The JCCNS has created a contest in celebration of Tu B’Shvat. Every time a member works out at the J, a leaf is added to the tree. Every workout counts – so go for a walk on the J’s new treadmills, take a swim or dance in a Zumba class. The member with the most leaves by February 9 will win a prize. Above, Group Exercise Manager Maria Calla hangs a leaf on the tree.

AMY SESSLER POWELL

Jewish Journal Staff

In anticipation of their move to Aviv next year, the Jewish Historical Society is changing its name and expanding its mission to appeal to a wider audience and to provide cultural programming forall ages. Their plan, subject to approval by two thirds of their board, will be to become “The Jewish Heritage Center.” In addition to looking back on Jewish history, they willbecome more current by forming a vibrant and lively center.

ELIZABETH ROSE

Special to the Journal

A family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo was better off this holiday season due to the Jewish Journal’s reportage of their personal plight, and the community response it evoked (“After a Harrowing Journey, Jewish Refugees Arrive in the Land of Milk … and Milkmen,” Journal, December 8).

Wilson and Naomi Kapanga-Ndjibu’s riveting story of escape from persecution in Africa was chronicled in an article that described their real-life...

AMY SESSLER POWELL

Jewish Journal Staff

PEABODY — It’s been 16 years since Steve Fine noticed a strange mole on the back of his otherwise healthy 24-year-old.

Dan Fine had surprised his parents with a visit from California and it was serendipity that his father happened to see him coming out of the shower with a towel around his waist. The mole was not just large, but thick.

Steve urged his son to get the mole checked when he...

JACOB KAMARAS

JointMedia News Service

When the New England Patriots and the New York Giants take the field for Sunday’s Super Bowl, most of the country will focus on the athletes wearing the jerseys. However, from a Jewish perspective, the story behind these football franchises comes from those wearing suits in the owner’s box.

On the New England side, owner Robert Kraft’s wife Myra — who passed away last July — served as chair of the Boston-based Combined Jewish...