for Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Education ›

‘I’m screaming for help’: Jewish students face violence at UC Berkeley Israel talk

Emma Goss in Forward

Jewish students at UC Berkeley faced violence as pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted a lecture by an Israeli attorney and IDF reservist, resulting in injuries to attendees.

0 Education Communities

Educate a Child According to His Way // Rabbi Yeshayahu Weber, a mechanech with over 50 years of experience, discusses the state of chinuch today

Rabbi Eliezer Brand in Ami

Rabbi Yeshayahu Weber, a seasoned teacher in chinuch with over 50 years of experience, sheds light on the challenges in education today.

0 Education Music

Jenni Asher is set to become first ordained Black woman cantor

Andrew Esensten in Forward

Jenni Asher, a talented violinist who converted to Judaism, is set to become the first ordained Black American woman cantor in the United States.

0 Education Politics

Universities Are Making Us Dumber

Sergiu Klainerman in Tablet

The text discusses concerns about the decline in academic standards and intellectual diversity at elite universities like Harvard, Penn, and MIT due to the influence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

0 Education Politics

The Takeover

Neetu Arnold in Tablet

The recent surge of anti-Israel activism on American university campuses has taken on a more radical and sometimes antisemitic tone, fueled by the growing presence of foreign students, particularly from Arab and Muslim countries, with nationalist and tribal grievances against Israel and the United States.

Communities ›

0 Communities

Miles Berger // Berger Organization

Nesanel Gantz in Ami

Miles Berger, also known as Mordechai Pinchas, is the chairman and CEO of the Berger Organization, a real estate company with significant investments in Newark, New Jersey, spanning commercial and hospitality properties.

0 Communities Jewish Law

‘Were you adopted?’ and other questions not to ask Jews of color

Zerline Hughes Spruill in JTA

The article discusses common questions that Jews of color often encounter, such as assumptions about adoption, ethnicity, Hebrew language proficiency, conversion status, and familiarity with other Jews of color.

0 Communities Gender/Identity

Family First Inbox: Issue 883

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The Family First Inbox shares personal experiences and reflections related to familial dynamics, stress management, and emotional challenges.

0 Communities Gender/Identity

Dear Abuse Survivor

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The text, addressed to abuse survivors, conveys a message of hope and healing.

0 Communities Gender/Identity

Ruth Fein, ‘absolute giant of the Boston Jewish community,’ dies at 96

Penny Schwartz in Forward

Ruth Fein, a pioneering figure in the Boston Jewish community, passed away at the age of 96.

0 Communities Israel

You shall sojourn together: A lived experiment in interorganizational Jewish collaboration

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

A Jewish professional reflects on an impactful trip to Israel with Birthright, where professionals from various Jewish organizations, including Hillel, Chabad, and advocacy groups, came together for a week of shared learning and unity in the wake of a national tragedy.

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

For Whom Mr. Bell Tolls // One squad member’s woes are just part of the picture

Avi Shafran in Ami

The article discusses the challenges faced by members of the Congressional progressive group known as the Squad, particularly focusing on Cori Bush of Missouri, who is facing difficulties in her re-election campaign due to trailing behind her opponent Wesley Bell and facing a Department of Justice investigation.

0 Politics Communities

How the war in Gaza impacted Michigan's primary — and what that portends for the general election

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

In Michigan's presidential primary, a significant protest vote of over 13% of Democrats marked themselves as uncommitted to express frustration with President Joe Biden's stance on the Israel-Hamas war.

0 Politics Israel

Campaign protesting Biden’s support for Israel celebrates as tens of thousands vote ‘Uncommitted’ in Michigan primary

Ron Kampeas in JTA

A campaign protesting President Joe Biden's support for Israel in the Michigan Democratic presidential primary declared victory as tens of thousands voted Uncommitted, surpassing expectations and voicing opposition to Biden's stance on the war in Gaza.

0 Politics Antisemitism

In ‘The Ally,’ Josh Radnor is one Jew with five opinions

PJ Grisar in Forward

Itamar Moses' play, "The Ally," delves into the complexities of Israel, social justice, and activism on an American college campus.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Pro-Palestine Politics Hit a Wall in Keir Starmer’s Labour Party - The leadership of the UK’s main opposition party has managed to contain internal dissent over Israel’s war on Gaza.

Dahlia Krutkovich and Jonathan Shamir in Jewish Currents

The Labour Party in the UK, under Keir Starmer's leadership, has faced internal challenges regarding its stance on Israel's actions in Gaza.

0 Politics Israel

Biden is preparing to defy Israel in wartime — something no president has done since Eisenhower

Eric Alterman in Forward

President Joe Biden has historically supported Israel but is now proposing a resolution that goes against Israel's war aims, potentially defying Israel publicly in wartime for the first time in decades.

0 Politics Israel

Jon Stewart unveils his plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace

PJ Grisar in Forward

Jon Stewart recently discussed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on The Daily Show, proposing three plans for peace, including a NATO-type agreement called Middle East Treaty Organization (METO).

0 Politics

Analysis: For South Africans, the ICJ Case is a “Reawakening”

John Besche in Moment

South Africans recently gathered at Johannesburg's airport to celebrate their legal team's participation in filing a suit with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention in Gaza.

0 Politics Literature

Yascha Mounk is showing the way out of today’s culture wars

David Rose in Jewish Chronicle

Yascha Mounk, in his book "The Identity Trap," discusses the challenges of identity politics, particularly its impact on antisemitism and the Jewish community in American institutions.

0 Politics Music

Covering The Horror; Recovering From The Trauma

Gary Rosenblatt in Between The Lines

In response to the trauma experienced by over 150 Israeli journalists and support professionals who covered the October 7 attacks where hundreds were killed, an emergency fund provided grants for psychological support.

0 Politics Communities

Charlie Biton, co-founder of Israeli Black Panthers and first Israeli to meet Arafat, dies at 76

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

Charlie Biton, co-founder of the Israeli Black Panthers and a prominent activist in Israel, passed away at the age of 76.

0 Politics Israel

Outside the Israel Embassy, tears for the ‘martyr’ who set himself on fire there

Lauren Markoe in Forward

Aaron Bushnell, a U.S. Air Force airman, tragically self-immolated in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. as a protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

0 Politics Communities

Biden is assured victory in Michigan primary, but the state’s large Arab American population wants to send a warning

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

President Joe Biden is expected to win the Michigan primary, but the state's large Arab American population is sending a warning by considering a protest vote due to dissatisfaction with Biden's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Literature ›

0 Literature History

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a Tantalizing, Unsentimental Prophet, Is Miles More American Than Maya Angelou

David Mikics in Tablet

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a significant American thinker, is portrayed as a challenging and thought-provoking figure in James Marcus' new biography.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

The General Who Believes in Winning Wars

Armin Rosen in Tablet

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Gershon Hacohen believes in winning wars and has been a strong dissenting voice in Israeli military circles.

0 Israel History

History is screaming at the Jews. Are we listening?

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The text discusses the importance of listening to history as a way to understand and protect the Jewish people.

0 Israel

For thousands of Israeli soldiers wounded in Gaza, a long journey to recovery of body and mind

Eliyahu Freedman in Forward

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October, nearly 6,000 Israeli soldiers have been injured, with a projected total possibly reaching 20,000 by the end of 2024 – the highest in Israel's history.

0 Israel Politics

Did Israeli intelligence fail to spot an obvious mobile phone signal about the October 7 invasion?

In Jerusalem in Jewish Chronicle

Israeli intelligence agencies failed to correctly interpret various signals indicating Hamas was preparing an attack on October 7.

0 Israel Jewish Law

The Growing Divide Among Religious Jews

Emes Ve-Emunah

There is a growing divide among religious Jews in Israel over military service, particularly within the Charedi community.

0 Israel Politics

What Diaspora Jews CAN Do for Israel

Jewdicious

The author reflects on the ongoing conflict in Israel and the importance of Diaspora Jews taking action to support Israelis.

0 Israel Antisemitism

Why I Became Addicted to Zionism

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The article discusses the author's personal journey from not being raised in a Zionist environment to becoming deeply connected to Zionism after living in Israel.

0 Israel Antisemitism

The Palestinians had no choice.

Future of Jewish

The essay discusses the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, focusing on the argument that the Palestinians had no choice but to resort to violence due to the alleged injustices of the Israeli occupation.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Education

Feds open antisemitism investigation at a Maryland school district after a conservative activist’s complaint

Andrew Lapin in Forward

The Department of Education has launched an antisemitism investigation at a Maryland school district following a complaint by a conservative activist, Justin Samuels, who cited an opinion piece by two Jewish individuals affiliated with the school district.

0 Antisemitism Education

The Moment Is Now

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Jewish students are facing a resurgence of anti-Semitism on university campuses, with incidents causing fear and concern for physical safety.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Father of lone soldier killed in Jerusalem stabbing attack running for Georgia state Senate

Jackie Hajdenberg in Forward

David Lubin, the father of Rose Lubin, an Israeli soldier killed in a Jerusalem stabbing attack in 2023, is running for Georgia State Senate.

0 Antisemitism Education

‘This is that time’: Hillel Int’l CEO calls for Jewish students to lean in on Israel

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Hillel International CEO Adam Lehman emphasized the importance of Jewish organizations standing firm in their support for Israel amidst rising antisemitism and demonization on college campuses.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Teachers union halts campaign for LA school board candidate who promoted antisemitic book

Jacob Gurvis in JTA

The Los Angeles teachers union and L.A. County Federation of Labor have stopped supporting school board candidate Kahllid Al-Alim after he promoted an antisemitic book online.

0 Antisemitism Education

Class Dismissed: An Interview with Jewish Studies Professor Jeffrey Blutinger

Jennifer Bardi in Moment

Jeffrey Blutinger, the director of Jewish Studies at Cal State University Long Beach, was invited to give a lecture at San Jose State University on Israeli-Palestinian relations, which was disrupted by protesters opposed to having a Zionist speaker on campus.

0 Antisemitism Television/Film

Barbra Streisand Honors the Jews Who Created the Film Industry in Moving Acceptance Speech

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Barbra Streisand was honored with a Life Achievement award at the SAG awards and delivered a poignant acceptance speech paying tribute to the Jewish founders of the film industry who fled antisemitism in Eastern Europe to create movie studios like MGM and Warner Brothers.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Literature

Central Synagogue presents a ‘regendered’ version of the Hebrew Bible, with music and art

Rachel Ringler in JTA

Artist Yael Kanarek has embarked on a groundbreaking project called Toratah, which presents a regendered version of the Hebrew Bible by reversing the genders of all characters, offering a perspective where divine inspiration flows through matriarchal lineage.

0 Gender/Identity Communities

Are the kids all right? Abigail Shrier says you should stop asking them

Zoe Strimpel in Jewish Chronicle

Abigail Shrier, known for her controversial book on teenage transgenderism, now delves into the topic of child therapy in her new book "Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up."

0 Gender/Identity Communities

Are we the guinea pig generation of working mums?

Naomi Greenaway in Jewish Chronicle

The author reflects on the challenges faced by working mothers of her generation, highlighting how the expectations of career success did not account for the additional challenge of balancing motherhood.

Culture ›

0 Culture Gender/Identity

Jenny Slate’s New Special Celebrates Jewish Women With No Chill

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Jenny Slate's new Amazon Prime special "Seasoned Professional" celebrates Jewish women with humor that is loud, crass, and unapologetically herself.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

How I’m rolling back the years

Viola Levy in Jewish Chronicle

The author discusses how heated rollers, a classic hair tool often underestimated in favor of modern gadgets and salon treatments, have become a valuable time-saver, particularly for busy mornings as a parent.

Language ›

0 Language Literature

Aaron Lansky, who rescued 1.5 million Yiddish books and founded the Yiddish Book Center, is retiring

Beth Harpaz in Forward

Aaron Lansky, founder of the Yiddish Book Center, is retiring after rescuing 1.5 million Yiddish books and helping revitalize Yiddish language, literature, and culture.

Art ›

0 Art Gender/Identity

'A Jewish woman, a widow, a damn good painter and a little too independent' — reclaiming Lee Krasner's legacy

Laurie Gwen Shapiro in Forward

Lee Krasner, a talented artist in her own right, often overshadowed by her husband, Jackson Pollock, is being reevaluated in the art world.

Science ›

0 Science

The Mind Behind the Madness

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article discusses understanding human behavior by comparing it to scientific phenomena like sound creation.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Torah

Parshas Ki Sisa: Solution Evolution

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In Parshas Ki Sisa, the narrative of the golden calf is explored through the lens of decision-making and problem-solving.

0 Jewish Law Communities

Can my shul host a kiddush to celebrate a non-Jewish grandchild?

Rabbi Alex Chapper in Jewish Chronicle

An Orthodox perspective suggests that celebrating the birth of a non-Jewish grandchild in a synagogue poses complex considerations beyond mere popularity and may involve the discomfort of individuals who have chosen to marry outside the faith.

History ›

0 History Jewish Law

Turning a New Page

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Dirshus Amud Yomi program celebrated in Vienna draws parallels to the historic Knessiah Gedolah a century ago, linking past Torah luminaries with present-day leaders marking the founding of the new initiative.

Music ›

0 Music Language

How Jewish music helped me find my voice again

Mark Glanville in Jewish Chronicle

The author recounts how Jewish music, inspired by their mother's German cultural background and classical influences, helped them navigate personal struggles and ultimately find their artistic voice.

0 Music Politics

Jewish frontman of heavy metal band Disturbed raises $29K for private security for Matisyahu after pro-Palestinian protests

Jackie Hajdenberg in Forward

David Draiman, the Jewish frontman of heavy metal band Disturbed, raised over $29,000 through a fundraiser to provide private security for Matisyahu, the Jewish reggae singer, after he faced cancellations of his shows due to pro-Palestinian protests.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust History

The Counterfeit Countess, book review: The Jew who saved thousands of Poles by posing as a Catholic

Amanda Hopkinson in Jewish Chronicle

"The Counterfeit Countess" recounts the remarkable story of Janina Mehlberg, a Jewish mathematician who impersonated a Polish countess to save over 10,000 mainly Polish camp inmates during World War II.

0 Holocaust Politics

Holocaust education bill fails in Washington State after debate over Jewish refugees, genocide and the Gaza war

Andrew Lapin in Forward

A bill in Washington State proposing Holocaust education in schools failed after debate over references to Israel's war with Hamas.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Fennel and Beet Borscht

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

The text discusses the classic Jewish dish of borscht and introduces a recipe for Fennel and Beet Borscht from the upcoming cookbook "Nosh: Plant-Forward Recipes Celebrating Modern Jewish Cuisine" by Micah Siva.

Miscellaneous

After four months of war, how much of Gaza’s terror tunnel network remains?

Ruth Marks Eglash in Jewish Insider

Israeli and U.S. officials estimate that only a small fraction of the extensive tunnel network built by Hamas in Gaza has been demolished so far, despite ongoing efforts by the IDF to detect and neutralize these tunnels.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Education ›

Communities ›

Politics ›

Literature ›

Israel ›

Antisemitism ›

Gender/Identity ›

Culture ›

Language ›

Art ›

Science ›

Jewish Law ›

History ›

Music ›

Holocaust ›

Food ›

Miscellaneous

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

February 28's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Education ›

Communities ›

Politics ›

Literature ›

Israel ›

Antisemitism ›

Gender/Identity ›

Culture ›

Language ›

Art ›

Science ›

Jewish Law ›

History ›

Music ›

Holocaust ›

Food ›

Miscellaneous

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

February 28's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, February 28, 2024