for Saturday, April 20, 2024

Israel ›

0 Israel Holidays

For hostage families and their supporters this Passover, celebrating the Festival of Freedom feels impossible

Deborah Danan in Forward

Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza, facing a somber Passover, are struggling to celebrate the holiday of freedom while their loved ones remain captive, with some opting for subdued seders and unique rituals to honor the missing.

0 Israel Holidays

For many Israelis this Passover, celebrating the Festival of Freedom feels impossible

Deborah Danan in JTA

This article discusses how many Israeli families, including those with loved ones held hostage by Hamas, are finding it difficult to celebrate Passover this year, a holiday that symbolizes freedom.

0 Israel Holidays

For many Israelis this Passover, celebrating the Festival of Freedom feels impossible

Deborah Danan in JTA

Many Israeli families, including those who have loved ones held hostage, are finding it difficult to celebrate Passover this year due to feelings of sadness and frustration over the captivity of their relatives by Hamas.

0 Israel Holidays

If we can find the afikoman, maybe we can talk across our divides about the war

Jodi Rudoren in Forward

The article discusses the author's family tradition of children hiding the afikoman during Passover Seder, a departure from the usual practice, leading to reflections on differing perspectives within traditions.

0 Israel History

Why This Seder Night Is - And Isn’t - Different From All Others

Gary Rosenblatt in Between The Lines

As Passover approaches, the heavy atmosphere of recent events weighs on many Jewish minds, with concerns ranging from anti-Semitism to conflicts in the Middle East.

0 Israel Politics

The West must urgently learn from Israel’s red lines on Iran

Jewish Chronicle

The article discusses how the West can learn from Israel's approach towards Iran in setting red lines.

0 Israel Politics

Despite missiles and an evacuation order, the spit is still turning at this northern Israel shawarma shop

Uriel Heilman in JTA

Despite ongoing danger from Hezbollah attacks and a mandatory evacuation order in the area, a shawarma restaurant in Kiryat Shmona, Israel, named Baguette Shlomi, has continued to operate to serve soldiers who remain in the nearly deserted city.

0 Israel Politics

Israel reportedly strikes in Iran, days after fending off Iranian missile attack

JTA Staff in JTA

Israel has reportedly carried out airstrikes in Iran, following Iran's missile attack on Israel which was successfully intercepted days prior.

0 Israel Politics

Israel Must Respond Forcefully to Iran’s Attack

Bernard-Henri Lévy in Tablet

The text emphasizes the escalating threat from Iran to Israel through various proxy wars and its nuclear program.

0 Israel Communities

Empathy Is Part of Our Jewish DNA

Elliot Cosgrove in Tablet

The Passover Seder, a night of questions and reflections, takes place against the backdrop of current events, such as Israel's conflict with Hamas, making intergenerational gatherings more charged.

0 Israel Politics

To Be on Everyone’s Side Is to Be on No One’s

Liel Leibovitz in Tablet

The text discusses a panel where a participant grapples with feeling sympathy for both Israelis and Palestinians affected by conflict.

0 Israel Communities

King Khat

Dana Kessler in Tablet

"King Khat" explores the story of an Israeli scientist named Gabi who, fascinated by the psychoactive effects of the khat plant, synthesizes its active substance, cathinone, to create a legal drug known as Hagigat.

0 Israel Politics

Israel is desperately losing the PR war. Here are 10 ways to change that.

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

Israel is facing challenges in the realm of public relations amidst its conflict with Hamas, which has a strong PR machine influencing international opinion.

History ›

0 History Israel

Passover in wartime: As freed Hebrew slaves, we must always protect the oppressed

Naftali Oppenheimer in Forward

Amidst reflections on his military service in Hebron and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Naftali Oppenheimer emphasizes the importance of protecting the oppressed and using power responsibly, especially as Passover approaches.

0 History Communities

An exhibit recreating the Oct. 7 Nova Music Festival massacre arrives in NYC

Julia Gergely in JTA

An interactive exhibit in NYC recreates the tragic events of the Oct. 7 Nova Music Festival massacre in southern Israel, where Hamas militants killed hundreds of festival-goers.

0 History Holidays

We can find strength in Pesach’s story of hope and redemption

Jewish Chronicle

Pesach's story of hope and redemption, as depicted in the Haggadah, has always been a source of strength for the Jewish people.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Communities

Enough of the 'social justice' Passover Seders.

Mallory Mosner in Future of Jewish

The essay discusses the author's contrasting experiences at Passover Seders, one focusing on social justice and the other on traditional Jewish practices.

0 Holidays Communities

Eight Modern Additions to the Seder Plate

Tyler Griff in Moment

During Passover, the seder plate traditionally includes items like parsley, bitter herbs, charoset, a shank bone, and an egg, but there are modern additions you can incorporate to reflect contemporary issues in the Jewish community.

0 Holidays Music

‘(Matzah) Brei Brei Brei’ Is the N*SYNC Passover Parody of Our Dreams

Kveller Staff in Kveller

Matt Slater, winner of Kveller's 2024 Passover parody contest, created a parody of N*SYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" titled "(Matzah) Brei Brei Brei," which combines the popular song with Passover-themed lyrics about matzah brei.

0 Holidays Politics

Celebrating Passover feels futile with hostages in Gaza. But we must.

Sruli Fruchter in Forward

As Passover approaches, the author grapples with celebrating the holiday while hostages remain captive in Gaza for over six months.

0 Holidays History

A Miriam’s Cup Will Be On My Seder Table for the First Time

Jaime Herndon in Kveller

The author discusses their evolving relationship with Passover, introducing the concept of Miriam's Cup on their seder table for the first time.

0 Holidays Jewish Law

Rest for Radicals: Shabbat HaGadol as General Strike

Raphael Magarik in Jewschool

Raphael Magarik discusses the concept of Shabbat HaGadol as a form of general strike, inspired by Rabbi Joseph di Trani's interpretation.

0 Holidays Culture

If You Feel Overwhelmed by Passover, Read This

Elissa Strauss in Kveller

The article reflects on the spiritual significance and challenges of preparing for Passover and caring for family members, highlighting the connection between caregiving and religious practice.

0 Holidays Gender/Identity

A Decade of New Voices Passovers

New Voices Editorial Board in New Voices

As Passover approaches, New Voices offers a retrospective on a decade of articles, including discussions on diverse seder plate additions, self-customized haggadot, integrating grief into the holiday, reflections on queerness and liberation, campus freedom seders addressing Israel/Palestine, critical reviews of haggadot like "The Rational Passover Haggadah," and explorations of topics such as diet culture's impact on Passover observance.

Education ›

0 Education Politics

Who is Nemat Shafik, Columbia’s president under fire?

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Nemat Minouche Shafik, a baroness, economist, immigrant, and Muslim American, is facing criticism as the president of Columbia University amidst turmoil over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on campus.

0 Education Politics

‘I’m ready to leave this campus’: Jewish students at Columbia feel discomfort and isolation following Thursday’s unrest

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Jewish students at Columbia University, including those at Barnard College, have been feeling discomfort and isolation following recent unrest on campus, including protests calling for divestment from Israel and clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups.

0 Education Israel

"Let Us Deal Wisely with Them"

Emily Alhadeff in The Cholent

The text discusses the cyclical nature of Jewish existence, focusing on the story of Passover as a central narrative in Judaism.

0 Education Politics

Ignorant Jews and their 'Judaism'

Emes Ve-Emunah

The text discusses the issue of ignorance among Jews, particularly focusing on the misunderstanding of academic freedom, Judaism, and the significance of Israel to Jewish identity.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

‘Egregious:’ A legal perspective on Columbia University's mass arrests

Nora Berman in Forward

Columbia University saw mass arrests of over 100 students and two legal observers after a pro-Palestinian protest was cleared by the New York police department, at the request of the university's president following a Congressional hearing on antisemitism.

0 Politics Antisemitism

South Africa’s president rehearsed genocide charge against Israel in meeting with local Jewish leaders

Ron Kampeas in JTA

During a meeting between South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa and Jewish leaders to address rising antisemitism, Ramaphosa surprised the Jewish community by primarily focusing on accusing Israel of genocide, citing this meeting when South Africa charged Israel with genocide at the International Court of Justice.

0 Politics Antisemitism

US sanctions far-right Israeli activist Bentzi Gopstein and 2 groups in latest round of West Bank penalties

Luke Tress in JTA

The US State Department has imposed sanctions on Ben Zion Bentzi Gopstein, a far-right Israeli activist, and two Israeli organizations for their destabilizing activities and fundraising efforts supporting sanctioned settlers in the West Bank.

0 Politics Israel

The US designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation five years ago – and it’s time we followed suit

Jewish Chronicle

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), an Iranian military force, has been involved in spreading Iran's Islamist ideology, sponsoring terrorism, and pursuing the destruction of Israel.

0 Politics Israel

The Impossible Position of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself in a challenging position managing negotiations with Egypt and Qatar representing Hamas, dealing with international pressure led by U.S. President Biden amid Democratic re-election concerns, and balancing demands within his governing coalition for ongoing control over Gaza.

0 Politics Israel

Inside the State Department’s anti-Israel listening sessions

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Amidst internal meetings at the State Department, concerns have been raised about U.S. policy towards Israel and Gaza, with some employees advocating for harsher actions against Israel.

0 Politics Israel

With Iran strike, Netanyahu is tested on his flagship issue

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reputation as a strong leader on security matters faced a test following an unprecedented Iranian attack on Israel.

0 Politics Antisemitism

100+ arrested in day of unrest and mass protest at Columbia U over Gaza and Israel

Luke Tress in JTA

A mass protest erupted at Columbia University over the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to more than 100 arrests and student suspensions.

0 Politics Communities

Police arrest son of prominent DC-area rabbi after alleged altercation with protesters outside Israeli Embassy

Ron Kampeas in JTA

Ezra Weinblatt, the son of a well-known rabbi in the Washington D.C. area, was arrested after an altercation with protesters outside the Israeli Embassy, where he allegedly pushed individuals and damaged their sound equipment.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

A Transylvanian-American klezmer blues bash right at home at a Brooklyn fiddle summit

Dan Friedman in Forward

The article discusses a unique musical event, the Neighborhood Fiddle Summit in Brooklyn, featuring klezmer violinist Zo Aqua and the old-time string band The Ebony Hillbillies.

0 Music Culture

She ain't no Dylan Thomas or Patti Smith, this ain't her 'Blood on the Tracks,' but Taylor Swift certainly ain't no 'modern idiot' either

Seth Rogovoy in Forward

Taylor Swift's new album, "The Tortured Poets Department," is seen as a significant cultural event, portraying triumph over heartbreak and struggles with identity.

0 Music History

A pioneering Jewish rock band got its start in 1965; they're still slowly and steadily turtling along

Jim Sullivan in Forward

The Turtles, a renowned Jewish rock band established in 1965 by Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan, continue performing under the Happy Together Tour banner, showcasing hit songs like "Happy Together" from 1967.

Miscellaneous

0 Communities

Fred Neulander, rabbi serving life sentence for hiring hit men to kill his wife, dies in prison at 82

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Fred Neulander, a New Jersey rabbi, has passed away in prison at 82 while serving a life sentence for orchestrating his wife's murder in 1994.

Culture ›

0 Culture Television/Film

Carol Kane Brings Her Jewish Chops to ‘Dinner With the Parents’

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Carol Kane brings her Jewish heritage to the forefront in the show "Dinner With the Parents," based on the British sitcom "Friday Night Dinner."

0 Culture Television/Film

Why Jewish jokes make the world a little more bearable, for a while

Jewish Chronicle

Jewish humor, particularly American Jewish humor, is characterized by its ability to punch upwards or sideways in a profound and often self-reflective manner.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Israel

'Jewish enough to be murdered,' but not buried in a Jewish cemetery

Milan Czerny in Forward

The Kapshitter family tragedy, where a family was murdered by Hamas terrorists, highlighted the issue of Jewish burial rights in Israel.

0 Jewish Law History

Ten Plagues, Three Acronyms, Seven Opinions

Stuart Halpern in Jewish Review of Books

Rabbi Judah the Prince proposed the acronym Dtzakh Adash Bachav to summarize the ten plagues in the Haggadah, prompting diverse interpretations through the ages.

0 Jewish Law Communities

Why did this Mormon drive 10 hours to buy whiskey? To help out a Jewish friend for Passover

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Nate Oman, a devout Mormon, went on a 10-hour drive to Philadelphia to purchase whiskey and other leavened products for Passover from a Jewish congregation through a ritual of selling chametz to a non-Jew.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust History

Warsaw Heroes, Passover, 1943

Jewdicious

During the Passover of 1943 in the Warsaw Ghetto, a small group of Jewish prisoners launched a courageous resistance against their Nazi oppressors.

0 Holocaust Literature

Paying Tribute to Paul Celan in Chernivtsi

Edward Serotta in Tablet

The text pays homage to the poet Paul Celan and reflects on the impact of the Holocaust.

0 Holocaust Holidays

Harry Truman’s Seder Message

Stuart Halpern in Tablet

Vice President Harry S. Truman delivered a Passover address in 1945, praising Jewish contributions to ethics and expressing gratitude for their resilience and support for oppressed minorities.

0 Holocaust Communities

My First Yizkor

Judy Batalion in Tablet

The author reflects on her experience attending her first Yizkor service in 1982 as a child and her more recent attendance following her mother's death in 2023.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Jewish Law

Leadership isn’t a position — it’s an attitude

eJewishPhilanthropy

The text discusses a crisis of leadership in politics, business, and religion, highlighting widespread distrust towards leaders.

0 Leadership Jewish Law

Leadership isn’t a position — it’s an attitude

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy

The article discusses the contemporary crisis of trust in leaders across political, corporate, and religious spheres, emphasizing the need for a new attitude towards leadership.

Communities ›

0 Communities Leadership

The Upper West Side mourns Tom Weiss, a congressman’s son and ‘master of chesed’

Julia Gergely in JTA

Tom Weiss, a beloved figure on New York's Upper West Side, passed away at 61 due to a pulmonary embolism.

JL;DR

for Saturday, April 20, 2024

Israel ›

History ›

Holidays ›

Education ›

Politics ›

Music ›

Miscellaneous

Culture ›

Jewish Law ›

Holocaust ›

Leadership ›

Communities ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

April 20's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Saturday, April 20, 2024

Israel ›

History ›

Holidays ›

Education ›

Politics ›

Music ›

Miscellaneous

Culture ›

Jewish Law ›

Holocaust ›

Leadership ›

Communities ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

April 20's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Saturday, April 20, 2024