for Thursday, December 4, 2025

Welcome, visitor! Here's a digest of what's been published in Jewish media over the last day. JL;DR members have access to summaries of everything plus our full archive. Donate & start reading »

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

LA mayor condemns protest outside synagogue event that featured Israeli defense firm

Louis Keene in Forward

Anti-Israel protests erupted outside Los Angeles's Wilshire Boulevard Temple, where an event featuring Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems was held, resulting in the arrest of two individuals for battery and vandalism.

0 Antisemitism Israel

When Is Anti-Zionism Antisemitic? Getting Beyond the Polemics

Ethan Katz in Sources

Ethan Katz explores the contentious relationship between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, particularly in the context of contemporary higher education and political discourse.

0 Antisemitism History

The blood libel never went away. Last week in Washington, D.C., it went viral.

Pamela S. Nadell in JTA

The ancient and pernicious myth of the blood libel has resurfaced in a viral guerrilla art display at Washington, D.C.'s Union Station.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

Two Years Since 10/7

Sources

Marking the second anniversary of Hamas's attack on southern Israel, this issue of \"Sources\" reflects on the past two years, marked by events like the return of hostages and a tentative peace process.

0 Communities Politics

Our Fragile Tents: Community, Consent, and Care

Yehuda Kurtzer in Sources

Yehuda Kurtzer explores the evolving North American Jewish identity, shifting from kinship-based to consent-based belonging—a trend intensified by societal challenges and changing communal responses.

0 Communities Ethics

Rebuilding Coalitions toward a Just Future for All

Abigail Levine in Sources

In the wake of increased tensions following the outbreak of war in Israel and Gaza on October 7, questions have emerged about the space for Jewish involvement in broader social justice movements.

0 Communities History

Trauma and Its Challenges, Resilience and Its Shadow: What Holds Israeli Society Together and What Holds It Back

Shoshana Cohen in Sources

Israeli society, challenged by ongoing trauma from conflicts and crises, demonstrates remarkable resilience characterized by unique cultural and historical frameworks.

0 Communities Politics

Synagogue protest spurs action by Jewish groups and elected officials

Joseph Strauss in JTA

A recent protest outside Park East Synagogue in New York, featuring chants like "Death to the IDF," has mobilized Jewish organizations and local lawmakers to respond with a rally and legislative action.

0 Communities Holocaust

Rabbi Mayer Moskowitz, Holocaust survivor and Jewish educator, dead at 98

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Rabbi Mayer Moskowitz, who passed away at 98, lived a remarkable life defined by survival, resilience, and dedication to Jewish education.

0 Communities Sports

Zevi Eckhuas and Michele Weiss

Emes Ve-Emunah

Two recent stories highlight the concept of Kiddush HaShem, sanctifying God's name, through the accomplishments of Orthodox Jews in secular spheres.

0 Communities Israel

Fighting for my country, struggling for a home

eJewishPhilanthropy

Sergeant First Class Itamar Hayun, a longtime IDF reservist, narrates his struggle to secure affordable housing while serving his country.

0 Communities Ethics

Don’t speak for us — speak with us

eJewishPhilanthropy

Shai Assulin, a coordinator for the Jerusalem Municipality's Special Needs Department, emphasizes the importance of inclusive participation for individuals with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect them.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

Centering Our Youth as a Bridge Across the Generations

Adina H. Frydman in Sources

Adina H. Frydman reflects on the importance of empowering Jewish youth as a means to bridge generational divides, particularly in the context of supporting Israel.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Ethics

<em>Devekut</em> in the Age of Uncertainty

Jonathan Zasloff in Sources

The article explores the theme of uncertainty in Jewish life, especially within the American Jewish community, by drawing on the concept of *devekut*, or spiritual closeness to God, as a guiding principle.

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

Parshat Vayishlach: Rabin, Rachel, Rains and Retzach: How an untranslatable word shaped Judaism and holds hope for the world

Aton Holzer in Lehrhaus

Aton Holzer reflects on his memories of the Rabin assassination and the untranslatable Hebrew term "retzach," which means murder.

0 Philosophy Holocaust

5 Things Vayishlach Teaches About Faith After the Holocaust

Rivka Bennun Kay in 18forty

Parshat Vayishlach's narrative of Yaakov wrestling with a mysterious figure takes on profound significance when reflected upon in the context of post-Holocaust Jewish theology.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Conversation with Yossi Klein Halevi: The Responsibilities of an Israeli Writer

Yardena Schwartz in Sources

Yossi Klein Halevi and Yardena Schwartz discuss the evolving responsibilities and challenges facing Israeli writers in today's hostile media environment.

0 Israel Politics

Why IDF soldiers’ official headshots only show their backs

Hannah Feuer in Forward

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has adopted the unusual practice of displaying official headshots of its service members showing only the backs of their heads.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

American Antizionism

Shaul Kelner in Sources

Shaul Kelner analyzes the rise of American antizionism, exploring its roots, evolution, and impact on Jewish communities in the United States.

0 Politics Ethics

A Zionism for the Future

Chaim Seidler-Feller in Sources

Chaim Seidler-Feller explores the challenging task of reconciling Jewish ethics with Zionist nationalism.

0 Politics Communities

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin discusses what he sees as a deceptive initiative that purports to support Charedi integration into the workforce but in reality aims to maintain the status quo.

0 Politics Israel

Mamdani draws lines around how Jews should use ‘sacred spaces’

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

The article explores the controversy surrounding protests at Park East Synagogue in Manhattan, which hosted an event promoting aliyah facilitated by Nefesh B'Nefesh, an organization supported by the Israeli government.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Over 300 rabbis and Jewish leaders call for removal of UN official who denied Oct. 7 rapes

Grace Gilson in JTA

Over 300 Jewish leaders, including prominent rabbis and women's rights advocates, have called for the dismissal of Reem Alsalem, a U.N. rapporteur, after she denied reports of sexual violence during Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

0 Politics Leadership

I was interrogated by Israeli authorities — I know why they're terrified of peace activists like me

Zak Witus in Forward

Zak Witus, Director of Young Leadership and Education at the New Israel Fund, recounts his interrogation by Israeli authorities at Ben-Gurion Airport due to materials in his luggage that supported both Israeli and Palestinian peace efforts.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Politics

We Have Sinned, We Have Transgressed, We Have Polarized

Alon Shalev in Sources

The article by Alon Shalev delves into the critical issue of polarization within society, drawing on Jewish historical and moral wisdom to provide insights.

0 Ethics Torah

In Praise of Compromise: Two Models for Navigating Conflicting Values

Joshua Kullock in Sources

In the face of rising polarization among Jewish communities globally, Joshua Kullock urges a re-evaluation of the concept of compromise through a Jewish moral framework.

Culture ›

0 Culture Communities

A Rabbi and a Reverend Led Cory Booker and Alexis Lewis’ Interfaith Wedding

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Senator Cory Booker and Alexis Lewis celebrated their marriage with an interfaith ceremony, blending Jewish and Christian traditions.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

Jewish Actress Kat Graham Is Pregnant With Her First Child

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Kat Graham, renowned for her role as Bonnie Bennett on "The Vampire Diaries," has announced her pregnancy with husband Bryant Wood.

0 Culture History

Yiddish culture shared mainstream racist stereotypes, book shows

מיכאל קרוטיקאָװ in Forward

Gil Ribak's book "Crude Creatures: Confronting Representations of Black People in Yiddish Culture" explores the complex and often contradictory attitudes of Eastern European Jewish immigrants in America towards African Americans.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film History

In ‘The Secret Agent,’ a peek into Brazilian Jewish history — and a warning against propaganda

Olivia Haynie in Forward

The film "The Secret Agent," set in 1977 Brazil during the military dictatorship, explores themes of identity, propaganda, and historical memory.

0 Television/Film Gender/Identity

Carrie Soloway, inspiration for trailblazing trans Jewish protagonist of ‘Transparent,’ dies at 88

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Carrie Soloway, a Jewish psychiatrist whose journey as a transgender woman inspired the Amazon series "Transparent," has passed away at 88.

0 Television/Film Culture

All the Jewish TV Coming in December 2025

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

December 2025 is set to be a festive season for Jewish television viewers, with a selection of new specials and series featuring Jewish themes and talents.

0 Television/Film Culture

Israel's 2025 Oscar entry is a story of grief, sex and looming national tragedy

PJ Grisar in Forward

"Come Closer," Israel's 2025 Oscar entry, is a poignant film that intricately weaves themes of grief, love, and national tragedy, directed by Tom Nesher.

Education ›

0 Education Holocaust

NYC principal turns down Holocaust survivor’s talk over his ‘messages around Israel and Palestine’

Grace Gilson in JTA

A New York City middle school principal, Arin Rusch, rejected a presentation by Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann due to concerns with his material relating to Israel and Palestine.

0 Education Communities

This is the most important Jewish investment in 50 years.

Adam Hummel in Future of Jewish

Toronto's Jewish community faces a pressing need for increased day school capacity as demand for Jewish education surges.

0 Education Antisemitism

Amid campus tensions, CUNY steps up outreach to Brooklyn yeshivas

Hannah Feuer in Forward

In response to ongoing antisemitism concerns on campuses, the City University of New York (CUNY) is intensifying outreach efforts to Jewish high schools, notably through a dual enrollment program.

Literature ›

0 Literature Holocaust

The Jewish playwright who inspired Tom Stoppard to write his Holocaust history

PJ Grisar in Forward

Tom Stoppard's play "Leopoldstadt" is notably influenced by the Jewish playwright Arthur Schnitzler, a significant figure in German-speaking theater from the early 20th century.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Culture

A timely New York exhibition immerses listeners in voices from the Holocaust

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

The New York Historical's latest exhibition, "The Recordings: Voices from the Shoah Tapes," presents a visceral auditory experience that highlights the history and trauma of the Holocaust.

Sports ›

0 Sports Culture

Manischewitz is taking suggestions for its next matzah-box cover athlete

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Manischewitz is expanding its innovative initiative to spotlight exceptional Jewish college athletes by featuring them on its matzah-box covers.

History ›

0 History Politics

To be fair, we should put 'Palestinian' in quotation marks.

David E. Firester, Ph.D. in Future of Jewish

David E. Firester's guest essay explores the historical and political origins of the term 'Palestinian,' advocating for quotation marks to be used when referring to Palestinian identity claims prior to the 20th century.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Communities

Layoffs hit Shabbat dinner as OneTable slashes staff by 25%

Louis Keene in Forward

OneTable, a nonprofit facilitating Shabbat dinners for young Jewish adults, recently laid off 25% of its workforce amid declining funding.

JL;DR

for Thursday, December 4, 2025

Antisemitism ›

Communities ›

Leadership ›

Philosophy ›

Israel ›

Politics ›

Ethics ›

Culture ›

Television/Film ›

Education ›

Literature ›

Holocaust ›

Sports ›

History ›

Jewish Law ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 4's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Antisemitism ›

Communities ›

Leadership ›

Philosophy ›

Israel ›

Politics ›

Ethics ›

Culture ›

Television/Film ›

Education ›

Literature ›

Holocaust ›

Sports ›

History ›

Jewish Law ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 4's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, December 4, 2025