JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Saturday, March 28, 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 »

Culture ›

0 Culture Politics

We were instant friends. Then came the Israel question.

Louis Keene in Forward

Louis Keene reflects on the challenges Jews face when navigating friendships with non-Jews in today's complex political environment, particularly when Israel becomes the focal point of discussions.

0 Culture Communities

Jews in Iran and in the diaspora find respite in celebrating Nowruz amid war

Simone Saidmehr in Forward

Jews in Iran and the diaspora are finding solace in celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, amidst ongoing conflicts.

0 Culture Politics

Ozempic’s Dirty Little Secret. Plus . . .

The Free Press in The Free Press

The Free Press discusses several issues, including Tony Blair's commentary on the West's oversight regarding antisemitism and Matti Friedman's exploration of Jewish volunteers who parachuted into Nazi-occupied Europe.

0 Culture Holidays

In my Passover memories, the magnolia trees of Brooklyn are always in bloom

Fredda Nightingale in Forward

Fredda Nightingale reflects on her childhood memories of Passover in Brooklyn, where the blooming magnolia trees heralded the arrival of spring and the holiday.

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

Man arrested over alleged firebomb plot targeting pro-Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani

Grace Gilson in Forward

The attempted firebombing of Nerdeen Kiswani's home by Alexander Heifler, an alleged member of the Jewish Defense League, highlights the tensions and extremism surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the U.S. Heifler's arrest comes after he plotted to attack Kiswani, a prominent pro-Palestinian activist, using Molotov cocktails and planned to flee to Israel post-attack.

0 Politics Israel

The moral degradation of Israel's far-right is even worse than you think

Dan Perry in Forward

In this critical piece, Dan Perry discusses the troubling trend of moral degradation within Israel's far-right political spectrum, exemplified by inflammatory statements from Knesset member Yitzhak Kroizer following a tragic incident involving the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and a Palestinian family.

0 Politics Israel

We can no longer fight wars by rules our enemies reject.

Vanessa Berg in Future of Jewish

Vanessa Berg's essay argues that Western countries, especially Israel and the U.S., face significant challenges in asymmetrical warfare against adversaries who exploit moral and legal norms that they themselves reject.

0 Politics Philosophy

Donald Trump is breaking all the scripts. What does the Talmud say about improvisational decision-making like his?

Deborah Barer in JTA

This analysis by Deborah Barer draws parallels between the improvisational decision-making style of Donald Trump and the Talmudic notion of acting 'lifnim mi-shurat ha-din'—beyond the letter of the law.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Analysis: NYC synagogue protest protection vote gives Mamdani cover

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

The New York City Council's recent measures aimed at regulating protests near synagogues and schools reflect a nuanced political maneuver.

0 Politics Israel

Re-Zionization of the West

Dan Burmawi in Future of Jewish

Dan Burmawi's essay discusses the vulnerability of Western civilization and Israel amidst rising Islamist and radical Leftist ideologies.

0 Politics Israel

Israel's best-case scenario in Iran may also be its worst

Nadav Ziv in Forward

Nadav Ziv explores the paradox of Israel’s potential military success in Iran, suggesting that even a decisive victory could lead to adverse outcomes for Israeli democracy rather than security.

0 Politics Israel

Hundreds of Diaspora leaders call for action against ‘Jewish-extremist terror in the West Bank’

Philissa Cramer in Forward

Over 1,000 Diaspora Jews have signed a petition urging Israeli President Isaac Herzog to take action against settler violence in the West Bank, which is being portrayed as a strategic threat to Israel's future.

0 Politics Antisemitism

NYC Council approves ‘buffer zone’ legislation insulating houses of worship from protests

Grace Gilson in Forward

New York City Council has approved legislation establishing protective buffer zones around synagogues to shield them from disruptive protests.

0 Politics History

This is how the Iranian regime falls.

Vaughn Cordle, CFA in Future of Jewish

The article explores the potential downfall of the Iranian regime, focusing on Kharg Island, which is critical to Iran's oil exports.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

Chicago’s new Jewish high school plucks leader from Florida day school

Grace Gilson in JTA

Richard H. Cuenca, previously of Posnack Jewish Day School in Florida, has been appointed head of the new Davis School, a pioneering non-Orthodox Jewish high school in downtown Chicago, set to open in fall 2027.

Communities ›

0 Communities Education

Can the New UW President Turn the Ship?

The Cholent in The Cholent

University of Washington President Robert J. Jones engaged with the Jewish community in a synagogue dialogue to address anti-Semitism and campus climate issues post-October 7th, 2023.

0 Communities Politics

In Israel, Amid Missile Fire, Life Goes On — Because It Must

Aviva Engel in Kveller

Amidst the backdrop of missile threats between Israel and Iran, everyday life in Israel persists, driven by resilience and necessity.

0 Communities Politics

Emergency infrastructure without a budget: The social sector as Israel’s line of defense

eJewishPhilanthropy

Israel's social sector, including nonprofits and volunteers, has played a crucial role in response to crises, including wars and the COVID-19 pandemic, despite limited funding and infrastructure.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Politics

The Orthodox world has abandoned its values by abandoning Palestinians

Rachel Landsberg in Forward

Rachel Landsberg and Esther Sperber critique the Orthodox community for what they see as a troubling silence regarding Palestinian suffering, resulting in a distortion of Jewish values.

Art ›

0 Art History

My Favorite Aunt Was A Bold Artist Ahead of Her Time

Guest Contributor in Lilith

Anna Walinska, a trailblazing artist, left an indelible mark with her prolific body of work, yet struggled with recognition both during her life and posthumously.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Milwaukee rabbi and son ordered to pay $1,000 to muralist who reportedly praised Hamas in court

Andrew Lapin in JTA

A retired rabbi, Peter Mehler, and his son, Zechariah 'Zee' Mehler, were ordered to pay a $1,000 restitution for vandalizing a Milwaukee mural depicting a Star of David transforming into a swastika, viewed by the Jewish community as antisemitic.

0 Antisemitism Communities

How antisemitism is redefining Jewish visibility for a new generation

Contributing Author in eJewishPhilanthropy

Antisemitic incidents in Europe and North America are influencing how a new generation of Jews perceives visibility and their Jewish identity.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

The Jewish Women Behind ‘The Faithful’ Bring the Biblical Matriarchs to Life

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

"The Faithful: Women of the Bible" is a three-part TV series on Fox exploring the lives of Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Leah, and Hagar.