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Israel

The article discusses the need to reclaim Zionism for the center ground amid controversies in the Jewish community.
Israel is facing significant challenges as ceasefire talks continue and protests erupt, with questions surrounding the willingness of Hamas to agree to a ceasefire deal with Israel, the sustainability of Israel's war effort against Hamas, the potential for conflict with Hezbollah in the north, the domestic religious schisms threatening the government's stability, and the possibility of strained relations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently accused the Biden administration of withholding weapons shipments to Israel, a claim the administration denied being aware of.
Despite a coercive Chief Rabbinate in Israel, a trend is emerging where some secular Israelis are voluntarily adopting religious customs such as wearing tzitzit, baking challah, or lighting Shabbat candles in response to the war in Gaza.

Politics

At a rally for Rep. Jamaal Bowman in the Bronx with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, criticism of Israel and AIPAC was prominent, with calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, objections to AIPAC's support for Bowmans opponent, and disagreements over Israels actions in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The essay discusses the intersection of pro-Palestinian activism with communist and terrorist ideologies on a university campus during a Jewish event.
The upcoming primary battle in New York's 16th district between Rep. Jamaal Bowman and centrist George Latimer is significant for Israel's position within the Democratic Party.

Communities

Hebrew Union College's decision to admit and ordain students in interfaith relationships marks a significant shift in American Judaism, acknowledging the reality of the community it serves.
Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum has led Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, the largest LGBTQ+ synagogue in the nation, for 32 years and has built it into a thriving inclusive community advocating for social justice.

Miscellaneous

Patis, a popular kosher bakery chain in NYC known for its high-quality pastries and urban cafe culture, has filed for bankruptcy after facing difficulties sustaining its rapid growth since 2018.

Editors' Note

Welcome to JL;DR!
by Matt Sienkiewicz

Top Topics in Jewish Media

for June 16–June 23

  1. Jewish Community
  2. Hamas
  3. Jewish History
  4. Hezbollah
  5. Jewish Library
  6. Gaza
  7. Social Media
  8. Holocaust
  9. Jewish Identity
  10. Benjamin Netanyahu

June 23's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

The Center Must Hold
20 Jun · Israel Policy Pod
Jewish Head Coverings: A Blessing On Your Head
20 Jun · Adventures in Jewish Studies
The “Down and Out” Edition
20 Jun · Promised Podcast
Is Biden Sneaking Past Trump?
20 Jun · The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Why Is Biden Impeding Israel?
21 Jun · The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Border Bungles and Smashing Anti-Semitism
18 Jun · The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Will Trump Stuff a Bean Up His Nose?
19 Jun · The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Bibi's House of Cards - with special guest Rivka Ravitz
21 Jun · Unholy: Two Jews on the News
Kiss and Tell
21 Jun · Bonjour Chai