navigate_before navigate_next for Friday, May 24, 2024

Jewish Law

The text discusses a podcast episode where Rabbi Avramel Kivelevitz criticizes Natan Slifkin's views, focusing on the charedi community's response to different approaches in Judaism, Slifkin's critiques of charedi beliefs and practices, and the issue of tone in intellectual discourse.

Communities

The UJA-Federation of New York's recent Jewish population survey lacked questions about Chabad's involvement among Metro NYC Jews, despite Chabad's considerable growth and impact.
The rise of antisemitism in recent years has had a significant psychological impact on Jewish individuals across various age groups, leading to anxiety, disrupted sleep, and eroded relationships.
Jay Prosser, in "Loving Strangers: A Camphorwood Chest, a Legacy, a Son Returns," recounts his journey of exploring his mixed-race, British-Asian Jewish identity through the treasures of his family's camphorwood chest.
A Jewish person seeking advice in a column called A Bintel Brief describes running into exes at their synagogue, feeling uncomfortable sharing the space.

Israel

Egypt, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, is facing challenges in its role due to reports of Hamas tunnels along its border with the Gaza Strip and allegations of undermining cease-fire negotiations to pressure Israel.
The text emphasizes the moral objectionability of the anti-Israel movement, highlighting its aim to dismantle Zionism and dehumanize Jewish people.
Every year on Lag BaOmer, hundreds of thousands of Jews make a pilgrimage to Meron in Northern Israel to celebrate the Hilula de-Rashbi, honoring Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, known as Rashbi.
HIAS, a Jewish organization originally founded to assist Jewish refugees but now a broad humanitarian aid group, faced internal divisions over providing aid to Palestinians in Gaza following the Israel-Hamas conflict.
"Rimon's Song" is a poignant musical tribute written by David Brinn in response to the captivity of Rimon Kirsht Buchshtav, taken by Hamas terrorists and released after over 50 days.
Israeli-Saudi normalization is currently viewed as a charade by many in Israel, with the U.S. pushing for this shift in relations as part of a larger strategy involving a potential Palestinian state.
The article argues that it's time for American Jews to recognize the State of Palestine to advance the peace process between Israel and Palestinians.
The article argues that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are successfully applying unique operational tactics in Gaza to achieve their strategic aims of defeating Hamas and securing the border.

Culture

In a discussion reflecting on the importance of patriotism and traditional values in a postmodern world driven by emotions, the text emphasizes the significance of emotional connections to heritage, tradition, and moral codes.
In celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, a list of 17 appetizing kids' books about Jewish food is highlighted, ranging from Ashkenazi classics to diverse mash-ups like Asian and Mexican cuisines.

Education

Before the First World War, students from Western countries rarely attended Lithuanian yeshivas due to political unrest in the region.
The author discusses the importance of creating a culture of learning for women in Torah study, particularly in Gemara and Talmud, similar to the vibrant environment commonly found among male learners in Jewish houses of study.
David Bryfman, CEO of the Jewish Education Project, emphasizes the importance of creating Jewish memory amidst current historic moments, such as Oct. 7 and subsequent events.
Jewish college students share reflections on facing anti-Semitism on campuses across the U.S. triggered by the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7.

Politics

House Speaker Mike Johnson has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak to Congress, providing support amid international legal troubles and domestic criticism.
A bill currently moving through Capitol Hill aims to target groups providing material support to terrorist organizations, potentially leading to the loss of tax-exempt status for nonprofits involved.
Since October 7, 150,000 Palestinian laborers have been barred from entering Israel, resulting in a severe economic crisis in the West Bank, particularly felt in villages like Wadi Fukin.
Maya Wind discusses the complicity of Israeli academia in Palestinian subjugation and the ongoing occupation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited to address a joint session of Congress, causing a divide among Democrats.
94-year-old Holocaust survivor and legal expert Theodor Meron, who has served in various roles including as a judge in U.N. crime tribunals, recommended the International Criminal Court (ICC) seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict.
Lord Austin, a former Labour MP, criticizes the BBC for its institutional failures and biased reporting, highlighting instances where the broadcaster neglected covering major global conflicts in favor of disproportionately focusing on Israel and Palestine.
The text discusses the recognition of a Palestinian state by leaders of Spain, Norway, and Ireland and argues that this move is fundamentally antisemitic due to the potential consequences.
The text examines the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister and Minister of Defence on charges of war crimes, highlighting international reactions.
Nellie Bowles' "Morning After the Revolution" discusses the failures and absurdities of progressive movements following George Floyd's killing, critiquing aspects of wokeism like performative activism and inconsistent ideologies.
Former President Donald Trump has been linked to Hitler and the Nazis through various incidents and statements since his 2016 campaign.

Miscellaneous

Ms. Rachel, a popular children's video educator with millions of followers, faced backlash and cyberbullying for a fundraiser supporting children in conflict areas including Gaza, omitting Israeli children due to Save the Children's non-presence in Israel.

Antisemitism

Jewish groups in Chicago are criticizing Alderman Rossana Rodriguez for her request for an anti-Zionist pediatrician on her personal Facebook page, with calls for her resignation due to discriminatory behavior.
During a recent congressional hearing on campus antisemitism, Northwestern University President Michael Schill defended his decision to make an agreement with pro-Palestinian protesters to end encampments on campus, which sparked controversy leading to the resignation of Jewish committee members and calls for Schill's resignation.
The article discusses the impact of TNT's 'Inside the NBA' show, particularly in handling sensitive topics like the controversy involving NBA star Kyrie Irving sharing conspiracy theories.
Rep. Elise Stefanik grilled Northwestern University's Jewish president, Michael Schill, over the handling of campus antisemitism, which included a deal with pro-Palestinian protesters.
Pro-Palestinian encampment protesters at universities, including Drexel and UC Santa Cruz, are calling for their schools to sever ties with Hillel and Chabad chapters, accusing them of complicity in Israeli actions.

History

"The Jews Are Coming," a popular sketch comedy show in Israel, known for its irreverent humor about Jewish history, took a serious turn in response to the current challenges facing Israelis.
The Israeli comedy show "The Jews Are Coming" aired a sketch addressing intergenerational Jewish trauma following a recent tragic event on October 7.
A fragment of Jewish pottery found in Egypt sheds light on a woman's role in ancient Jewish history that has been overlooked.
The Republican-dominated House Committee on Education and the Workforce has been conducting hearings on campus antisemitism, with college presidents like those from UCLA, Northwestern, and Rutgers facing intense scrutiny, reminiscent of McCarthyism tactics.
The letters to the editor cover various topics of concern within the Jewish community.

Holocaust

New York City will send 85,000 eighth graders to the Museum of Jewish Heritage over three years to combat the rise in antisemitism following the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Maxwell Smart, a 93-year-old Holocaust survivor, recounts his harrowing experience of hiding from the Nazis in the forest for a year as a young boy in a new film adaptation based on his book.

Sports

An Israeli high school basketball team from the Eshkol Regional Council in Israel, who were separated after a tragic attack by Hamas, reunited in New York City for a 10-day trip organized by Project 24, a nonprofit aiming to help victims heal.

Literature

On the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka's death, new translations of his diaries by Ross Benjamin offer fresh perspectives on the iconic Jewish writer's life and work, challenging previous assumptions.

Television/Film

"Buying London," a reality show on Netflix centered on high-value real estate, mimics the format of the popular "Selling Sunset," featuring a different cast set in London.

Art

"Now You See Us" is an exhibition at the Tate featuring works by women artists from 1520-1920 who defied societal norms by pursuing professional artistic careers despite facing discrimination.

Editors' Note

Welcome to JL;DR!
by Matt Sienkiewicz

Top Topics in Jewish Media

for May 17–May 24

  1. Hamas
  2. Jewish Community
  3. Donniel Hartman
  4. Yossi Klein Halevi
  5. Gaza
  6. Canada
  7. Benjamin Netanyahu
  8. Jewish Identity
  9. Holocaust
  10. Toronto

May 24's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

The Iran Helicopter Crash
20 May · The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Condolences for Evil
21 May · The Commentary Magazine Podcast
The Defense Rests
22 May · The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Summer Breaks: Ep, 414
23 May · Unorthodox
Israel at War – Can Zionism Win?
22 May · For Heaven's Sake
I've Got Schisms
24 May · Bonjour Chai
The “Passing Judgments” Edition
23 May · Promised Podcast
The End of "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
23 May · On the Nose
The Psalm of Rafah
23 May · The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Wanted - with special guest Yuval Shany
24 May · Unholy: Two Jews on the News
Summer Breaks: Ep. 414
23 May · Unorthodox