JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Friday, February 13, 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 »

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Can Trump save Israel from itself?

Sruli Fruchter in Forward

The piece discusses the Israeli government's recent actions towards annexing the West Bank, emphasizing the influence of right-wing extremists within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Antisemitism bills head to NYC Council Committee to Combat Hate

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

The New York City Council is advancing a set of proposals from Speaker Julie Menin aimed at combating antisemitism, which has been on the rise.

0 Politics Israel

Netanyahu draws criticism after asking to excise the word ‘massacre’ from title of Oct. 7 commemoration bill

Grace Gilson in JTA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to remove the word "massacre" from a bill commemorating the October 7 attacks has sparked significant controversy.

0 Politics Ethics

International social workers group set to vote on expelling Israeli union for ‘not acting to promote peace’

Grace Gilson in JTA

A vote by the International Federation of Social Workers is pending on whether to expel the Israeli Union of Social Workers over allegations of not promoting peace or seeking military service exemptions for its members.

0 Politics Israel

JFNA gets it right on ‘Zionism’: Words matter

eJewishPhilanthropy

A recent survey by the Jewish Federations of North America highlights a crucial shift in language concerning American Jews and their relationship to Israel.

0 Politics Israel

Zionism is worth fighting for

eJewishPhilanthropy

The evolution of Zionism's meaning and its perception among Jews is the focus of this piece, which explores how the term has been greatly misinterpreted and distorted over time.

0 Politics Antisemitism

This Time, a Real Russiagate?

Park MacDougald in Tablet

The article explores the intricate connections between right-wing conspiracy theorists, Russian influences, and certain American political figures.

0 Politics Israel

Trump is poised to reinforce Iran's regime — despite Netanyahu's pressure

Dan Perry in Forward

Amid growing tensions with Iran, President Trump proceeds with diplomatic negotiations despite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's clear dissent.

0 Politics Israel

What Carrie Prejean Boller tells us about Christian Zionism in the U.S.

Mira Fox in Forward

Carrie Prejean Boller's recent comments on Zionism and Christianity have spotlighted the complex relationship between American Christians and Israel.

Science ›

0 Science Israel

Israel’s Latest Power Play (That No One Saw Coming)

Mitch Schneider in Future of Jewish

Mitzpe Ramon in Israel's Negev desert is being transformed into Space City, a major civilian space research campus supported by NVIDIA and the Israeli government.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Communities

Late ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star James Van Der Beek Got Married in Israel

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

James Van Der Beek, renowned for his role in Dawson's Creek, got married in Tel Aviv to Kimberly Brook in 2010, blending his newfound interest in Kabbalah with his life journey.

0 Television/Film Culture

Jewish Comedy Legend Sandra Bernhard to Star In Season 4 of ‘The White Lotus’

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Sandra Bernhard, the celebrated Jewish comedian and actress known for her roles in "Roseanne" and "Pose," is set to appear in the fourth season of HBO Max's "The White Lotus."

Culture ›

0 Culture Jewish Law

Does Jewish law say it's OK to lie to the high-roller who wants to manage your rock 'n' roll band?

Peter Himmelman in Forward

Peter Himmelman recounts an encounter in 1986 with a flamboyant high-roller who offers to finance his rock career, prompting a moral dilemma about lying.

0 Culture Language

A podcast about disappearance – and Yiddish life

Luise Fakler in Forward

"I Think I Saw You (Right When You Disappeared)" is a podcast exploring the theme of disappearance through interviews with participants of the Yiddish youth camp, Generation J. This podcast, led by Eyal Davidovitch, an interdisciplinary artist based in Berlin, delves into personal narratives that intertwine with the history and culture of Yiddish.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

In two controversial ads, a tale of how not to fight antisemitism — or support Israel

Libby Lenkinski in Forward

Two prominent ad campaigns aimed at addressing Jewish concerns about antisemitism and supporting Israel were critiqued by Libby Lenkinski for their ineffective strategies.

0 Antisemitism Education

In the UK, Jew-hatred is hijacking education.

Nicole Lampert in Future of Jewish

In the UK, the National Education Union, the largest teaching union, has come under scrutiny for its perceived anti-Israel stance and the manner in which it reportedly influences educational content, potentially fostering antisemitic sentiment.

Israel ›

0 Israel Education

Mental health literacy is a national imperative for Israel, and philanthropy is making it a reality

eJewishPhilanthropy

Israel is confronting a severe mental health crisis exacerbated by recent attacks and ongoing tension.

0 Israel Politics

What to do with anti-Zionist Jews? Try talking to them, some Jewish researchers say

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Amidst rising numbers of American Jews not identifying as Zionists, researchers like Robbie Gringras, Abi Dauber Sterne, and Matt Boxer have been exploring the narratives of Jewish anti-Zionists.

Communities ›

0 Communities Antisemitism

There for each other, now more than ever

eJewishPhilanthropy

October 7, 2023, marked a day of significant pain and the beginning of a challenging period for Israel, notably exacerbated by rising antisemitism.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

We backed Birthright. Now it’s time for more big ideas for a post-Oct. 7 world.

JTA

In light of the evolving challenges facing global Jewry, particularly post-October 7, the authors advocate for a renewed approach to Jewish Peoplehood that extends beyond previous initiatives like Birthright Israel.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

How to Schnitzel Anything

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig reflects on the evolution of food writing while providing a guide on making schnitzel from various ingredients.

Torah ›

0 Torah History

The Tunneling Burglar and the False Prophet: Opening New Chapters of Biblical Interpretation

Yaakov Taubes in Lehrhaus

Yaakov Taubes examines the Christian origins of chapter divisions in the Hebrew Bible, focusing on their impact on biblical interpretation and Jewish tradition.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

Hashem Is Headlining

Dana Kessler in Tablet

Israeli pop star Odeya embodies a contemporary cultural phenomenon where young Israelis blend secular and religious identities within their art.

Sports ›

0 Sports Culture

This Jewish Olympian prays with her mom before every race

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Kamryn Lute, a Jewish Olympian and speedskater, maintains a pre-race ritual of praying with her mom, grounding her Olympic journey in faith and family.