for Thursday, June 20, 2024

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Politics

What Does the Torah Have to Say about Military Ethics?

Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody in Jewish Action

The discussion delves into the Torah's teachings on military ethics, particularly in the context of Israel's past conflicts.

0 Jewish Law

Questions from the Battlefield

Dovid Bashevkin in Jewish Action

Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, a respected posek, educator, and community rabbi who interacts with soldiers, shares insights on halachic dilemmas faced by soldiers during wartime.

0 Jewish Law Communities

Rethinking Tzeniut

Bracha Poliakoff in Jewish Action

The book "Reclaiming Dignity: A Guide to Tzniut for Men and Women" explores the concept of tzeniut (modesty) from various perspectives, beyond just clothing, as a mitzvah and character trait.

0 Jewish Law Ethics

My Tzeniut Journey

Josepha Becker in Jewish Action

A personal reflection on embracing the mitzvah of tzeniut (modesty) as a transformative journey from external appearance to internal qualities, shaping behavior and fostering mindfulness in observance of other mitzvot.

0 Jewish Law

Public and Private in the Age of Instagram

Rabbi Yisroel Motzen in Jewish Action

In the discussion of public and private behavior on social media platforms like Instagram, the article highlights the trend of vulnerability posts, where individuals share personal emotions and experiences publicly.

0 Jewish Law Food

High Steaks: The Kashrus of Lab-Grown Meat

Rabbi Menachem Genack in Jewish Action

Lab-grown meat, also known as clean or synthetic meat, is meat grown in a lab from animal cells.

0 Jewish Law Food

What’s the Truth about . . . Boiling Three Eggs?

Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky in Jewish Action

The tradition of boiling at least three eggs at a time to nullify blood spots is not explicitly mentioned in halachic sources like the Shulchan Aruch.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Rays of Wisdom: Torah insights that light up our understanding of the world

Rabbi Mark Gottlieb in Jewish Action

Rabbi Mattisyahu Rosenblum's book "Rays of Wisdom: Torah insights that light up our understanding of the world" delves into the legacy of Rabbi Moshe Shapira, highlighting his profound Torah teachings and intellectual impact beyond the yeshivah world.

0 Jewish Law History

Summer Reading Recommendations

OU Press in Jewish Action

For those seeking intellectually stimulating summer reads, OU Press suggests the following titles: "The Return to Zion" by Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik presents his keynote addresses on Religious Zionism and American Orthodoxy, offering timeless insights on Jewish destiny.

0 Jewish Law Communities

Equity and Justice Values from a Jewish Perspective: The Jewish value of ongoing practice to make change in ourselves and our communities

Rabbi David Jaffe and Yehudah Webster in Forward

In a sponsored post on Jewish values by Rabbi David Jaffe and Yehudah Webster, the ongoing practice of justice and equity is highlighted as fundamental in Judaism, emphasizing the Torah's instructions to care for the vulnerable, share resources, and oppose oppression.

0 Jewish Law Culture

Discovering Orthodoxy, Halacha, and Myself

Sruli Fruchter in 18forty

The author describes her journey of discovering Orthodoxy and halacha, starting with a fascination with the moon and the interconnectedness of Jewish women's power to the universe.

Israel ›

0 Israel Jewish Law

On the Frontlines with Rabbi Shlomo Sobol

JA Mag in Jewish Action

Rabbi Shlomo Sobol, a prominent figure in the Jewish community, addresses various challenges faced by congregants during wartime, including soldiers' dilemmas about weddings, honesty with parents, and questions of faith.

0 Israel Gender/Identity

The Holiest Work

Leah Lightman in Jewish Action

Miriam Neumark Shalev, head of the Tziporit military bases chevra kadisha unit for women, discusses the work of the IDF chevra kadishas womens unit in preparing fallen female soldiers for Jewish burial, especially in the wake of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack.

0 Israel Prayer

A Different Kind of Battlefield

Carol Green Ungar in Jewish Action

Amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict, a surge in miluimot – women with children whose husbands are serving in the IDF as reservists – has been noted, with increased challenges due to longer, scarier wars where communication is often limited.

0 Israel Antisemitism

Mah Shlomcha?

David Olivestone in Jewish Action

David Olivestone, a resident of Jerusalem, reflects on life in Israel during a period of war, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining normalcy and being surrounded by reminders of conflict.

0 Israel Antisemitism

An Inflection Point in Jewish Life—Mi va’Mi Haholchim

Rabbi Moshe Hauer in Jewish Action

A group of rabbis, including Rebecca Alpert, met with the UN Secretary General to support the call for a ceasefire in Gaza and criticized Israel's actions.

0 Israel Leadership

A Lifeline for Israeli Teens

Chaim Pelzner in Jewish Action

The OU Israel established Makom Balev and the Oraita Program to provide programming for Israeli teens, particularly those in economically-disadvantaged areas, giving them leadership skills and guidance to succeed.

0 Israel Politics

To save Israel, give Netanyahu a plea deal

Jay Michaelson in Forward

Israeli prosecutors are urged to offer Benjamin Netanyahu a plea deal to resolve the corruption charges against him and prevent his far-right coalition partners from pushing reckless policies that endanger Israel's strategic interests.

0 Israel Antisemitism

Western Hamasniks must come to terms with Israel’s existence

Jewish Chronicle

The text discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, highlighting Hamas's aim to eliminate Israel and create a region free of Jews.

0 Israel Politics

The Four Israel's

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The text discusses different perspectives on Israel, highlighting how mainstream media oversimplifies Israel's portrayal, focusing excessively on conflict and neglecting societal advancements.

Communities ›

0 Communities Ethics

The Dog that Doesn’t Bark

A. Schreiber in Jewish Action

The article explores the concept of noticing what is not seen, using the analogy from Sherlock Holmes' story "The Adventure of Silver Blaze."

0 Communities Ethics

Can Social Media and Modesty Coexist?

Alexandra Fleksher in Jewish Action

Social media presents a significant challenge in maintaining modesty, especially in terms of self-promotion and sharing personal content.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Walking a Tightrope

Rebbetzin Ruchi Koval in Jewish Action

Rebbetzin Ruchi Koval, a kiruv professional and social media influencer, discusses her use of technology to share Torah content and snippets of her personal life authentically.

0 Communities Gender/Identity

High Fashion, Higher Standards

Sandy Eller in Jewish Action

Tamar Zinnar, a young woman from New York, created the Bat Melech Boutique to provide free and low-cost modest clothing to young women embracing tzeniut.

0 Communities Leadership

Is Compromised Tzenius the Cost of Being a Communal Leader?

Mark (Moishe) Bane in Jewish Action

The text explores the concept of tzenius (modesty) and its implications for communal leaders, particularly focusing on the multifaceted nature of tzenius in Jewish thought.

0 Communities Antisemitism

Letters Summer 2024

JA Mag in Jewish Action

The letters from the summer 2024 issue discuss various topics in the Jewish community.

0 Communities Leadership

Affirming the Miracle of Creation

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal in Forward

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal reflects on the Jewish value of equity and the miracle of creation, emphasizing that although humans are made in the same image, we are all unique individuals with diverse qualities and talents.

0 Communities Leadership

The Jewish Case for Inclusion, Equity, and Justice — By Whatever Name

Gali Cooks in Forward

The text discusses the Jewish perspective on inclusion, equity, and justice, particularly in the context of recent debates within the community.

0 Communities Gender/Identity

Opening Our Eyes: Embracing Complexity in the Jewish Community

Rabbi Sandra Lawson and Rabbi Deborah Waxman in Forward

Rabbis Sandra Lawson and Deborah Waxman discuss the importance of embracing complexity and diversity within the Jewish community, highlighting the marginalization of Sephardic, Mizrahi, Black, and brown Jewish narratives.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Is Orthodoxy Too Fractured? Our Past Can Guide Us

Sruli Fruchter in 18forty

In 1992, a symposium on Orthodox unity addressed significant halakhic issues and challenges facing the Jewish community, including internal divisions, outreach, women's Torah study, and community unity.

0 Communities Sports

‘Best friends I ever had’: Willie Mays’ treasured bond with a Jewish family

Louis Keene in Forward

Willie Mays, a baseball legend facing financial struggles in 1963, found a savior in Jacob Shemano, a Jewish banker, which blossomed into a lifelong friendship that bridged cultural divides.

0 Communities Education

The Great Awakening // Rabbi Nechemia Coopersmith of Aish.com speaks about the aftereffects of October 7 on kiruv, and much more

Ami Magazine in Ami

Rabbi Nechemia Coopersmith of Aish.com discusses the impact of October 7, a significant date in Jewish history, on kiruv efforts and Jewish identity.

0 Communities

Accelerate Conference of Financial Professionals

Nesanel Gantz in Ami

The Accelerate Conference of Financial Professionals brought together individuals in the bookkeeping, accounting, and CFO industries who are typically competitors but showed a genuine willingness to help each other.

Education ›

0 Education Gender/Identity

Modesty: An Educator’s Perspective

Shifra Rabenstein in Jewish Action

A seasoned educator reflects on the evolution of teaching modesty (tzenius) to high school students, emphasizing a shift towards inner values and personal growth as opposed to solely focusing on outward appearance.

0 Education Jewish Law

A New Approach for Teens

Dr. Zipora Schorr in Jewish Action

Dr. Zipora Schorr, director of education at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School in Baltimore, discusses a new approach to teaching tzeniut (modesty) to a diverse student body, aiming for relevance and practicality while maintaining fidelity to Jewish law and values.

0 Education Torah

To Post or Not to Post

Gila Ross in Jewish Action

Gila Ross, an educator and podcaster, discusses the importance of accountability and thoughtful engagement on social media in a piece for a Jewish media outlet.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Education

Tzenius: The Key to an Inner Life

Rabbi Reuven Brand in Jewish Action

Tzenius, often translated as modesty, holds a deeper meaning revolving around an inner focus on spirituality and self-worth.

History ›

0 History Art

Holding Jewish History in Your Hand

David Olivestone in Jewish Action

Rabbi Benjamin Yablok of Teaneck, New Jersey, holds a unique collection of Jewish historical treasures in his home, ranging from Temple times to the present day.

0 History Torah

Jews are in a moment of broken illusions, but we’re stronger than we think

Dr. Mijal Bitton in JTA

The article reflects on the Jewish people's historical struggles with external conflicts and internal turmoil, drawing parallels between the Israelites' journey in the wilderness and contemporary challenges.

0 History Communities

Jewish Life Stories: A refusenik who found literary freedom in America, and a rabbi’s wife who died after giving birth to twins

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

David Shrayer-Petrov, a refusenik from the Soviet Union who found literary freedom in America, passed away at 88 after facing antisemitic persecution.

0 History Sports

Slower Silesia – a cycling holiday in Poland

Nicholas Lezard in Jewish Chronicle

The article describes a cycling trip through Lower Silesia, Poland, with The Slow Cyclist travel company.

0 History Politics

Condoleezza Rice: Juneteenth Is Our Second Independence Day. Plus. . .

Oliver Wiseman in The Free Press

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reflects on the significance of Juneteenth, marking the day the last slaves in the Confederacy were freed in Galveston Bay, Texas, in 1865.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Taking it Outdoors

Naomi Ross in Jewish Action

This article highlights the joys of outdoor cooking and entertaining, particularly in the summer months.

0 Food Literature

On Disappointment

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

The author reflects on the disappointment of her cookbook, "Portico," not winning a James Beard Media Award despite high hopes and extensive efforts.

0 Food Communities

These Jewish sandwiches define NYC, according to the New York Times

Lisa Keys in JTA

The New York Times has highlighted 11 Jewish sandwiches that define NYC's culinary scene, showcasing a variety of iconic and innovative creations.

Torah ›

0 Torah Philosophy

Giving: The Essential Teaching of the Kabbalah

Rabbi Yisrael Isser Zvi Herczeg in Jewish Action

In "Giving: The Essential Teaching of the Kabbalah," Rabbi Yehuda Lev Ashlag's insights are presented by Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Gottlieb, focusing on Kabbalistic aspects of giving and human perfection according to Torah.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Israel

Reviews in Brief Summer 2024

Rabbi Gil Student in Jewish Action

Rabbi Doron Perez's book "The Jewish State: From Opposition to Opportunity" explores the rise of anti-Zionism and offers solutions for Israel to serve as a positive influence globally while promoting Jewish unity.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Major antisemitism bills appear stalled in Congress with summer, election fast approaching

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

As Congress faces the summer recess and the upcoming election, there are concerns within the Jewish community about the stalled progress of two major antisemitism bills, the Antisemitism Awareness Act (AAA) and the Countering Antisemitism Act (CAA), in Congress.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Wikipedia called the ADL ‘unreliable.’ It's a wake-up call the civil rights organization badly needs

Rob Eshman in Forward

In response to Wikipedia labeling the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as generally unreliable regarding the Israel-Palestinian conflict and antisemitism, there is a call for self-reflection within the ADL.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Why I (finally) took down my 'We Stand With Israel' sign

Josh Katz in Forward

In this personal reflection, Josh Katz shares his decision to take down his "We Stand With Israel" lawn sign due to increasing concerns about tribalism and the divisive consequences it can have.

0 Antisemitism Politics

What is Within Our Lifetime, the anti-Israel activist group behind the protests at the Nova exhibit and Brooklyn Museum?

Luke Tress in JTA

Within Our Lifetime is a hardline pro-Palestinian activist group known for organizing protests against Israel in New York City.

0 Antisemitism Politics

A Black Pot of Editors

Emes Ve-Emunah

Wikipedia editors have labeled the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as generally unreliable on Israeli-Palestinian matters and antisemitism, arguing that the organization's pro-Israel stance may bias its reporting.

0 Antisemitism Politics

We must work across communities to fight antisemitism and defend democracy

eJewishPhilanthropy

In a time when antisemitism is on the rise, the fight against this hatred is crucial to defending democracy and the safety of all communities.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Ethics

What Are You Good At? The Art of Positive Feedback

Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph in Jewish Action

In this reflection on the importance of positive feedback and recognizing strengths, Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph shares a personal story of how a friend's simple acknowledgment of his talents helped him through a dark time of self-doubt.

Politics ›

0 Politics History

Attack of the Crypto-Nazis!

Michael Lind in Tablet

The text discusses how certain intellectuals and academics have historically viewed working-class and rural Americans as threats to American society and democracy, comparing them to Nazis and portraying them as authoritarian and dangerous.

0 Politics Israel

Biden’s Italian Strike

Michael Doran in Tablet

The text discusses the allegations made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Biden administration is withholding arms shipments to Israel, leading to a depiction of Netanyahu as delusional by American officials.

0 Politics Israel

Eugene Vindman, whose Jewish immigrant story featured in Trump’s first impeachment trial, wins primary in Virginia

Ron Kampeas in JTA

Eugene Vindman, a former White House official whose Jewish Ukrainian background was highlighted during Trump's first impeachment trial, won the Democratic congressional primary in Virginia's 7th District.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Proscribing the IRGC will be Starmer’s first real test

Jewish Chronicle

The Labour Party, under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, has committed to proscribe Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a move that would represent a significant policy test on antisemitism.

0 Politics Israel

If Bibi cannot deliver Charedi exemption, his government will simply collapse

Jewish Chronicle

The situation on Israel's northern border with Hezbollah remains tense despite a recent lull in attacks, highlighting the ongoing threat.

0 Politics Israel

‘Obama’s Law’ is bringing destruction and death to most of the Middle East

Jewish Chronicle

Edward Luttwak criticizes what he calls "Obama's Law," which dictates that Iran can attack others but cannot be attacked itself, leading to chaos and warfare in the Middle East.

0 Politics Gender/Identity

October 7 exposed the hollowness of #MeToo

Jewish Chronicle

On October 7, a terrorist attack on Israeli civilians by Hamas revealed extreme brutality against women, including rape, mutilation, and murder.

0 Politics Ethics

Saying the Loud Part Out Loud // Justice Alito is “caught” being a conservative

Avi Shafran in Ami

During a secretly recorded conversation at a Supreme Court dinner, Justice Samuel Alito expressed his personal views as a conservative Catholic, affirming the need for a return to "G-dliness."

0 Politics Antisemitism

White Savior Complex: How Activism Is Killing Palestinians

Pat604Johnson in Future of Jewish

The article discusses the concept of the White Savior Complex within activism, particularly focusing on advocacy for Palestinians.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Israel

Grappling With Pride

Becca Baitel in Tablet

The author reflects on their evolving relationship with Pride events, from feeling empowered and accepted at their first Pride festival to experiencing discomfort and isolation following conflicting views at later events.

Literature ›

0 Literature Ethics

Salman Rushdie’s Beautiful Revenge

Liel Leibovitz in Tablet

In Salman Rushdie's "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder," he reflects on his experience of being stabbed during a talk in Buffalo and the subsequent recovery process.

Sports ›

0 Sports Israel

Matan Adelson’s hoop dreams for Hapoel Jerusalem

Ruth Marks Eglash in Jewish Insider

Matan Adelson, the youngest son of Miriam and Sheldon Adelson, has taken on the challenge of transforming Hapoel Jerusalem into a prominent force in Israeli basketball and potentially an international brand.

JL;DR

for Thursday, June 20, 2024

Jewish Law ›

Israel ›

Communities ›

Education ›

Philosophy ›

History ›

Food ›

Torah ›

Antisemitism ›

Leadership ›

Politics ›

Gender/Identity ›

Literature ›

Sports ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

June 20's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Thursday, June 20, 2024

Jewish Law ›

Israel ›

Communities ›

Education ›

Philosophy ›

History ›

Food ›

Torah ›

Antisemitism ›

Leadership ›

Politics ›

Gender/Identity ›

Literature ›

Sports ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

June 20's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, June 20, 2024