JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video

for Monday, September 23, 2024

Communities ›

0 Communities Antisemitism

The Great Jewish Awakening

Rachel Schwartzberg in Jewish Action

Following the wave of antisemitism that erupted after the attacks in Israel on October 7, American Jews have been experiencing a religious and cultural resurgence.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Is the Orthodox Community Doing Enough?

Rachel Schwartzberg in Jewish Action

Following recent global events, there is a renewed urgency for outreach (kiruv) among unaffiliated Jews.

0 Communities Ethics

Teshuvah After October 7

Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen in Jewish Action

Rabbi Lawrence Kelemen reflects on a spiritual transformation within the Jewish community sparked by the events of October 7, 2023.

0 Communities Culture

One Year Later: How October 7 Changed Me

JA Mag in Jewish Action

In the reflection pieces gathered by JA Mag, several Jewish individuals recount how the events of October 7 prompted them to engage more deeply with their faith and community.

0 Communities Jewish Law

The Eruv Revolution

Merri Ukraincik in Jewish Action

Modern technology and professionalization have transformed the eruv industry, spearheading significant advancements in eruv design, construction, and maintenance.

0 Communities Ethics

Lema’an Achai V’Rei’ai: Pursuing Unity

Rabbi Moshe Hauer in Jewish Action

Rabbi Moshe Hauer emphasizes the urgent need for unity among Jews, stressing that overcoming internal divisiveness is critical for the collective strength of Klal Yisrael.

0 Communities Culture

Holy Pineapples

Tania Hammer in Jewish Action

Tania Hammer recounts her unexpected venture into pineapple sales to support a farmer named Noam during a challenging time in Israel.

0 Communities Israel

The Illustrated Hostage Diary of Amit Soussana

Rachel Shalev in Tablet

Amit Soussana, a 40-year-old lawyer, recounts her harrowing experience during the October 7 hostage crisis initiated by Hamas attacks near Kfar Aza.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Communities

The Eruv Maven: Meet Rabbi Micah Shotkin

Steve Lipman in Jewish Action

Rabbi Micah Shotkin has carved a unique niche as a full-time professional eruv builder, serving communities in Passaic, Teaneck, and beyond.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Is it Time for a Deep Dive into Feelings?

Moishe Bane in Jewish Action

Moishe Bane reflects on the often overlooked but crucial role of emotions in Orthodox Jewish practice, questioning why deeper emotional engagement is not emphasized alongside halachic observance and Torah study.

0 Jewish Law Communities

Letters – Fall 2024

JA Mag in Jewish Action

The fall 2024 edition of JA Mag's "Letters" section provides a variety of perspectives about Jewish life and experiences related to the military, community support, and personal development.

0 Jewish Law Food

Kosher Conundrums: Answers to kashrus questions you never thought to ask

JA Mag in Jewish Action

Navigating the complexities of kosher labeling, this piece explores surprising questions about kashrut.

0 Jewish Law Israel

What’s the Truth about . . . Milchemet Mitzvah?

Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky in Jewish Action

The concept of "milchemet mitzvah" refers to wars that are religiously mandated according to Jewish law.

0 Jewish Law Culture

Kaddish Around the World: Uplifting and Inspiring Stories

Reviewed by Steve Lipman in Jewish Action

Rabbi Gedalia Zweig's latest book, "Kaddish Around the World," features uplifting stories demonstrating the unifying power of the Kaddish prayer across diverse contexts.

0 Jewish Law Communities

Reviews in Brief – Fall 2024

Rabbi Gil Student in Jewish Action

Rabbi Gil Student reviews two important books on distinctive aspects of Jewish life and thought.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

Sandy Eller in Jewish Action

The article by Sandy Eller discusses recent incidents of pro-Palestinian protests targeting synagogues across North America, marking a troubling escalation in antisemitic activities.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Joining the Ranks of Jewish History

JA Mag in Jewish Action

In the face of increased antisemitic threats, rabbis like Elliot Schrier and Yaakov Trump argue that these challenges offer unexpected opportunities for unity and renewed Jewish pride.

Art ›

0 Art Culture

The Artistry of the Etrog Box

David Olivestone in Jewish Action

Exploring the artistic evolution of the etrog box, this article delves into the concept of 'hiddur mitzvah,' which emphasizes beautifying the performance of mitzvot through aesthetically pleasing objects.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

Bring Your Jewish Self to Work

Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph in Jewish Action

Post-October 7, a surge in Jewish identity exploration has been observed globally, prompting discussions about integrating Jewish identity into professional life.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

Four Traits of Successful Social Entrepreneurs

Tamar Frydman in Jewish Action

In the face of significant global challenges impacting the Jewish community, Tamar Frydman, director of the OU Impact Accelerator, outlines the crucial traits of successful social entrepreneurs who are making a difference during crises.

Food ›

0 Food Holidays

Squash Sensations for the Holiday Table

Naomi Ross in Jewish Action

Naomi Ross explores the versatility and historical significance of gourds and squash, highlighting their culinary potential for holiday gatherings.

0 Food Holidays

Squash Sensations for the Holiday Table

Naomi Ross in Jewish Action

Naomi Ross explores the culinary and symbolic significance of squash in Jewish holiday cooking, particularly during autumn.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Philosophy

Rosh Hashanah: Let There Be Light

JA Mag in Jewish Action

Rabbi Norman Lamm's sermon, originally delivered in 1961 and excerpted in the book 'Festivals of Faith,' explores the theme of clarity amid confusion during Rosh Hashanah.

Torah ›

0 Torah Education

Rav Schachter on Pirkei Avos: Insights and Commentary Based on the Shiurim of Rav Hershel Schachter

Reviewed by Ben Rothke in Jewish Action

Rabbi Hershel Schachter has not only played a pivotal role as a communal leader and educator but has also diligently transmitted the rich tradition of Torah Shebeal Peh through his lectures and writings.

0 Torah History

Masters of the Word: Traditional Jewish Bible Commentary from the Twelfth through Fourteenth Centuries (Vol. 3)

Reviewed by Rabbi Yaakov Taubes in Jewish Action

"Masters of the Word: Traditional Jewish Bible Commentary from the Twelfth through Fourteenth Centuries (Vol. 3)" by Rabbi Yonatan Kolatch is reviewed by Rabbi Yaakov Taubes.

Culture ›

0 Culture Literature

A Cancellation Trilogy

Sheluyang Peng in Tablet

Censorship, particularly through cancel culture, is a significant theme in contemporary literature, especially among Jewish authors who have a historical awareness of scapegoating.

0 Culture History

How 10/7 — like 9/11 before it — irrevocably changed the meaning of a pair of numbers

Robert Zaretsky in Forward

The article by Robert Zaretsky reviews the book "10/7: 100 Human Stories" by Lee Yaron, which reflects on the tragic events of October 7, the deadliest terrorist attack in Israel's history.

0 Culture Politics

Why writer Etgar Keret wants to get back to Israel as soon as he can

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Israeli writer Etgar Keret, while on a speaking tour in the U.S., reflects on the turmoil in Israel amidst the Hezbollah conflict and the government's contentious decisions under Netanyahu.

0 Culture Torah

Torah can help unleash your inner creativity – here’s how

Jewish Chronicle

Rabbi Adina Allen's book, "The Place of All Possibility," presents the Jewish Studio Process, a method of engaging with Torah to unleash personal creativity.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

The New Rules of Western Journalism

Eitan Fischberger in Tablet

Eitan Fischberger highlights the troubling conflation of journalism and propaganda, particularly in the portrayal of the Gaza conflict.

0 Politics Israel

No, there will not be a regional war in the Middle East.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman's analysis argues against the likelihood of a regional war in the Middle East despite recent escalations between Israel and Hezbollah.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Republican senator refuses to condemn Trump's remark that election loss would be Jews' fault

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas refused to criticize former President Donald Trump's controversial statement that blamed a potential electoral loss on Jewish voters, a remark condemned by prominent Jewish organizations.

0 Politics Israel

Is Bipartisan Support For Israel a Lost Cause?

Emes Ve-Emunah

The complex political relationship between the Democratic and Republican parties regarding support for Israel is critically analyzed, with a focus on recent events in Gaza and Israeli defense strategies.

0 Politics Israel

Israel’s next war front: Why Lebanon is different than Gaza

Dan Perry in Forward

Dan Perry argues that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon significantly differs from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing that while the latter involves complex historical grievances, Hezbollah's aggression is driven by Iran's regional ambitions.

0 Politics Israel

Civilian effort to equip Israeli soldiers for war with Hezbollah ratchets up alongside hostilities

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, civilian-led efforts are intensifying to equip Israeli soldiers with necessary gear, particularly for the northern border conflict.

0 Politics Ethics

How to Evaluate Media Coverage of Israel: A Guide

Gary Rosenblatt in Future of Jewish

Gary Rosenblatt's essay explores the complexities and biases in media coverage of Israel, particularly in the context of conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah.