for Thursday, February 29, 2024

Jewish Law ›

Modern Orthodoxy at the Crossroads: Past, Present, and Future

Steven Bayme in Lehrhaus

Joseph Kaplan, a retired attorney and Modern Orthodox intellectual, offers a collection of writings spanning over half a century in "A Passionate Writing Life."

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Sweating the Small Stuff

Dovid Bashevkin in Tablet

The text discusses the author's initial disappointment with the Talmudic focus on seemingly mundane topics like laws about damages and cows, questioning the spirituality in these discussions.

0 Jewish Law History

The secret Jewish history of Leap Year

Seth Rogovoy in Forward

The article discusses the significance of Leap Year in both the secular Gregorian and Hebrew calendars, highlighting how intercalation is used to align fixed dates with natural phenomena.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

John Avlon pivots from punditry to politics

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

Journalist and former CNN commentator John Avlon has shifted his focus from punditry to politics by entering the primary in New York's 1st Congressional District to challenge a vulnerable Republican incumbent.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Deborah Lipstadt urges New York Jews to ‘bring the joy’ of Judaism despite increased antisemitism

Luke Tress in Forward

Deborah Lipstadt, the State Department's antisemitism envoy, has noticed a rise in antisemitism, particularly in New York City, following global events.

0 Politics Israel

The actual best questions to ask people you disagree with on Israel

Diane Shane Fruchtman in Forward

In a response to Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove's suggestions for talking about Israel with those holding different views, Diane Shane Fruchtman critiques the assumptions underlying the proposed questions as patronizing and ungenerous.

0 Politics Israel

Jared Kushner's Well Deserved Honor

Emes Ve-Emunah

Former Trump administration senior adviser Jared Kushner is set to receive an award from the Anti-Defamation League for his diplomatic efforts regarding Israel, particularly his role in the Abraham Accords that normalized relations between Israel and Middle Eastern countries like Bahrain and the UAE, as well as moving the American embassy to Jerusalem.

0 Politics Communities

Goodbye God, It's Elections

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

The article discusses the contradiction within the Charedi community in Israel regarding their beliefs in divine providence and the importance of taking practical actions, particularly in the context of elections.

0 Politics Israel

Why the glorification of Aaron Bushnell is a tragic mistake

Josh Kaplan in Jewish Chronicle

The text criticizes the glorification of Aaron Bushnell, a US Air Force member who tragically self-immolated outside the Israeli embassy in Washington DC as a form of protest against the conflict in Gaza.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The curious case of ahistorical historian William Dalrymple

Stephen Pollard in Jewish Chronicle

Renowned historian William Dalrymple, known for his accolades in the field, has come under scrutiny for his recent social media posts focusing on Israel and its supporters, including a confrontation with a young Jewish woman expressing fear of anti-Jewish sentiment.

0 Politics Israel

How Arab Regimes Are Infiltrating the West

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The text discusses how Arab regimes, particularly Qatar, have been infiltrating the West, including the United States, through financial influence.

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.

Literature ›

0 Literature History

The Last Chronicler of a Lost World

Edward Serotta in Tablet

Joseph Roth, a Jewish writer born in Brody in 1894, is portrayed as the chronicler of a lost world in the town's historical context.

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.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

Comedian Richard Lewis, dark prince of Jewish neurosis, dies at 76

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Comedian Richard Lewis, known for his self-deprecating humor, Jewish neurotic personality, and dark comedy style, passed away at 76 after battling health issues, including Parkinson's disease.

0 Television/Film Culture

Richard Lewis’ life was not 'from hell'

PJ Grisar in Forward

Comedian and actor Richard Lewis, known for popularizing the phrase "___ from hell," passed away at the age of 76 after battling health issues.

0 Television/Film Israel

Before There Was ‘The Bear,’ There Was the Israeli Show ‘The Chef’

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

"The Chef" is an Israeli TV show that predates the popular American series "The Bear" and focuses on Nimrod, a man transitioning from high tech to the culinary world in Tel Aviv.

Culture ›

0 Culture Food

From knishes to challahs, these classic Ashkenazi foods aren’t for eating — they’re purses

Julia Gergely in JTA

Marlo Gorelick, inspired by her love for baking and handbags, shifted her focus during the COVID-19 pandemic to create Cake Purses, vegan leather bags resembling confectionery but not edible.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

Five things not to ask a Jew of color

Zerline Hughes Spruill in Forward

The article discusses five questions that should be avoided when interacting with Jews of color to prevent uncomfortable or invasive conversations.

0 Communities History

Author has ‘The Soul of Judaism’ — and the DNA to prove it

Robin Washington in Forward

Bruce Haynes, author of "The Soul of Judaism," discovered through a DNA analysis that he has Jewish ancestry, specifically linked to Louis Altheimer, who had a child with a Black woman in a post-slavery, free society context.

0 Communities Israel

Birthright parents: How I learned to stop worrying and embrace my kid’s wartime trip to Israel

Elana Sztokman in JTA

Parents of young Jewish adults are grappling with their children's decisions to participate in Birthright Israel trips despite concerns about safety.

0 Communities

Work Avenue: ‘Our job is to help you find employment’

Debbie Lebrett in Jewish Chronicle

Work Avenue is a leading employment and business support organization in the Jewish community, assisting over 3,000 individuals annually with job searches, career changes, and business endeavors.

0 Communities Politics

Jewish Life Stories: A Rothschild family patriarch, and the bard of London’s Jewish East End

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Bernard Kops, a celebrated British dramatist from London's Jewish East End known for his works depicting the immigrant enclave, passed away at 97.

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.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Politics

Yael Sherer Is Helping Israel Deal with the Sexual Violence of October 7

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Yael Sherer, an Israeli journalist, filmmaker, and policy-maker, is a leading advocate for survivors of sexual violence through her organization, Survivors of Sexual Violence Advocacy Group (SSVAG).

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.

Israel ›

0 Israel Antisemitism

I tried to return a damaged book to Amazon. Instead, I got lambasted for living in Israel

Dan Perry in Forward

A customer in Tel Aviv tried to return a damaged book to Amazon, but was met with a customer service representative who claimed they only saw Palestine on the map and then abruptly hung up.

0 Israel Communities

Groups working to support Israeli hostages and their families awarded 2024 ‘Jewish Nobel’

Jackie Hajdenberg in Forward

The 2024 Genesis Prize, known as the Jewish Nobel, was awarded to groups supporting Israelis held hostage in Gaza, including the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, JAFI Fund for Victims of Terror, Lev Echad, NATAL-The Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, and OneFamily-Overcoming Terror Together.

0 Israel Television/Film

‘We know time is running out’: Meet the Israeli filmmakers working to free the hostages

Susan Greene in Forward

Israeli filmmakers Dani Schoffman, Ruth Berdah-Canet, and Barak Rivkind are working pro bono for Israel's Hostage and Missing Families Forum to create compelling videos, including the viral #BringThemHomeNow campaign with over 150 million views.

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.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Education

'You can't hide': Jewish student leader targeted at University of California multicultural center

Beth Harpaz in Forward

The University of California Santa Barbara's multicultural center was recently targeted with signs condemning Zionism and specifically naming the Jewish student body president, Tessa Veksler.

0 Antisemitism Television/Film

Chinese actor from popular ‘Boonie Bears’ kids show under fire after antisemitic social media posts

Jordyn Haime in Forward

Chinese actor Zhang Bingjun, known for voicing a character in the popular children's cartoon Boonie Bears, faced backlash for making antisemitic remarks on social media, calling Jews derogatory names.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Why using more than the IHRA definition strengthens, not undermines, the fight against antisemitism

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

The discussion revolves around how to define and combat antisemitism, particularly in the context of the Biden administration's National Strategy to Counter 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.

History ›

0 History Israel

How I told my family’s history through the words of early Zionists

Anne Joseph in Jewish Chronicle

Rachel Cockerell's debut book "Melting Point" delves into her family's history intertwined with the largely forgotten episode of the Galveston Movement, where thousands of persecuted Russian Jews were sent to Galveston, Texas as a temporary Jewish homeland in the early 1900s.

Education ›

0 Education Politics

Are Jewish studies in our schools really outstanding?

Jo Rosenfelder in Jewish Chronicle

Jewish schools in the UK benefit from substantial government funding, leading to high attendance rates among Jewish children.

0 Education Leadership

Chief Rabbi launches Jewish schools review with backing of Israeli government

Simon Rocker in Jewish Chronicle

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, in collaboration with the Israeli government, has initiated a comprehensive review of the 32 Jewish schools under his authority in the UK, aiming to enhance the educational system and foster a deeper love and understanding of Judaism among students.

0 Education Communities

Israel’s third sector: A living leadership laboratory

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

Israel's third sector, consisting of over 40,000 nonprofit organizations, plays a vital role in the nation's economy, with around 5% of GDP and 370,000 volunteer roles.

0 Education Antisemitism

‘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.

Food ›

0 Food Communities

This unusual chef is serving up ‘trayf good’ kosher French food off the beaten path in Miami

Sara Liss in JTA

Olivia Ostrow, a Paris-born chef with a background in hospitality, has opened Ostrow Brasserie in Miami, offering kosher French cuisine in an unconventional location.

JL;DR

for Thursday, February 29, 2024

Jewish Law ›

Politics ›

Literature ›

Television/Film ›

Culture ›

Communities ›

Gender/Identity ›

Israel ›

Antisemitism ›

History ›

Education ›

Food ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

February 29's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Jewish Law ›

Politics ›

Literature ›

Television/Film ›

Culture ›

Communities ›

Gender/Identity ›

Israel ›

Antisemitism ›

History ›

Education ›

Food ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

February 29's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, February 29, 2024