for Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Holidays ›

The urban sukkah: In NYC, they’re on rooftops, terraces, sidewalks and more

Beth Harpaz in Forward

In New York City's dense urban landscape, creative adaptations allow Jewish communities to celebrate Sukkot despite the lack of private outdoor spaces.

0 Holidays Communities

Israelis are decorating their first sukkahs since Oct. 7 with symbols of the crisis since

Deborah Danan in JTA

As Israelis prepare for Sukkot, many are using the holiday to highlight the ongoing crisis regarding hostages held by Hamas since the October 7th attacks.

0 Holidays Philosophy

What should we think about when we are sitting in the succah?

Jewish Chronicle

The discussion focuses on the theme of attention, especially relevant in today's digital-heavy environment, and how it pertains to Jewish rituals, particularly during Succot.

0 Holidays History

I will be dancing for my Safta on Simchat Torah

Jewish Chronicle

In the face of recent and historical tragedy, this personal reflection contemplates the challenging emotions surrounding the celebration of Simchat Torah, particularly following the anniversary of devastating attacks in Israel.

Culture ›

0 Culture Philosophy

The Tunnel

David Samuels in Tablet

In "The Tunnel," David Samuels delves into the psyche of a person living in a surreal underground world beneath New York City, blending aspects of urban isolation with deep reflections on Jewish identity and cultural memory.

0 Culture Holidays

Meet the pop-up etrog sellers of Kew Gardens, Queens

Risa Doherty in JTA

Every year, the streets of Kew Gardens Hills in Queens host a vibrant tradition of pop-up etrog markets in anticipation of Sukkot.

0 Culture Communities

Jonah Platt’s ‘Being Jewish’ Podcast Aims to Unite the Jewish Community at a Divisive Time

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Jonah Platt, known for his role in Wicked and being part of a talented family including his brothers Ben and Henry Platt, has launched a podcast called "Being Jewish with Jonah Platt."

0 Culture Antisemitism

‘On Being Jewish Now’ at Full Volume

Lisa Barr in Hadassah

Lisa Barr's essay, featured in Zibby Owens' anthology 'On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates,' explores the challenges and affirmations of expressing Jewish identity amid rising antisemitism.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

‘My own gay breakup inspired my sweet and sinister comedy’

Jewish Chronicle

Israeli playwright Gur Piepskovitz, who has lived in London since 2014, drew on his personal experiences for his latest play, "Earworm," a unique LGBTQ+ anti-romcom.

0 Culture Television/Film

What “Nobody Wants This” gets wrong about interfaith relationships today

Edmund Case in Forward

Edmund Case critiques the Netflix series "Nobody Wants This" for its misguided portrayal of interfaith relationships within Jewish communities.

0 Culture Politics

The championing of Ta-Nehisi Coates exposes the media’s gross bias

Jewish Chronicle

Amidst the release of Ta-Nehisi Coates' new book "The Message," which controversially critiques Israel by equating its treatment of Palestinians to the Jim Crow laws, media biases have come to the forefront.

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

U.S. and Canada Label Terror Fundraiser a ‘Sham Charity’

Eli Lake in The Free Press

The U.S. and Canadian governments have designated Samidoun, a group posing as an NGO that advocates for Palestinian prisoners, as a terrorist organization.

0 Politics Israel

Exclusive: In new poll, US Jews say Trump more supportive of Israelis but Harris better on Gaza war

Lauren Markoe in Forward

A recent Forward-CHIP50 poll reveals that American Jews generally favor Kamala Harris over Donald Trump to handle the Israel-Hamas conflict, with 54% expressing preference for her approach.

0 Politics Israel

Biden warns Israel to allow humanitarian relief into Gaza or face cuts to military aid

Ron Kampeas in JTA

The Biden administration has issued a warning to Israel, indicating that a failure to increase humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip could result in cuts to U.S. military aid.

0 Politics Antisemitism

How Hamas Infiltrated Europe

Olivia Reingold in The Free Press

Olivia Reingold's report on Hamas's infiltration in Europe highlights the network's use of non-profit fronts to finance terrorism.

0 Politics Israel

With Hezbollah and Iran, war is Israel’s only reasonable option

Sruli Fruchter in Forward

Sruli Fruchter argues that Israel's military actions against Hezbollah and potentially Iran are not only justified but necessary to ensure its national security.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Take it from someone who's both Black and Jewish: Ta-Nehisi Coates weaponizes race to spread antisemitism

David Christopher Kaufman in Forward

David Christopher Kaufman critiques Ta-Nehisi Coates' new book, "The Message," arguing that it propagates anti-Zionism and antisemitism.

0 Politics Israel

The Good War 2.0

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article critiques responses to Palestinian extremism and protests at Columbia University, suggesting that groups like Hamas are responsible for both civilian casualties and international perceptions against Israel.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The group behind Project 2025 has a new plan to fight antisemitism

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has proposed Project Esther as a plan to combat antisemitism in the United States by targeting groups they term the 'Hamas Support Network.'

0 Politics Antisemitism

The group behind Project 2025 has a new plan to fight antisemitism

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank known for influencing Republican administrations, has launched Project Esther, a plan to combat antisemitism by targeting what it labels a Hamas Support Network.

0 Politics Communities

The Haredi draft exemption is tearing Israel apart

Dan Perry in Forward

The ongoing tensions in Israel over Haredi draft exemptions have intensified, with significant implications for society, economy, and national unity.

0 Politics Israel

The Russia-Iran axis is transforming the nature of Middle East danger

Jewish Chronicle

Recent developments highlight the growing strategic partnership between Russia and Iran, creating new security dynamics in the Middle East that could destabilize the region further.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Beyond the ‘rebuilding better’ slogan: Israel’s window for transformative change is closing

eJewishPhilanthropy

In the aftermath of the October 7 crisis, Israel faces a unique opportunity for transformative societal change as the country moves from crisis response toward recovery.

0 Politics History

The Jewish–Arab conflict is absolutely about land.

Saul Goldman in Future of Jewish

In a thought-provoking exploration, Saul Goldman argues that the Jewish-Arab conflict is deeply rooted in questions of land ownership and natural rights.

0 Politics Culture

Is anti-Zionism a sin? We asked the rabbi whose viral Yom Kippur sermon begged the question

Louis Keene in Forward

Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch's recent Yom Kippur sermon has sparked considerable discussion due to its critical stance on Jewish anti-Zionism, particularly among younger generations.

0 Politics Israel

Sen. Tammy Baldwin tacks left of other swing-state Dems on Israel

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin has diverged from many of her Democratic swing-state colleagues by adopting more left-leaning positions on Israel, sparking both criticism and support within the Jewish community.

0 Politics Israel

For the sake of Israel, it’s time to retire the word ‘Zionism’

Alanna E. Cooper in Forward

With the surge in anti-Israel slogans and protests on college campuses, the terms 'Zionist' and 'Zionism' have gained unprecedented attention and controversy.

0 Politics Israel

Defense experts got Israel wrong.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman critiques defense experts for consistently underestimating Israel's military strategies and overlooking deeper geopolitical complexities in the Middle East.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

The Jews do strange things to demented people.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman discusses the complexities of antisemitism, arguing that it is often misunderstood and wrongfully aligned with other types of hate.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Lufthansa ordered to pay $4M penalty for denying boarding to 128 Jewish passengers in 2022

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Lufthansa has been fined $4 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation for an incident in May 2022, where 128 Orthodox Jewish passengers were denied boarding on a flight from Frankfurt to Budapest after being grouped together due to some passenger misbehavior.

0 Antisemitism Education

Campuses confront resurgence of anti-Israel activism after Oct. 7 anniversary

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

As universities marked the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, Jewish students faced intensified anti-Israel activism across American campuses.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Politics

Why I couldn't pray this Yom Kippur

Amy Eilberg in Forward

Amy Eilberg reflects on her struggle to pray during Yom Kippur in light of ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon, drawing parallels to Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel's wartime sentiments.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

‘Nobody Wants This’ Has Rubbed Many Jews the Wrong Way. They’re Missing the Point

Megan Naftali in Moment

"Nobody Wants This," a new Netflix rom-com, explores the comedic and romantic entanglements of an agnostic podcast host and a rabbi in Los Angeles, drawing both praise and criticism for its depiction of Jewish culture.

0 Television/Film Culture

Lior Raz, Dustin Hoffman and Tovah Feldshuh to Star In Upcoming Movie

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Lior Raz from "Fauda," Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman, and famed actress Tovah Feldshuh are coming together in a new film titled "Tuner," directed by Daniel Roher.

Communities ›

0 Communities Holidays

Threads of Eternity

Carol Ann Schwartz in Hadassah

Carol Ann Schwartz reflects on the enduring Jewish traditions maintained during difficult times, specifically in light of the recent events surrounding October 7 and its impact on Jewish communities.

0 Communities Holidays

The Lie of Achdus

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin critiques the superficial understanding of 'achdus' or unity emphasized during Sukkot, arguing that true achdus involves proactively taking responsibility and supporting fellow Jews, particularly during challenging times.

0 Communities Antisemitism

After a bomb threat interrupted Kol Nidre, this congregation kept praying on the streets of Manhattan

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

During the Kol Nidre service at Town and Village Synagogue in Manhattan, congregants were forced to evacuate due to a bomb threat, part of a disturbing trend of threats against synagogues.

Music ›

0 Music Jewish Law

Adam Abeshouse, Jewish producer of classical recordings, dies at 63

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Adam Abeshouse, a distinguished producer in the classical music world and a devoted member of the Jewish community, passed away at 63 due to bile duct cancer.

Art ›

0 Art History

A Floor That Looks to the Stars

Stewart Kampel in Hadassah

Dr. Mark Podwal, a renowned dermatologist and Jewish artist, completed his final major work—a captivating mosaic floor featuring the Jewish zodiac—at the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue in New York City.

0 Art History

He left Berlin with 10 marks in his pocket — he came back with an art collection worth hundreds of millions

Mervyn Rothstein in Forward

Heinz Berggruen, a renowned German-Jewish art dealer and collector, fled Nazi Germany in 1936 but eventually reconciled with his birthplace by gifting it a world-class art collection.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig shares a recipe for Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, a quicker alternative to the traditional stuffed cabbage, tying into the Jewish tradition of serving stuffed dishes during Sukkot as a symbol of abundance.

0 Food Holidays

Fifteen fabulous bakes and desserts for a special Succot

Jewish Chronicle

Highlighting an array of delightful recipes perfect for celebrating Sukkot, this article features a variety of easy-to-make desserts and bakes to enjoy during the festival.

Literature ›

0 Literature Philosophy

Every Day is New Under the Sun

Wendy Zierler in Lehrhaus

Wendy Zierler reflects on the recurring challenges of life through the lens of Kohelet, juxtaposed with Lea Goldberg's poetic midrash, "Shirei Sof Ha-Derekh."

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Politics

Standing together for our democracy

eJewishPhilanthropy

Civil society has always been a cornerstone of American identity, with Jewish civil society playing a significant role through its numerous institutions like summer camps and social-service agencies.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Holidays ›

Culture ›

Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

Ethics ›

Television/Film ›

Communities ›

Music ›

Art ›

Food ›

Literature ›

Leadership ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 16's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Holidays ›

Culture ›

Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

Ethics ›

Television/Film ›

Communities ›

Music ›

Art ›

Food ›

Literature ›

Leadership ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 16's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, October 16, 2024