JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Culture ›

0 Culture Antisemitism

The Talmud replacing the Constitution? An antisemite tweets, and Jews get in on the joke

Louis Keene in Forward

In a recent online phenomenon, Jewish Twitter humorously engaged with a bizarre antisemitic tweet by Holocaust denier Stew Peters, who claimed that the U.S. Constitution is being replaced with the Talmud.

0 Culture Holidays

Hanukkah Pajamas for the Entire Family: 2024 Edition

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Hanukkah is approaching and brings with it a delightful range of themed merchandise, including a new batch of festive pajamas.

0 Culture Education

The Moment: Issue 1036

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Issue 1036 of Mishpacha Magazine spotlights diverse stories on Jewish identity and religious observance.

0 Culture Ethics

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

An unexpected business decision turned into a blessing in disguise for an ice cream store owner in New York City.

0 Culture History

How a Jewish deep-sea diver found treasure, shipwrecks and Leonard Bernstein

Jim Sullivan in Forward

Howard Rosenstein, a Jewish diver and entrepreneur, began his remarkable career after discovering a Roman coin while diving off the coast of Israel in 1968.

0 Culture History

Moshe Feldenkrais: The Man Who Taught Ben-Gurion to Stand on his Head

Lucas Tennen in New Voices

Moshe Feldenkrais, an influential figure in the modern wellness movement, is depicted as not only a pioneer in mind-body connection techniques but also as a product of his dynamic Jewish background.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Rumored for a Trump posting, Elbridge Colby’s dovish views on Iran stand out

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

Elbridge Colby, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense under Trump, has been rumored for a key national security post in Trump's potential second administration, but his dovish stance on Iran creates friction among conservative hawks within the GOP.

0 Politics Israel

Saudi-Israel normalization appears more distant with a skeptic in Israel’s Foreign Ministry, MBS’ ‘genocide’ accusations

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

Saudi-Israel normalization is facing setbacks as new challenges emerge.

0 Politics Antisemitism

After Harris’ defeat, top Democrats tilt to the center on Israel, tackling antisemitism

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Following significant electoral losses, top Democrats are adjusting their stance to a more centrist approach on issues concerning the Jewish community, notably support for Israel and confronting antisemitism.

0 Politics Ethics

The Only Moral Position on Zionism

Ariel Beery in Future of Jewish

Ariel Beery's essay challenges the morality of anti-Zionist Jews, who participate in American democracy while opposing Jewish self-determination in Israel.

0 Politics Education

Federal judge temporarily blocks Louisiana’s law requiring classrooms to display Ten Commandments

Jacob Gurvis in Forward

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Louisiana law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, ruling it unconstitutional under the First Amendment.

0 Politics History

Voters elected Hitler because they liked his fascist promise. Trump's reelection repeats that history

Peter Fritzsche in Forward

Peter Fritzsche, a history professor at the University of Illinois, examines the 2024 U.S. presidential election through a historical lens, drawing parallels between Donald Trump's electoral appeal and Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany.

0 Politics Israel

Trump taps Mike Huckabee, evangelical favorite, to be ambassador to Israel

Ron Kampeas in JTA

Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor and key evangelical figure, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Israel.

0 Politics Israel

Trump nominates Mike Huckabee, evangelical hardliner, as U.S. ambassador to Israel

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Mike Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas and evangelical leader, as the U.S. ambassador to Israel.

0 Politics Israel

Trump taps Iran hawks Marco Rubio, Mike Waltz for top national security roles

Ron Kampeas in JTA

President-elect Donald Trump is reinforcing his national security team with staunch pro-Israel advocates, naming Sen. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Rep. Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The Greatest Cognitive Dissonance of My Life

Sharon S. Nazarian in Moment

Sharon S. Nazarian reflects on the profound cognitive dissonance she experiences as a Jewish Iranian-American navigating the polarized political landscape during the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

0 Politics Communities

So What Happens Next?

Nathan Guttman in Moment

As American Jews reflect on the recent elections, the anticipated shift towards Republican support did not significantly materialize, with Jewish voters overwhelmingly backing Democratic candidates, particularly Kamala Harris.

0 Politics Jewish Law

A Kallus View of Army Service

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article critiques Rabbi Shraga Kallus's lecture opposing Charedi participation in the IDF, highlighting his extremist views within Orthodox Judaism.

0 Politics Israel

You don’t have to worship Trump to feel hopeful at his victory

Jewish Chronicle

This piece explores the potential positive aspects of Donald Trump's presidential victory, particularly through his appointment of Elise Stefanik as Ambassador to the United Nations.

0 Politics Israel

Will Trump’s new cabinet be good for Israel?

Jewish Chronicle

The article analyzes the impact of President-elect Donald Trump’s early cabinet appointments on Israel and the Jewish community.

0 Politics Communities

House set to vote on bill targeting nonprofits accused of supporting terrorism

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

A new bipartisan bill aimed at swiftly revoking the tax-exempt status of nonprofits accused of supporting terrorism is set to be voted on in the U.S. House of Representatives.

0 Politics History

Obama Isn’t Going Anywhere

Lee Smith in Tablet

Lee Smith explores the enduring influence of Barack Obama in the current American political landscape, especially in relation to Donald Trump.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Trump picks Lee Zeldin, Jewish former congressman from Long Island, to head EPA

Luke Tress in JTA

Lee Zeldin, a Jewish former congressman from New York, has been appointed by Donald Trump to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in his upcoming administration.

0 Politics Communities

The Personal Costs of War

Gavriella Zahtz in Future of Jewish

Gavriella Zahtz's essay explores the profound challenges Israelis face amidst ongoing conflict, emphasizing the disconnect between Western perceptions and Israeli realities.

0 Politics Communities

Trump Cards: Jewish Landscaping

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The 2024 election cycle has revealed a significant shift in the political landscape regarding Jewish voters, traditionally seen as reliably Democratic.

0 Politics Israel

The End of the Obama Presidency — Finally

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article critiques the end of the Obama era, particularly in the context of U.S.-Israel relations and its influence on American politics.

0 Politics Holocaust

Who is Stephen Miller, Trump’s Jewish adviser and likely White House deputy chief of staff?

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Stephen Miller, a long-time adviser to Donald Trump, is poised to become Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House.

0 Politics Communities

Stephen Miller, hardline Jewish Trump aide, to become deputy chief of staff as immigration becomes top issue

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Stephen Miller, a prominent Jewish adviser known for his hardline stance on immigration, is set to become Deputy Chief of Staff under Donald Trump's second term.

History ›

0 History Politics

Russian Terrorists and Their ‘Progressive’ Allies

Anna Geifman in Tablet

The article explores the emergence of modern political terrorism in prerevolutionary Russia, particularly during the early 1900s when left-wing terrorists engaged in widespread violence and chaos.

0 History Culture

The Miracle Petek

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Rabbi Yisrael Ber Odesser, a devoted follower of Breslov chassidus, claimed to have found a mystical note, or "petek," in 1922 believed to be from Rebbe Nachman, sparking much debate.

Art ›

0 Art Politics

They created a musical about the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. Today's activists are listening

Samuel Eli Shepherd in Forward

"We Live in Cairo," a new musical by the Lazour brothers, follows six American University of Cairo students during the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, reflecting themes of youth activism, democracy, and hope.

Education ›

0 Education Ethics

School prayer timeline: The evolution of prayer in schools, from Founding Fathers to President Trump's commitment to bringing it back

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Benyamin Cohen's article traces the history and legal battles over prayer in U.S. public schools, beginning from the creation of the First Amendment in 1791, which set the groundwork for church-state separation.

0 Education Culture

Inbox: Issue 1036

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The magazine issue highlights essential community discussions and personal narratives.

0 Education Culture

Trump plans to reinstate school prayer. Our readers remember times Christianity came up in class

Mira Fox in Forward

The discussion on the intersection of religion and public education resurfaces with President-elect Donald Trump's proposal to reinstate school prayer, challenging the 1962 Supreme Court decision on the issue.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy History

Hidden Chambers

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In this reflective article, Cindy Scarr explores the dichotomy between the biblical figures of Lot's wife and Avraham, focusing on their respective responses to witnessing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Torah ›

0 Torah Ethics

Parshas Vayeira: Gratitude Attitude

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Reflecting on the Torah passage in Parshas Vayeira, the article delves into the theme of gratitude, emphasizing the often-unseen contributions that support successful endeavors.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Jewish Law

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

"Agent Angst" explores ethical and legal dilemmas related to various agent-client relationships in Jewish life, covering topics like travel bookings, real estate transactions, hiring practices, and matchmaking (shidduchim).

0 Ethics Leadership

“Tell My Ex-Boss to Go for Help?”

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Dealing with a difficult boss who may have underlying emotional issues is fraught with challenges, as discussed in "Tell My Ex-Boss to Go for Help?" by Cindy Scarr.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

Endnote — Issue: 1036

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Rabbi Shloime Taussig's latest EP, "5 KOLOS #2," expands on his trendsetting format in the frum music scene, offering a more affordable and compact alternative to full albums.

0 Music Communities

These new klezmer musicians aren’t old enough to drive

Nora Giuffrida in JTA

Klezmer music is experiencing a youthful resurgence thanks to groups like the Klezmaniacs, a band of talented musicians aged 10 to 16 from New York's MakomNY synagogue.

0 Music History

How the NY Public Library acquired a ‘treasure trove’ of Jewish and Yiddish music

Jon Kalish in JTA

The New York Public Library's Dorot Jewish Division has acquired a significant collection of 4,000 pieces of Jewish and Yiddish music, including cantorial music, Hasidic melodies, and pieces from Yiddish theater, klezmer, and opera.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Antisemitism

In this ‘Merchant of Venice,’ tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight

PJ Grisar in Forward

The latest production of "The Merchant of Venice" by Igor Golyak transforms William Shakespeare's contentious play into a debate on cultural perception and prejudice.

0 Television/Film Culture

The ‘Shtisel’ Spinoff Is Finally Coming in December

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Fans of the acclaimed Israeli drama 'Shtisel' will soon be able to enjoy a highly anticipated spinoff titled 'Kugel,' premiering in December.

0 Television/Film Culture

The enduring appeal of Nora Ephron, and the golden age of rom-coms

Jewish Chronicle

Ilana Kaplan's new book, "Nora Ephron at the Movies," examines the influential legacy of Nora Ephron, focusing on her iconic contributions to the romantic comedy genre.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Culture

Demonstrators with Nazi flags target a Michigan production of ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’

Andrew Lapin in JTA

A small group of demonstrators with Nazi flags disrupted a rural Michigan community theater production of "The Diary of Anne Frank," provoking condemnation from community and political leaders.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Would this be acceptable if Jews were not the victims?

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The article highlights the violent attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam by pro-Palestinian gangs.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Anti-Israel protesters in Amsterdam set tram fire just days after targeted attacks against Jews

Louis Keene in Forward

In Amsterdam, tensions continue to escalate as anti-Israel protesters set a tram on fire, just days after Israeli soccer fans were violently attacked.

0 Antisemitism Sports

Dangerous Games

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Recent violent attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam highlight a disturbing rise in anti-Israel sentiment across European cities.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Florida man arrested for targeting Jewish Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who says the suspect was found with an antisemitic manifesto

Jacob Gurvis in JTA

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Jewish congressman from Florida, faced a safety threat when a man, John Lapinski, was arrested near his home with firearms, body armor, and an antisemitic manifesto that singled out Moskowitz.

Communities ›

0 Communities Ethics

The Hadassah Forensic Dentist Who Helped Identify Sinwar

Wendy Elliman in Hadassah

Dr. Esi Sharon-Sagie, a forensic dentist at Hadassah Medical Organization, played a crucial role in identifying Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader responsible for orchestrating a massacre.

0 Communities Education

Bringing people to the table: The power of Jewish camp in a divided world

eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish camps serve as vital spaces for fostering understanding and connection in a divided world.

0 Communities Education

For All and Forever

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Rabbi Moshe Blaustein's passing marks a significant loss for a generation of Toronto's Jewish community who grew up influenced by his charismatic presence.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Politics

Is Torah Study a Part of the War Effort?

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

The article by Natan Slifkin examines the argument that Torah study is as essential to national defense as serving in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), specifically critiquing the interpretation of Makkot 10a.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Trump Cards: Handbook for Power

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article discusses the potential return of Donald Trump to power and the challenges he might face in implementing his agenda.