for Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Jewish Law

Aryeh Cohen in Jewschool

This article reflects on the concept of liberation in the Jewish community this year, particularly transitioning from Purim's themes of threats and instability to Pesach's promise of Divine intervention and liberation.

0 Holidays Food

Putting the Pace in Pesach

Sharona in Mishpacha

The article "Putting the Pace in Pesach" discusses the spiritual aspects of eating during Pesach, emphasizing how meals can be elevated to serve Hashem.

0 Holidays Food

These Easy Passover Seder Recipes Are Kid-Friendly

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

This article discusses easy Passover Seder recipes that are kid-friendly.

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

Jaclyn Best: Walking on Eggshells Over Palestine

Moment in Moment

Jaclyn Best, a 32-year-old synagogue administrator from Boulder, CO, and a Renewal Jew, shares her struggles navigating discussions around Israel and Palestine within the American Jewish community.

0 Politics Communities

Chesky Blau: Leaning Away From a Democratic Vote

Moment in Moment

Chesky Blau, an Orthodox Hasidic Rabbi from Brooklyn, NY, is leaning towards the Republican party despite being a registered Democrat.

0 Politics Israel

Blinken tells Jewish leaders the United States does not want Israel to ‘escalate’ after Iran attack

Ron Kampeas in JTA

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured Jewish leaders that the Biden administration does not want tensions to escalate between Iran and Israel following Iran's recent attack on Israel.

0 Politics Israel

In private meeting with Jewish leaders, Blinken addresses US rifts with Israel

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently addressed concerns raised by American Jewish leaders in a closed meeting regarding public disagreements between the U.S. and Israel, emphasizing that some disputes necessitate public discussion.

0 Politics Israel

Co-Resistance at a Crossroads - As anti-Palestinian violence in the West Bank reaches new heights, a beleaguered movement gathers to reflect.

Maya Rosen in Jewish Currents

The article discusses a gathering of Palestinian and Israeli activists involved in civil resistance in the West Bank, particularly in the Masafer Yatta region, where they have been fighting forced displacement.

0 Politics

The head of the largest Christian Zionist organization is no friend to Israel — he wants an apocalypse there

Jay Michaelson in Forward

Pastor John Hagee, the head of Christians United for Israel, a significant Christian Zionist organization, believes in a vision where an apocalyptic war in Israel will lead to the Second Coming of Jesus and the establishment of a Christian kingdom on earth.

0 Politics Art

Israel’s representative at Venice Biennale shuts down art exhibit, demanding ceasefire and hostage deal

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Artist Ruth Patir, representing Israel at the Venice Biennale, has closed down the Israeli pavilion until a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages are secured.

0 Politics Israel

2 House members lead the charge to oust the speaker. Both have been accused of trafficking in antisemitism.

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Two Republican House members, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie, are leading the effort to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson over emergency foreign aid bills that include aid for Israel.

0 Politics Gender/Identity

Leah Kiser: Concerned About Women’s Rights

Moment in Moment

Leah Kiser, a 55-year-old bookkeeper from Lexington, KY, expresses disillusionment with the progressive left following the October 7 terror attacks, particularly in their stance towards women's and LGBTQ rights and the issue of Israel.

0 Politics Communities

Ushi Teitelbaum: Longing for Economic Stability

Moment in Moment

Ushi Teitelbaum, an Orthodox Jewish Republican residing in Brooklyn, expresses concern over rising antisemitism, emphasizing the importance of economic stability as her top priority.

0 Politics Education

Diana Leygerman: Against Censorship in Schools

Moment in Moment

Diana Leygerman, a 41-year-old Democratic Jewish activist from Warwick Township, PA, is concerned about censorship in schools, particularly after a Republican-majority board in the Central Bucks School District banned books and targeted LGBTQ students.

0 Politics Education

Abby Schachter: Wanting More College Involvement in Society

Moment in Moment

In an interview with Abby Schachter, an Orthodox Jew and Republican academic program manager, she expresses concerns about the Democratic Party moving away from its historically pro-Israel stance and emphasizes the need for Jews to form different social and political coalitions.

0 Politics Israel

Meirav Solomon: Biden is the Only Moral Answer

Moment in Moment

Meirav Solomon, a 20-year-old Conservative Jewish student at Tufts University, expresses her support for Joe Biden as the only moral choice in the 2024 presidential election.

0 Politics Israel

Aaron Weissman: Fighting for Democracy

Moment in Moment

Aaron Weissman, a 52-year-old Reform Jew from Great Falls, MT, switched from being a Republican to an Independent voter.

0 Politics Communities

Don Cohen: More Security is Needed for Jews

Moment in Moment

Don Cohen, a retired Jewish community relations professional from West Bloomfield, MI, expresses concern about the need for increased security for the Jewish community and other minority groups in the face of recent terror attacks.

0 Politics Israel

Nina Stanley: “This could be our last election”

Moment in Moment

Nina Stanley, a 72-year-old retired nurse from Ohio, expresses concern about the state of democracy and the impact of figures like Benjamin Netanyahu on Israel.

0 Politics Gender/Identity

Deb Kolodny: Recognizing a Climate Catastrophe

Moment in Moment

Deb Kolodny, a consultant and freelance rabbi, emphasizes the urgent need to address not only climate change but also the concept of climate refugees in Western Massachusetts.

0 Politics Communities

Eva R. Cohen: There is a Lack of Empathy for Israel

Moment in Moment

Eva R. Cohen, a rabbinical student and leader of a Humanistic Jewish congregation in Minneapolis, discusses the lack of empathy for Israel in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack.

0 Politics Israel

The path that led to Iran’s attack on Israel was one of US appeasement

Jewish Chronicle

The text outlines how a series of US actions, including re-entering the Iran nuclear deal and offering economic relief, has emboldened Iran and led to escalating tensions in the region, culminating in attacks against Israel.

0 Politics Israel

At last we can see true Arab solidarity with Israel

Jewish Chronicle

In a recent incident where Israel faced a potential attack by Iran, surprising support from Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates provided vital intelligence that helped Israel defend against the threat, signaling a significant shift in Arab solidarity with Israel.

0 Politics Israel

Israel must respond to Iran without undermining its stunning regional coalition

Jewish Chronicle

Iran has shifted its strategy by directly attacking Israel instead of relying on proxies like Hezbollah, following the assassination of an IRGC commander.

0 Politics Education

USC cancels commencement speech from Muslim valedictorian after she shared link to anti-Israel website

Louis Keene in Forward

The University of Southern California (USC) canceled the commencement speech of Muslim valedictorian Asna Tabassum after she shared a link to an anti-Israel website on her Instagram page.

0 Politics Israel

House will vote on foreign aid package for Israel and other U.S. allies, ending delay

Ron Kampeas in JTA

The House is set to vote on approving approximately $14 billion in aid to Israel and other U.S. allies after a months-long delay, spurred by Iran's recent attack on Israel.

0 Politics Education

Blue Morning

Michael Lind in Tablet

In "Where Have All the Democrats Gone?" by John Judis and Ruy Texeira, the authors critique the Democratic Party's approach of potentially ignoring working-class white voters, suggesting that Joe Biden's unpopularity and policy issues might impact the party.

0 Politics Communities

RFK Jr. Isn’t a Spoiler

Teddy Macker in Tablet

Robert Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign and his association with civil rights and labor leader Cesar Chavez have sparked both support and resistance.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Dan Helmer touts his support for Israel in Northern Virginia House primary

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

Virginia state Del.

0 Politics Antisemitism

A bill to create a national coordinator to fight antisemitism is drawing rare bipartisan support in Congress

Ron Kampeas in JTA

A bipartisan bill is gaining support in Congress to establish a national coordinator to combat antisemitism in the United States, aligning with President Biden's strategy announced last year to address antisemitism.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Holidays

Buying Jewish Whiskey

Nathan B. Oman in Lehrhaus

The text discusses the legal intricacies and religious significance of the practice of selling chametz (leavened food) before Passover, focusing on the formalities and implications involved in this ritual.

0 Jewish Law Politics

Who's the guy with the yarmulke in Trump's hush money trial?

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Gedalia M. Stern, a partner at NechelesLaw, is part of former President Trump's legal team in the hush money trial.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Gender/Identity

‘His last name was Bernstein’: Exchange over yarmulke brings antisemitism into focus in murder trial

Louis Keene in Forward

In the trial of Samuel Woodward for the murder of Blaze Bernstein, the focus on Bernstein's Jewish identity alongside his sexual orientation has brought the issue of antisemitism into question.

0 Antisemitism Education

USC Shoah Foundation distances itself from pro-Palestinian valedictorian whose speech was canceled

Andrew Lapin in JTA

The USC Shoah Foundation, associated with Steven Spielberg, faced controversy as its valedictorian, a pro-Palestinian student with ties to the foundation, had her commencement speech canceled due to criticism of Israel and Zionism.

0 Antisemitism Jewish Law

Excuse Me, Are You Jewish?

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Following the events of October 7, which served as a wake-up call for religious Jews worldwide, Mishpacha Magazine embarked on a project to gauge the impact on Jews less connected to their identity or Jewish media.

0 Antisemitism Education

ADL says antisemitic incidents more than doubled last year, driven by surge after Oct. 7

Luke Tress in JTA

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents in the past year, more than doubling from the previous year with a total of 8,873 incidents in 2023 compared to 3,697 in 2022.

Literature ›

0 Literature History

The Silencing of the Jewish Poet

Maxim D. Shrayer in Tablet

In February 2024, a study was conducted with 90 Jewish poets and translators, focusing on the definition of Jewish poetry in contemporary America and the reception of Jewish poets in the literary world post-Oct.

History ›

0 History Politics

The Rise of the Cyber City

Walter Russell Mead in Tablet

The text discusses the concept of the "Cyber City" as the next stage of urban evolution, contrasting it with the current "Car City" paradigm.

0 History Philosophy

Endless?

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The text discusses the concept of endlessness in the Jewish experience, particularly in the context of galus (exile).

0 History Holidays

Jewish Exceptionalism

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article discusses the concept of Jewish exceptionalism and the idea behind Vehi Sheamdah, highlighting the persistent threats and challenges faced by the Jewish people throughout history as outlined in the Haggadah.

0 History Culture

Is this small black plaque the most meaningful Holocaust memorial in New York?

Andrew Silverstein in Forward

In New York's Riverside Park near 83rd Street lies a small black plaque marking the intended site for the American Memorial to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

United flight cancellations stymie Passover travel plans

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

United Airlines has canceled all flights to Israel, disrupting Passover travel plans for many.

0 Israel Communities

‘We have failed’: A conversation with the parents of an Israeli hostage

Stewart Ain in Forward

Omer Neutra, a Jewish American who served in the Israeli army, was taken hostage by Hamas.

0 Israel Holidays

Jewish Exceptionalism

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article delves into the concept of Jewish exceptionalism, focusing on the idea that the promise to Avraham Avinu entails not just salvation but also constant threats and suffering for the Jewish people.

0 Israel Politics

Guernica’s founder defends retracting Israeli coexistence essay that caused firestorm

Philissa Cramer in JTA

The founder of Guernica, a literary magazine, defended retracting an essay by Israeli writer Joanna Chen, stating it did not align with the journal's values of collective suffering over individual angst.

0 Israel Jewish Law

Has There Been an Earthquake in Israel?

Emes Ve-Emunah

A proposal has emerged from Charedi parties in Israel suggesting drafting approximately 25% of yeshiva students annually, possibly rising to nearly 50%, a significant departure from longstanding opposition to the draft due to concerns about impacting religious practice.

0 Israel Politics

Israel — literally — cannot afford to retaliate against Iran

Dany Bahar in Forward

The article discusses Israel's economic constraints in the face of potential retaliation against Iran following a recent attack.

0 Israel Politics

How does this war end? The day after is looking ‘dark’ for Israel and Gaza

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas shows no imminent sign of resolution, with recent developments indicating a potential shift in Israel's military strategy in Gaza.

0 Israel Politics

Why Israel must hit Iran

Jewish Chronicle

The article discusses the need for Israel to take decisive action against Iran's aggressive strategies in the Middle East.

0 Israel Politics

Israel's army has not changed. The nature of war has changed.

Future of Jewish

The article discusses the changing nature of warfare in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the unique challenges Israeli soldiers face in urban warfare against an enemy with no regard for traditional rules of engagement.

Sports ›

0 Sports Communities

The Golden Age of Jewish Hockey

Armin Rosen in Tablet

The text discusses the impressive achievements of Jewish hockey player Zach Hyman, who joined the Edmonton Oilers in 2021 and has become a top scorer in the NHL.

0 Sports History

He outdueled Sandy Koufax to win the greatest Jewish pitching showdown of all time

Dan Epstein in Forward

Ken Holtzman, who passed away at the age of 78, holds the record for the most wins by a Jewish pitcher in Major League Baseball history, surpassing Sandy Koufax.

0 Sports Communities

Ken Holtzman, winningest Jewish pitcher in MLB history, dies at 78

Jacob Gurvis in JTA

Ken Holtzman, the winningest Jewish pitcher in MLB history, passed away at the age of 78.

Food ›

0 Food Communities

In the 1800s, New York’s Jewish elite dined at ‘The Kosher Delmonico’

Scott D. Seligman in JTA

In the 1800s, New York City's Jewish elite dined at The Kosher Delmonico, a high-end kosher restaurant opened by Felix Marx, a Jewish Frenchman.

0 Food Holidays

Chicken with Clementines, Dates, and Capers

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

A newsletter promotes a paid annual subscription to The Jewish Table and shares a last-minute Passover recipe for Chicken with Clementines, Dates, and Capers from the cookbook "Hot Sheet."

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Politics

J.K. Rowling didn't want to be called a Holocaust denier. That backfired.

Mira Fox in Forward

J.K. Rowling faced a situation where a tweet implied she was a Holocaust denier, triggering a legal threat due to the U.K.'s strict defamation laws.

0 Holocaust Communities

At a model Passover seder, Holocaust survivors and NYC Council members celebrate unity

Julia Gergely in JTA

Holocaust survivors Jacob and Hedy Weiss, along with NYC Council members, participated in a model Passover seder to promote unity and solidarity amidst heightened tensions.

0 Holocaust Culture

Passover 1941 among refugees in the land of the rising sun

Shoshana Kahan in Forward

Shoshana Kahan, a Yiddish actress and writer, recounts her experience celebrating Passover in Kobe, Japan, in 1941 as a refugee during World War II.

0 Holocaust Antisemitism

First they came for the Jews... Yawn.

Future of Jewish

The text discusses the famous poem by Pastor Martin Niemöller about not speaking out against oppression until it directly affects oneself, highlighting the ongoing issue of antisemitism against Jews and the lack of widespread action to address it.

Education ›

0 Education Antisemitism

She managed a university Holocaust center. Now she says incivility on Israel drove her to a Catholic school.

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Mary Jane Rein, who worked at Clark University's Holocaust center for 20 years, left her position due to feeling unsupported after facing incivility related to Israel on campus.

Communities ›

0 Communities Leadership

Secret Service

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Hershel Gottdiener, a discreet philanthropist from Monsey, is known for his behind-the-scenes acts of kindness such as helping incarcerated individuals, fundraising for struggling Jews globally, and aiding impoverished families.

0 Communities Leadership

Secret Service

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Hershel Gottdiener, a discreet benefactor from Monsey, is known for quietly performing acts of chesed such as aiding impoverished families, bailing out Jews from third-world prisons, and helping individuals in need.

0 Communities Antisemitism

Excuse Me, Are You Jewish?

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In the aftermath of the events of October 7, Mishpacha's team ventured to Penn Station to gauge the impact on unaffiliated Jews.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Balancing Beam

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The writer grapples with the struggle of balancing values as she navigates interactions with her off-the-derech sister in her home.

0 Communities Jewish Law

20 Turning Points

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The text discusses 20 significant contributors' viewpoints on pivotal changes, trends, and developments in the last two decades within the Jewish community.

0 Communities Leadership

20 Turning Points

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The text discusses 20 turning points in the past two decades as identified by various contributors.

0 Communities Art

One Book, One Hadassah Discussion Guide: ‘Dwell Time’

Editor in Hadassah

"Dwell Time: A Memoir of Art, Exile, and Repair" by Rosa Lowinger delves into the author's personal history as a Cuban-born art conservator, intertwining themes of generational trauma, exile, and caring for aging parents.

0 Communities

Why volunteering as an older adult elevates both individuals and nonprofits

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

Volunteering as an older adult, as seen through the lens of individuals like Chava David and Reta Fivish at Yad Sarah, not only benefits the recipients of the service but also has positive implications for the volunteers themselves.

0 Communities

Why volunteering as an older adult elevates both individuals and nonprofits

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

Volunteering as an older adult not only benefits individuals like Chava David and Reta Fivish by improving their physical and mental health, but also adds value to nonprofits like Yad Sarah.

Miscellaneous

Endless?

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The text explores the concept of galus (exile) within the Jewish experience, highlighting the feeling of endlessness and hopelessness that accompanies it.

“My Husband Won’t Let Me Tell Anyone He Lost His Job — Even His Family”

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article addresses a woman's dilemma where her husband forbids her from informing their family about his job loss due to financial struggles.

Culture ›

0 Culture

Balancing Beam

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article discusses the internal struggle faced by a woman named Dina Cohen as she navigates conflicting values and behaviors in her interactions with her smoking sister Mindy.

0 Culture Ethics

“My Husband Won’t Let Me Tell Anyone He Lost His Job — Even His Family”

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

A woman is struggling with financial difficulties after her husband lost his job but he forbids her from sharing this information with her close sisters-in-law.

Torah ›

0 Torah Food

Putting the Pace in Pesach

Sharona in Mishpacha

The article discusses how to elevate the experience of eating during Pesach by focusing on pleasure, pacing, and pausing.

0 Torah Jewish Law

If You Didn't Have a Hammer?

Jewdicious

The text discusses the unique role of Jews in the world, comparing it to driving a nail with a screwdriver - possible but not ideal.

Music ›

0 Music Antisemitism

Latest rap beef wraps in Drake, rhinoplasty and pastrami

Andrew Esensten in Forward

Jewish rapper Drake has found himself embroiled in a rap beef with Kendrick Lamar and Rick Ross, with antisemitic overtones in the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Art ›

0 Art History

What Houdini, Coney Island and space aliens have to do with the book of Exodus

PJ Grisar in Forward

In "Brighton Beach Bible," artist Joel Silverstein reimagines the Exodus story within the backdrop of Coney Island and Brighton Beach, drawing parallels between his personal history and Jewish heritage.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Holidays ›

Politics ›

Jewish Law ›

Antisemitism ›

Literature ›

History ›

Israel ›

Sports ›

Food ›

Holocaust ›

Education ›

Communities ›

Miscellaneous

Culture ›

Torah ›

Music ›

Art ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

April 17's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Holidays ›

Politics ›

Jewish Law ›

Antisemitism ›

Literature ›

History ›

Israel ›

Sports ›

Food ›

Holocaust ›

Education ›

Communities ›

Miscellaneous

Culture ›

Torah ›

Music ›

Art ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

April 17's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, April 17, 2024