for Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Antisemitism ›

Marching in silence, UC Berkeley students and faculty demand safety for Jews

Sue Fishkoff in Forward

On March 11, 2024, a silent protest with 250 Jewish students, faculty, and allies took place at UC Berkeley to demand safety for Jews on campus following a recent violent incident.

0 Antisemitism Politics

US religious freedom commission leaves Saudi Arabia after rabbi co-chair is told to remove his kippah

Luke Tress in Forward

A U.S. government delegation monitoring religious freedom left Saudi Arabia early when a Saudi request for Rabbi Abraham Cooper to remove his kippah was refused.

0 Antisemitism Politics

House set to vote on bill that could trigger TikTok ban, with support from major Jewish group

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

A bill that may lead to a ban of TikTok in the United States due to concerns over national security and antisemitism has gained bipartisan support, including backing from a major Jewish group, Jewish Federations of North America.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Pro-Palestinian protesters target Dutch Holocaust museum opening ceremony attended by Israeli president

Shira Li Bartov in Forward

Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside the opening ceremony of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam due to the attendance of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

0 Antisemitism Jewish Law

Hunting Jews

Elliott Abrams in Tablet

The text discusses instances of antisemitism, particularly in the context of legal rulings affecting Jewish practices in Europe.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Communities

Kathy Goldman, NYC’s ‘most important food activist,’ dies at 92

Andrew Silow-Carroll in Forward

Kathy Goldman, a prominent food activist in New York City, passed away at the age of 92.

0 Holocaust Politics

No, Jonathan Glazer did not ‘refute his Jewishness’

PJ Grisar in Forward

Jonathan Glazer did not refute his Jewishness at the Oscars but actually criticized the occupation and the misuse of Jewish identity and the Holocaust to justify conflicts.

0 Holocaust History

The Netherlands, home to the Nazis’ most famous victim, has never had a Holocaust museum — until now

Shira Li Bartov in JTA

The Netherlands has recently opened its first National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam, providing a comprehensive account of the country's role in the Holocaust, where three-quarters of the Jewish population perished.

0 Holocaust Television/Film

At Oscars, ‘Zone of Interest’ director calls out ‘Jewishness and the Holocaust being hijacked’ by Israel

PJ Grisar in Forward

Director Jonathan Glazer, accepting the Oscar for Best International Feature for "The Zone of Interest," spoke out against Israel's actions in Gaza, connecting the dehumanization in the conflict to the Holocaust themes in his film.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Communities

Canadian Jewish groups raise alarm about threat to kosher slaughter

Louis Keene in Forward

Canadian Jewish groups, including the Council for Israel and Jewish Affairs and two kosher certifiers, are concerned over new regulations in Canada affecting kosher meat production, making it unsustainable.

0 Jewish Law History

The Solar Eclipse Then and Now—the Jewish Perspective

Lawrence Wolff and Rabbi Fred Reiner in Moment

A total solar eclipse is set to occur on April 8, 2024, passing through North America.

Israel ›

0 Israel Communities

Israeli communities devastated on Oct. 7 draw thousands seeking to bear witness, support victims

Tamara Zieve in Jewish Insider

Thousands of visitors have flocked to Israeli communities affected by the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, not only to bear witness and show solidarity but also to raise funds to support victims.

0 Israel Politics

Judaism that ends in lovelessness cannot be Judaism.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The text discusses the current state of division and polarization within Israeli and Jewish society, emphasizing how political differences have led to a lack of empathy and understanding between individuals of opposing views.

0 Israel Politics

A forgotten front in the war: Israel’s farms at risk of failing for lack of low-wage labor

Susan Greene in Forward

Israeli farmers, like third-generation grower Adi Dafna, are facing significant challenges due to the labor shortage caused by the conflict with Hamas, which has led to the loss of both Palestinian and Thai workers.

0 Israel Science

Israeli university launching unique mental health trauma center spurred by distinct nature of Oct. 7

Elana Sztokman in JTA

In response to the traumatic events of October 7, 2023, including a deadly attack by Hamas in Israel, Hebrew University in Jerusalem has established the Institute for Traumatic Stress and Recovery to address the mental health needs arising from these unprecedented traumas.

0 Israel Holocaust

Why Context Matters

Emes Ve-Emunah

Jonathan Glazer, director of "The Zone of Interest," won the Best Foreign Film Oscar at the recent Academy Awards ceremony.

0 Israel Holocaust

Gaza and the Course of History

Peter Beinart in The Beinart Notebook

In a discussion with Norman Finkelstein, the speaker reflects on Israel's control over Palestinians in Gaza and the breakdown of the management process post-October 7th, leading to a humanitarian crisis.

0 Israel Holocaust

No, winning a war is not genocide.

Jamie Paul in Future of Jewish

Amidst escalating violence in the Middle East, there is a growing misconception that Israel's defensive actions against Hamas amount to genocide, as criticism of Israel's military actions continues to rise.

0 Israel Television/Film

In Oscars acceptance speech, ‘Zone of Interest’ director Jonathan Glazer denounces ‘occupation’ and ‘dehumanization’ in Israel and Gaza

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Jonathan Glazer, the director of "The Zone of Interest," used his Oscars acceptance speech to speak out against the occupation and dehumanization in Israel and Gaza.

0 Israel Television/Film

She Invites You

Jackson Greenberg in Tablet

Two individuals, an American woman visiting her nieces and a woman who returned home to play a Nova survivor in a television series, bond over shared experiences in Israel.

0 Israel

Israel’s Mental Health Tsunami

Hillel Kuttler in Tablet

The mental health crisis in Israel following the Oct. 7 massacre by Hamas at the Nova music festival has led to a surge in PTSD, anxiety, and depression among Israelis, even those indirectly impacted.

0 Israel Television/Film

Oscars 2024: 'Oppenheimer' cleans up, 'Zone of Interest' director calls out Israel

Forward Staff in Forward

At the Oscars 2024, "Oppenheimer" directed by Christopher Nolan won big, including Best Picture and Best Actor.

Literature ›

0 Literature Communities

The Naked Vegan Tolstoy of the Lower East Side

Eddy Portnoy in Tablet

Moyshe Nadir's 1919 satirical Yiddish story "Nutose and Protose" humorously depicts a man convinced by a peculiar individual to adopt vegetarianism, ultimately leading to a bizarre series of events, including a killing at a vegetarian restaurant.

0 Literature Politics

Guernica magazine retracts Israeli writer’s coexistence essay that co-publisher called an ‘apologia for Zionism’

Andrew Lapin in Forward

Guernica magazine retracted an essay by Israeli writer and translator Joanna Chen titled "From The Edges Of A Broken World" after criticism from staff members and others.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Biden faces his first test at the polls after calling for 'immediate' ceasefire in Gaza

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Progressive groups are mobilizing Washington State voters to protest President Biden's stance on the Gaza conflict by marking ballots as uncommitted or writing "ceasefire" as a message for change.

0 Politics Israel

Netanyahu downplays tensions with US after weekend of sniping with Biden over Gaza

Luke Tress in Forward

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden have engaged in a weekend of tensions, with Biden criticizing Netanyahu's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict and Netanyahu defending his policies.

0 Politics Literature

An elite literary journal imploded over an essay about the war — because it dared to humanize Israelis as well as Palestinians

Nora Berman in Forward

Guernica, a prestigious literary magazine, faced backlash and mass resignations after retracting an essay by Israeli writer Joanna Chen that humanized both Israelis and Palestinians.

0 Politics Communities

The Jewish Democrats plan to get Joe Biden reelected by targeting independent voters

Ron Kampeas in JTA

The Jewish Democratic Council of America is strategizing to help President Joe Biden get reelected by targeting independent voters, particularly young Jewish voters who are increasingly identifying as independents.

0 Politics Television/Film

Shame on Jonathan Glazer for his Oscars speech

Nicole Lampert in Jewish Chronicle

The text criticizes film director Jonathan Glazer for his Oscars speech, where he distanced himself from his Jewish identity in relation to the conflict in Gaza, causing outrage in the Jewish community.

0 Politics History

Pro-Palestinian protesters target Israeli president during opening of Dutch Holocaust museum

Shira Li Bartov in JTA

Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside the opening of the Netherlands' first Holocaust museum due to the presence of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who referenced a surge in global antisemitism following Hamas' actions.

0 Politics Antisemitism

How Israeli hostages in Gaza wound up on display outside an Academy Awards afterparty

Philissa Cramer in Forward

Filmmakers Matti Leshem and Lynn Harris organized a display at an Academy Awards afterparty featuring footage of Israelis held captive by Hamas in Gaza, aiming to raise awareness about the ongoing hostage crisis involving roughly 134 individuals.

0 Politics History

Insanity and Hope

Warren Zev Harvey in Lehrhaus

Warren Zev Harvey explores the concept of historical unpredictability and hope in the context of religious Zionism through the lens of R. Joseph Kaspi's views on the return of Jews to Israel and the Third Temple.

0 Politics Communities

Freed hostage says NY Jewish community ‘gives us strength’ as thousands rally to mark 150 days since Oct. 7

Luke Tress in JTA

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Central Park to mark 150 days since an October 7 attack on Israel left over 250 hostages, with more than 100 remaining in Gaza.

0 Politics Israel

Analysis: Biden and Netanyahu trade barbs to satisfy their bases

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu engaged in a heated exchange of criticisms, with Biden accusing Netanyahu of harming Israel with his Gaza actions, and Netanyahu defending his policies including opposition to a Palestinian state.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

Sarah Levy Honors Jewish Dad Eugene Levy at His Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Comedian and actor Eugene Levy was honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, celebrated by his family and friends, including daughter Sarah Levy who gave a touching speech highlighting her father's kindness, patience, and important life lessons.

0 Television/Film Culture

Remembering Gene Wilder — as mensch, mad genius and the only Wonka who matters

PJ Grisar in Forward

"Remembering Gene Wilder" is a new documentary that delves into the life and talent of the iconic actor, showcasing his creativity and unique acting style.

Art ›

0 Art Politics

A Cooper Union art student’s paintings recall her Israeli family’s roots in a community shattered on Oct. 7

Julia Gergely in JTA

Darya Arad, a Cooper Union art student, created a series of paintings based on her Israeli family's connection to Kibbutz Nahal Oz following a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023.

Education ›

0 Education Antisemitism

Jewish Berkeley students are confronting pro-Palestinian protesters. Their professor is staging a sit-in instead.

Andrew Lapin in Forward

Ron Hassner, the chair of Israel Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, is staging a one-man sit-in in his office to urge the university to address tensions among students amid protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Communities ›

0 Communities Israel

A Charedi Exodus?

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Amidst the debate over the charedi (ultra-Orthodox) community's exemption from military service in Israel, Sefardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef suggested that charedim might leave the country rather than be drafted, prompting public responses suggesting support for their departure.

0 Communities Gender/Identity

Growing number of Jews using NY’s first Reform chevra kadisha burial society

Fran Kritz in JTA

A Reform Communal Chevra Kadisha has been established in New York, providing progressive Jews with an opportunity to participate in the sacred practice of preparing bodies for Jewish burial.

0 Communities Antisemitism

What happened the first time I wore a yarmulke on the subway

Moishele Alfonso in Forward

In this personal narrative, Moishele Alfonso reflects on his experience of wearing a yarmulke in public amidst rising antisemitism.

0 Communities Education

Getting the Jewish workforce out of ‘the Red Zone’

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

In a piece discussing the challenges facing Jewish professionals, Barry Finestone, the president and CEO of the Jim Joseph Foundation, reflects on the strain many in the Jewish workforce are experiencing, likening it to being in the "Red Zone" of constant stress.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Israel

Purim and Passover Post-October 7

Carol Ann Schwartz in Hadassah

The text reflects on the significance of the Jewish calendar as a guide to history, values, and survival, particularly after traumatic events like the war unleashed on October 7, 2023.

Music ›

0 Music Television/Film

Singer Steve Lawrence, son of a cantor and half of ‘Steve and Eydie,’ dies at 88

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Steve Lawrence, renowned singer and son of a cantor, passed away at 88 in Los Angeles.

History ›

0 History Gender/Identity

I Was Told My Great-Bubby Had an ‘Unfulfilled’ Life. That’s Not How I Remember Her.

Marla Fogelman in Kveller

The author reflects on memories of their great-grandmother, known as Bubby, challenging the characterization of her life as unfulfilled.

Food ›

0 Food Holidays

Vegan funfetti hamantaschen

Micah Siva in Jewish Chronicle

This recipe presents a modern twist on the traditional Jewish treat of hamantaschen by creating a vegan version with a funfetti theme and a cashew cheesecake filling.

Culture ›

0 Culture Israel

The Golden Age for Jews is now.

Future of Jewish

The text discusses the idea that the perceived "Golden Age" of Judaism has shifted and argues that the current era is the true Golden Age for Jews.

JL;DR

for Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Antisemitism ›

Holocaust ›

Jewish Law ›

Israel ›

Literature ›

Politics ›

Television/Film ›

Art ›

Education ›

Communities ›

Holidays ›

Music ›

History ›

Food ›

Culture ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 12's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Antisemitism ›

Holocaust ›

Jewish Law ›

Israel ›

Literature ›

Politics ›

Television/Film ›

Art ›

Education ›

Communities ›

Holidays ›

Music ›

History ›

Food ›

Culture ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 12's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Tuesday, March 12, 2024