Newsletter
Newsletter ~ Nov. 8, 2026 ~ Cheshvan-Kislev 5787
In this issue: The Legacy of Elisa Simon; The Jews of Old Santa Fe; The Last of the Ellis Island Jews; Little Shop, Big Purpose; Crofton case update, Nov. 5.
New Mexico Jewish Journal
Profile
The Legacy of Elisa Simon
Elisa Simon helped build nearly every Jewish institution in Albuquerque. Her friends remember how.
Community News - Advertorial
The Jews of Old Santa Fe: New Mexico History Museum’s Jewish Roots Walking Tour
In 1662, Santa Fe's governor and his wife were arrested for Judaizing. One charge: drinking hot chocolate on Good Friday. Scott Nadler's walking tour uncovers the city's Jewish roots. Last tour Dec. 1, lecture Dec. 2.
Arts Review
The Last of the Ellis Island Jews
"Jewish food was both Mom's birthright and her existential claim on the world." Rabbi Min Kantrowitz reviews Joel Dinerstein's warts-and-all Brooklyn memoir, and wonders what his mother would make of a green chile bagel.
Advertorial - Community News
Little Shop, Big Purpose: Congregation Albert prepares for its annual Chanukah marketplace
"It's harder and harder to find Chanukah merchandise in this city." Congregation Albert's volunteer-run Chanukah marketplace is open through Dec. 11, with heirloom Judaica, menorahs, toys and a new pop-up of Israeli artists' work.
News
Crofton case updates
Rex Crofton's defense says the federal hate crime charge can't apply because Jews were never enslaved in the US. Prosecutors cite a 1987 Supreme Court ruling. Judge Matthew L. Garcia hears arguments in January. Crofton remains in federal custody. Updated Nov. 5.
Op-ed
A Full-Time Salary With No Full-Time Rules
New Mexico voters chose to start paying legislators for a full-time job without any expectation that a full-time job is what they will do.
News
The ADL in New Mexico: Valued Locally, Debated Nationally
ADL continues to work at maintaining close ties to New Mexico. Nationwide, ADL has come under fire during the past few years — caught in a broader struggle over defining when anti-Israel views bleed into antisemitism.
Law
Challengers Ask Supreme Court to Strike Texas Ten Commandments Law
Challengers to a Texas law requiring the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their case, after a bitterly divided federal appeals court upheld the law 9-8. Martin Finston explains what’s at stake.
Newsletter
Newsletter ~ Oct. 25, 2026 ~ 5787
Freedom is on the ballot. Vote by Nov. 3. New stories and community events: The ADL in New Mexico: Valued Locally, Debated Nationally; How to "Interrupt" Antisemitism: ADL Parent Training Comes to New Mexico (Albuquerque parents, register by Oct. 28); What’s on Your Ballot? The League of
Community News
How to “Interrupt” Antisemitism: ADL Parent Training Comes to New Mexico
The Anti-Defamation League developed its new parent advocacy training program last year and is bringing it to New Mexico in early November.
Advertorial - Community News
Storytellers of New Mexico and The NM Jewish Storytelling Festival bring Mark Binder to Fusion Nov 7th
AWARD WINNING STORYTELLER & AUTHOR MARK BINDER is coming to Albuquerque with his show, “You Can’t Sing” he said…and I believed him! Storytellers of New Mexico and The NM Jewish Storytelling Festival are bringing Mark Binder to FUSION’s Cell Theater for his lying, storytelling, and books tour.