JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Communities ›

0 Communities Jewish Law

On Jewish Peoplehood in the American Orthodox Community

Sruli Fruchter in 18forty

Sruli Fruchter examines the state of Jewish identity in the American Orthodox community, questioning why there hasn't been a unified outreach effort akin to the post-Six-Day War revival.

0 Communities Holidays

For Jewish communities in areas battered by Helene, High Holidays take a backseat to basic safety

Andrew Lapin in JTA

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Jewish communities in regions like Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC face significant challenges.

0 Communities Politics

A year after Oct. 7, Israel's south is still discovering new depths of resilience

Rob Eshman in Forward

One year after the traumatic events of October 7th, 2023, where Hamas attacks devastated Sderot, Israel, the city is undertaking significant reconstruction projects led by local visionaries like Amit Kochavi.

0 Communities Culture

Jews and Muslims need to embrace commonalities over differences

Zara Hai in Forward

Zara Hai, a Pakistani-American Muslim high school student, reflects on her experiences following the events of October 7, where both Israelis and Palestinians suffered.

0 Communities Ethics

In a supposedly progressive city, words are violence but an actual massacre is justified

Libby Raviv in Forward

Libby Raviv, a high school student from Claremont, California, shares her distressing experience following the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel.

0 Communities Education

The valuable lesson that Oct. 7 taught me

Ethan VanderWalde in Forward

Ethan VanderWalde, a high school senior from Memphis, shares his personal reflections on the impact of the events of October 7.

0 Communities Antisemitism

A Brutally Honest Letter to the Jewish People

Gavriella Zahtz in Future of Jewish

Gavriella Zahtz pens a deeply personal and emotional letter to the Jewish community, grappling with feelings of betrayal, shame, and fear in the wake of recent traumatic events impacting Jews worldwide.

0 Communities Culture

Abraham Socher in Jewish Review of Books

Abraham Socher reflects on the notion of "golus" (exile) through his personal anecdotes and observations in Pico-Robertson and Beachwood, two vibrant Jewish communities.

0 Communities Holidays

The High Holy Days: A challenging point of entry for interfaith couples

eJewishPhilanthropy

The High Holy Days present a pivotal but challenging entry point into the Jewish community for interfaith couples, similar to how Easter might be a daunting first experience with Christianity for newcomers.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Israel Acts Alone

Bernard-Henri Lévy in Tablet

Bernard-Henri Lévy discusses Israel's recent strategic military actions, particularly its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which have significant geopolitical implications.

0 Israel History

The Triumphs and Tragedies of Israel's Unbelievable Innovation

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Israel's evolution from a fledgling state to a technological powerhouse showcases its remarkable advancements in science, technology, and defense over the last century.

Culture ›

0 Culture Holidays

Tevi Troy in Tablet

Tevi Troy reflects on a personal tradition of reading in synagogue during the High Holidays, a practice dating back in his family.

0 Culture Politics

The Forward’s $1,000 flak jacket: The tale of an Israeli talisman

Beth Harpaz in Forward

An Israeli flak jacket, procured by a Forward journalist, became a symbol of the chaotic environment for foreign reporters covering the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

0 Culture History

Jimmy Carter is 100. In biblical times, that’s a teenager.

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Benyamin Cohen reflects on Jimmy Carter's hundredth birthday by providing a whimsical comparison to the longevity of biblical figures, like Methuselah, who supposedly lived over 900 years.

0 Culture Philosophy

‘The Jewish texts that changed for me since Oct. 7’: A symposium

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

The symposium explores how Oct. 7, a day marked by deadly attacks in Israel, has affected the interpretation and personal significance of various Jewish texts.

0 Culture Holidays

My Breast Cancer Diagnosis Gave a Whole New Meaning to the Jewish High Holidays

Laurie Dickstein-Fischer in Kveller

Laurie Dickstein-Fischer shares how her breast cancer diagnosis during the Jewish High Holidays profoundly transformed her experience of this significant time.

0 Culture Television/Film

The shows you won’t want to miss – on stage and screen

Jewish Chronicle

The article presents a curated list of notable productions on stage and screen with strong Jewish themes and influences.

0 Culture History

Lublin and Krakow remain bright enclaves of Yiddish song and culture

Jewish Chronicle

Lublin and Krakow remain vibrant centers of Yiddish song and Jewish culture, preserving the memory of their once-thriving Jewish communities despite the devastation of the Holocaust.

0 Culture Music

Nearing a Prayer: How my violin has helped me learn to pray

Dania Bressler in Forward

Dania Bressler reflects on her identity and spiritual journey through music, particularly through the piece 'Tfilah' by Lera Auerbach, which became poignant after the events of October 7, impacting her Israeli family.

0 Culture Israel

For some Jewish couples, there’s no place to tie the knot like Israel

Jewish Chronicle

Jewish couples are still choosing Israel as their wedding destination, driven by deep cultural and familial ties, despite current tensions.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

A new mum gets her mojo back, thanks to an Instagram stylist

Jewish Chronicle

Laura Jane Foley, known as the Sensual Soul Stylist, uses style as a vital form of self-care to help women reconnect with themselves post-motherhood.

0 Culture History

The man who brought high fashion to New York

Jewish Chronicle

Henri Bendel was a pioneering Jewish entrepreneur who transformed high fashion retailing in New York City.

0 Culture Jewish Law

Of Torahs and Children

Harvey E. Goldberg in Jewish Review of Books

The article delves into the symbolic intertwining of Torah and children, particularly through the lens of Ashkenazi minhag (customs).

Food ›

0 Food Culture

A Green New Year

Paola Gavin in Tablet

Exploring the historical and cultural significance of Swiss chard, this piece delves into its prominence in Mediterranean diets and Jewish culinary traditions, particularly during Rosh Hashanah.

0 Food Culture

Talk of the Table | The Stew of Seven Tastes

Vered Guttman in Moment

The Millers, a Nash Didan family, cherish the Stew of Seven Tastes at their Rosh Hashanah table, maintaining a unique culinary tradition from Jews of the Lake Urmia region in Iranian Azerbaijan.

Art ›

0 Art Jewish Law

Eternity Is Beneath My Feet

Dara Horn in Tablet

Dara Horn reflects on a tumultuous year and finds unexpected solace in a visit to the Eldridge Street Synagogue.

0 Art History

Kitchen sinks and antiquities: Showroom in Zichron Ya’akov preserves its rich architectural history

Jewish Chronicle

Rebecca Citrin's interior design project in Zichron Yaakov artfully balances modernity and history.

0 Art Culture

The brilliance of beige: How a palette of neutrals packs a positive punch

Jewish Chronicle

Elana Ilan, an interior designer based in Hampstead Garden Suburb, emphasizes practicality and timelessness in her designs, especially after having a child.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Israel’s Third Lebanon War is underway. Here’s what you need to know.

Ben Sales in JTA

Israel is engaged in escalating conflict with Hezbollah along the Lebanon border, marking what could be considered a Third Lebanon War.

0 Politics Culture

Analysis: Walz and Vance — 2 very non-Jewish guys — will debate. What do Jews need to know?

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

In the upcoming debate between Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, both candidates present minimal direct ties to Jewish communities, contrasting with their running mates who have significant Jewish connections.

0 Politics Television/Film

B’Ivrit | The Elimination of Hassan Nasrallah

Nathan Guttman in Moment

Israeli media recently marked the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah with celebrations, highlighting a shift towards more involved and patriotic journalism.

0 Politics Culture

Ta-Nehisi Coates’ new book compares Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to the Jim Crow South

Ben Sales in JTA

Ta-Nehisi Coates' new book, "The Message," presents controversial analysis by comparing Israel's treatment of Palestinians to America's Jim Crow South.

0 Politics Ethics

Actually, terrorists don’t need nice obituaries

Jewish Chronicle

The article critically examines how Western media outlets portrayed Hassan Nasrallah, the deceased leader of Hezbollah, in his obituaries.

0 Politics History

Hassan Nasrallah was not a 'towering leader' — he was a terrorist

Aviya Kushner in Forward

In this opinion piece, Aviya Kushner critiques media portrayals of Hassan Nasrallah, the late Hezbollah leader, who is described by some outlets as a "towering figure."

0 Politics Israel

The Cat is Out of the Media Bag

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article critiques mainstream media's portrayal of controversial figures like Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, comparing it to a similar hypothetical framing of Adolf Hitler.

0 Politics Israel

Tactical Success, Strategic Failure

Peter Beinart in The Beinart Notebook

Peter Beinart reflects on the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and the broader implications for Israel and the Middle East.

0 Politics Israel

Israel is performing miracles in the Middle East

Jewish Chronicle

Reflecting on the current events in the Middle East, the article draws parallels to Israel's historic Six Day War and Yom Kippur War, highlighting Israel's remarkable resilience and strategic prowess amidst ongoing regional tensions.

0 Politics History

Emil Stern in Jewish Review of Books

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, which opened in 2021, faced criticism for inadequate representation of Jewish contributions to Hollywood.

0 Politics History

Unsettling Ideology

Michael Walzer in Jewish Review of Books

Michael Walzer reviews Adam Kirsch's incisive critique of modern "settler colonialism" ideologies, which frame historical colonization as a central and ongoing structural issue.

0 Politics History

Back in the USSA

Will Tanner in Tablet

The article discusses the systemic issues plaguing post-apartheid South Africa, primarily focusing on its economic and social decline under the African National Congress (ANC) leadership.

0 Politics Israel

Don't blame Israel for honoring Hezbollah's death wish.

Andrew Fox in Future of Jewish

Amid ongoing Middle Eastern tensions, Israel's military strategy against Hezbollah has shown significant success.

Language ›

0 Language Politics

In a year of ‘no words,’ Oct. 7 changed the Jewish vocabulary

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

October 7, 2023, marked a significant turning point in Jewish vocabulary due to its catastrophic events, similar to how 9/11 reshaped language.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

Police and FBI investigating second antisemitic assault at University of Pittsburgh in weeks

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

A Jewish student at the University of Pittsburgh was assaulted in an antisemitic attack by a group of men after they saw his Star of David necklace.

0 Antisemitism Communities

California man sentenced for drive-by shooting of Jews leaving LA synagogues

Louis Keene in Forward

A California man, Jaime Tran, was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for two drive-by shootings targeting Jewish victims in Los Angeles' Pico-Robertson neighborhood, largely inhabited by Orthodox Jews.

0 Antisemitism Communities

How Oct. 7 changed my life as a Jewish Latino American teenager

Max Alperstein in Forward

Max Alperstein, a Jewish Latino teenager born in Guatemala and raised in New York City, shares how the events of October 7, where shocking violence was inflicted by Hamas, profoundly affected his life.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Religious Liberty on Royce Quad

Michael Avi Helfand in Jewish Review of Books

The article discusses a lawsuit filed by Jewish students against UCLA, alleging that the university violated their religious freedoms by facilitating pro-Palestinian encampments on campus.

0 Antisemitism History

October 7: Trials of Zion, Memories of Diaspora

Cecile E. Kuznitz in Jewish Review of Books

Cecile E. Kuznitz explores the deep trauma and historical parallels that have surfaced following the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre in Israel.

0 Antisemitism Education

The Cold War Against the Jews

Malka Z. Simkovich in Tablet

Malka Z. Simkovich recounts unsettling incidents of antisemitism impacting her family and broader Jewish communities in educational settings in Skokie, Illinois, and beyond.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

Andy Samberg is ‘Second Gentlemensch’ Doug Emhoff in SNL Cold Open

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

In the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, Andy Samberg took on the role of Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman, humorously dubbed the "Second Gentlemensch," highlighting both Samberg's and Emhoff's charming "Jewish wife guy" energy.

0 Television/Film Politics

“The Path Forward” Follows Those Who Pursue Peace

Helene Meyers in Lilith

Helene Meyers reviews the documentary "The Path Forward," co-directed by Julie Cohen and Mo Husseini, which presents a hopeful portrayal of collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian activists.

0 Television/Film Philosophy

'Megalopolis' and 'The Brutalist' build on Ayn Rand's 'Fountainhead,' then blow up her ideas

PJ Grisar in Forward

Brady Corbet's film "The Brutalist" and Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis" serve as cinematic critiques of Ayn Rand's Objectivism, contesting the notion that individual achievement should prioritize selfishness over communal benefit.

0 Television/Film Culture

Netflix’s ‘Nobody Wants This’ casually celebrates Judaism. I want a second season.

Keren R. McGinity in JTA

"Nobody Wants This," a Netflix series created by Erin Foster and starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, offers a nuanced portrayal of Jewish life through a romantic comedy.

0 Television/Film Culture

What’s Up With the Ending of ‘Nobody Wants This’ on Netflix?

Kveller Staff in Kveller

Kveller Staff engages in a vibrant discussion about the Netflix show "Nobody Wants This," particularly focusing on the portrayal of Jewish themes and stereotypes.

History ›

0 History Holocaust

Visual Moment | The Little Boat that Could: Resistance and Rescue in Denmark

Diane M. Bolz in Moment

The article highlights the extraordinary role of the Gerda III, a small Danish workboat, in the rescue of Danish Jews during the Holocaust.

0 History Politics

October 7: The Return of History

Daniel Gordis in Jewish Review of Books

Daniel Gordis reflects on the October 7 attacks by Hamas, drawing parallels to historical Jewish experiences.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays History

The fast that falls on the eve of October 7

Jewish Chronicle

Marking the anniversary of the October 7 pogrom, a communal gathering in London coincides with Tzom Gedaliah, a Jewish fast commemorating the assassination of Gedaliah, a key event in biblical history post the First Temple's destruction.

0 Holidays Communities

Where will we go on Rosh Hashanah now my parents have died?

Jewish Chronicle

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, the writer reflects on how the absence of her deceased parents has altered the High Holy Days for her family.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Education

Cash crisis: Who to turn to if you reach rock bottom

Jewish Chronicle

Financial instability can strike anyone, and many are unprepared to cope.

Education ›

0 Education Culture

How teens of all backgrounds can connect in a deeply polarized, post-Oct. 7 world

Anniyah Rizvi in Forward

In a post-Oct.

0 Education Israel

Letters, Fall 2024

Jewish Review of Books

The "Letters, Fall 2024" section includes responses that touch on various aspects of Jewish life and academia.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Ethics

The Vagina Business: Taking the stigma out of women’s health

Jewish Chronicle

Marina Gerner's book, "The Vagina Business," aims to destigmatize women’s health and promote innovative solutions to underfunded medical issues such as menopause and childbirth.

Literature ›

0 Literature History

Yehuda Amichai and the Jerusalem of the Middle

Amichai Chasson in Jewish Review of Books

Amichai Chasson's article delves into the profound relationship between Yehuda Amichai and Jerusalem, exploring how the city permeated his poetry and life.

0 Literature Antisemitism

Tread Lightly Lest My People’s Bones Protest: Litvinoff, Eliot, and English Antisemitism

Jack Omer-Jackaman in Jewish Review of Books

In "Tread Lightly Lest My People's Bones Protest," Jack Omer-Jackaman discusses the controversial 1951 reading by Anglo-Jewish poet Emanuel Litvinoff, who courageously confronted T.S. Eliot's antisemitism.

0 Literature Culture

The Jewess Mystique

Julia Kornberg in Jewish Review of Books

Jewish Tetouan, Morocco, becomes the backdrop in Blanche Bendahan's novel "Mazaltob," where the protagonist, Mazaltob Macas, symbolizes the "belle juive" trope prevalent in European literature.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Literature

Atlas Schlepped

Gary Saul Morson in Jewish Review of Books

Ayn Rand, known for her novels emphasizing radical individualism and capitalism, is explored through the lens of her Russian intellectual roots in an article by Gary Saul Morson, based on Alexandra Popoff's biography.

0 Philosophy Torah

Desire and Power: Adam and Eve in Genesis 1–3

Roslyn Weiss in Jewish Review of Books

Roslyn Weiss explores the complexities of desire and power in the Genesis narrative of Adam and Eve.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

Akiva Schick in Jewish Review of Books

Akiva Schick explores the unique journey of Matisyahu, a Hasidic reggae artist who gained fame in the mid-2000s.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law History

Like a Surgeon with a Scalpel, an Archaeologist with a Spade

Shai Secunda in Jewish Review of Books

David Weiss Halivni, a prominent Talmud scholar, spent his life reconciling the ancient text's often convoluted interpretations with a search for clear, objective understanding.

0 Jewish Law Culture

The Magic of Mezuzahs

Rokhl Kafrissen in Tablet

Exploring the multifaceted history and cultural significance of the mezuzah, the article delves into its dual role as both a religious commandment and a vessel of magical protection.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

How strategic planning saved my rabbinate

eJewishPhilanthropy

Rabbi Michael Ragozin shares how strategic planning invigorated his rabbinate at Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott, Massachusetts.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Art

We Hope That You Enjoy the Holocaust

Judith Miller in Tablet

Judith Miller examines the cyclical emergence of Holocaust-themed films and plays, noting contemporary creators' struggles due to the diminishing firsthand accounts from witnesses.