After protests outside synagogues, New York makes it a crime to block entry to a house of worship

NEW YORK — Blocking someone from entering a house of worship, or acting in a way that makes worshippers entering the building fear for their safety, is now a crime in New York under a law approved after a series of raucous demonstrations outside synagogues. The law, signed Tuesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul, also expressly … Read more

Does frequent worship lead to better mental health? Often, but not always, experts say

NEW YORK — Worldwide, the landscape of religion is not serene. Many denominations have been racked by divisions. In some regions, believers are targeted with violence. Countless faith leaders have betrayed their flocks via corruption or sexual abuse. Against this backdrop, there has been a long-running discussion about the role that religion can play in … Read more