for Friday, April 5, 2024

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Food

Square matzah ‘balls’, gritty charoset and spring onion slapping

In the UK Ashkenazi community, Pesach traditions often involve gefilte fish and matzah brei, but there are diverse customs such as Sephardic Seder participants playfully slapping each other with spring onions and Roman Jews using celery sticks instead of bitter herbs.

0 Holidays Food

The Birth of a New Passover Breakfast Tradition

Quinn Waller in Tablet

The author, a convert to Judaism, reflects on creating new culinary traditions as a way to connect with their Jewish identity.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

Jewish Life Tomorrow

Sources

The article "Jewish Life Tomorrow" reflects on the historical and contemporary dynamics of Jewish belief and identity, prompted by a 1966 survey of prominent rabbis and theologians conducted by Commentary magazine.

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

Doubt

Gordon Tucker in Sources

The article explores the pervasive theme of doubt in human life, using the recent tragic events in Israel as a backdrop.

0 Philosophy Culture

Mortality

Shlomo Brody in Sources

The reflection on mortality, prompted by recent tragic events including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hamas attacks on Israel, highlights the human condition of ephemeral life.

0 Philosophy Ethics

Nature

Mara H. Benjamin in Sources

The article reflects on the concept of Nature and how human perception separates it from humanity.

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

Obligation

Elana Stein Hain in Sources

This article explores the concept of obligation within Judaism, emphasizing how communal responsibility shapes the Jewish covenant with God and future generations.

0 Philosophy Culture

Secularism

Daniel May in Sources

This article explores the dynamics of Jewish secularism, contrasting its development with its Christian origins.

Culture ›

0 Culture Education

Data

Ari Y. Kelman in Sources

The article explores the evolving landscape of data collection within the American Jewish community, juxtaposing traditional population studies and program evaluations with modern data gathering methodologies used by tech companies.

0 Culture Education

Ramping Up Sephardic Education

Paula Jacobs in Tablet

Efforts to enhance Sephardic education and identity in the United States are gaining traction through initiatives like the Bivas Sephardic youth movement, which focuses on preserving Ladino heritage and language.

Communities ›

0 Communities Philosophy

Diaspora

Justus Baird in Sources

The article explores the evolving relationship between the Jewish diaspora and the State of Israel, challenging traditional notions of diaspora as exile.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Tradition and Traditionalism

Meir Buzaglo in Sources

The article explores the concept of masortiyut or traditionalism among mainly Sephardi Jews in Israel.

0 Communities Jewish Law

At Rikers Island, Jewish volunteers find a ‘powerful connection’ with inmates by leading prayer services

Julia Gergely in JTA

Jewish volunteers at Rikers Island, NYC's largest jail, lead prayer services and connect with inmates like Howard Padilla, who found solace and mental health through Judaism while incarcerated.

0 Communities Antisemitism

Why these Jews are opposed to more federal synagogue security funds

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

A new coalition of progressive Jewish groups is opposing the expansion of the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides funding for security improvements in synagogues and other institutions.

0 Communities History

First Jewish sheriff of Nottingham, office of Robin Hood fame, is sworn in at his synagogue

Shira Li Bartov in JTA

Nick Rubins became the first Jewish high sheriff of Nottinghamshire, an ancient office known from the legends of Robin Hood, and was sworn in at his local synagogue, the Nottingham Liberal Synagogue.

0 Communities Antisemitism

Beware the perils of naive interfaith

Jewish Chronicle

The text warns against the dangers of naive interfaith engagement within the Jewish community, highlighting instances where individuals and organizations involved in interfaith work may inadvertently lend support to extremist or problematic groups.

0 Communities Leadership

We’re permanently seeing red

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

The text responds to Barry Finestone's article on Jewish workforce challenges, discussing the unsustainable stress and demands faced by Jewish communal professionals, affecting their mental and physical health, relationships, and careers.

0 Communities Leadership

We’re permanently seeing red

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

The article responds to Barry Finestone's piece on addressing challenges in the Jewish communal workforce, focusing on the stress and exhaustion faced by professionals striving for success in mission-driven organizations.

Education ›

0 Education Torah

Learning

Erin Leib Smokler in Sources

This article uses a Talmudic story from Menahot 29b to explore Jewish teaching and learning, emphasizing transformative learning and continuous revelation.

0 Education Politics

University administrators on high alert for Gaza protests at upcoming graduations

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

University administrators are concerned about potential anti-Israel protests at graduation ceremonies following disruptions at recent events.

0 Education Ethics

Questioning Belief, by Raphael Zarum – review: An essential resource that helps integrate Judaism with modernity

Jewish Chronicle

"Questioning Belief" by Raphael Zarum delves into the intersection of Judaism and modernity, following a tradition of British rabbinic scholars who have incorporated science to explain Jewish belief.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Education

Praxis

Joshua Ladon in Sources

The concept of "praxis" in Judaism emphasizes the interactive relationship between study and practice.

0 Jewish Law Science

The Bat and the Penguin

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

In this discussion of animals in the Torah, the focus is on the classification of birds as kosher and non-kosher.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Letters To The Editor: A Further Response To Tzvi Goldstein On Centrist Orthodoxy And Haredi Orthodoxy

Letters to the Editor in Lehrhaus

Chaim Goldberg responds to Tzvi Goldstein's essay on Centrist Orthodoxy and Haredi Orthodoxy by highlighting nuances in Ramhal's Mesilat Yesharim that challenge Goldstein's interpretation.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Jewish Law

Rabbi

Yehuda Kurtzer in Sources

Yehuda Kurtzer argues that North American Liberal Judaism faces a severe shortage of rabbis due to high retirement rates and declining enrollment in seminaries.

Sports ›

0 Sports Culture

Spirituality

Naama Sadan and Hannah Kapnik Ashar in Sources

The article explores the concept of feminine spirituality within Judaism, particularly through the teachings of Esther Gopher in Israel and Yemima Avital.

0 Sports Gender/Identity

I'm obsessed with Caitlin Clark. Do I choose her over Shabbat?

Nora Berman in Forward

The article discusses the dilemma the author faces between her newfound obsession with Caitlin Clark, a star basketball player, and observing Shabbat.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Israel's existential war is a favor to humanity.

Daniel J. Arbess in Future of Jewish

Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza involving Hamas, the essay emphasizes Israel's strategic responses to threats and the significance of its security measures to protect civilians even in challenging urban warfare conditions.

0 Israel Politics

Biden tells Netanyahu: US policies on Gaza depend on what Israel does next

Ron Kampeas in Forward

President Joe Biden emphasized to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States' approach to Israel's conflict with Hamas hinges on Israel's actions to protect aid workers and ensure humanitarian aid in Gaza.

0 Israel Politics

Opinion | Israel’s Elusive ‘Day After’

Shmuel Rosner in Moment

The article discusses the uncertainty surrounding the "day after" the war in Gaza for Israel, with debates between the U.S. administration and the Israeli government.

0 Israel Jewish Law

Rabbi Kornreich and Octopi-fish

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Rabbi Dovid Kornreich clarifies points raised about him in a previous article, emphasizing his departure from Toras Moshe in 2021 to work full-time at Mir, clarifying that his views diverge from Rabbi Moshe Meiselman's, and defending himself against accusations of justifying Arab terrorism by explaining his perspective on the motives behind such actions.

0 Israel Politics

This is the hope that so many Jews are searching for.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The text discusses the current challenges facing the Jewish community globally, focusing on rising antisemitism, particularly from certain factions on the Left.

0 Israel Politics

How Much Is a Dead Jew Worth?

Gadi Taub in Tablet

In her book, "How Much Is a Dead Jew Worth?"

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

How Howard Kohr made AIPAC a pro-Israel powerhouse while keeping out of sight

Ron Kampeas in JTA

Howard Kohr, the CEO of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for nearly 30 years, has led the organization to significant influence in Washington by staying out of the spotlight and focusing on backroom negotiations rather than public persuasion.

0 Politics History

The American Left’s Milošević Moment

Andrew Nutting in Tablet

During the rise of Donald Trump, parallels were drawn by some observers between his political tactics and the nationalism of Slobodan Miloevi, the leader responsible for Serbia's violent conflicts in the 1990s.

0 Politics Israel

As ethos of unity fades, prewar political divisions roil Israel again

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

Recent political divisions in Israel are resurfacing after a period of unity following a series of attacks.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Explainer | Will Israel Draft ‘Those Who Toil in Torah’?

Eetta Prince-Gibson in Moment

The debate in Israel regarding the military draft of Haredi yeshiva students has intensified as exemptions have expired, leading to court orders barring subsidies and potential future draft enforcement.

0 Politics Sports

An NBA star gave a jersey to an Oct. 7 victim’s family. Some fans are furious.

Louis Keene in Forward

Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan honored a fan, Oron Beilin, who was tragically killed by Hamas terrorists, by giving his family a special jersey.

0 Politics Communities

Pro-Palestinian protest vote campaign claims success in NY primary, though exact numbers are unclear

Luke Tress in JTA

Pro-Palestinian activists claimed success in New York's Democratic primary by urging voters to submit blank ballots in protest against President Joe Biden's support for Israel, though the exact number of protest votes is uncertain.

0 Politics Israel

After Biden tells Netanyahu that US policies on Gaza depend on Israel’s actions, Israel approves new aid corridors

Ron Kampeas in JTA

President Joe Biden informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that U.S. policy towards Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza hinges on Israel's actions to ensure the safety of aid workers and humanitarian assistance.

0 Politics Israel

9 key statements that show Biden's evolution on the war since Oct. 7

Lauren Markoe in Forward

President Joe Biden has evolved his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since October 7, initially showing support for Israel but later calling for an immediate ceasefire and criticizing Israel's actions.

0 Politics Israel

Why the high-profile killing of a famous aid group’s volunteers could be a turning point for how Israel treats Gaza relief

Ron Kampeas in JTA

The recent Israeli strike that killed seven aid workers in Gaza, including staff from World Central Kitchen, has prompted Israeli leaders to express deep regret and implement policy changes to better protect humanitarian workers, following international outcry and pressure, including from President Joe Biden.

0 Politics Antisemitism

From the Editor | How Nuance Can Save Us

Nadine Epstein in Moment

The article discusses the current state of the American Jewish conversation, highlighting the rise of antisemitism as a symptom of broader issues like political polarization and the collapse of shared news sources.

0 Politics Communities

Opinion | Carrying Navalny’s Torch

Carl Gershman in Moment

Vladimir Kara-Murza, a renowned Russian journalist and democracy activist, has emerged as a significant figure in the fight against Vladimir Putin's regime following Alexei Navalny's death.

0 Politics Education

BDS activists say they successfully pressured a college to end its Israel study-abroad program. Did they?

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Pitzer College's decision to no longer pre-approve its students to study abroad at Haifa University sparked debate about the influence of BDS activists.

0 Politics Israel

'Rabbis' that are Jews by Birth Only

Emes Ve-Emunah

The text discusses a group of US-based rabbis and cantors who have called for a ceasefire in the conflict involving Israel and Hamas, criticizing them for what the author sees as a lack of understanding of Jewish values and the security concerns facing Israel.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Missing Joe Lieberman Already

Gary Rosenblatt in Between The Lines

Joe Lieberman, the first Jewish candidate on a major party's presidential ticket, was remembered at his funeral as a politician admired for his integrity and bipartisanship.

0 Politics Israel

Poll shows Rep. Jamaal Bowman trailing by double digits in his reelection bid

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Rep. Jamaal Bowman is reportedly trailing by 17 points in his reelection bid against Westchester County Executive George Latimer, with Latimer gaining support from various Democratic and Jewish groups due to Bowman's controversial stance on Israel.

0 Politics History

Why Israel must now recognise the Armenian genocide

Giles Fraser in Jewish Chronicle

Israel has been supplying weapons to Azerbaijan, contributing to its military actions against the Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh.

0 Politics Israel

Questions that the Red Cross must urgently answer

Jewish Chronicle

The text discusses the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and its demands to visit Hamas prisoners in Israel, raising questions about the applicability of international law.

0 Politics Israel

Analysis: Does Biden have a Jewish voter problem?

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Some Democrats fear President Biden's critical stance on Israel's military actions in Gaza may alienate Jewish voters, a key constituency in elections, even though historically Jews have predominantly supported Democrats.

Literature ›

0 Literature Communities

God, How We Miss Saul Bellow

David Mikics in Tablet

Saul Bellow, a celebrated late-20th-century American writer, is being overlooked in universities due to views of being out-of-date and conservative.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Television/Film

Your Guide to Hulu’s ‘We Were the Lucky Ones’ Episodes

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Hulu's series "We Were the Lucky Ones," based on the book by Georgia Hunter, follows the Kurc family in Poland during the Holocaust.

0 Holocaust Art

My father risked his life making fun of Hitler

Jewish Chronicle

Curt Bloch, a German Jewish artist and poet, resisted the Nazis during World War II by creating a satirical magazine called The Underwater Cabaret while in hiding in the Netherlands.

0 Holocaust Science

Leading American medical journal faces down its own history of endorsing Nazi race science

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has acknowledged its past endorsements of Nazi medical practices and slow response to Nazi Germany's antisemitic abuses in a historical retrospective.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Josh Radnor Says It Took His Entire Jewish Life Experience to Star in ‘The Ally’

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Josh Radnor reflects on his experience starring in the play "The Ally," where he plays a Jewish theater professor caught in a dilemma regarding his progressive values and allyship amidst issues surrounding Israel and Palestine.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Nassau County’s Jewish executive calls on Democratic leader to quit for invoking Nazis

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is Jewish, has called for the resignation of Democratic leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton after she compared his plan to enlist provisional deputy sheriffs to the Nazis' Brownshirts in an email from a constituent.

0 Antisemitism Leadership

Letters to the editor, 6 April 2024

, The JC in Jewish Chronicle

The letters to the editor cover various topics, with one expressing concern about the power of chants like "From the River to the Sea" to shape perceptions and potentially evoke harmful historical parallels, urging vigilance in addressing antisemitism.

0 Antisemitism Communities

The grassroots efforts to tackle anti-Israel activity as it spreads to communities

Haley Cohen in Jewish Insider

Efforts to challenge anti-Israel activity expanding from campuses to communities in the U.S. have been met with grassroots resistance.

0 Antisemitism Communities

To combat rising hate crimes, NYC mayor suggests a PR campaign

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

NYC Mayor Eric Adams proposed a PR campaign to address rising hate crimes, particularly targeting antisemitism and racism following a spike in incidents since a terror attack.

0 Antisemitism Television/Film

Judy Gold’s Israel Act

Amy Klein in Hadassah

Comedian Judy Gold, in a recent interview, reflects on the rise of antisemitism and the importance of defending Israel in the entertainment industry.

0 Antisemitism Sports

Germany will redesign the numbers on its national soccer jersey after realizing they look like a Nazi symbol

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Germany will be redesigning the numbers on its national soccer jerseys by Adidas after public outcry over the stylized number 44 resembling the Nazi SS lightning bolt symbol.

Food ›

0 Food Language

’Kratsborsht’ — an old Jewish delicacy made of fish sperm

ברײַנדל קירשנבלאַט־גימבלעט in Forward

Kratsborsht is an old Jewish delicacy made from fish sperm called milt.

0 Food Holidays

Mina de Espinaca - Matzah and spinach pie

Alexandra Zohn in Jewish Chronicle

Naama Shefi, founder of the Jewish Food Society, discusses a Sephardic Passover dish called Mina de Matza, a savory pie made with layers of matzah and fillings like spinach and cheese traditionally served at the Seder.

0 Food Culture

Pomegranate and red wine–braised short ribs

Jewish Chronicle

Naama Shefi, founder of the Jewish Food Society, shares a family recipe for pomegranate and red wine-braised short ribs, a sweet-and-sour traditional dish handed down through generations.

JL;DR

for Friday, April 5, 2024

Holidays ›

Philosophy ›

Culture ›

Communities ›

Education ›

Jewish Law ›

Leadership ›

Sports ›

Israel ›

Politics ›

Literature ›

Holocaust ›

Antisemitism ›

Food ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

April 5's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Friday, April 5, 2024

Holidays ›

Philosophy ›

Culture ›

Communities ›

Education ›

Jewish Law ›

Leadership ›

Sports ›

Israel ›

Politics ›

Literature ›

Holocaust ›

Antisemitism ›

Food ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

April 5's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Friday, April 5, 2024