for Thursday, August 1, 2024

Communities ›

Carry on Shabbat: The normalisation of the eruv

The article discusses the growing normalization and acceptance of eruvim within British Jewry, particularly focusing on the experience in north-west London and Stamford Hill.

0 Communities Politics

Publisher's Note

Sapir

The text discusses the lack of emphasis on faith in American Jewish life, attributing it to the multifaceted nature of Jewish identity and a reluctance to delve into theological discussions that may lead to controversy.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Faith vs. Faithfulness in American Jewish Institutions

Sapir

The text discusses the decline in faith and engagement with American Jewish institutions, such as synagogues and Federations, paralleling the broader trend of decreasing confidence in big institutions.

0 Communities

Meet the mah jongg mavens who play in Bryant Park every Thursday

Lisa Keys in JTA

A group of mah jongg enthusiasts, led by Linda Fisher, gathers weekly at Bryant Park in New York City to play the tile-based game with roots in China but popularized by American Jews.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Ask the Rabbis | How Do We Balance Civility With Disapproval For Others’ Politics?

Moment in Moment

In a discussion on balancing civility with disapproval for others' politics among rabbis representing various Jewish denominations, key points emerged: highlighting the importance of civil discourse despite disagreements, drawing lessons from the sages on respecting differing opinions, advocating for respectful dialogue even in challenging situations like political family divides, emphasizing the value of civility and justice over mere politeness, and stressing the need for empathy and understanding to bridge ideological divides.

0 Communities Food

Following bankruptcy filing, Patis Bakery closes two locations, including near Times Square

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Patis, a prominent kosher bakery chain in New York City, declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy and subsequently closed two of its locations, including one near Times Square and another in Brooklyn.

0 Communities History

Jewish Life Stories: Ilana Schatz, 71, who founded Fair Trade Judaica

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Ilana Schatz, a prominent figure in the Jewish community, founded Fair Trade Judaica in 2008, promoting products that aligned with Jewish values and supported economic justice.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

All together now, from Oxford to Ibiza, globalise the Intifada!

Jewish Chronicle

Oxford Action for Palestine (OA4P) has shifted some activities to Ibiza for the summer, focusing on political education and coalition-building.

0 Antisemitism Television/Film

‘People just want a laugh. Hopefully, that’s what I give them!’

Jewish Chronicle

Ian Stone, a seasoned Jewish stand-up comedian, reflects on his career and personal life filled with challenges and successes.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Zombie Anti-Zionism

Izabella Tabarovsky in Tablet

The text discusses the historical context of Soviet anti-Zionist propaganda and its influence on global leftist discourse, especially in relation to Israel.

0 Antisemitism Sports

Bella Hadid says she regrets Adidas sneaker campaign that evoked 1972 Munich Olympics massacre

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Palestinian-American supermodel Bella Hadid expressed regret for participating in an Adidas sneaker campaign that was linked to the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, where 11 Israelis were killed in a Palestinian terror attack.

History ›

0 History

The National Theatre doesn’t mind offending us

Jewish Chronicle

The author expresses concerns about The Lehman Trilogy play being staged at the National Theatre, highlighting its portrayal of Jewish stereotypes about money and insensitivity to Jewish history, particularly being performed on the anniversary of a significant tragedy.

0 History Politics

In new book, historian describes the lessons learned — and ignored — from Hitler’s rise

Andrew Silow-Carroll in Forward

In his book "Takeover: Hitler's Final Rise to Power," historian Timothy Ryback examines how Adolf Hitler ascended to power in a functioning democracy despite facing opposition.

0 History Israel

The First Tisha B’Av Since October 7

Sapir

The text delves into the evolution of Tisha B'Av observance from a day of mourning for the destruction of the Temple to a day reflecting Israel's transition from a Covenant of Fate to a Covenant of Destiny.

0 History Music

Jewish Masterpiece: ‘Hatikvah’

Sapir

The article discusses the significance of the Jewish anthem, "Hatikvah," especially in the context of the survivors of Bergen-Belsen singing it upon liberation, highlighting the emotional power and historical resonance of the hymn.

0 History Holocaust

A historian describes the lessons learned — and ignored — from Hitler’s rise to power

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Timothy Ryback's book, "Takeover: Hitler's Final Rise to Power," delves into Hitler's ascent in 1932 amid a divided democracy, shedding light on the complacency and miscalculations of his opponents.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy History

A Book Bound at Both Ends: The Enigmatic Life and Death of Dovid Din

Shaul Magid in Jewschool

Dovid Din, an enigmatic figure in postwar American kabbalism, died mysteriously in 1987 after teaching Lurianic Kabbalah and Hasidism to a small group of disciples.

0 Philosophy Prayer

The God Who Dwells in Doubt

Sapir

The author shares a deeply personal journey of faith and doubt, reflecting on moments of awe and skepticism towards God.

0 Philosophy Gender/Identity

Why Is a Jewish Atheist Different from All Other Atheists?

Sapir

The article explores the unique identity of Jewish atheists by posing four questions that distinguish them from other atheists.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Israel's assassination of Ismail Haniyeh was a blow to Hamas — and who else?

Philissa Cramer in Forward

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader of Hamas, by Israel in Iran has complex implications.

0 Israel Gender/Identity

Faith & Fertility in Israel

Sapir

In Israel, fertility rates have remained high compared to many other countries, with religious groups like the Haredi Jews having exceptionally high birth rates.

0 Israel Antisemitism

For America’s Jews, Past Is Prologue

Sapir

The text reflects on the history of antisemitism in America and its impact on the Jewish community, highlighting recent incidents of hatred and prejudice.

0 Israel Politics

After the assassinations: Does Iran retaliate? Can Hamas fight on? And what about the hostages?

Ron Kampeas in JTA

After a series of targeted strikes in the Middle East, including the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah's top military commander, tensions rise as Iran and Hamas contemplate retaliation.

0 Israel Politics

Israel just made it clear that it is ready for all-out war.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Israel has recently demonstrated its readiness for a potential all-out war by carrying out high-profile assassinations, targeting key figures in Hezbollah and Hamas.

0 Israel Communities

An Israeli publication says a woman charged with attempting to drown Palestinian children is Jewish. But is she?

Louis Keene in Forward

Elizabeth Wolf, a woman charged with attempting to drown a Palestinian child, has been inaccurately labeled as Jewish by the Israeli publication Yedioth Ahronoth, with no evidence to support this claim.

0 Israel Politics

Civil war in Israel is not unthinkable

Jewish Chronicle

Amid Israel's war with Hamas and Hezbollah, internal conflicts at the Sde Teiman IDF base highlight organizational failures, leading to the abuse of detainees and subsequent protests.

0 Israel Politics

What does Israel’s strike against Hezbollah in Beirut mean for its citizens?

Jewish Chronicle

Israel's targeted strike against Hezbollah's chief of staff in Beirut, Fuad Shukr, signifies a strategic setback for the terrorist organization, showcasing Israel's advanced intelligence and military capabilities.

0 Israel Politics

Hamas and Iran say Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in Tehran

JTA Staff in JTA

Hamas and Iran alleged that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran after attending an event with Iran's new president, blaming Israel for the attack.

0 Israel Politics

Rome Shmome

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

The text discusses the dilemma Israel faces regarding its approach towards its Arab enemies, balancing a hard-line stance with international political considerations.

0 Israel Politics

The Druze community // A conversation with Eddie Nevoani, an Israeli Druze who resides in a village near the Lebanese border

Rabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter in Ami

The text discusses the recent Hezbollah missile attack that killed 12 children in Israel, with a focus on the Druze community to which the victims belonged.

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

Jewish journalist Evan Gershkovich reportedly being freed as part of mass prisoner swap with Russia

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Jewish journalist Evan Gershkovich, along with other political prisoners, is reportedly part of a mass prisoner swap between Russia and Western countries, possibly including the United States.

0 Politics Communities

Massive prisoner swap with Russia, including Evan Gershkovich, could be underway

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

A potential large-scale prisoner swap between Russia and the United States may include up to 30 individuals, possibly including Jewish American journalist Evan Gershkovich and Jewish dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza.

0 Politics Leadership

The Trust Trap

Sapir

The text explores the erosion of trust in American institutions, particularly government, due to a crisis of elite legitimacy.

0 Politics History

The Ottoman American Empire

Tony Badran in Tablet

The text discusses the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's assertion that Israel has lost sovereignty in its northern region due to Hezbollah attacks, indicating a shift in U.S. policy towards the Middle East.

0 Politics

The Israeli far-right just committed their own Jan. 6

Adina Vogel Ayalon in Forward

In Israel, recent events involving allegations of rape and torture against Palestinian detainees have led to far-right protests, including the breaching of military bases and clashes with the justice system.

0 Politics Communities

What Should We Call the Golan Heights?

Jacob Forman in Moment

Following a Hezbollah rocket attack in the Golan Heights, the international community remains divided over the region's status, with Israel officially annexing the area in 1981, the US recognizing it in 2019, and most countries considering it Syrian territory under Israeli occupation.

0 Politics Israel

7 winners and 6 losers in the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ political leader

Philissa Cramer in JTA

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a top Hamas leader, has led to winners and losers in the complex geopolitical landscape.

0 Politics Gender/Identity

Is Vance a Neanderthal?

Emes Ve-Emunah

J.D. Vance's controversial comments about family values, specifically targeting childless Democratic leaders, have sparked debates about the significance of parenthood in understanding family values.

0 Politics Communities

The Veep’s Veepstakes

Peter Savodnik in The Free Press

The article discusses potential white male candidates for Kamala Harris' vice-presidential pick, focusing on Senator Mark Kelly, Governor Josh Shapiro, and Governor Tim Walz.

0 Politics Israel

Ismail Haniyeh killing a big gamble — but one that could spark an endgame

Dan Perry in Forward

The assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh by Israel, following the killing of a top Hezbollah military leader, Fuad Shukr, poses risks of retaliation and escalation in the Middle East.

0 Politics Israel

Two big questions after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh

Rob Eshman in Forward

The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh raises questions about whether it will lead to peace or further conflict in the region, as well as what it means for the hostages under Hamas.

0 Politics Communities

Building a civic engagement ladder

eJewishPhilanthropy

Repair the World and A More Perfect Union are collaborating to promote civic engagement within the Jewish community through initiatives like the Democracy Ballot, which offers a structured pathway for increasing involvement in service and civic duty.

0 Politics Israel

This U.S. election could be uniquely bad for Israel.

Paul Gross in Future of Jewish

The essay discusses the potential impacts of the U.S. presidential election on Israel and American Jews.

0 Politics Israel

White Dudes for Kamala. What Biden Can Do for Venezuela. Israel’s Hit on Haniyeh.

Oliver Wiseman in The Free Press

The text discusses various topics, including reactions to the situation in Venezuela, particularly from some factions of the American left who support Nicolás Maduro despite widespread protests against the regime.

0 Politics Leadership

Project 2025-Is it Dangerous? // A conservative plan becomes election dynamite

Yossi Krausz in Ami

Project 2025 is a conservative plan spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation aimed at restructuring the federal government to align with conservative principles, with the possibility of implementation by a future Trump administration in 2025.

0 Politics Communities

Setting the Stage // How Lakewood businesses got involved in a Trump fundraiser event

Binny Binet in Ami

Toivy Binet's Lakewood-based company Centristic was contracted to set up the stage for a recent fundraiser event for Donald Trump held in Deal, New Jersey by the Chera family.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Rightly Raised Eyebrows // A rabid anti-Semite leaves the stage

Avi Shafran in Ami

The article discusses the presence of known anti-Semite conspiracy theorist Candace Owens at a Trump campaign fundraiser in Nashville, Tennessee, which sparked criticism and protests.

0 Politics Communities

The Israeli minister at the forefront of international right-wing populism

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, has been actively seeking alliances with right-wing populist parties across Europe and beyond, viewing them as key allies in the struggle against what he sees as a threat from the far left and radical Islam.

Education ›

0 Education Philosophy

My Liberal Faith

Sapir

The writer reflects on their journey into a liberal faith shaped by a seminar on the Book of Genesis, which led them to embrace Judaism's insights on justice, family, and societal origins.

0 Education Jewish Law

The Search for God in the Jewish Classroom

Sapir

The discussion highlights the complexities of teaching faith in Jewish education, especially in the context of displaying the Ten Commandments in public classrooms in Louisiana.

0 Education Politics

The Constitutional Case for Jewish Charter Schools

Sapir

The article discusses the constitutional argument for implementing Jewish charter schools (JCSs) in America to address challenges facing the Jewish community, like expensive tuition, public school environments, and geographic limitations.

0 Education Communities

30 Years Later, I Still Have Recurring Nightmares About Jewish Summer Camp

Sarene Leeds in Kveller

A woman in her forties recounts recurring nightmares about her traumatic experiences at a Jewish summer camp in the Catskill Mountains during the late 1980s.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Communities

Show Up to Synagogue

Sapir

The discussion explores the importance of synagogue attendance for young American Jews facing rising antisemitism and social challenges.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

The False Binary of Theism vs. Atheism

Sapir

The text discusses the limitations of the traditional binary classification of theist vs. atheist when it comes to beliefs about God, particularly within Judaism.

0 Jewish Law Art

Emunah & the Artist

Sapir

This text explores the intertwined relationship between faith, art, and Jewish tradition through the author's personal journey and literary work.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Haredi Faith: Theology and the Draft Controversy

Sapir

The text explores the theological perspective within Israeli Haredi society, focusing on the belief that human efforts have no direct impact on outcomes, which are solely determined by God.

0 Jewish Law Politics

Shechita on trial – a significant victory

Jewish Chronicle

In a recent court ruling in Ottawa, Canada, Shechita operations were allowed to continue, safeguarding the production of Kosher meat for the Jewish community and export.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Philosophy

Terrence Malick From Hell

Tzvi in Tablet

Harmony Korine's latest film "Aggro Dr1ft" is highlighted for its mesmerizing and experimental color scheme, drawing parallels to various cinematic influences like Stan Brakhage and Richard Linklater.

0 Television/Film Israel

One of the Best Israeli Shows of 2023 Is Now On Netflix

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

"A Body That Works," a highly acclaimed Israeli show that debuted in 2023 and is now available on Netflix, explores the intricate dynamics of surrogacy and parenthood.

0 Television/Film Literature

Why Natalie Portman’s first TV drama left me bored senseless

Jewish Chronicle

"Lady in the Lake," a new Apple TV series, follows Natalie Portman's character, Maddie Schwartz, who leaves her husband and son in 1960s Baltimore, embarking on a journey in a black neighborhood where she uncovers a young Jewish girl's murder.

Miscellaneous

In Majdal Shams, families mourn children killed in rocket attack — and feel the embrace of their Jewish neighbors

Deborah Danan in JTA

In Majdal Shams, a Druze town in Israel, families mourn the tragic loss of children killed in a rocket attack, with one mother grieving the death of her son.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays History

Don’t think of mourning as the opposite of joy

Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein in JTA

As the Hebrew month of Av begins with notable mourning traditions, such as Tisha B'Av, the author reflects on the significance of the names Avi and Ami chosen for their child years ago.

Literature ›

0 Literature History

The Pendragon Legend, review: Upper-class chomps and femmes fatales pitched into dark country-house thriller

Jewish Chronicle

"The Pendragon Legend" by Antal Szerb, recently republished by Pushkin Press, follows the story of a young Hungarian scholar who visits the Earl of Gwynedd at Pendragon Castle in Wales, unraveling a tale of mysticism, romance, and dark intrigue.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Television/Film

Edinburgh festival: The Jewish back story to its most controversial play

Jewish Chronicle

Joshua Kaplan, a gay American writer, has attracted controversy with his play "Terf" at the Edinburgh Fringe festival.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

The Sounds of Summer

Rokhl Kafrissen in Tablet

The text discusses the significance of Jewish music and cultural events during the summer, highlighting various artists and performances.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Israel

Israelis are not racist. They are traumatized.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The text discusses the complexity of Israeli society, arguing that Israelis are not inherently racist but rather deeply traumatized due to historical persecution, including the Holocaust, and ongoing conflicts.

JL;DR

for Thursday, August 1, 2024

Communities ›

Antisemitism ›

History ›

Philosophy ›

Israel ›

Politics ›

Education ›

Jewish Law ›

Television/Film ›

Miscellaneous

Holidays ›

Literature ›

Gender/Identity ›

Music ›

Holocaust ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

August 1's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Thursday, August 1, 2024

Communities ›

Antisemitism ›

History ›

Philosophy ›

Israel ›

Politics ›

Education ›

Jewish Law ›

Television/Film ›

Miscellaneous

Holidays ›

Literature ›

Gender/Identity ›

Music ›

Holocaust ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

August 1's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, August 1, 2024