for Friday, November 1, 2024

History ›

0 History Culture

For Europe's Jews, owning grand homes symbolized not just wealth, but equality

Beth Harpaz in Forward

Jewish Country Houses, co-edited by Abigail Green, explores the significance of grand homes owned by Jewish families across Europe, which symbolized not just wealth but newfound equality and social status in societies that historically excluded Jews.

Politics ›

0 Politics Holocaust

A Holocaust exhibit — and Jewish staffer — are involved in a controversy over the National Archives

Andrew Lapin in Forward

Ellis Brachman, a senior advisor at the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, is at the center of a controversy regarding the downplaying of difficult historical exhibits, including those on the Holocaust.

0 Politics Israel

Harris and Trump court Jews and Arabs in the campaign’s homestretch

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

As the U.S. presidential campaign enters its final phase, both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are keen on winning the votes of Jewish and Arab Americans, groups with historically Democratic leanings but differing views on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Chicago school board president resigns amid backlash over antisemitic social media posts

Andrew Lapin in Forward

Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson, recently appointed president of the Chicago public school board, resigned after backlash over antisemitic social media posts.

0 Politics Communities

Hymie’s, the Philly Jewish deli featured in a Trump ad, is now the setting for a Harris spot

Ron Kampeas in JTA

Hymies, a well-known Jewish deli in Philadelphia, has become a stage for political ads as the U.S. election nears its end.

0 Politics Education

Boycotts: The Legal Remedy

Sapir

The growing movement to boycott Israeli academic institutions poses significant risks to Israel's global scientific and economic standing, as well as to broader international academic collaboration.

0 Politics Israel

The UN’s Kosher Stamp for Terror

Tony Badran in Tablet

Recent Israeli moves to ban the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) underscore rising concerns about its purported collusion with Hamas, evident in alleged payments to militants and the use of its facilities for military purposes.

0 Politics History

The Obama Machine

Michael Lind in Tablet

Michael Lind explores the transformation of the Democratic Party under Barack Obama, describing it as the emergence of a new political machine reminiscent of Chicago’s historical political structures.

0 Politics Israel

Israeli politics provides what American democracy desperately needs.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The article explores the contrasts between Israeli and American electoral practices, highlighting the Israeli focus on political parties over individual candidates.

0 Politics Culture

Shock jock Sid Rosenberg has become one of Trump’s most aggressive Jewish surrogates

Luke Tress in JTA

Sid Rosenberg, a conservative talk radio host, has become an outspoken Jewish surrogate for Donald Trump, participating in rallies and using his platform to voice pro-Israel sentiments.

0 Politics Ethics

Opinion | Is Anyone Scarier than Elon Musk?

Nadine Epstein in Moment

Nadine Epstein discusses why Elon Musk, despite his revolutionary influence in various industries, should not hold a government position.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Opinion | Is Elon Musk Antisemitic or Not? Either Way, He’s Dangerous.

Nadine Epstein in Moment

Elon Musk, while a revolutionary entrepreneur reshaping multiple industries, including space travel and electric vehicles, poses significant ethical and political concerns, particularly related to antisemitism and his influence on global and national affairs.

0 Politics Israel

Israelis prefer Trump over Harris. In the face of uncertainty, Netanyahu is hedging his bets.

Ron Kampeas in JTA

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, is carefully navigating the U.S. political landscape as the 2024 presidential election nears, where Israelis reportedly prefer Donald Trump over Kamala Harris.

0 Politics Education

California law against special education funding for religious schools violates constitution, court rules

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

A recent ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has determined that a California law barring religious schools from receiving government funding for special education violates the constitutional right to free exercise of religion.

0 Politics Communities

As spending by Jewish PACs soar, two billionaires give GOP group major fundraising advantage

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Jewish political action committees are experiencing significant increases in fundraising as the 2024 election nears, with the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) leading the charge aided by substantial contributions from billionaires Miriam Adelson and Jan Koum.

0 Politics Ethics

The Dangers of Political Polarization for American Jews

Elana Stein Hain in Hadassah

Elana Stein Hain discusses the impact of political polarization on American Jews, drawing parallels from Hanukkah's history of internal Jewish conflict.

0 Politics Israel

Hezbollah strikes kill 7 in northern Israel as ceasefire talks advance

Luke Tress in JTA

Hezbollah's rocket attacks claimed seven lives in northern Israel, marking one of the deadliest days since the multi-front conflict began.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Ahead of election, Jewish security groups are monitoring conspiracy theories, Jewish polling sites and foreign interference

Luke Tress in JTA

With the upcoming election and heightened antisemitism amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, Jewish security organizations are on alert for potential threats.

0 Politics Communities

It's Just Not Enough

Emes Ve-Emunah

An event in Bnei Brak demonstrated support for IDF soldiers among Charedi Jews, marking a rare expression of solidarity from this community.

0 Politics Communities

Jewish ballot switchers could decide the presidential election on Tuesday

Jewish Chronicle

With Jewish voters historically crucial in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona, their shifting allegiances could significantly impact the close presidential election.

0 Politics Antisemitism

I'm a Pennsylvania Jewish voter. My tiny demographic group could decide the election

Dan Perry in Forward

Jewish voters in Pennsylvania, despite representing a small demographic, could play a decisive role in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

0 Politics Culture

Hymie’s Deli featured in new Kamala Harris ad, after blowback over Trump ad filmed there

Lauren Markoe in Forward

A political ad filmed at Hymies Deli, near Philadelphia, featuring Donald Trump sparked controversy for its portrayal of Jewish stereotypes, leading the deli to receive threats and hate mail.

0 Politics Communities

Florida Dems chair Nikki Fried says many Jews have started to ‘question the Democratic Party’

Ron Kampeas in JTA

Nikki Fried, chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party, addressed concerns among Jewish voters, noting a shift away from traditional Democratic support due to recent pro-Palestinian protests and Republican responses.

0 Politics Culture

Joe Biden’s Deplorable Moment. Plus. . .

Madeleine Kearns in The Free Press

This piece critiques a controversial comment made by President Joe Biden, where he allegedly referred to half the country as "garbage" during a campaign call with Latinx voters.

0 Politics Communities

Snapped

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

The tension between Israel's dati-leumi and charedi communities has culminated in a crisis, fueled by the charedi community's persistent refusal to serve in the Israel Defense Forces amid severe manpower shortages.

0 Politics Communities

The Abandoned Americans

Peter Savodnik in The Free Press

The piece explores the repercussions of the 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released toxic chemicals into the environment, rendering parts of the town uninhabitable.

0 Politics Israel

Amish Shah receives pro-Israel plaudits in campaign against Rep. Dave Schweikert

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

Amish Shah, a former state legislator in Arizona and a congressional candidate, is receiving positive attention from pro-Israel groups in his campaign against Rep. Dave Schweikert in a competitive Arizona district with a significant Jewish population.

0 Politics Israel

Trump sends mixed messages on Mideast policy in final days of campaign

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Donald Trump's campaign in the final days of the U.S. presidential race presents a complex and often contradictory Middle East policy to appeal to a wide range of voters, including pro-Israel Republicans, isolationists, and disenchanted Muslim and Arab American communities.

0 Politics Israel

Skepticism as Israeli officials indicate war with Lebanon is nearing end

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

Israel is reportedly ready to negotiate an end to its ongoing conflict with Lebanon, although skepticism remains about achieving a lasting cease-fire.

0 Politics Gender/Identity

Historic global LGBTQ advocacy group boycotts Israel and suspends Israeli affiliate

Andrew Lapin in JTA

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World) has suspended its Israeli member, The Aguda, and announced it will not consider Tel Aviv as a conference host in 2026 or 2027, citing adherence to its constitution and wider alignments with the Palestinian cause.

0 Politics Culture

Sally Rooney, Percival Everett among thousands of authors pledging to boycott all Israeli literary institutions

Andrew Lapin in JTA

A significant cohort of prominent authors, including Sally Rooney and Percival Everett, are boycotting Israeli literary institutions, citing allegations of genocide in Gaza and a broader protest against Israeli policies.

0 Politics Israel

US pushes back against Israeli laws curtailing main UN agency for the Palestinians

Luke Tress in JTA

Israel's Knesset has passed legislation severely limiting the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) within its territory, including East Jerusalem, amidst allegations of ties between UNRWA staff and Hamas.

Culture ›

0 Culture Sports

Did the spirit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe swing the World Series for the Dodgers?

Louis Keene in Forward

As the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched an unexpected World Series victory over the Yankees, a unique narrative emerged linking the win to a visit by Reuven Kasten, son of Dodgers team president, to the grave of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

0 Culture Jewish Law

What would Judaism have to say about ‘The Substance?’

Samuel Eli Shepherd in Forward

The article explores Jewish perspectives on the implications of a fictional substance allowing temporary rejuvenation, as depicted in the film "The Substance."

0 Culture Politics

A new McCarthyism is attacking Israeli artists — and risks making all of us dumber

Sharon Rosen Leib in Forward

Sharon Rosen Leib critiques the burgeoning boycott of Israeli cultural institutions by a group of notable writers and artists in response to the Gaza conflict.

0 Culture Politics

How Much Can a Heart Break in One Year?

Mikhal Weiner in Lilith

Mikhal Weiner's poignant essay explores a year marred by violence, loss, and profound grief.

0 Culture Politics

Bubble-Wrapping Coates

Tevi Troy in Tablet

Ta-Nehisi Coates' recent interview on CBS, which featured challenging questions about his perspectives on Israel, sparked controversy, highlighting a trend of overly cautious approaches to intellectual debates in media.

0 Culture Food

Jewish candy company Joyva cooks up a Brooklyn-inspired rebranding

Julia Gergely in JTA

Joyva, a century-old kosher candy company established by Jewish immigrant Nathan Radutzky in 1907, is undergoing a significant rebranding to appeal to modern consumers while maintaining its legacy.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

How 10/7 changed everything — except the way Jewish interest groups fight antisemitism

eJewishPhilanthropy

Matthias J. Becker, a researcher at the University of Cambridge, discusses the ongoing challenges in combating antisemitism online, aggravated by the reaction to the October 7 massacre in Israel.

0 Antisemitism Education

The Rise and Fall of Jews on Campus

Sapir

The article explores the troubling rise of antisemitism within American elite universities, drawing parallels with the antisemitic actions of the Ku Klux Klan during the 1960s.

0 Antisemitism Education

‘They need the patience’: Texts show tension between sympathetic university officials and students protesting Gaza war

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Amid protests against the Gaza war, campus leaders at institutions like Northwestern University have struggled to balance student activism and concerns about antisemitism.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Combating the Shocking Rise of Antisemitism in Health Care

Hilary Danailova in Hadassah

In recent months, there has been a troubling rise in antisemitism within the healthcare sector in the U.S., exacerbated by the conflict in Israel and attacks by Hamas.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Interview | Ira M. Sheskin Surveys Jewish Voters

Jennifer Bardi in Moment

Ira M. Sheskin discusses his latest survey on antisemitism experienced by Jewish Americans, noting increased reports of anti-Jewish incidents since 2020.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Ahead of election, Jewish security groups are monitoring conspiracy theories, Jewish polling sites and foreign interference

Luke Tress in JTA

Amid heightened concerns of antisemitism and political polarization, Jewish security groups are intensifying vigilance around the upcoming U.S. elections.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Communities

Re-imagining liberal Judaism: some reflections

eJewishPhilanthropy

Liberal Judaism faces significant challenges as it navigates a modern landscape marked by individualism, social media, and changing societal values.

Education ›

0 Education Philosophy

Consumer Culture Has No Place at College

Sapir

The article delves into how consumer culture has infiltrated and diluted the mission of modern universities, shifting focus from genuine educational pursuits to transactional exchanges between students and institutions.

0 Education Antisemitism

Campuses Need Viewpoint Diversity. How Can They Foster It?

Sapir

Caroline Mehl, co-founder of the Constructive Dialogue Institute, discusses the importance of fostering viewpoint diversity on college campuses in response to increasing societal divisions and challenges in campus speech.

0 Education Politics

Boycotts: The Threat to Academic Freedom

Sapir

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) recently shifted its stance, endorsing academic boycotts under certain conditions, sparking a debate over the definition and limits of academic freedom.

0 Education Ethics

Arguments for the Sake of Collegiate Heaven

Sapir

The article discusses the value of "argument for the sake of heaven" as exemplified by the debates between the schools of Hillel and Shammai, and how this concept applies to modern academia.

0 Education Antisemitism

Turning Critical Theory on Its Head

Sapir

The article critiques the modern application of critical theory in academia, particularly within the humanities and social sciences, for its failure to address Jewish oppression and antisemitism.

0 Education Philosophy

(Wilhelm von) Humboldt’s Gift

Sapir

Reflecting on Wilhelm von Humboldt's vision of the modern university, this article examines the evolution of universities from intellectual sanctuaries to multiversities succumbing to market and political pressures.

0 Education Politics

Encouraging Debate, Not Settling It

Sapir

Daniel Diermeier, Chancellor of Vanderbilt University, discusses his commitment to fostering a campus culture rooted in inquiry and reason, amid growing disenchantment with higher education in the U.S. Diermeier emphasizes the importance of free speech, institutional neutrality, and reasoned debate to counteract perceived ideological drift in universities, particularly in light of political tensions and calls for universities to take a stand on controversial issues.

0 Education Antisemitism

Editor’s Note

Sapir

Amidst ongoing debates on the state of higher education, the article revisits criticisms against universities historically viewed as bastions of intellectual and social advancement, but now plagued by issues concerning social mobility, academic integrity, and political neutrality.

0 Education Politics

Boycotts: The Case for Raising Our Voices

Sapir

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel has largely failed economically, with foreign investment in Israel significantly increasing.

0 Education Culture

Religious Diversity Can Reform Our Campuses

Sapir

Higher education is at a crossroads with significant enrollment declines, financial challenges, and a culture of self-censorship impeding genuine discourse on campuses.

0 Education Communities

Columbia Needs Countercultural Leadership

Sapir

The tensions at Columbia University reflect deep-seated governance issues rather than just antisemitism or problematic individuals in leadership.

0 Education Antisemitism

Abigail Shrier: The Kinderfada Revolution

Abigail Shrier in The Free Press

Abigail Shrier discusses the growing trend of anti-Israel activism within American K-12 schools, focusing on a teachers' union meeting in Los Angeles where educators shared tactics to involve students in anti-Israel protests.

Literature ›

0 Literature Culture

His Barbed Behind: Mr. Sammler’s Planet and Its Critics

Sapir

Saul Bellow's 1970 novel, *Mr.

0 Literature Holocaust

Alice Hoffman Won’t Let Anne Frank Be Forgotten

Rahel Musleah in Hadassah

Alice Hoffman's novel "When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary" explores Anne Frank's life before her family went into hiding, shedding light on the increasing pressures they faced under Nazi occupation.

Communities ›

0 Communities Antisemitism

Why HBCUs Are Key to Fighting Antisemitism

Sapir

The article explores the historical and evolving dynamics of Black-Jewish relations in the U.S., particularly focusing on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like Howard University.

0 Communities Ethics

Prominent NYC synagogue reveals sexual assault allegation against its renowned late rabbi

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Bnai Jeshurun, a prominent synagogue in New York City, has removed the name of Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer from its rabbinic training program after a credible sexual assault allegation was made against him by a congregant from the 1980s.

0 Communities Israel

Supporting the rebirth of Kibbutz Nir Oz: A year of healing and solidarity

eJewishPhilanthropy

On the one-year anniversary of a devastating Hamas attack, the survivors of Kibbutz Nir Oz, near the Gaza border, continue the arduous task of rebuilding.

0 Communities Gender/Identity

Bedouin Women Are Blazing New Trails

Leora Eren Frucht in Hadassah

Eman Bin Nasser is breaking new ground as one of the first Bedouin women in high-tech roles in Israel, challenging traditional societal norms by working as a software engineer in Beersheva despite living in the unrecognized village of Wadi al-Naam with limited resources.

0 Communities Education

What I told my Jewish students about this terrifying political moment

Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson in JTA

Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson speaks candidly to his Confirmation Class at Temple Emanu-El about the daunting political and social climate they are entering.

Science ›

0 Science Politics

The Roots of Public Mistrust: Science, Policy & Academic Integrity

Sapir

Public trust in the scientific community, historically stable, is declining due to institutional distrust, political divides, and pandemic management.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

Do Jews believe in the afterlife?

Rabbi Daniel Cohen in Forward

Rabbi Daniel Cohen explores Jewish beliefs regarding the afterlife, emphasizing that the soul is immortal as taught by Jewish mysticism, particularly the Zohar.

0 Philosophy Antisemitism

Learning to Love the Lessons of Jew-Hatred

Raphael Shore in Future of Jewish

Raphael Shore's book, "Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Jew: Learning to Love the Lessons of Jew-Hatred," explores his personal journey from ignorance to a deep exploration of Jewish identity and antisemitism.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Holocaust

For Jesse Eisenberg, His Holocaust Movie ‘A Real Pain’ Is Personal

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Jesse Eisenberg's film "A Real Pain" offers a refreshingly unique take on Holocaust movies, combining both humor and sensitivity in its portrayal of a heritage trip.

0 Television/Film Culture

The Jewish Film Festival is back: Here are the must-see movies

Jewish Chronicle

The upcoming UK Jewish Film Festival in London, running from November 7-17, spotlights must-see films that delve into Jewish and Israeli experiences.

0 Television/Film Culture

Venom review: ‘it’s not Marvel-lous’

Jewish Chronicle

The review dissects the weaknesses of the final film in Tom Hardy's Venom trilogy, noting how the series fails to fully deliver on its intriguing premise of duality between Eddie Brock and the symbiotic anti-hero.

0 Television/Film Culture

There’s a Jewish Ghost in the CBS Show ‘Ghosts.’ Is He Good Representation?

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The CBS show "Ghosts," now in its fourth season, features a Jewish ghost character named Trevor Lefkowitz, portrayed by Asher Grodman.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Simply delicious: Claro London is a total treat

Jewish Chronicle

Claro London, the latest venture by renowned chef Ran Shmueli, offers a farm-to-table dining experience inspired by Eastern Mediterranean cuisine.

Prayer ›

0 Prayer Politics

Why I wrote a prayer to be said on the Shabbat before Election Day

David Zvi Kalman in JTA

David Zvi Kalman discusses the historical prayers for government recited in synagogues worldwide, which traditionally focus on the well-being of national leaders rather than the voting populace.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Jewish Law

Courage: An indispensable quality of leadership

eJewishPhilanthropy

Ron Wolfson reflects on the essential role courage plays in effective leadership, drawing insights from Darren Walker's essay on leadership risks and his own book on Jewish communal leadership.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Antisemitism

Beyond being a mensch: Confronting misogyny and antisemitism in the ‘manosphere’

eJewishPhilanthropy

In the digital age, simply instructing young Jewish men to be a "mensch" may not suffice to shield them from the toxic influence of the "manosphere," an online space spurred by discussions of men's rights which frequently veers into misogynistic and antisemitic territory.

JL;DR

for Friday, November 1, 2024

History ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Antisemitism ›

Jewish Law ›

Education ›

Literature ›

Communities ›

Science ›

Philosophy ›

Television/Film ›

Food ›

Prayer ›

Leadership ›

Gender/Identity ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

November 1's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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History ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Antisemitism ›

Jewish Law ›

Education ›

Literature ›

Communities ›

Science ›

Philosophy ›

Television/Film ›

Food ›

Prayer ›

Leadership ›

Gender/Identity ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

November 1's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Friday, November 1, 2024