Jewish

At a farewell roast for retiring Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman, his Republican colleague from Arizona, John McCain, joked that he was now converting to Judaism.

“I have a major announcement to make,” said McCain, according to the Jewish newspaper the Forward. “I’m converting to Judaism.”

The New York Times opens up an article on the city's mayoral race by asking, "Where are the Jews?"

The Republican Jewish Coalition will be running this print ad in several Jewish newspapers, calling attention to the growing rift in the Democratic party over support of Israel: 

The first day of the Republican convention had two highlights, one at its beginning, one at its end.

Tampa
THE WEEKLY STANDARD has obtained an advance draft of Rabbi Meir Soloveichik's stirring invocation, which will be delivered at the start of today's Republican convention activities.

Please join me in prayer.

The Democratic National Committee is hosting an "Obama Shabbat" tonight at its Washington, D.C. headquarters to observe the Jewish sabbath. 

A new list of non-Jews "who are most positively influencing the Jewish future" lists Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in the top position. The list was created and compiled by the Algeimener, a Jewish newspaper.

Scandinavia is boring. People living there apparently have little to do. And as European history teaches, when there is nothing much to do you may as well amuse yourself by attacking the Jews.

A new television advertisement released today by Mitt Romney's campaign promises that "Romney will be a different kind of president—a strong leader who stands by our allies." 

Daniel Halper has called attention to Nancy Pelosi's remarkable interview with Al Hunt on the topic of Barack Obama and Israel. I'd note one comment in particular: Pelosi's claim that President Obama "has been there [Israel] over and over again."

In an interview, House minority leader Nancy Pelosi said that she believes Republican Jews are "being exploited," but she was sure to add, "And they're smart people."

THE WEEKLY STANDARD has been able to confirm reports that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney plans to be in Israel on Sunday, July 29. That day coincides on the Jewish calendar with the observance of the ninth day of the month of Av—Tisha B’Av, the fast day that commemorates the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem.