California

The Kirkpatrick family, who are not Jewish, began growing etrogs 46 years ago on a small California ranch. Now, they are the only major commercial growers of kosher etrogs in the United States.

Also on Wednesday, Newsom approved AB 1763, which will include religious holiday observance as a type of excused absence in schools without requiring a written request from a parent or guardian. 

Jewish Federation LA President and CEO Rabbi Noah Farkas said the forum “gave attendees a deeper understanding of where the candidates stand on key priorities facing our city and community."

The NTSB and the FAA are still investigating the crash, and a preliminary FAA report lists the cause as "unknown circumstances."

“Every Californian should be able to walk into a synagogue, church, mosque, or other house of worship without fear,” Newsom said in a statement. 

For years, Sunkist Fruit Gems have been the candy thrown at b’nai mitzvah celebrations across American synagogues. Now that the candy is discontinued, communities are searching for replacements.

The deaths brought the number of helicopter pilots killed in crashes in Colorado, Utah, and California this year fighting wildfires to five.

Swastikas and antisemitic messaging had been marked on the exterior of the homes using a black permanent marker.

Dionne Taylor, Ari Meridy, Gary Fayman and Tal Louria

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who visited Israel shortly after October 7, has called the war in Gaza a "moral catastrophe" while also condemning Hamas' attack on Israel.