features
From Art to Diplomacy: How Jewish Leaders and Thinkers Shaped History and Modernity
In this article, we delve into the impact of Jewish public figures on the global stage, exploring their role in shaping political landscapes and cultural events
The Impact of Jewish Public Figures on World Politics and Culture
From prominent politicians to renowned artists, Jews have made significant contributions that have shaped our world.
With their diverse backgrounds and experiences, Jewish public figures have played a key role in promoting social change, advocating for human rights, and shaping cultural narratives. Their influence can be seen in a variety of fields, such as literature, art, music, and film, where Jewish artists have left an indelible mark on creativity and expression.
By exploring the contributions of Jewish public figures, together with the plinko game team, we aim to shed light on the enormous impact they have had on shaping our world.
Historical Background: The Role of Jewish Intellectuals and Leaders Throughout History
The historical narrative of Jewish intellectuals and leaders is rich and complex, woven into the fabric of many societies across the globe. From ancient times, Jews have contributed to various fields, including philosophy, science, and politics. Figures such as Maimonides and Spinoza have significantly influenced Western thought through their philosophical writings. These intellectuals not only shaped Jewish culture but also left a lasting mark on global intellectual history, challenging prevailing norms and encouraging critical thinking.
The struggle for social justice and human rights has often found expression through Jewish leaders. Throughout history, Jews have faced persecution and discrimination, which has fueled their commitment to advocating for justice. The Jewish experience of diaspora has led to a unique perspective on oppression and resilience, enabling Jewish leaders to become champions for the marginalized. Their contributions to movements for civil rights and social justice have been instrumental in shaping contemporary political landscapes, particularly in the United States and Europe.
Moreover, the integration of Jewish intellectuals into broader societal frameworks has fostered cross-cultural dialogues. Jewish figures have often acted as bridges between cultures, promoting understanding and collaboration. This historical backdrop sets the stage for examining the specific contributions of contemporary Jewish public figures in politics and culture, highlighting how their legacy continues to influence the world today.
Jewish Public Figures in Politics: Notable Examples and Their Impact on Global Affairs
Jewish politicians have played pivotal roles in shaping global politics, often taking on leadership positions that have allowed them to influence significant policy decisions.
One notable example is Henry Kissinger, who served as the United States Secretary of State and National Security Advisor. Kissinger’s approach to foreign policy, particularly during the Cold War, emphasized diplomacy and realpolitik. His efforts in negotiating peace agreements, such as the Paris Peace Accords, demonstrate the power of Jewish public figures in navigating complex international relations.
Another influential figure is Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the late Supreme Court Justice known for her staunch advocacy for gender equality and civil rights. Ginsburg’s legal opinions and dissents have had a profound impact on American jurisprudence, often pushing the boundaries of what is considered constitutional. Her legacy as a champion for women’s rights and social justice continues to inspire generations, illustrating the power of Jewish individuals to drive change within the legal and political arenas.
Additionally, figures like Benjamin Netanyahu have made significant contributions to political discourse on a global scale. As the Prime Minister of Israel, Netanyahu has been at the helm during crucial moments in Israeli history, navigating the complexities of Middle Eastern politics. His approach to security and foreign policy has sparked both support and controversy, reflecting the intricate dynamics of Jewish leadership in geopolitics. These examples underscore the diverse roles Jewish public figures have played in influencing global affairs, shaping policies that resonate far beyond their immediate contexts.
Jewish Public Figures in Culture: Contributions to Art, Literature, Music, and Entertainment
The cultural contributions of Jewish public figures are equally profound, spanning various artistic fields and leaving an indelible mark on global culture. In literature, authors like Philip Roth and Elie Wiesel have explored themes of identity, memory, and the human condition through their poignant narratives. Roth’s exploration of Jewish identity in America challenged stereotypes and opened dialogues about cultural belonging, while Wiesel’s memoirs on the Holocaust serve as powerful reminders of resilience and the importance of remembrance.
In the realm of music, Jewish artists have made significant contributions that transcend genres. From the classical compositions of Leonard Bernstein to the revolutionary sounds of Bob Dylan, Jewish musicians have shaped the musical landscape. Bernstein’s work in classical music and Broadway has left a legacy of artistic excellence, while Dylan’s lyrics reflect a deep engagement with social issues and human emotions. These artists not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire social change through their craft.
Furthermore, the film industry has been significantly influenced by Jewish filmmakers and actors, with figures like Steven Spielberg and Natalie Portman leading the charge. Spielberg’s films often address complex moral dilemmas and historical narratives, while Portman’s work as an actress and director champions diverse stories and perspectives. Through their storytelling, these artists contribute to cultural discourse, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in an increasingly divided world. The influence of Jewish public figures in culture is a testament to their creativity and commitment to social issues, enriching the global cultural landscape.
Controversies and Criticisms: Examining the Debates Surrounding Jewish Influence
Despite the significant contributions of Jewish public figures, their influence has not been without controversy. Debates surrounding Jewish influence often arise, particularly in the context of politics and media. Critics sometimes allege that Jewish individuals hold disproportionate power in various sectors, leading to accusations of conspiracy and manipulation. These narratives can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to anti-Semitic sentiment, highlighting the need for critical examination of such claims.
It is essential to differentiate between legitimate discussions about influence and the perpetuation of conspiracy theories that seek to scapegoat Jewish communities. Many Jewish public figures have risen to prominence through hard work, talent, and advocacy, rather than through nefarious means. Acknowledging their contributions while recognizing the complexities of their influence can foster nuanced discussions that combat anti-Semitism and promote understanding.
Moreover, the portrayal of Jewish individuals in media and popular culture can contribute to the reinforcement of stereotypes. It is crucial to critically engage with these representations and advocate for more diverse and accurate portrayals of Jewish life. Through education and dialogue, society can challenge misconceptions and celebrate the multifaceted contributions of Jewish public figures to politics, culture, and beyond.
The Jewish Diaspora and Its Impact on Global Networks
The Jewish diaspora has created a rich tapestry of experiences and connections that have influenced global networks. Historically, Jews have migrated to various regions, often forming tight-knit communities that have contributed to local cultures while maintaining their unique identity. This ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments has enabled Jewish individuals to forge important connections across borders, creating a network of influence that extends beyond geographical boundaries.
The diaspora has facilitated the exchange of ideas, fostering a global dialogue that has enriched cultural and political landscapes. Jewish communities around the world often engage in philanthropy and social activism, addressing pressing issues such as poverty, education, and human rights. Organizations like the Jewish Federation and various international NGOs reflect the commitment of the Jewish diaspora to contribute positively to society, promoting social justice and intercultural understanding.
Furthermore, the interconnectedness of the Jewish diaspora has allowed for a robust exchange of knowledge and resources. Jewish public figures often draw on their diverse backgrounds and experiences, leveraging their networks to advocate for change on a global scale. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of community and solidarity in addressing complex challenges, highlighting the enduring influence of the Jewish diaspora in shaping global networks.
Case Studies: Examining Specific Individuals and Their Contributions
To illustrate the profound influence of Jewish public figures, we can examine specific case studies that highlight their contributions across various domains. One notable example is the late Shimon Peres, who served as the President and Prime Minister of Israel. Peres was a visionary leader known for his efforts in promoting peace in the Middle East. His role in the Oslo Accords exemplifies the potential for dialogue and compromise in resolving longstanding conflicts.
In the realm of art, Marc Chagall stands out as a revolutionary painter whose works encapsulate the essence of Jewish identity and culture. Chagall’s unique style, characterized by vibrant colors and dreamlike imagery, reflects his experiences as a Jewish artist navigating the complexities of the 20th century. His contributions to modern art have influenced generations of artists and continue to resonate in contemporary creative expressions.
Another significant figure is Ruth Messinger, a prominent advocate for social justice and former president of American Jewish World Service. Messinger’s work in international development highlights the intersection of Jewish values and global humanitarian efforts. Through her leadership, she has raised awareness about issues such as poverty and human rights, demonstrating the capacity of Jewish public figures to effect change on a global scale. These case studies underscore the diverse contributions of Jewish individuals, illustrating how their legacies continue to shape our world today.
The Power of Jewish Organizations and Lobbying Groups
Jewish organizations and lobbying groups have played a vital role in advocating for Jewish interests and promoting social change. Organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) have been instrumental in shaping public policy and fostering community engagement. These organizations work tirelessly to combat anti-Semitism, promote civil rights, and strengthen ties between Israel and the United States.
The influence of Jewish lobbying groups extends beyond domestic politics, impacting international relations as well. AIPAC, for instance, has been a significant player in advocating for strong U.S.-Israel relations, leveraging political connections to promote policies that align with Jewish interests. The effectiveness of these organizations highlights the importance of collective action and advocacy in achieving political goals and addressing pressing social issues.
Moreover, Jewish organizations often serve as platforms for community engagement and activism. They provide resources for education, cultural programming, and social services, fostering a sense of community and belonging among Jewish individuals. By mobilizing collective resources and voices, these organizations play a crucial role in amplifying the contributions of Jewish public figures and advocating for diverse perspectives within the broader societal context.
Debunking Myths and Stereotypes: Separating Fact from Fiction
Addressing the myths and stereotypes surrounding Jewish influence is essential for fostering a more accurate understanding of their contributions. Misconceptions about Jewish individuals often stem from historical prejudices and societal biases, which can distort perceptions and promote harmful narratives. It is crucial to engage in open conversations that challenge these stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of Jewish identity and influence.
Many myths surrounding Jewish individuals are rooted in conspiratorial thinking, suggesting that Jews exert undue control over various sectors, including finance, media, and politics. These narratives often lack empirical evidence and serve to scapegoat Jewish communities for broader societal issues. By critically examining these claims and promoting factual information, we can combat anti-Semitism and foster a more inclusive dialogue about the contributions of Jewish public figures.
Education plays a vital role in debunking myths and stereotypes. By promoting awareness of Jewish history, culture, and achievements, we can cultivate understanding and empathy. Initiatives that celebrate Jewish contributions to society can help counteract negative narratives and highlight the diverse perspectives within the Jewish community. Ultimately, fostering a culture of dialogue and education is essential for promoting inclusivity and understanding in our increasingly interconnected world.
Conclusion
The influence of Jewish public figures on global politics and culture is a testament to their resilience, creativity, and commitment to social justice. From shaping political landscapes to enriching cultural narratives, Jewish individuals have made significant contributions that continue to resonate today. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences have enabled them to navigate complex societal challenges, advocating for change and promoting understanding across cultures.
As we reflect on the ongoing influence of Jewish public figures, it is crucial to recognize the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping our world. The contributions of Jewish individuals serve as a reminder of the power of collaboration and collective action in addressing pressing issues. By embracing diversity and promoting dialogue, we can foster a more inclusive society that values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their background.
In conclusion, the legacy of Jewish public figures is multifaceted and enduring. Their impact on global politics and culture underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse voices. By continuing to explore and appreciate these contributions, we can foster a deeper understanding of our shared human experience and work towards a more just and equitable world for all.
Features
Colleges With the Largest Jewish Student Communities
Choosing a college is hard enough without factoring in whether you’ll be the only Jewish person at the Shabbat table. For students who want Jewish life to be a real part of their college experience – not a weekly drive to the nearest city – campus community matters as much as academic reputation.
The good news: several major universities have Jewish student populations large enough that Jewish holidays are actually acknowledged, kosher dining isn’t a special request, and you’ll find everything from traditional minyanim to social justice groups to Jewish Greek life. What follows is a breakdown of the schools that consistently rank highest, based on Hillel International’s annual data and campus reporting.
What to Look For Beyond the Numbers
Raw population numbers don’t tell the whole story. Some students want a large Jewish population to maximize the number of organizations, fraternities and sororities, and participation at Jewish events. Others want schools with easy kosher dining options and a range of religious options for services. Still others want easy access to a large Jewish community off campus.
Top schools also come with serious academic demands. Jewish students who want to stay active in community life while keeping up with coursework often treat writing as something to outsource strategically. Students who decide to hire essay writer online guidance for specific writing tasks often find that the quality of that support keeps them on track without sacrificing everything else. Some things are worth delegating so you can actually show up for Shabbat or make it to the Hillel event on a Tuesday.
The questions worth asking before committing to any campus:
- Does the Hillel have a dedicated building, or does it operate out of shared space?
- Is kosher dining available in the main dining hall, or is it a separate facility that separates you from non-Jewish friends?
- Does the school adjust exam schedules around major Jewish holidays?
- Is there a Chabad house nearby for students who want a more observant environment?
- What’s the campus climate like regarding antisemitism, and how does the administration respond?
The Top Schools by Jewish Population
University of Florida
UF has 6,500 Jewish students – bigger than some entire colleges. The Jewish community is so established that they have multiple Jewish fraternities and sororities, plus Hillel programming that goes well beyond awkward mixers. The Hillel at UF is nationally recognized, with kosher dining and daily minyanim. Gainesville’s Jewish community includes Orthodox synagogues within reach, and UF’s administration’s efforts to combat antisemitism, as noted in 2024 Hillel reports, ensure a welcoming environment.
Rutgers University
With 6,400 Jewish students, Rutgers gives you every type of Jewish person – from very religious to “only goes to synagogue on Yom Kippur.” Being in New Jersey means NYC is accessible for internships, Shabbat with family, or just a real bagel. Rutgers Hillel is one of the most active in the country and the campus has a long history of Jewish student life.
University of Maryland
One of the most significant Hillel building projects underway anywhere in the country. The new Ben and Esther Rosenbloom Hillel Center For Jewish Life at University of Maryland will be a 40,000-square-foot building in College Park, including a kosher dining area, café, rental catering spaces, and classrooms. Maryland’s Jewish population is large, geographically convenient to Washington D.C., and has been growing.
New York University
NYU sits in the middle of one of the largest Jewish communities in the world, which changes what campus Jewish life looks like entirely. The off-campus options – synagogues, kosher restaurants, Jewish cultural institutions – are unmatched anywhere else on this list. NYU Hillel is active, and students who want a more immersive Jewish urban experience rather than a contained campus bubble tend to thrive here.
Brandeis University
A different category from the others. Brandeis was founded as a Jewish-sponsored institution and still reflects that in its campus culture. Brandeis Hillel recently announced a $20 million project to renovate a former administrative building into a new 28,000-square-foot center for Jewish life on campus. Jewish studies programs are among the strongest in the country, and the campus calendar is built around Jewish holidays as a matter of course.
Cornell University
Cornell has the largest Jewish student population in the Ivy League and is finally getting the college hilel building to match. Construction began in spring 2026 on the Steven K. and Winifred A. Grinspoon Hillel Center for Jewish Community at Cornell – a 24,000-square-foot facility expected to serve over 3,000 Cornellians each year, featuring a kosher café, event hall for Shabbat dinners, a communal kosher kitchen, and a Beit Midrash. Until it opens, the community operates out of Anabel Taylor Hall, where space has been consistently stretched.
Princeton University
Smaller numbers than the large state schools, but the infrastructure is serious. Princeton’s Mandelbaum Family Dining Pavilion opened in March 2025, providing twenty kosher meals a week supervised by the Orthodox Union. Anyone on a Princeton meal plan can eat there – and students of all backgrounds eat there because the food is genuinely good.
Campus Comparison
| School | Approx. Jewish enrollment | Kosher dining | Hillel building | Chabad presence |
| University of Florida | ~6,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rutgers University | ~6,400 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cornell University | Largest in Ivy League | Yes (new facility 2027) | Under construction | Yes |
| University of Maryland | Large | New facility opening | Under construction | Yes |
| NYU | Large | Yes + off-campus | Yes | Yes |
| Brandeis | Majority Jewish | Yes | Renovation underway | Yes |
| Princeton | ~13% | Yes (OU-certified) | Yes | Yes |
What Actually Makes a Jewish Campus Community Strong
Numbers matter, but they’re not everything. When you get above around 25% Jewish, the whole campus culture shifts. Jewish holidays become things that professors acknowledge. Kosher food isn’t some weird special request. Everyone understands why you disappear for three days during Rosh Hashanah.
Beyond that threshold, what separates good Jewish campus communities from great ones is programming depth and physical space. A Hillel with a real building, a kosher kitchen, and regular Shabbat dinners creates the conditions for genuine community. A Hillel sharing a conference room and running events sporadically does not.
The schools on this list all offer something real. What varies is the scale, the feel, and whether you want a sprawling state school where Jewish life is one of many communities, or a smaller institution where it’s closer to the center of things.
Features
Is AI Making the Canadian Gaming Sector Safer for Consumers in 2026?
The phrase “artificial intelligence” seems ubiquitous nowadays. It represents an extremely efficient technology that is revolutionizing virtually all industries; the Canadian online gambling market is not an exception. Although the first associations related to AI in the context of online gambling are connected with the creation of new content, it performs one of its key functions far from the spotlight.
By 2026, AI will become an absolutely necessary means for ensuring consumer safety within the regulated gaming market.
If it’s fraud prevention or responsible gaming promotion, artificial intelligence is used by operators to increase the security level in the market. This task becomes especially relevant in the case of a regulated market like Ontario where consumer safety becomes a primary concern.
Let us have a closer look at the concrete applications of AI for this purpose.
Detecting and Preventing Fraud
Among the primary risks faced by any online website that conducts financial transactions is the risk of fraud. This can range from using stolen credit cards to more complicated cases of bonus abuse.
In the past, such activities could only be detected through manual analysis by the security team of the organization. However, modern technologies have brought about significant changes in how this challenge is handled.
The current generation of online gambling sites employs advanced algorithms that help monitor all activities conducted on the site in real-time. The algorithm is designed to detect any suspicious patterns that could indicate any malicious intent on the part of the user.
In addition, the program can examine several data points within seconds, identifying any abnormal behavior of the player. For instance, the AI may identify a situation where a player makes many deposits using different payment instruments.
This helps to address potential issues before they become problematic for the operator and the users of the platform.
Ensuring Fair Play
In order to ensure fairness in an online world that is full of competition, especially within a game such as poker, it is essential to keep cheating at bay. AI technology is being applied in order to do this.
One of the major issues that arises when it comes to online poker is the use of bots. Bots refer to computerized systems that play poker without a human being.
Using AI to protect a poker room includes using AI security measures that can distinguish the patterns in which bots play. AI can help identify other types of unfair plays such as collusion, where there is cooperation among players at the same table.
These AI security measures have the capability of analyzing the hand histories and patterns of play that would take human beings too long to do.
Promoting Responsible Gaming
The most important application of AI in the Canadian gaming industry could be seen as the area of responsible gaming. The gambling license holders should offer various instruments to help players control themselves, but the AI technology will allow taking a step further.
With the help of AI algorithms, licensed operators may learn to detect signs of gambling disorder based on specific patterns of playing. It is worth mentioning that AI technology is not meant to evaluate the gambler but analyze his behavior objectively.
For instance, the algorithm can warn the operator about a player who spends much more time or money than before, as well as someone who chases their losses.
Once the patterns are detected, the appropriate measures can be taken. For instance, an automated warning could be sent to the gambler informing about responsible gaming resources. If necessary, the player can be contacted by a person who has undergone special training for this purpose.
It can be considered a highly effective solution to make the gaming process safe.
A More Personalized and Secure Experience
Furthermore, AI is employed in creating a customized and safer environment for players and currently, many platforms utilize AI algorithms to provide personalized suggestions regarding games.
By analyzing the preferences of the user and the kinds of online slots in Canada they like, the system can make recommendations on other games they would enjoy playing. Thus, users have the opportunity to explore new games and get greater satisfaction from using the platform.
Regarding security, the technology is also used in order to make the login process more secure. Many platforms currently utilize AI algorithms based on behavioral biometrics.
Thus, the system identifies unique patterns of a specific user, including how he/she types or moves the mouse and in case somebody tries to log in under someone else’s name, the algorithm detects unusual behavior and initiates extra verification procedures.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying that artificial intelligence is quietly working in the background to ensure the safety of Canadian gamers.
From fraud and cheating detection to the benefits of promoting responsible gambling, the application of AI is aiding the development of a more reliable gaming industry.
With new developments expected in the future regarding AI, the industry will continue to benefit from this technology and this is indeed good news for all Canadians who enjoy online gaming as entertainment.
Features
A Jewish farmer broke ground on a synagogue in an Illinois cornfield. His neighbors showed up to help.
By Benyamin Cohen May 8, 2026 “This story was originally published in the Forward. Click here to get the Forward’s free email newsletters delivered to your inbox.”
Benyamin has been reporting for more than a year on the improbable story of Nik Jakobs. Catch up here and here, and stay tuned for a forthcoming piece about a trip they took to the Netherlands to visit the towns where the Jakobs family survived the Holocaust. Yesterday was an important moment in Jakobs’ overall journey, and we wanted to share it with you.
STERLING, ILLINOIS — On Wednesday, Nik Jakobs was planting corn. On Thursday, the 41-year-old Illinois cattle farmer stood in a two-acre cornfield preparing to plant something else: a synagogue.
Around 75 people gathered on the edge of the field this week in Sterling, Illinois, a two-hour drive west of Chicago, where Jakobs and his family broke ground on a new home for Temple Sholom, the small congregation that has anchored Jewish life here for more than a century, and where his family has prayed since the 1950s.
The planned 4,000-square-foot building will also house a Holocaust museum inspired by the story of Jakobs’ grandparents, Edith and Norbert, who survived the war after Christian families in the Netherlands hid them in their homes for years. Jakobs described the future museum as a place devoted not only to Jewish history, but to teaching the dangers of hatred and division. “If you have the choice to be right or kind,” he said, repeating advice from his grandmother, “choose kind.”
A 60-foot blue ribbon — chosen by Jakobs’ wife, Katie, to match the color of the Israeli flag — stretched across the future building site. His four daughters held it alongside his parents, brothers and friends. Then they lifted oversized gold scissors and cut the ribbon as pastors, farmers, city officials and members of neighboring churches applauded.
The synagogue rising from this Illinois cornfield will house pieces of the past.
A nearby storage area holds Jewish objects Jakobs rescued from shuttered synagogues across the country: stained-glass windows, Torah arks, rabbi’s chairs, memorial plaques and wooden tablets engraved with the tribes of Israel. Many came from Temple B’nai Israel, a 113-year-old synagogue that closed down in 2025. It served generations of Jews in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, now a ghost town since the steel mills closed. Its remaining congregants donated sacred objects to Jakobs so their story could live on rather than disappear.
The day before the groundbreaking, the Jakobs family began opening some of the crates for the first time since they were packed away nearly a year ago. Nik’s father, Dave Jakobs, pried open one box with a hammer and crowbar while Nik loosened screws with an electric drill, the family gathered around like archaeologists opening a tomb.
Inside was a stained-glass window with images of a tallit and shofar bursting in jewel tones of blue, yellow and red. Jakobs’ mother, Margo, lifted Annie, the youngest of Nik’s daughters, so the 4-year-old could peer inside. The bright red glass matched the bow in her hair.
Nearby sat the massive wooden ark salvaged from Pennsylvania, topped with twin Lions of Judah whose carved paws once overlooked generations of worshippers.
Faith on the farmland
Temple Sholom — founded in 1910 — was once the center of Jewish life in Sterling, a town of 14,500 surrounded by flat farmland and tall grain silos. Its Jewish community once included a pharmacist, the manager of Kline’s department store and the owner of a local McDonald’s franchise.
Over time, membership dwindled. The roof sagged. The pews emptied.
Last year, the congregation sold its aging building and relocated High Holiday services to a tent on the Jakobs’ farm, where prayers mingled with the smell of manure and cattle lowing nearby.
At a moment when many small-town synagogues are closing, Temple Sholom is doing something increasingly rare: building a bigger new sanctuary from scratch. The synagogue will sit prominently along one of Sterling’s main roads — a highly visible expression of Jewish life in a region where Jews are few.
Thursday’s groundbreaking took place on the National Day of Prayer, the annual observance formalized under President Ronald Reagan, who grew up a few miles away in Dixon, Illinois. Earlier that morning, attendees gathered inside New Life Lutheran Church for a breakfast sponsored by Temple Sholom.
“I was so happy to see bagels, lox and cream cheese,” said Rev. James Keenan, a Catholic priest originally from Brooklyn. “It reminded me of home.”
Inside the church sanctuary, a large wooden cross glowed amber and blue above the dais while two giant screens displayed the National Day of Prayer logo. Jakobs, wearing cowboy boots, jeans and a powder-blue blazer, addressed the crowd.
“Tolerance is not weakness,” he said. “It is strength.”
The new synagogue will sit beside New Life Lutheran Church on land sold to Temple Sholom by farmer Dan Koster, 71, who has known the Jakobs family for three generations.
“We need more religious presence in the community,” Koster said.
For Drew Williams, New Life’s 38-year-old lead pastor, the synagogue and museum represent more than neighboring buildings. His church already hosts food-packing drives, summer meal programs and community events. He imagines future partnerships with Temple Sholom.
“I don’t think there’s any community that is immune to hate,” Williams said. “That just means it’s on us” to be on the other side “spreading peace.”
Sterling Mayor Diana Merdian, who is 41 and grew up in town with Jakobs, said the project reflects a broader desire among younger generations to preserve local history and identity. “If we don’t carry those stories, we lose them,” she said. “Once you lose that, you can’t get it back.”
During the ceremony in the cornfield, Temple Sholom’s longtime cantor, Lori Schwaber, asked those gathered to remember the congregation’s founding members and recite the Mourner’s Kaddish together. Jews and Christians stood side by side in the prairie wind as Hebrew prayers drifted across the open farmland.
Lester Weinstine, a 90-year-old congregant who was the first bar mitzvah at Temple Sholom when the shul was still housed out of a Pepsi bottling plant, looked out across the field in disbelief. “I never thought I would see this,” he said.
For Jakobs, the synagogue project has become inseparable from the lessons his grandparents’ survival taught him. “You sometimes feel on an island as a Jew, especially in rural America,” he said. “But this community — that’s not what I’ve experienced here.”
If construction stays on schedule, the synagogue will open in fall 2027. Its first major service will not be a dedication ceremony, but the bat mitzvah of Jakobs’ oldest daughter, Taylor.
Members of the Pennsylvania congregation are planning a bus trip to Illinois for the occasion, after donating many of their sacred objects to help build Jakob’s synagogue. Their former rabbi has offered to officiate.
“If a farmer can build a synagogue in a cornfield,” Jakobs said, “anybody can do it anywhere.”
Benyamin Cohen is a senior writer at the Forward and host of our morning briefing, Forwarding the News. He is the author of two books, My Jesus Year and The Einstein Effect.
This story was originally published on the Forward.