for Thursday, June 18, 2026

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 »

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Culture

Social Justice for Moderns

Sapir

The article explores the tension Jews face in modernity between particularism, focusing on Jewish-specific responsibilities, and universalism, where Jewish values drive broader social justice initiatives.

0 Ethics Leadership

Shivim Panim: A Column on Ethics

Sapir

Shivim Panim, part of the Sapir Journal, explores how Jewish wisdom applies to ethical dilemmas in communal life by featuring debates between Jewish thinkers.

0 Ethics Politics

You're wrong, Ken Paxton: Obviously God is nonbinary

Jay Michaelson in Forward

Jay Michaelson critiques Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton for disparaging his opponent's view that God is nonbinary.

0 Ethics Culture

Curiosity vs. Contempt, for the Sake of Heaven

Guest Contributor in Lilith

The piece reflects on the complexities of identity and familial legacy through the lens of Judaism and personal experience.

0 Ethics Communities

Calculated Risk

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In "Calculated Risk" by Cindy Scarr, the protagonist reflects on her relationships with her daughters, Kayla and Sarala, as she navigates the challenges and joys of motherhood.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Education

Shivim Panim

Sapir

In the debut of Sapir's new feature "Shivim Panim," Rabba Yaffa Epstein and Rabbi David Wolpe discuss the ethical implications of paying students to study Torah.

0 Jewish Law Culture

To Err is Human; to Disagree, Jewish

Sapir

Jewish tradition embraces controversy as a core component of its intellectual and spiritual life, valuing disagreement and diversity of opinion as tools for growth and understanding.

0 Jewish Law Israel

Who are the Real Neturei Karta?

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

In this critical analysis, Natan Slifkin explores the complex dynamics of Rabbi Asher Weiss's position within the charedi world and his participation in the Keren Olam HaTorah tour, which advocates for lifelong Torah study over military service.

0 Jewish Law Gender/Identity

Gay Pride and Orthodox Judaism

Emes Ve-Emunah

Exploring the complex relationship between Orthodox Judaism and societal views on homosexuality, the article grapples with the Torah's prohibitions against homosexual acts in contrast to modern societal acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ identities.

0 Jewish Law Culture

Doughnuts and Small Miracles

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article "Doughnuts and Small Miracles" explores themes of kosher observance and divine intervention through a personal anecdote.

Politics ›

0 Politics Torah

Wisdom in the Face of Destruction

Sapir

In response to the violence and suffering witnessed in the conflict involving Hamas and Israel, the article reflects on Torah teachings about human cruelty and the necessity of memory to prevent recurring evil.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Georgia’s Jewish senator called his newly minted GOP opponent an antisemite. Why?

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Georgia's Jewish Senator Jon Ossoff has accused his Republican opponent, Mike Collins, of antisemitism.

0 Politics Israel

Alex Bores’ supporters disagree on Israel. They agree on him.

Joseph Strauss in Forward

Alex Bores, aiming to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler, is managing a rare political feat by uniting pro-Israel supporters and progressive groups often critical of Israeli policies.

0 Politics Israel

Organizers of London Israeli real estate fair apologize after West Bank properties surface despite denials

Kelly Hartog in Forward

Organizers of the Great Israeli Real Estate Event in London faced backlash after it was revealed that properties in the West Bank were promoted, despite prior denials.

0 Politics Israel

In Trump deal, Iran can have ballistic missiles and billions of dollars – but must give up nukes

Tovah Lazaroff in Forward

President Donald Trump's new deal with Iran, which was announced during the G7 summit, aims to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while allowing it to keep its ballistic missile program.

0 Politics Israel

Trump defends his deal with Iran, saying it means Israel is ‘not going to be nuked’

Tovah Lazaroff in JTA

Former President Donald Trump defended his controversial deal with Iran at the G7 summit, asserting it prevents Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and thereby protecting Israel from nuclear destruction.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The boycott of Israel is increasingly targeting individuals

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Amid intensifying boycott movements against Israel, individual Israelis, even those critical of their government, are increasingly targeted.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Rank Islamophobia in Congress is a crisis for American Jews

Abe Silberstein in Forward

The rise of the Sharia-Free America Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, with over 60 Republican members, presents a major concern for American Jews, suggesting parallels to historical xenophobia against Jewish immigrants.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Lahmeyer, pastor who says Antichrist will be Jewish, drops out of Oklahoma GOP runoff

Philissa Cramer in Forward

Jackson Lahmeyer, a pastor from Oklahoma who supports Israel and controversially preaches that the Antichrist will have Jewish heritage, has withdrawn from a Republican primary runoff for a congressional seat.

0 Politics Communities

Democratic socialist whose Israel criticism ignited Jewish leaders’ concern leads D.C. mayoral primary vote

Shira Li Bartov in JTA

Janeese Lewis George, a Democratic socialist and harsh critic of Israel, leads the Democratic mayoral primary in Washington, D.C., stirring debate among Jewish leaders and signaling a shift in political landscapes towards more progressive stances on Israel.

0 Politics Communities

Pushed to the Limit

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article delves into the escalating conflict between the Israeli state and the chareidi community regarding the conscription of yeshivah students into the military.

0 Politics Israel

Trump’s Diplomacy Under the Microscope

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr scrutinizes the Trump administration's foreign policy regarding Iran and its implications for Israel and the broader Middle East.

0 Politics Israel

Israel keeps winning wars. So why are we losing?

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Israel consistently excels in military conflicts through its advanced intelligence, technology, and strategic prowess.

0 Politics Israel

Israel exposed the war inside Trump's White House.

Guy Goldstein in Future of Jewish

Guy Goldstein explores the internal conflicts within President Trump's administration, focusing on foreign policy decisions influenced by three camps.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

The God Who Dwells in Doubt

Sapir

The author discusses their journey from atheism to faith, grappling with both belief and doubt.

Torah ›

0 Torah Jewish Law

Avot 5:6: The Mouth of Korah’s Earth and the 2nd Edition of the Tosafot Yom Tov

Yaakov Jaffe in Lehrhaus

Yaakov Jaffe analyzes the evolution in R. Yom Tov Lipman Heller's interpretation of Avot 5:6 between the first and second editions of his Mishnah commentary, Tosafot Yom Tov.

0 Torah Leadership

Read the Room, But Don’t Let It Run You

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Reflecting on this week’s parshah, Cindy Scarr explores the motivations of the 250 men who joined Korach’s rebellion against Moses.

0 Torah Communities

5 Ways Korach Shows How Communities Avoid Hard Truths

18Forty Staff in 18forty

The 18Forty Parsha Guide explores how the community's reaction in Parshat Korach reflects a human tendency to avoid confronting hard truths.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Education

Far-right YouTuber raises nearly $20K for Cornell student who said he was ‘not interested in working for a jew’

Jackie Hajdenberg in Forward

Austin Franco, a Cornell student, sparked controversy by refusing a job with Jewish employers and articulating antisemitic views online.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Alleged White House attack plot singled out officials seen as tied to pro-Israel groups, FBI says

Shira Li Bartov in JTA

Federal law enforcement officials unveiled a plot involving five suspects who allegedly planned an attack targeting U.S. lawmakers associated with pro-Israel groups, during an event at the White House.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Feds investigating antisemitism allegations at American Psychological Association

Andrew Lapin in JTA

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched an investigation into allegations of antisemitism within the American Psychological Association (APA), following complaints from Jewish and Israeli psychologists.

Culture ›

0 Culture Education

Please help us continue serving you.

Future of Jewish in Future of Jewish

Future of Jewish, led by Joshua Hoffman, is making its content freely available to promote understanding of Judaism, Israel, and the global Jewish community.

0 Culture Ethics

How to Unfriend a Pigeon

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr humorously chronicles her personal struggle to rid her home of pigeons, offering practical and tested advice on how to deter these tenacious birds from nesting on one's property.

0 Culture Leadership

Consider the soul of donor relationships

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article explores the role of AI in enhancing efficiency for Jewish nonprofits by streamlining tasks like drafting appeal letters and segmenting donor lists.

0 Culture Communities

In Britain, a Jewish Culture Month aims to move the conversation beyond Oct. 7

Kelly Hartog in Forward

In an effort to showcase the richness of Jewish culture beyond the often-contentious issues surrounding Israel, the Board of Deputies of British Jews launched the first-ever "Jewish Culture Month" in Britain.

Communities ›

0 Communities Ethics

Beyond politics, a well still needs water

eJewishPhilanthropy

Traveling to Central Africa, Rabbi Mendy Chitrik reflects on the unique challenges and responsibilities of sustaining Jewish life in the region, highlighting the Jewish-Muslim cooperation in charitable projects.

0 Communities Culture

North Americans are most likely to move to Israel in the summer. Here’s why.

Peter Ephross in JTA

Each summer, a significant number of North American Jews make aliyah, and the trend seems to be growing as families look to align their moves with the academic calendar and Jewish holidays.

0 Communities Antisemitism

Slovenia’s last Jewish institution endures through desecration and decay

Alan Grabinsky in Forward

Amid political tensions and a lack of governmental support, Slovenia's lone Jewish institution, the Jewish Cultural Center Ljubljana, persists through challenges including desecration and financial hardship.

0 Communities Gender/Identity

I’ve spent a decade building acceptance for LGBTQ Orthodox Jews. Now I’m watching it unravel.

Saundra Sterling Epstein in JTA

Saundra Sterling Epstein, an advocate for LGBTQ+ acceptance within the Orthodox Jewish community, highlights the challenges faced over a decade of progress now threatened by increasing political and cultural polarization.

0 Communities Philosophy

Choose Life

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

One year after the tragic loss of his wife and newborn son in a terror attack, Chananel Gez reflects on his journey of mourning and resilience.

Music ›

0 Music Sports

This Year’s Maccabiah Anthem Is the Song of the Summer

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The latest anthem for the Maccabiah Games, a major Jewish international sporting event, has captivated audiences with its mix of humor, nostalgia, and catchy beats.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

Investments that work: How our organization avoids professional burnout

eJewishPhilanthropy

Keshet, an organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Jewish community, has successfully implemented strategies to combat professional burnout among its staff, despite significant external pressures from increased anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and antisemitism.

JL;DR

for Thursday, June 18, 2026

Ethics ›

Jewish Law ›

Politics ›

Philosophy ›

Torah ›

Antisemitism ›

Culture ›

Communities ›

Music ›

Leadership ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

June 18's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Ethics ›

Jewish Law ›

Politics ›

Philosophy ›

Torah ›

Antisemitism ›

Culture ›

Communities ›

Music ›

Leadership ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

June 18's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, June 18, 2026