for Thursday, October 17, 2024

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 »

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Confessions of a Jewish Democrat in Exile

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman shares his complex political journey as an American Jew who relocated to Israel and subsequently reassessed his liberal beliefs.

0 Politics History

The Hundred-Year Holy War

Eli Lake in The Free Press

Eli Lake's article discusses the long-standing myth regarding Jewish intentions towards the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is often used as justification for violence against Israelis.

0 Politics Israel

Miriam Adelson donates $100M to Trump campaign, making good on reported promise

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

Miriam Adelson, a prominent supporter of pro-Israel and Republican causes, has fulfilled her earlier promise by donating $100 million to a super PAC supporting Donald Trump's candidacy.

0 Politics Education

Shai Davidai, outspoken Israeli Columbia professor, barred from campus

Luke Tress in Forward

Shai Davidai, an outspoken Israeli assistant professor at Columbia University, has been temporarily barred from the campus following his confrontational actions during anti-Israel protests on the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Former KKK leader David Duke endorses Jill Stein for president

Jackie Hajdenberg in Forward

David Duke, the controversial former leader of the Ku Klux Klan, has surprisingly endorsed Jill Stein, the Jewish Green Party candidate for the presidential election, drawing attention due to his history as a prominent white supremacist.

0 Politics Israel

The US pressure on aid is really about a deeper anger with Netanyahu

Dan Perry in Forward

The Biden administration's threat to withhold crucial military aid from Israel unless it increases humanitarian aid to Gaza is not just about humanitarian concerns but reflects deeper frustrations with Prime Minister Netanyahu's handling of the conflict.

0 Politics Israel

A Jewish and former Democratic congressman’s case for electing Donald Trump in 2024

Peter Deutsch in JTA

Former Democratic Congressman Peter Deutsch argues that, based on foreign policy and peace achievements, Donald Trump should be re-elected in 2024.

0 Politics Israel

An Israeli-American activist’s case for electing Kamala Harris

Esther Sperber in JTA

Esther Sperber, an Israeli-born activist and U.S. voter, articulates her support for electing Kamala Harris, emphasizing Harris's alignment with her values and the interests of both American and Israeli Jews.

0 Politics History

The feted scholar who fears for Israel’s soul

Jewish Chronicle

Saul Friedländer, a distinguished Holocaust survivor and scholar, presents a critical examination of the current state of Israel in his new work, "Diary of a Crisis: Israel in Turmoil."

0 Politics History

Churchill would have stood behind Israel. We must too

Jewish Chronicle

The article draws parallels between Winston Churchill's leadership during World War II and Israel's current struggle against terrorism.

0 Politics Communities

U.S. and Canada Label Terror Fundraiser a ‘Sham Charity’

Eli Lake in The Free Press

The U.S. and Canadian governments have designated Samidoun, a group posing as an NGO that advocates for Palestinian prisoners, as a terrorist organization.

0 Politics Israel

Exclusive: In new poll, US Jews say Trump more supportive of Israelis but Harris better on Gaza war

Lauren Markoe in Forward

A recent Forward-CHIP50 poll reveals that American Jews generally favor Kamala Harris over Donald Trump to handle the Israel-Hamas conflict, with 54% expressing preference for her approach.

0 Politics Israel

Biden warns Israel to allow humanitarian relief into Gaza or face cuts to military aid

Ron Kampeas in JTA

The Biden administration has issued a warning to Israel, indicating that a failure to increase humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip could result in cuts to U.S. military aid.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

A BDS discussion deeply divides the utopian Park Slope Food Coop — again

Julia Gergely in JTA

The Park Slope Food Coop in Brooklyn, known for its progressive community ethos, is experiencing a deep rift among its members due to contentious debates over whether to adopt a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) policy against Israel.

0 Communities Jewish Law

In an Oprah-like moment, Brooklyn synagogue surprises 1,300 attendees with Jewish star necklaces

Agatha Khishchenko in JTA

Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, led by Rabbi Rachel Timoner, surprised its 1,300 Rosh Hashanah congregants with Star of David necklaces, emphasizing Jewish visibility and pride during uncertain times marked by rising antisemitism and conflict in the Middle East.

0 Communities Politics

5 ways to bring Blacks and Jews back together

Van Jones in Forward

Van Jones emphasizes the need to rebuild the historic alliance between Black and Jewish communities, which has eroded over time due to geopolitical and domestic tensions.

0 Communities Holidays

I realized the depth of my Israeli trauma after a rocket exploded while I was circumcising a baby

Rabbi Hayim Leiter in JTA

Rabbi Hayim Leiter shares a deeply personal account of how his Israeli trauma surfaced one year after Oct. 7, a day marked by repeated air-raid sirens while performing a brit milah in Efrat.

0 Communities Culture

We are all – left, right, Charedi and secular – plaited together

Jewish Chronicle

Reflecting on a past encounter with a Charedi Holocaust survivor, the author acknowledges a newfound understanding of the Charedi community's vibrancy and challenges after a meeting with the Jewish Community Council.

0 Communities Jewish Law

American Judaism is Falling Apart. We Have Ourselves to Blame

Sruli Fruchter in 18forty

Rabbi Ammi Hirsch's recent Yom Kippur sermon has sparked a debate within Jewish communities, criticizing younger generations for disconnecting from Israel and Zionism.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Culture

Republish: Depressed? Read Kohelet.

Emily Alhadeff in The Cholent

The article explores the duality of reading Kohelet, especially amidst modern anxieties like climate change and global unrest.

0 Philosophy Holidays

The pages of Ecclesiastes are now the pages of our lives

eJewishPhilanthropy

Exploring personal experiences and profound reflections, this piece connects the loss and introspective teachings of Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) with contemporary events and lives.

Culture ›

0 Culture Holidays

We bought the viral Amazon ‘tuchus’ boxes for Sukkot. What does that say about us?

Philissa Cramer in Forward

A new viral sensation among Jewish families has emerged from Amazon's marketplace: cardboard boxes mislabeled for the Sukkot holiday with the Hebrew letters inadvertently spelling "tuchus."

0 Culture Jewish Law

Why Doug Emhoff shared his bar mitzvah with a guy named Scott

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, fondly reminisces about his 1977 joint bar mitzvah with Scott Bermack at Temple Shalom in New Jersey.

0 Culture Music

A Yiddish parody of the Hebrew prayer for rain

Rukhl Schaechter in Forward

Emphasizing the cultural interplay within Jewish liturgy, Rukhl Schaechter explores a Yiddish parody of the Hebrew prayer for rain, traditionally recited on Shemini Atzeret.

0 Culture Politics

To be an Israeli mum

Jewish Chronicle

The article poignantly captures the unique experience of being an Israeli mother, intertwining personal and national narratives.

0 Culture Food

The kosher restaurants to celebrate Succot 2024 at in London and Brighton

Jewish Chronicle

With Succot 2024 approaching, several kosher restaurants in London and Brighton are offering festive dining options, including meals in succahs.

0 Culture Holidays

Designing with intention: The sukkah as a relational sanctuary

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article explores the concept of the sukkah during Sukkot as a space for intentional connection and healing amidst modern challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

0 Culture Holidays

Meet the pop-up etrog sellers of Kew Gardens, Queens

Risa Doherty in JTA

Every year, the streets of Kew Gardens Hills in Queens host a vibrant tradition of pop-up etrog markets in anticipation of Sukkot.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Ethics

Building Justice: Lessons from Sukkot

Guest Blogger in Lilith

Sukkot, often arriving quietly after the intense holiday period of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, serves as a powerful reminder of the sacred duty to address societal injustices, particularly in housing.

0 Holidays Ethics

Building a sukkah doesn’t make sense this year in Asheville. But we can see the stars already.

Joanie Terrizzi in JTA

Joanie Terrizzi reflects on her decision not to build a sukkah in Asheville, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene, emphasizing communal needs over personal traditions.

0 Holidays Communities

UK group urges families to ‘save a seat in the sukkah’ for hostages in Gaza, in a new take on a Jewish tradition

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

During the Sukkot festival, the Board of Deputies of British Jews is encouraging the Jewish community to honor hostages held by Hamas by reserving a space for them in their sukkahs.

0 Holidays Communities

Cries of sadness and shouts of joy

eJewishPhilanthropy

Rabbi Avi Killip explores the complex dynamics of joy and sorrow during Simchat Torah celebrations, particularly in the shadow of recent traumas reminiscent of historical challenges.

0 Holidays Communities

The urban sukkah: In NYC, they’re on rooftops, terraces, sidewalks and more

Beth Harpaz in Forward

In New York City's dense urban landscape, creative adaptations allow Jewish communities to celebrate Sukkot despite the lack of private outdoor spaces.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Pope Francis owes Jews an apology

Rabbi Avi Shafran in Forward

Rabbi Avi Shafran critiques Pope Francis for using language in his address to Middle Eastern Catholics that historically has been interpreted as antisemitic, specifically by referencing phrases from John 8:44, which have been weaponized against Jews.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Would I be safer in London or Netanya?

Jewish Chronicle

The article explores the contrasting perceptions of safety between a British Jew residing in London and her sister living in Netanya, Israel, amidst rising antisemitism and ongoing conflict.

0 Antisemitism Politics

The Jews do strange things to demented people.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman discusses the complexities of antisemitism, arguing that it is often misunderstood and wrongfully aligned with other types of hate.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Lufthansa ordered to pay $4M penalty for denying boarding to 128 Jewish passengers in 2022

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Lufthansa has been fined $4 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation for an incident in May 2022, where 128 Orthodox Jewish passengers were denied boarding on a flight from Frankfurt to Budapest after being grouped together due to some passenger misbehavior.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

What to Know About Erin Foster, the Jewish Mom Behind ‘Nobody Wants This’

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Erin Foster, the creative mind behind the TV show "Nobody Wants This," draws heavily from her own life experiences in crafting the narrative of a Jewish rabbi's romance with a non-Jewish woman.

0 Television/Film Gender/Identity

What if the ‘Hot Rabbi’ was a woman?

Jewish Chronicle

Exploring gender and cultural stereotypes in media, this humorous critique envisions a rom-com starring a "hot" female rabbi, subverting traditional portrayals of Jewish characters.

0 Television/Film Politics

Why didn’t Netflix’s hot rabbi mention October 7?

Jewish Chronicle

Netflix's new series "Nobody Wants This" is critiqued for omitting references to a significant recent event affecting many Jewish people: the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

Music ›

0 Music Politics

Rufus Wainwright called Trump out for using ‘Hallelujah’ — and showed he doesn’t know what the song means either

PJ Grisar in Forward

Rufus Wainwright and Donald Trump are at odds over the use of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," which Trump played at a campaign rally.

Torah ›

0 Torah Philosophy

Illusions of Life*

Emes Ve-Emunah

Illusions play a significant role in both Jewish law and human experience, enhancing the beauty and meaning of life.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

Let’s talk schools: the need to reach out to non-Jewish schools has never been greater

Jewish Chronicle

The Abraham Effect is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening Jewish identity among students in non-Jewish schools across the UK.

Sports ›

0 Sports Culture

This 11-Year-Old Orthodox Girl Is a Ping Pong Champion — But Won’t Play on Shabbat

Ann Diament Koffsky in Kveller

Estee Ackerman, an 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish girl, made headlines by choosing to forfeit a gold medal match at the U.S. National Table Tennis Championships to observe Shabbat.

History ›

0 History Politics

The Massacre That Ignited the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Future of Jewish in Future of Jewish

The article draws a parallel between the Hebron massacre of 1929 and the recent events of October 7th, 2023, where a Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival in Israel resulted in significant casualties.

Literature ›

0 Literature Politics

‘My fiction shows the truth of what’s going on in northern Israel’

Jewish Chronicle

Sarah Sultoon, a former CNN journalist turned fiction writer, explores the intersection of truth and storytelling in her political thrillers, notably set against the backdrop of northern Israeli tensions.

JL;DR

for Thursday, October 17, 2024

Politics ›

Communities ›

Philosophy ›

Culture ›

Holidays ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Music ›

Torah ›

Education ›

Sports ›

History ›

Literature ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 17's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Politics ›

Communities ›

Philosophy ›

Culture ›

Holidays ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Music ›

Torah ›

Education ›

Sports ›

History ›

Literature ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 17's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, October 17, 2024