JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Saturday, April 6, 2024

Politics ›

0 Politics History

Where are the innocent Palestinians?

Saul Goldman in Future of Jewish

The essay discusses the concept of innocence regarding Palestinians in the context of their involvement in violence against Israelis.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Why I agreed to debate Owen Jones

Jewish Chronicle

The author recounts a recent debate with Owen Jones on Sky News, emphasizing the need to defend Israel and the Jewish people amidst conflicts with Hamas.

0 Politics Literature

Literature celebrates nuance. So why does the book world feel so one-sided on Israel?

Erika Dreifus in JTA

The author reflects on their decades-long experience witnessing anti-Israel sentiment in literary circles and specifically within the National Book Critics Circle (NBCC).

0 Politics Ethics

Why an immediate ceasefire is a moral imperative — and the best thing for Israel

Jodi Rudoren in Forward

In a compelling article by Jodi Rudoren, the urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza is emphasized as both a moral imperative and the best course of action for Israel.

0 Politics Israel

Moment Debate | Should UNRWA be shut down?

Moment in Moment

Larry Garber, a former USAID official, argues against shutting down the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees, emphasizing its crucial role in providing humanitarian aid in Gaza.

0 Politics Israel

Hamas, Palestinians, and Waning US Support for Israel

Emes Ve-Emunah

Musab Yousef, the son of a Hamas leader, appeared on Dr. Phil to share insights into Gaza, Hamas, and Palestinian sentiments.

0 Politics Gender/Identity

45 Days in Spring

Carol Ann Schwartz in Hadassah

Between March 8 and April 22, Hadassah engaged in various global initiatives, including campaigns to end silence on crimes against women by Hamas, advocacy for women's health and reproductive rights, and a solidarity mission to sites affected by violence.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The day LBC let Putin’s ambassador say Israel had gone beyond the right to defend itself

politics and investigations editor in Jewish Chronicle

Recently, amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the article discusses how Hamas has been close to achieving its war aims, leading to a sense of insecurity in Israel, a rise in global antisemitism, and a breakdown of trust between Israelis and Palestinians.

0 Politics Israel

Hamas cannot be defeated on the battlefield

Jewish Chronicle

Ami Ayalon, a former leader in Israel's intelligence service, emphasizes the complexity of defeating Hamas solely through military means, citing the necessity of a political horizon that leads to the establishment of two states to truly weaken the group's influence.

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 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 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 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.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Antisemitism

Alex Edelman’s ‘Just For Us’ premieres on HBO and Max, with Jewish identity and antisemitism again in the spotlight

Ben Sales in JTA

Alex Edelman's comedy special "Just For Us" which is now premiering on HBO and Max, delves into Jewish identity, assimilation, and the challenges of fitting into a society where one may not always feel comfortable.

0 Television/Film Holocaust

Elliot Gould, Joaquin Phoenix, Ilana Glazer, 150+ Jewish creatives sign open letter backing Jonathan Glazer’s Oscars speech

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Over 150 Jewish creatives, including notable figures like Elliot Gould, Joaquin Phoenix, and Ilana Glazer, have rallied in support of director Jonathan Glazer's Oscars speech condemning Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory and calling for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

0 Television/Film Culture

Why Do I Hate ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ So Much?

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The writer expresses strong dislike for the show "Curb Your Enthusiasm," detailing a visceral aversion to its humor and worldview centered on kvetching and portraying flawed, selfish characters.

0 Television/Film Communities

British cringe comedy ‘Hapless’ arrives on American shores — but is it a Jewish show?

PJ Grisar in Forward

The British comedy show "Hapless" (previously titled "The Jewish Enquirer") faced controversy when British Airways initially removed it from their in-flight offerings during the Israel-Hamas war but later reinstated it.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

I gave a college lecture on Jewish identity — and confronted a mob of video vigilantes

Elliot Cosgrove in Forward

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove describes a challenging experience where protesters accused him of being complicit in crimes against humanity due to his Jewish identity, despite his intention to speak on contemporary Jewish identity.

0 Antisemitism Education

Columbia suspends students for ‘Resistance 101’ event where speakers praised Hamas

Luke Tress in JTA

Columbia University suspended four students for organizing an event called Resistance 101 where speakers praised Hamas and other terror groups.

0 Antisemitism Art

In more than 200 paintings, a tribute to the spirit of the Israeli hostages

Laura Hodes in Forward

In a tribute to the Israeli hostages of October 7, a group of Philadelphia women artists, led by Sivia Katz Braunstein, have created over 200 colorful paintings displayed at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.

0 Antisemitism Politics

The growing panic about antisemitism isn't a reflection of reality

Jay Michaelson in Forward

In this opinion piece, the author argues that the current panic regarding rising antisemitism is exaggerated and misplaced in some aspects within the American Jewish community.

0 Antisemitism History

The 7 Essential Features of Anti-Judaism

Sruli Fruchter in 18forty

In a series of discussions on anti-Judaism using various texts, the unique characteristics and historical roots of hatred towards Jews were explored.

0 Antisemitism Education

Our kids remain unprepared during this unprecedented time. We need to fix that.

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

The Jewish community is currently witnessing a surge in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments, exacerbated by recent events like the Hamas massacre in Israel, leading to increased incidents of hate crimes and discrimination against Jewish and Israeli individuals.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Our kids remain unprepared during this unprecedented time. We need to fix that.

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

As the Jewish community faces a rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments, there is a growing need to better educate Jewish students on these issues.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Culture

Our Passover: Why this night is different from all others

Elissa Caterfino Mandel in Forward

The article reflects on the evolving nature of Passover celebrations within a Jewish family.

0 Holidays Culture

What the Kveller Editors Are Buying For Passover

Kveller Staff in Kveller

Kveller editors shared their Passover picks, including a ceramic Star of David bowl and ramekins for salt water.

0 Holidays Food

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

Jewish Chronicle

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.

Israel ›

0 Israel Communities

'Offer your compassion': Rabbis fundraise for World Central Kitchen after fatal airstrike

Lauren Markoe in Forward

Rabbi Debra Orenstein initiated a fundraiser called Rabbis for World Central Kitchen in response to an Israeli airstrike that tragically killed seven aid workers in Gaza.

0 Israel Antisemitism

From the Newsletter | Israel Is Not the Same: Notes From a Recent Trip

Laurence Wolff in Moment

A recent trip to Israel in February revealed the lasting impact of a tragic event by Hamas on October 7.

0 Israel Jewish Law

Interview | Non-Orthodox Conversion in Israel

Laurence Wolff in Moment

In Israel, the Reform movement faces challenges due to Orthodox control over religious and civil matters.

0 Israel Holidays

10 new haggadahs for Passover 2024

Philissa Cramer in Forward

Several new haggadahs for Passover 2024 cater to different interests and concerns within the Jewish community.

0 Israel Holidays

Inside 10 new haggadahs for 2024: America and Israel take their places at the seder table

Philissa Cramer in JTA

This article highlights 10 new haggadahs for 2024 that cater to a range of themes and audiences, including a focus on Zionism, American patriotism, and modern-day relevance.

0 Israel Politics

Israeli military fires 2 officers in the wake of World Central Kitchen killings: ‘A serious failure’

Ron Kampeas in JTA

Following the tragic killing of seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen during the conflict, two Israeli military officers were dismissed for errors that led to the mistaken strike on aid vehicles in Gaza.

0 Israel Politics

Stop expecting Israel's army to be perfect.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

In a newsletter focused on Jewish topics, the discussion revolves around the recent accidental Israeli airstrike in Gaza that resulted in the death of humanitarian aid workers, leading to criticism from Jewish organizations and political figures like U.S. President Joe Biden.

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.

Sports ›

0 Sports Antisemitism

The Jewish Sport Report: Did Germany accidentally allow a Nazi symbol on its national soccer jersey?

Jacob Gurvis in JTA

Germany recently unveiled a new design for its national soccer team jerseys by Adidas, which inadvertently made the number 44 appear similar to the Nazi SS symbol.

0 Sports History

The Life-Changing Gift of Bill Veeck

Jewdicious

Bill Veeck, the owner of the Chicago White Sox, made a profound impact on the author, who worked as an orthopedic consultant for the team from 1976 to 1981.

0 Sports Culture

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.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Television/Film

For Amit Rahav, the Cast of ‘We Were the Lucky Ones’ Felt Like His Jewish Family

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Israeli actor Amit Rahav, known for his roles in "Unorthodox" and "We Were the Lucky Ones," discusses his connection to Holocaust stories and Jewish culture.

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.

Communities ›

0 Communities Jewish Law

New York City's earthquake feels like a blessing, not a curse

Mira Fox in Forward

The author reflects on experiencing a 4.8 magnitude earthquake in New York City and the concept of blessings in Judaism, particularly for unusual events like earthquakes.

0 Communities Philosophy

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.

History ›

0 History Communities

On the Lower East Side, a corporate ‘fixer’ honors his Jewish roots with a unique, NYC-centric bookstore

Lisa Keys in JTA

Bradley Tusk, a political strategist and corporate fixer, pays tribute to his Jewish heritage through P&T Knitwear, a unique NYC-centric bookstore in the Lower East Side.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Science

Total Eclipse of the Brakha

Jack Zaientz in Jewish Review of Books

The text delves into the Jewish perspective on solar eclipses, exploring whether they are viewed as natural phenomena or bad omens.

0 Jewish Law Education

Joshua Ladon in Sources

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daniel May in Sources

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

Culture ›

0 Culture Education

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.

Education ›

0 Education Torah

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.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Jewish Law

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.

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.