for Friday, March 22, 2024

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Literature

Is the Purim story actually a work of Babylonian fan fiction?

Esther Brownsmith in Forward

The article discusses the parallels between the Purim story and ancient Babylonian myths, suggesting that the Book of Esther may be seen as ancient fan fiction.

0 Holidays History

Discarding Haman’s Garb: Refusing the Roles of Empire

guestpost in Jewschool

The essay "Discarding Haman's Garb: Refusing the Roles of Empire" discusses Purim through a critical lens, highlighting how Haman, representing the threat to Jews, and King Ahasuerus, symbolizing the enabling of harm, play contrasting roles in the Purim narrative.

0 Holidays Gender/Identity

Diet Culture Has Permeated the Holiest Spaces of Judaism

Gila Axelrod in New Voices

The author reflects on their journey with fasting in Judaism, initially finding it spiritually meaningful but later struggling with the influence of diet culture, leading to disordered eating habits.

0 Holidays Gender/Identity

Diet Culture Has Permeated the Holiest Spaces of Judaism

Gila Axelrod in New Voices

The author reflects on their experience with fasting in Judaism, initially finding deep spiritual meaning in it but later grappling with its association with diet culture and body image issues.

Education ›

0 Education Politics

‘(ALMOST) PURIM SPOOF’ 2024/5784

Gary Rosenblatt in Between The Lines

The text is a satirical (almost) Purim spoof envisioning a report on issues of anti-Semitism on Ivy League campuses, including mandating Jewish students wear yellow Jewish stars for visibility and humorous reinterpretations of slogans from pro-Hamas rallies.

0 Education Politics

New data challenges assumptions about campus antisemitism

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

A new study challenges assumptions about campus antisemitism by revealing that conservative college students are more likely than liberals to hold extreme views about Jews and Israel, including supporting Hamas killing civilians and avoiding interaction with Jews.

0 Education Israel

The power of people-to-people experiences

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

Israeli students from Shaar HaNegev Regional High School visited San Diego Jewish Academy as part of a people-to-people exchange following the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel.

Culture ›

0 Culture Gender/Identity

The Little Girl in the Big Black Hat

Mina Marsow in Tablet

A woman reflects on her childhood experiences in a Hasidic Chabad sect during Purim, where she challenged gender norms by dressing as a Yoeli, a character from a rival Satmar sect.

Politics ›

0 Politics Ethics

Israel concerned that other countries will follow Canada’s lead on arms sale ban

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

Canada announced a ban on future military exports to Israel, though this move is expected to have little impact on Israel's defense capabilities as the items supplied were non-critical goods.

0 Politics Leadership

Chuck Schumer, the Highest-Ranking Shoemaker Ever

Elliott Abrams in Tablet

Senator Chuck Schumer, often referencing the Hebrew word "shomer" meaning guardian in relation to his surname, has positioned himself as a prominent Jewish figure in American politics.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The Underrated Obstacle to Israeli-Palestinian Peace

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

The essay highlights the overlooked role of religion and antisemitism in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the deep-rooted indoctrination of Palestinian children to hate Jews and aspire to destroy Israel.

0 Politics Israel

How John Fetterman’s outspoken support for Israel won him supporters on the right and critics on the left

Luke Tress in JTA

John Fetterman, the Pennsylvania Democratic senator, has garnered both support and criticism for his vocal backing of Israel amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

0 Politics Communities

Most Jewish Americans support Israel’s war against Hamas, and how it’s fought

Ron Kampeas in JTA

A recent Pew Research Center study reveals that a large majority of U.S. Jews support Israel's war against Hamas, believing its reasons for the conflict are justified and expressing approval for Israel's conduct during the war.

0 Politics Israel

After saying Netanyahu has ‘lost his way,’ Chuck Schumer says he would welcome him to address Congress

Ron Kampeas in Forward

Senator Chuck Schumer, after criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and calling for new elections in Israel, has stated that he would welcome Netanyahu to address Congress.

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.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Politics

The Outsider Legal Genius Who May Rescue Trump

Armin Rosen in Tablet

Seth Barrett Tillman, a legal scholar and Orthodox Jew, challenges conventional narratives in American jurisprudence by arguing that the president is not an officer of the United States, sparking debate in academic circles.

0 Jewish Law Politics

2 Big Questions, One Resolved...

Emes Ve-Emunah

An Orthodox Jewish reader raised concerns about witnessing racism among Orthodox families while also grappling with the Torah world's alignment with views he finds repugnant, particularly towards Israeli society and non-religious Jews, hindering unity.

0 Jewish Law History

Purim’s call for unity that Israel should take to heart

Jewish Chronicle

The text discusses the importance of unity within Israel, drawing parallels to the story of Esther and the theme of division propagated by Haman.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Don't be fooled: Palestinian suffering in this war is exactly what Hamas wants

Dan Perry in Forward

In the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the author argues that Hamas is not working towards a Palestinian state or justice, but rather aims to thwart peace by provoking Israel and perpetuating conflict.

0 Israel Politics

Netanyahu is unpopular in Israel. But not for the reasons US lawmakers are turning on him.

Ron Kampeas in JTA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing criticism from US Democratic leaders, including President Joe Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Chuck Schumer, for his handling of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

0 Israel Communities

On the National Mall, 3 minutes in a 'Hamas tunnel'

Lauren Markoe in Forward

On the National Mall, a shipping container has been set up by advocates for the hostages held by Hamas, aiming to raise awareness.

0 Israel Politics

Schumer says he would welcome Netanyahu to address Congress, one week after saying the Israeli leader has ‘lost his way’

Ron Kampeas in JTA

Senator Chuck Schumer, who had recently criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership, has now stated through a spokesman that he would welcome Netanyahu to address Congress, emphasizing bipartisan support for Israel.

0 Israel Communities

This Purim, Let’s Tell a New Jewish Story

guestpost in Jewschool

In the article, Zev Mishell discusses the ongoing conflict in Gaza and criticizes liberal Zionist leaders for justifying the violence and destruction there.

0 Israel Communities

Half a Yeshiva Student plus Half a Soldier equals Zero Achdus

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

The debate arises from a viral video showing children dressed as both yeshiva students and soldiers, sparking controversy over the message it conveys.

0 Israel Politics

Israel should be the poster child for 'woke' progressives.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The text discusses how Israel embodies values often championed by 'woke' progressives, despite criticism from some in that community.

0 Israel History

Rising to the moment: Andrés Spokoiny’s address to JFN 2024

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

Andrés Spokoiny spoke at the JFN 2024 addressing the profound loss and grief following recent tragedies, emphasizing the inadequacy of the phrase "rest in peace" for the vibrant lives lost.

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.

History ›

0 History Culture

Martin Greenfield, Auschwitz survivor and master tailor to American presidents, dies at 95

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Martin Greenfield, an Auschwitz survivor who worked as a tailor in the concentration camp, passed away at the age of 95.

0 History Antisemitism

Interview | Franklin Foer on the Golden Age of American Jews

Jennifer Bardi in Moment

Franklin Foer, a writer for The Atlantic, discusses rising antisemitism affecting American Jews from both the left and the right in his article "The Golden Age of American Jews Is Ending."

0 History Communities

The internet’s Kate Middleton obsession may have revealed an unsavory Jewish secret

PJ Grisar in Forward

Amid the speculation surrounding Kate Middleton's disappearance, a connection has emerged between Prince William's alleged mistress, Rose Hanbury, and the Jewish Cholmondeley family.

0 History Art

The mystery of Kate Middleton’s disappearance casts a spotlight on Jewish Sassoon family’s Chinese history

Philissa Cramer in JTA

The disappearance of Kate Middleton has sparked online theories linking her to Prince William's alleged affair with Rose Hanbury, whose husband David Cholmondeley is connected to the influential Jewish Sassoon family through his grandmother, Sybil Sassoon.

0 History

My Mother’s Classic Jewish Film ‘Hester Street’ Deserves Its Renaissance

Dina Micklin Silver in Kveller

Joan Micklin Silver's 1975 Oscar-nominated film, "Hester Street," based on Abraham Cahan's novella, captures the Jewish immigrant experience.

0 History Art

Celebrating the work of pioneering ‘powerhouse’ choreographer Bella Lewitzky

Joy Sable in Jewish Chronicle

The Yorke Dance Project is celebrating its 25th anniversary by honoring the pioneering choreographer Bella Lewitzky alongside Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham in a show titled California Connections: Three Pioneering Women.

0 History Literature

Review: Shylock’s Venice – An unimprovable book

Jenni Frazer in Jewish Chronicle

In "Shylock's Venice: The Remarkable History of Venice's Jews and the Ghetto," Harry Freedman delves into the intriguing history of Venetian Jews from the 15th to the 18th century.

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.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

The Second Season of ‘Life & Beth’ Is Funnier, Darker and Just As Jewish

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The second season of "Life & Beth" deepens its exploration of Jewish themes while balancing humor and darkness, addressing heavy topics such as sexual assault, autism, and antisemitism.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

This month marks a year since Evan Gershkovich and Elizabeth Tsurkov were deprived of their freedom

Beth Harpaz in Forward

This article discusses the one-year anniversaries of two Jewish individuals deprived of their freedom: journalist Evan Gershkovich imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges while reporting for The Wall Street Journal, and academic Elizabeth Tsurkov kidnapped in Iraq.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Just in time for Purim, local businesses offer Jewish revelers pricey IV hangover ‘cures’

Jon Kalish in JTA

Businesses like Park Ave Drips are offering pricey IV hangover cures just in time for Purim, aimed at alleviating the effects of excessive drinking during the festive holiday.

0 Communities Antisemitism

US Jewish history museum may become part of the Smithsonian 4 years after surviving bankruptcy

Ron Kampeas in JTA

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation to explore the possibility of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia becoming part of the Smithsonian Institution, a move that could provide financial stability and prestige to the museum.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Education

New data challenges assumptions about campus antisemitism

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

A recent study led by Eitan Hersh at Tufts University offers a complex picture of antisemitism on college campuses, dispelling some commonly held beliefs.

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.

Food ›

0 Food Holidays

7 under-the-radar Purim treats you can get from NYC bakeries

Sam Lin-Sommer in Forward

In New York City, there are unique and lesser-known Purim treats to enjoy beyond the traditional Hamantaschen.

Literature ›

0 Literature Holidays

Poets Are Purim Jews: On Contemporary Poetry’s Inexplicable Obsession with the Ordinary

Yehoshua November in Lehrhaus

Contemporary poetry's focus on finding profundity and wonder in ordinary experiences, rather than overtly religious themes, is explored in relation to the concept of "Purim Jews."

0 Literature Israel

The Israeli Diaspora Finds A Voice

Carlin Romano in Moment

The text discusses the critique of the marginalization of Israeli women writers in contemporary Hebrew fiction, attributing some of the bias to Jewish religious tradition.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Holidays

Honoring Queen Esther’s Secret Self

Guest Contributor in Lilith

The author of the text reflects on their decision to adopt the name Hadassah instead of Esther in honor of Queen Esther's hidden self and feminist values.

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.

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.

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.

JL;DR

for Friday, March 22, 2024

Holidays ›

Education ›

Culture ›

Politics ›

Jewish Law ›

Israel ›

History ›

Television/Film ›

Communities ›

Antisemitism ›

Food ›

Literature ›

Gender/Identity ›

Language ›

Sports ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 22's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Holidays ›

Education ›

Culture ›

Politics ›

Jewish Law ›

Israel ›

History ›

Television/Film ›

Communities ›

Antisemitism ›

Food ›

Literature ›

Gender/Identity ›

Language ›

Sports ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 22's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Friday, March 22, 2024