for Thursday, March 21, 2024

Language ›

0 Language History

Why do so many Yiddish words in English have a German spelling?

Zach Golden in Forward

The article discusses the reasons behind the prevalence of Yiddish words in English with German spellings.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Polls of Israelis and Palestinians can suggest two different realities. Here's where they agree.

Louis Keene in Forward

Recent polls conducted on Israelis and Palestinians have shown that both groups share a belief that Israel is unlikely to emerge victorious in the current war, reflecting a growing doubt about Israel's ability to eradicate Hamas.

0 Politics Israel

Israel losing the hasbara battle because of a broken public relations playbook, experts say

Ruth Marks Eglash in Jewish Insider

Israel is facing challenges in its public relations efforts, with experts pointing to a lack of coordinated messaging and strategy as a major issue.

0 Politics Israel

Between Exclusion and Exploitation - Israel’s far right wants to permanently replace Palestinian workers, but employing them has become key to maintaining the occupation.

Jonathan Shamir in Jewish Currents

The article discusses the ongoing debate in Israel regarding the employment of Palestinian workers, with far-right leaders calling for their permanent removal due to security concerns, while others argue that employing them is crucial for maintaining security by providing economic stability.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Blaming the Wrong People

Emes Ve-Emunah

The text criticizes the left for solely blaming Israel for the devastation in Gaza, ignoring Hamas's role in the conflict.

0 Politics Israel

New survey shows Biden voters share Schumer’s critique of Netanyahu

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

A recent survey revealed that a majority of Democrats, including voters who support President Joe Biden, hold unfavorable views of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Republicans generally view him favorably.

0 Politics Israel

Prominent Jewish names join letter to Biden from progressive donors warning against ‘unconditional’ support for Israel

Ron Kampeas in Forward

Prominent Jewish Democratic donors, including George and Liana Krupp, Barbara Dobkin, Carol Winograd, Tamara Abrams, Margery Goldman, and Marsha Rosenbaum, have joined more than 100 funders in a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to reconsider his unconditional support for Israel's actions in Gaza.

0 Politics Antisemitism

President Biden Is Letting Gaza Bleed While Perpetuating an Antisemitic Trope. And, Yes, I Will Vote For Him To Stop Trump

guestpost in Jewschool

Rabbi Robin Podolsky criticizes President Biden for not taking decisive action to stop the suffering in Gaza, arguing that he has the power to do so by pressuring Netanyahu to end the violence.

0 Politics Israel

As Israel struggles to win international support, its star English-language spokesman is suspended

Philissa Cramer in Forward

Eylon Levy, a prominent English-language spokesman for Israel who gained popularity for defending the country in media, has been suspended due to a controversial response to Britain's call for aid in Gaza during the conflict with Hamas.

0 Politics Israel

After a tense call, Jewish umbrella group says it remains ‘distressed’ with Chuck Schumer’s call for elections in Israel

Ron Kampeas in Forward

The umbrella group for major American Jewish organizations expressed distress following a call with Senator Chuck Schumer, who faced backlash for calling for new elections in Israel and criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

History ›

0 History Politics

The Enduring Power of Purim

Stuart Halpern in Tablet

Catharine Beecher, in 1829, used the story of Queen Esther from the Purim narrative as a model for advocating for Native Americans.

0 History Culture

The New York Public Library’s Jewish division digitized 800 years of Jewish history

Julia Gergely in JTA

The New York Public Library's Jewish Division, Dorot, has digitized select materials from its archives as part of its 125th-anniversary celebration, showcasing 800 years of Jewish history.

0 History Science

How the 1919 solar eclipse made Albert Einstein famous

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

In 1919, Albert Einstein was a relatively unknown figure, facing doubts about his work and struggling professionally.

0 History Philosophy

Hannah Arendt is a detective solving the mystery of Eichmann in a new play

PJ Grisar in Forward

"The Banality of Evil" is a play that reimagines philosopher Hannah Arendt as a detective solving the mystery of Adolf Eichmann's atrocities, based on Arendt's book "Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil."

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Black Sabbath

Bruce Maddy-Weitzman in Tablet

During a celebration for Simchat Torah in Alumim, a religious kibbutz near Gaza, residents were abruptly attacked by rockets from Gaza, followed by a ground assault aiming to kill and take hostages.

0 Israel Politics

'If I were injured there, the best thing would be to die': An ICU doctor's devastating mission to Gaza

Vanita Gupta in Forward

An ICU doctor from New York joined a humanitarian mission to Gaza, where she witnessed the devastating impact of war on civilians.

0 Israel Politics

In Israel and Beyond, Hostages Freed by Hamas Share Their Stories

Jaclyn Sersland in Moment

During the October 7 attacks by Hamas, 253 civilians and IDF soldiers were abducted, with 112 hostages freed since then.

0 Israel Holidays

Purim and the Joke of Jewish Sovereignty

Zach Truboff in Lehrhaus

The article discusses the relationship between the holiday of Purim and the concept of Jewish sovereignty, highlighting differing viewpoints on the importance and limitations of having a Jewish state.

0 Israel Politics

My brilliant pal – dismissed as simply a Zionist

John Nathan in Jewish Chronicle

A humorous and poignant account is given of a friendship between the writer and a former army paratrooper who is struggling with alcoholism and health issues.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Police in Newton, Massachusetts, investigating string of vandalism targeting pro-Israel homes as hate crimes

Andrew Lapin in Forward

Authorities in Newton, Massachusetts are investigating a series of vandalism incidents targeting pro-Israel homes as hate crimes, with incidents including defacing or removing pro-Israel signs and destroying posters of Israeli hostages.

0 Antisemitism Education

Department of Education reaches resolution with Utah school district over reports of antisemitism

Andrew Lapin in Forward

The U.S. Department of Education has resolved its investigation into a public school district in Park City, Utah, regarding reports of antisemitic harassment and other forms of discrimination.

0 Antisemitism Television/Film

Jewish film festival in Canada latest event to be canceled over ‘security concerns’

Beth Harpaz in Forward

The Hamilton Jewish Film Festival in Canada was canceled due to security concerns following complaints and threats related to Israeli films in the lineup, such as "The Man in the Basement" and "The Boy."

0 Antisemitism Television/Film

Canadian Jewish federation ‘dismayed’ by theater’s decision to postpone Jewish film festival over security fears

Andrew Lapin in JTA

The Playhouse Cinema in Hamilton, Ontario decided to postpone the Hamilton Jewish Film Festival citing security concerns amidst the sensitive backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war.

0 Antisemitism History

Charles Lindbergh was a vicious antisemite. Why does St. Louis publicly honor him?

Shula Neuman in Forward

Charles Lindbergh, the famed aviator known for his solo transatlantic flight in 1927, was honored in St. Louis with the naming of Lindbergh Boulevard in 1930.

0 Antisemitism Politics

I’m exhausted by the tsunami of anti-Jewish hate

Ruth Anderson in Jewish Chronicle

A British Jewish individual expresses exhaustion and fear due to a surge in anti-Jewish hate since October 7, with incidents escalating to over 4,000, including threats in various settings.

0 Antisemitism Communities

The future we don’t want to imagine

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

Dana Sheanin, CEO of Jewish LearningWorks, expresses deep concern about the future of the Bay Area Jewish community, highlighting the challenges faced by local Jewish organizations.

0 Antisemitism Education

Smartphone ban: Meet the north London parents shunning devices for their children

Elisa Bray in Jewish Chronicle

A growing number of parents in north London, including those at the Eden Primary School, are advocating for a ban on smartphones for children until the age of 14 and delaying access to social media until 16, due to concerns about the negative impact of these devices on children's mental health.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Exposed // An update on the grand Jewish plot

Avi Shafran in Ami

The text sarcastically claims that Jews have been exposed for their alleged global conspiracy, detailing a fanciful narrative involving a Zionist cabal controlling world events, including orchestrating a pandemic through infected bagels.

0 Antisemitism Art

Israeli and Jewish artists face threats, boycotts at U.S. shows

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Israeli and Jewish artists performing in the U.S. are facing threats and boycotts due to their connection to Israel or vocal support for the country.

0 Antisemitism Education

Jews on California campuses stage statewide ‘sleep-in’ protests as Congress launches antisemitism probe into Berkeley

Andrew Lapin in Forward

Jewish academics and students in California organized a statewide sleep-in protest in response to increased antisemitism on campuses, notably at the University of California, Berkeley, where there was a congressional probe following violent clashes during a speaker event.

Sports ›

0 Sports Communities

9 Jewish college basketball players and coaches to watch during March Madness in 2024

Greg Levinsky in Forward

The 2024 NCAA Tournament, known as March Madness, features several Jewish players and coaches to watch, including standout figures such as Camilla Emsbo at Duke, Yarden Garzon at Indiana, Shirel Nahum at UC Irvine, and Danny Wolf at Yale.

0 Sports Communities

All the Jewish MLB players to watch in 2024

Jacob Gurvis in Forward

The 2024 MLB season is anticipated to feature a record number of Jewish players, following a historic 19 Jewish players appearing in a game in 2023.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Jewish Law

2 investigations underway following complaints of sexism at Ziegler rabbinical seminary

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

American Jewish University and its Ziegler rabbinical school are facing two investigations into sexism and misconduct allegations against Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson and Rabbi Cheryl Peretz.

Communities ›

0 Communities Ethics

The Influence of Affluence: Money and Mental Health in Our Community

Sruli Fruchter in 18forty

The article explores the impact of affluence on mental health within Orthodox Jewish communities, highlighting the pursuit of material success and social comparisons as sources of stress and dissatisfaction.

0 Communities Television/Film

Florida’s hottest ticket - why you should visit Sarasota

Anthea Gerrie in Jewish Chronicle

Sarasota, Florida offers a unique blend of culture and beach life, attracting a sizable Jewish community and boasting numerous synagogues and a vibrant cultural scene supported by Jewish residents.

0 Communities Politics

Letters to the editor, March 22 2024

The JC in Jewish Chronicle

The letters to the editor discuss the relevance of the Board of Deputies in 2024 and its role in representing the British Jewish community.

0 Communities Jewish Law

The Amazing Trajectory of Rabbi Yitzchok Zev Kolakowski aka The Koblentzer Rebbe

Rabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter in Ami

Rabbi Yitzchok Zev Kolakowski, known as the Koblentzer Rebbe, serves as a chaplain at a state prison in Pennsylvania, being the first Jew to hold this position in the state.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Literature

How to Remember: Holocaust Literature From Survivors’ Accounts to 3G

Tyler Griff in Moment

The evolution of Holocaust literature spans three generations, from survivors (1G) to their children (2G) and now their grandchildren (3G).

0 Holocaust Literature

From 1975 | “Remembering,” by Elie Wiesel

Moment in Moment

Elie Wiesel reflects on the courage and tragedy of the young Jewish fighters in the Warsaw ghetto uprising, highlighting their isolation and the world's indifference to their struggle.

0 Holocaust Education

Jewish educators have nightmares about Oct. 7

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish educators, particularly those with connections to Israel, have reported experiencing recurring nightmares and trauma related to the events of Oct. 7, likely triggered by visits to sites like Kfar Aza and conversations with survivors and families affected by terrorism.

0 Holocaust Israel

The Eighth Deadly Sin

Future of Jewish

In Saul Goldman's guest essay, he addresses the concept of silence being a deadly sin, urging Diaspora Jews to speak up and act against rising antisemitism.

Culture ›

0 Culture Leadership

Jewish Life Stories: The inventor of the poodle skirt, Time Warner’s ‘Jewish, frumpy intellectual’

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Jewish Life Stories featured three notable individuals: Juli Lynne Charlot, known for inventing the iconic poodle skirt and designing dresses for dignitaries; Bernard L. Schwartz, a philanthropist and top Democratic donor whose family history shaped his political affiliations; and Gerald M. Levin, a Jewish and intellectual figure in the media industry who led significant advancements but also faced personal tragedies, including the loss of a child.

Education ›

0 Education Antisemitism

Department of Education increases transparency around Title VI discrimination investigations post-Oct. 7

Andrew Lapin in Forward

The U.S. Department of Education has started to increase transparency around its investigations into discrimination on college campuses, specifically focusing on antisemitism following the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Communities

A beautiful, Black, Queen Esther with braids — and readers are liking what they see

Robin Washington in Forward

The Jewish Press recently featured a computer-generated image of Queen Esther as Black with dark skin and braids, prompting attention and positive reactions from readers like Lahavah Hila and Rishona Campbell.

0 Holidays History

On Purim, there’s a fast before the festival. It’s a ritual I need in these dark times

Esther Sperber in Forward

Esther Sperber reflects on the recent tragic death of an Israeli-American soldier, Itay Chen, and the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, drawing parallels to the devastating World War I as discussed by Sigmund Freud.

0 Holidays Food

5 Hamantaschen Recipes That Won’t Explode in the Oven

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

With Purim approaching, the article presents five Hamantaschen recipes that aim to prevent the common issue of cookies exploding in the oven.

0 Holidays Food

Recipe: Drunken cherry chocolate hamantaschen

Jewish Chronicle

Naomi Ross shares her childhood memories of making traditional triangular Purim cookies called hamantaschen with her family, evolving the recipes into more sophisticated flavors like Drunken Cherry-Chocolate hamantaschen.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Gender/Identity

Review – Drive-Away Dolls: Ethan Coen takes a wrong turn with this gay road caper

John Nathan in Jewish Chronicle

"Drive-Away Dolls" is a film directed by Ethan Coen, known for his work on acclaimed movies with his brother Joel.

Art ›

0 Art Culture

Esther without borders: Artists around the world reimagine the Purim story

Mordechai Beck in Jewish Chronicle

"Esther Without Borders" is a project where artists worldwide reimagine the Purim story as if it happened in their own communities, using diverse materials and techniques.

Miscellaneous

The Palestinians' Fraudulent Casualty Figures, Exposed

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The article discusses the fraudulent casualty figures reported by Hamas during the Israel-Hamas conflict, with a focus on the questionable accuracy of the numbers provided by the Gaza Health Ministry.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Art

Shimon Blinker // Chutzpah Watches

Nesanel Gantz in Ami

Shimon Blinker is a watch reseller who makes millions selling high-end watches like Rolex and Cartier, yet he's known for his unconventional approach.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

You should probably be aware of that Purim song’s racist backstory

Louis Keene in Forward

Louis Keene discusses the problematic origins of a popular Purim melody, Mishenichnas Adar, which is sung to the tune of the folk song "Pick A Bale of Cotton," originally of African American origin and including offensive lyrics related to slavery.

Literature ›

0 Literature Holocaust

Analysis | After October 7, Holocaust Literature Will Never be the Same

Amy E. Schwartz in Moment

The article discusses how recent events, such as hostage situations and first-person accounts of trauma, have reshaped the landscape of Holocaust literature, particularly affecting the third generation (3G) of survivors and their descendants who struggle to connect with their family's past.

JL;DR

for Thursday, March 21, 2024

Language ›

Politics ›

History ›

Israel ›

Antisemitism ›

Sports ›

Gender/Identity ›

Communities ›

Holocaust ›

Culture ›

Education ›

Holidays ›

Television/Film ›

Art ›

Miscellaneous

Ethics ›

Music ›

Literature ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 21's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Thursday, March 21, 2024

Language ›

Politics ›

History ›

Israel ›

Antisemitism ›

Sports ›

Gender/Identity ›

Communities ›

Holocaust ›

Culture ›

Education ›

Holidays ›

Television/Film ›

Art ›

Miscellaneous

Ethics ›

Music ›

Literature ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 21's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, March 21, 2024