JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Thursday, April 23, 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 »

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Politics

NYC progressive Jewish group picks rabbi to replace leader who joined Mamdani administration

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Margo Hughes-Robinson, a Conservative rabbi and former executive director of Partners for Progressive Israel, has been appointed as the new leader of New York Jewish Agenda (NYJA) following Phylisa Wisdom's departure to join the Mamdani administration.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

The Duality of Kisuy Ha-Dam

Michael Kurin in Lehrhaus

Michael Kurin's article explores the multi-layered significance of the biblical mitzvah of kisuy ha-dam, the commandment to cover the blood of a slaughtered bird or wild animal, within Vayikra 17.

Politics ›

0 Politics Education

Former Columbia professor tells NYU students to learn from Hamas at off-campus event

Simone Saidmehr in Forward

Mohamed Abdou, a former Columbia University professor, gave a controversial lecture organized by Shut it Down NYU, an unaffiliated student group, advocating for learning from Hamas and engaging in violence for the pro-Palestinian cause.

0 Politics Communities

Jewish politician booed at 92NY event after defending Mayor Mamdani

Joseph Strauss in JTA

At a 92NY event focusing on "The Future of Being Jewish in New York," tensions flared as a Jewish politician, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, was booed for defending Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

0 Politics Israel

These states want to ban the term ‘West Bank’ and replace it with ‘Judea and Samaria’

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Several U.S. states are considering legislation that bans the use of the term "West Bank" and opts for "Judea and Samaria" in official documents.

0 Politics Communities

An Independence Day of Disunity

Emes Ve-Emunah

On Israeli Independence Day, the author reflects on feelings of pride in both Israel and the United States, while lamenting the profound disunity among Jews, both religious and secular.

0 Politics Jewish Law

New York City’s top Jewish officials urge Mamdani to recognize Israel’s centrality to Jewish identity

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Jewish elected leaders in New York City are urging Mayor Zohran Mamdani to acknowledge the emotional and cultural significance of Israel to the city's large Jewish population, despite his pro-Palestinian stance and notable decisions, such as his refusal to visit Israel.

0 Politics Culture

Looming large over Israel’s 78th Independence Day celebrations: Argentina’s Javier Milei

Grace Gilson in JTA

Argentinian President Javier Milei's presence in Israel for its 78th Independence Day was marked by highly symbolic gestures affirming the close ties between Argentina and Israel.

0 Politics Culture

The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas says Zionists ‘talk like Black people during slavery’

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Julian Casablancas, lead singer of The Strokes, sparked controversy with remarks comparing American Zionists' behavior to that of enslaved Black people, during an interview for the web series SubwayTakes.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Jewish Dems vow to keep fighting in Michigan, even as they question if they belong

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Jewish Democrats in Michigan are grappling with feelings of marginalization within their party following a recent state convention in Detroit.

0 Politics Communities

Netanyahu heckled at Israel's official Memorial Day ceremony as bereaved families grasp for comfort

Philissa Cramer in Forward

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced heckling at Israel's official Memorial Day ceremony, reflecting the deep political divides and tensions as Israel continues to grapple with conflict and loss.

Communities ›

0 Communities Education

Why I came to Israel to work for shared society

eJewishPhilanthropy

Sami Jinich shares his journey from growing up in a pluralistic Jewish home in America to becoming an active participant in building a shared society in Israel.

0 Communities Culture

After a fire destroyed their synagogue, its youth group tries to rebuild hope and community

Sophie Bilu in JTA

The Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center has shown remarkable resilience after a devastating fire destroyed its synagogue of over 80 years, forcing the congregation and its youth group to rethink their communal and spiritual practices.

Music ›

0 Music Israel

6 Israeli Musical Artists Winning Over International Audiences

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

This piece spotlights six Israeli musical talents who have gained international attention, embracing both Hebrew and English languages.

0 Music Culture

Marx Brothers fans rejoice: There’s a recording of Harpo speaking

PJ Grisar in Forward

Fans of the Marx Brothers are thrilled to discover a recording of Harpo Marx, famously known for his mute performances, speaking during a March 1964 benefit concert for the Riverside Symphony Orchestra.

Culture ›

0 Culture History

The Jewish Roots of Rummikub

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Rummikub, a beloved tile-based game, finds its origins in the Jewish context of Ephraim Hertzano's life, first in Romania and then Israel.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

A lost film by Israeli B-movie director Sam Firstenberg gets a new life

Andrew Silow-Carroll in Forward

Sam Firstenberg, the Israeli-born director known for his cult B-movies such as "American Ninja" and "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo," is experiencing a renewed interest in his work due to the upcoming screening of his obscure film "Riverbend."

0 Television/Film Culture

A lost film by Israeli B-movie director Sam Firstenberg gets a new life

Stephen Silver in JTA

Sam Firstenberg, an acclaimed Israeli director known for cult B-movies, is experiencing a resurgence with the re-release of his lesser-known 1989 film, 'Riverbend.'

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Israel

This Yom Haatzmaut, we have to ask: Can Israel endure on human effort alone?

Rabbi Elazar Symon in JTA

Rabbi Elazar Symon examines the tension between human initiative and divine providence in the context of Israel's existence.

Israel ›

0 Israel Communities

Israel isn’t breaking. It’s becoming something better.

Joel Meyer in Future of Jewish

In this thought-provoking essay, Joel Meyer challenges the simplistic narrative that Israel is merely shifting from collectivism to individualism and becoming like other developed nations.

0 Israel Politics

Location, location, location: The road Zionism took

eJewishPhilanthropy

Yossi Avni-Levy and Michael Chabon's novels explore alternate realities where Jewish sovereignty is established outside of Israel, specifically considering locations like Poland or Alaska.

0 Israel Culture

The farmers of Israel’s North are not fighting for nostalgia. They’re fighting for our independence.

eJewishPhilanthropy

The op-ed emphasizes the critical role of Israeli farmers in the North, especially in light of recent conflicts, underscoring their work as crucial for sustaining Israel's independence rather than mere nostalgia.

0 Israel Antisemitism

Israel’s Independence Day is no longer just for Israelis.

Hen Mazzig in Future of Jewish

Israeli writer Hen Mazzig shares a poignant reflection on Yom Haatzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, broadening its significance beyond Israeli borders to Jews globally.