for Saturday, April 27, 2024

Politics ›

I was arrested protesting at Columbia in '68. Today's student encampments carry on a proud, brave tradition

Tom Hurwitz in Forward

The author reflects on his experience protesting at Columbia University in 1968 and draws parallels to current student encampments protesting the Israeli war in Gaza.

0 Politics Literature

PEN America cancels New Voices festival over author outrage at Gaza response

PJ Grisar in Forward

PEN America canceled its New World Voices Festival due to backlash over its response to the war in Gaza, following authors' withdrawal from the Literary Awards ceremony and festival participation.

0 Politics Holocaust

Woke Jewish Professors

Emes Ve-Emunah

Professor Jonathan Cohen, a public health professor at USC, is criticized for his anti-Israel stance, which some find hypocritical given his Jewish background and family history with the Holocaust.

0 Politics Israel

Source: Blinken hasn’t decided whether to sanction Israel for alleged abuses by one of its army units

Ron Kampeas in JTA

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has yet to decide whether to sanction Israel over alleged human rights abuses by the Netzach Yehuda battalion within the Israel Defense Forces, despite reports suggesting otherwise.

0 Politics Science

We’re right to stop giving our secrets to Iran – and it might avert WW3

Jewish Chronicle

The text discusses the importance of halting the sharing of valuable military secrets with hostile nations like Iran to prevent potential global conflicts, especially given the rising international tensions with countries like Russia, China, and North Korea.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Israel has become the world’s Gideon Falter –blamed for being ‘openly Jewish’

Jewish Chronicle

Gideon Falter, CEO of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, faced discrimination by the police in London for being openly Jewish during a pro-Palestinian march, highlighting the lack of protection for Jews in such situations.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Heady

Jewish Chronicle

The text discusses the author's frustration with anti-Israel sentiment among some progressive Jewish individuals who criticize Israel, highlighting figures like Ilan Papp, Noam Chomsky, Avi Shlaim, and Naomi Klein.

0 Politics Israel

Enlightenment and Conspiracy

Yehuda Kurtzer in Jewish Review of Books

"Israelism," a documentary by Erin Axelman and Sam Eilertsen, follows the journeys of young American Jews Simone Zimmerman and Eitan from passionate advocates for Israel to outspoken critics.

0 Politics Communities

Letters to the editor, 19th April 2024

Jewish Chronicle

The letters to the editor cover a range of topics including the debate on a Palestinian state next to Israel, criticism of Hamas and support for its destruction, defending Netanyahu's achievements despite his flaws, mixed feelings about Jewish holidays and concerns over events in Israel, the importance of building relations between the Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, and Chinese communities, and the establishment and accomplishments of the British Indian Jewish Association to foster ties between the Indian and Jewish communities in the UK based on common values and shared aspirations.

0 Politics Education

An open letter to the Columbia University Gaza war protesters from a pro-Palestinian activist in Israel

Haviva Ner-David in JTA

An Israeli peace activist, also a Columbia University alum, criticizes the Gaza war protesters at Columbia for chanting violent slogans implying the destruction of Israel and the murder of its citizens.

0 Politics Jewish Law

How Much Must We Sacrifice for Justice? - An investigation through Jewish text, in the wake of Aaron Bushnell’s self-immolation for Gaza

Lexie Botzum in Jewish Currents

This text explores the concept of sacrifice and justice through Jewish texts in the aftermath of Aaron Bushnell's self-immolation for Gaza.

0 Politics Communities

Sadiq Khan’s apology to the Chief Rabbi shows he thinks we were all born yesterday

Jewish Chronicle

Sadiq Khan's recent apology to the Chief Rabbi for implying that the Rabbi criticized him due to being a Muslim rather than on merit has sparked controversy.

0 Politics Education

Extremist rhetoric escalates among campus anti-Israel protesters

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Extremist rhetoric and actions have escalated among campus anti-Israel protesters, particularly at Columbia University and New York University, where student organizers have been promoting violence against Zionists.

0 Politics Israel

Dear Progressives: You are hurting the Palestinians.

Elissa Wald in Future of Jewish

The essay addresses progressive anti-Zionists, criticizing their views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Campus Pro-Palestinian Protestor: 'I wish I was more educated.'

Future of Jewish

The text discusses the challenges of pro-Palestinian protests on North American campuses, highlighting instances of antisemitic messaging and imagery.

0 Antisemitism Education

After USC cancels graduation amid Israel protests, some Jewish students question their place on campus

Jacob Gurvis in JTA

Following USC's cancellation of graduation events amidst Israel-related protests, Jewish students at the University of Southern California are feeling unsettled and scrutinizing their position on campus amid heightened tensions.

0 Antisemitism Education

After USC cancels graduation amid Israel protests, some Jewish students question their place on campus

Jacob Gurvis in JTA

Some Jewish students at the University of Southern California (USC) are questioning their safety and place on campus after the university canceled graduation ceremonies due to anti-Israel protests.

0 Antisemitism Education

'All we can do is type': A student journalist on covering the crackdown on campus protests

Jodi Rudoren in Forward

Anika Arora Seth, the editor-in-chief of the Yale Daily News, found herself in the midst of covering the arrest of pro-Palestinian student protesters on her campus, highlighting the essential role student journalists play in such situations.

0 Antisemitism Leadership

Threading a needle on free speech, Jewish leaders demand Columbia rein in pro-Palestinian protests

Luke Tress in JTA

Jewish leaders gathered at Columbia University to defend free speech while urging action to control pro-Palestinian protests causing unrest on campus.

0 Antisemitism Education

One plan to save Columbia’s Jewish students could actually hurt them

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Some political figures are calling for punitive actions against Columbia University due to perceived antisemitism, such as cutting off federal funding, which could harm many Jewish students who rely on financial aid.

0 Antisemitism Politics

I have cancelled Saturday’s walk of defiance in central London. Here’s why

Gideon Falter in Jewish Chronicle

The Campaign Against Antisemitism has opted to cancel a planned walk of defiance in central London due to concerns about safety.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Letters to the editor, 26th April 2024

Jewish Chronicle

The letters to the editor cover various topics related to the Jewish community in the UK.

0 Antisemitism Communities

We need to fight campus antisemitism differently

eJewishPhilanthropy

In response to the rise in campus antisemitism, there is a call to combat it more effectively by understanding the well-funded anti-Israel forces at play.

0 Antisemitism Israel

We need a 'Free Israel' movement. Are you in?

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The text discusses the idea of a "Free Israel" movement as a response to challenges facing the Jewish community today.

0 Antisemitism Education

Calif. budget battle to test lawmakers’ will on fighting antisemitism

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

California is experiencing a surge in antisemitic incidents, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to release a comprehensive plan to combat antisemitism in the state, inspired by the Biden administration's strategy.

Education ›

0 Education Politics

Israeli American professor to be honored at Columbia commencement amid campus protests

Lauren Markoe in Forward

Columbia University is set to honor an Israeli American computer science professor and an entrepreneur with Israeli ties at its upcoming commencement, amidst campus protests over Israel-Palestine issues.

0 Education Israel

This rabbi is "horrified" at how a song he wrote is being used at campus pro-Palestinian protests

PJ Grisar in Forward

Rabbi Menachem Creditor, the songwriter of the popular tune "Olam Chesed Yibaneh," is upset that his song is being used by students at campus pro-Palestinian protests, including at Yale University.

0 Education Antisemitism

USC taught its pro-Palestinian valedictorian to ask good questions — then axed commencement because it was afraid of them

Jonathan Cohen in Forward

The University of Southern California (USC) rescinded the commencement speech invitation for Asna Tabassum, a pro-Palestinian valedictorian, following pressure from pro-Israel groups.

0 Education Antisemitism

Hundreds of students arrested from Texas to California as college Israel protests continue

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses across the United States have led to hundreds of student arrests, clashes with authorities, and disruptions to campus activities, such as the cancellation of graduation ceremonies and valedictorian speeches.

0 Education Politics

USC cancels graduation amid tumult over Israel and Gaza

Lauren Markoe in Forward

The University of Southern California (USC) canceled its primary May graduation ceremony due to safety concerns following protests and arrests related to the cancellation of a speech by a Muslim American valedictorian whose views on Israel sparked controversy.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Holidays

Max Greenfield and Ben Feldman Once Starred in a Trippy Passover Movie Called ‘When Do We Eat?’

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

"Max Greenfield and Ben Feldman starred in the 2005 Passover film 'When Do We Eat?' where a Jewish father accidentally takes ecstasy during a seder and believes he is Moses. The movie features a star-studded Jewish cast including Shiri Appleby, Jack Klugman, and Adam Lamberg, focusing on the dysfunctional Stuckman family's seder. While the film's quality is debated, it offers quirky, relatable Jewish moments and iconic Jewish representation on screen. Despite mixed reviews, the movie can be enjoyed for its unique blend of humor, heartwarming moments, and cultural Jewish identity. 'When Do We Eat?' is available for streaming on Freevee and Tubi for those interested in exploring this offbeat Passover tale."

0 Television/Film Communities

Creepy goings-on behind the scenes of children’s TV

Jewish Chronicle

An investigative documentary series titled Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV has uncovered disturbing incidents within Nickelodeon during the era of producer Dan Schneider’s reign in the 1990s and early 2000s.

0 Television/Film Antisemitism

Ripley review: Dark designs with a monochrome finish

Jewish Chronicle

Netflix's series "Ripley" is the latest adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel "The Talented Mr. Ripley," following the story of Tom Ripley, a grifter commissioned to persuade Dickie Greenleaf in 1950s Italy.

0 Television/Film Music

Kaddish for the Maestro

Leon Botstein in Jewish Review of Books

"Kaddish for the Maestro" is a film directed by Bradley Cooper that portrays the legendary musician Leonard Bernstein.

Sports ›

0 Sports Holidays

The Jewish Sport Report: For Max Fried and Dean Kremer’s Passover dominance, dayenu

Jacob Gurvis in JTA

The newsletter highlights the success of Jewish athletes Max Fried and Dean Kremer in Major League Baseball, with Fried achieving a rare complete game shutout in under 100 pitches and Kremer earning his first win of the season with 10 strikeouts.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Antisemitism

"The Other Four Questions" – A New Tradition

Jewdicious

At a recent Passover Seder in Laurie Shelton's family, a new tradition called "The Other Four Questions" was introduced.

0 Holidays Food

Finding peace in the aisles of the grocery store

Jewish Chronicle

In preparation for Pesach, a Jewish writer reflects on the annual tradition of cleaning out cupboards and baking for the holiday.

0 Holidays Ethics

The ethical imperative is for Israel to win

Jewish Chronicle

During the last days of Pesach, Jews reflect on the Exodus from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, but do not celebrate to empathize with the suffering of the Egyptians.

0 Holidays History

Yizkor After the Black Sabbaths

Shlomo M. Brody in Tablet

Yizkor is a communal memorial service held four times a year in Jewish synagogues, including Passover, reflecting on the memory of loved ones.

Music ›

0 Music Israel

Survivors of the Nova Music Festival Dance, Honor and Heal

Jaclyn Sersland in Moment

In the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack at the Nova music festival in Israel, where over 300 lives were lost, survivors have turned to the trance music community to heal and honor the victims.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Our Palestine Question, review: An ode to Jews who uttered difficult words in dark times

Jewish Chronicle

"Our Palestine Question: Israel and American Jewish Dissent 1948-1977" by Geoffrey Levin delves into the fluctuating opinions towards Zionism among American Jews during this period, highlighting forgotten figures like Don Peretz and William Zukerman who explored the Arab refugee problem in the 1950s.

0 Israel History

You May View the Land from a Distance: Chaim Weizmann, May 1948

Jehuda Reinharz in Jewish Review of Books

In May 1948, Chaim Weizmann, physically and mentally exhausted, learned of the declaration of an independent Jewish state named Israel while in New York.

Literature ›

0 Literature Politics

Knife by Salman Rushdie, review: What about the other victims of the new fundamentalism?

Jewish Chronicle

Salman Rushdie's book "Knife: Meditations after an Attempted Murder" recounts his survival of a brutal attack by a religious fanatic in 2022 that left him with serious injuries, including loss of sight in one eye and the use of one hand.

0 Literature Culture

Second-Hand Jew: A Self-Portrait in Scenes

Maxim Biller in Jewish Review of Books

A young Jewish writer in Germany reflects on his identity and experiences in the 1980s, delving into encounters with various individuals, including literary figures and romantic relationships.

0 Literature Education

This Great House

Shai Secunda in Jewish Review of Books

"This Great House" delves into the fascinating history of the National Library of Israel, tracing its origins back to a passionate call in 1899 to create a comprehensive repository of Jewish knowledge in Jerusalem.

0 Literature Communities

Letters, Spring 2024

Jewish Review of Books

The text discusses various articles and responses featured in the Spring 2024 edition of the Jewish Review of Books.

0 Literature Culture

Od Tireh, Od Tireh . . .

Allegra Goodman in Jewish Review of Books

Maya Arad's collection of novellas, translated by Jessica Cohen, delves into the diasporic experience of Israeli academics and entrepreneurs who have relocated, exploring themes of intergenerational conflicts, satire, and academic politics.

0 Literature Jewish Law

The Unaloner

Jake Marmer in Tablet

Jessica Jacobs' poetry collection "Unalone" delves into the Torah portions in Genesis, presenting poetic responses to each, blending interpretive, personal, scholarly, and creative elements.

History ›

0 History Jewish Law

The Mystery of the Cairo Codex: On the Trail of an Ancient Manuscript

Nadine Epstein in Moment

For nearly 1,000 years, the Cairo Codex, an illuminated Hebrew manuscript held by the Karaites in Cairo, mysteriously disappeared.

0 History Holocaust

A Ukrainian-Jewish Grandfather’s Secret Comes to Light in This Immersive Novel

Yael Goldstein-Love in Kveller

"Your Presence is Mandatory" by Sasha Vasilyuk is an immersive historical novel that delves into the Soviet response to World War II and the impact of political narratives on personal secrets.

0 History Jewish Law

Imperial Rabbis

Jeffrey L. Rubenstein in Jewish Review of Books

Simcha Gross's book, "Babylonian Jews and Sasanian Imperialism in Late Antiquity," aims to reshape the understanding of the talmudic period by exploring the interactions between Babylonian Jewry and the Sasanian empire.

0 History Holocaust

Like a Pharaoh

Thaïs Miller in Jewish Review of Books

The text narrates a visit to Biaystok, Poland, by the author, reflecting on their Jewish heritage and interactions during a Yiddish class at a private Jewish museum.

0 History Antisemitism

Shylock at the Barricades

Abigail Green in Jewish Review of Books

Tracy-Ann Oberman's production of "The Merchant of Venice 1936" brings a modern twist to Shakespeare's play, focusing on Shylock as a female character dealing with discrimination amid rising British fascism in the 1930s.

0 History Antisemitism

The shameful tale of the Jewish boy kidnapped by the Catholic church

Jewish Chronicle

In 1858, in Bologna, Italy, a six-year-old Jewish boy, Edgardo Mortara, was taken by the Catholic Church after being baptized by the family maid.

0 History Jewish Law

Revolution in the Temple

David Matar in Lehrhaus

The essay discusses a rabbinic story about the sage Hillel's ruling on offering the Passover Sacrifice in the Temple, highlighting its different versions in Rabbinic literature.

Torah ›

0 Torah Literature

Light and Darkness

David J. Wolpe in Jewish Review of Books

In this analysis of Marilynne Robinson's commentary on the book of Genesis, she portrays a complex yet gracious conception of God, drawing on themes of forgiveness, loyalty, and grace.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

What’s Love Got to Do with It?

Benjamin Weiner in Jewish Review of Books

Shai Held's book, "Judaism Is about Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life," argues that love is a central theme in Judaism, countering historical Christian misconceptions and internalized Jewish negativity towards this idea.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust History

Her Own Creation and Pure Luck

Julie Sugar in Jewish Review of Books

In her memoir "Daughter of History," Susan Rubin Suleiman reflects on her childhood in Hungary during WWII and her family's survival amidst the Holocaust.

0 Holocaust Israel

Between Antisemites and Zionists: The Path of Alfred Wiener

Allan Arkush in Jewish Review of Books

"Between Antisemites and Zionists: The Path of Alfred Wiener" by Daniel Finkelstein offers a compelling narrative about Alfred Wiener, founder of the Wiener Holocaust Library, and his family's survival during and after the Holocaust.

0 Holocaust Television/Film

Jonah Hauer-King in Tattooist of Auschwitz: ‘If I wasn’t getting upset, I wouldn’t be doing my job’

Jewish Chronicle

Jonah Hauer-King discusses his intense preparation for the role of Lale Sokolov in the series "The Tattooist of Auschwitz," emphasizing the responsibility he felt to do justice to the story of a Jewish prisoner who tattooed ID numbers on fellow inmates.

0 Holocaust Literature

Love in hell: Tattooist of Auschwitz director explains why it was a tale she had to bring to the screen

Jewish Chronicle

Israeli director Tali Shalom-Ezer was drawn to adapt Heather Morris's novel "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" into a TV series, portraying the real-life love story of Holocaust survivor Lale Sokolov and Gita Furman.

Science ›

0 Science Jewish Law

From the Newsletter | Moment Wins First Place from Religion News Association!

Nadine Epstein in Moment

Moment Magazine won two major First Place prizes from the Religion News Association for Magazine Overall Excellence for its Artificial Intelligence issue, which explored the impact of AI on humanity.

Communities ›

0 Communities Antisemitism

In a first, Massachusetts lawmakers delay budget fight to accommodate Passover observance

Penny Schwartz in JTA

Massachusetts lawmakers postponed their annual budget debate to accommodate Passover observance, a schedule change prompted by Jewish representatives concerned about the conflict with the holiday.

0 Communities History

Seeking out sites from the bygone Borscht Belt? New historical markers lay out a path.

Julia Gergely in JTA

The Borscht Belt, a historic Jewish vacation area in New York's Catskill Mountains, is being commemorated through a project involving the installation of 20 historical markers in significant towns.

0 Communities Politics

We need to fight campus antisemitism differently

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article highlights the rise of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment on U.S. college campuses post-Oct.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Persian Cucumber Salad with Yogurt and Walnuts

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

The text discusses a Persian Cucumber Salad with Yogurt and Walnuts recipe shared by renowned cookbook author and food writer Joan Nathan as part of her latest book "My Life in Recipes: Food, Family, and Memories."

Art ›

0 Art Israel

Israeli Artists Respond to the Oct. 7 Attacks

Hillel Kuttler in Tablet

Benzi Brofman, an Israeli artist, has been painting portraits of Israelis who lost their lives to attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7, including soldiers, festival attendees, and residents of Gaza-area communities.

0 Art Communities

Druze artist’s splash of color reaches from northern Israel to Hostage Square

Ruth Marks Eglash in Jewish Insider

Sam Halaby, a talented Druze artist from Israel, defied traditional expectations in his community to pursue his passion for art, supported by his mother who recognized his talent.

Miscellaneous

The Rise of the ‘Survivors’

Jenna Weissman Joselit in Tablet

Following the Holocaust, the survivors of the Shoah were initially referred to by various names before "survivor" became the predominant term, embodying a complex set of meanings as a source of authority, morality, and legal status.

JL;DR

for Saturday, April 27, 2024

Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

Education ›

Television/Film ›

Sports ›

Holidays ›

Music ›

Israel ›

Literature ›

History ›

Torah ›

Philosophy ›

Holocaust ›

Science ›

Communities ›

Food ›

Art ›

Miscellaneous

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

April 27's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Saturday, April 27, 2024

Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

Education ›

Television/Film ›

Sports ›

Holidays ›

Music ›

Israel ›

Literature ›

History ›

Torah ›

Philosophy ›

Holocaust ›

Science ›

Communities ›

Food ›

Art ›

Miscellaneous

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

April 27's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Saturday, April 27, 2024