JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Friday, December 6, 2024

History ›

0 History Culture

Prayers at Pearl Harbor

Maggie Phillips in Tablet

The article examines the transformation of Pearl Harbor's memory from a solemn site to a tourist attraction, reflecting broader changes in American religiosity and commemoration practices.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

The New Genocide®

Jamie Paul in Future of Jewish

In this provocative guest essay, Jamie Paul argues against the characterization of Israel's actions in the Gaza war as genocide, suggesting such claims demonstrate a misunderstanding of the term.

0 Politics Communities

Charges dismissed against Reuven Kahane, NY rabbi and developer accused of hitting Columbia protesters with his car

Luke Tress in JTA

Reuven Kahane, a Manhattan rabbi and real estate developer, had charges dropped against him after accusations of hitting pro-Palestinian protesters with his car.

0 Politics Culture

Jewish Anti Zionists

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article explores the controversial views held by Jewish anti-Zionist academics like Naomi Klein, Judith Butler, and Norman Finkelstein, who frame Israel as an aggressor in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

0 Politics Ethics

Israel’s military is acknowledging that soldiers’ helmets and body armor may be unsafe

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

The Israeli military has launched a new website allowing soldiers to anonymously verify if their safety gear meets official standards, highlighting concerns over the safety and adequacy of army-issued equipment.

0 Politics Israel

Interview | Manuel Trajtenberg on Israel’s Future

Laurence Wolff in Moment

Manuel Trajtenberg, a prominent Israeli economist and former government official, shares his insights on Israel's future amid ongoing conflicts and internal divisions.

0 Politics History

What is happening in Syria is a microcosm of the dynamics of the Middle East

Jewish Chronicle

The article analyzes the recent offensive in Syria by the Sunni Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), highlighting the broader implications for Middle Eastern dynamics.

0 Politics Israel

Are Israel and Hamas about to reach a deal?

Jewish Chronicle

The article delves into the evolving dynamics of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, highlighting recent developments that could lead to a potential deal.

0 Politics Israel

The uprising in Syria is providing a convenient distraction for Bibi

Jewish Chronicle

Amidst the turmoil in Syria, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategic focus on the conflict serves as a valuable distraction from domestic demands and criticisms of his handling of the conflicts involving Hezbollah and Hamas.

0 Politics Ethics

Amnesty International says Israel is committing genocide in Gaza

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, situating a controversial human rights claim within the global discourse.

0 Politics Literature

Novelist Boualem Sansal Is Being Murdered by the Algerian Government

Liel Leibovitz in Tablet

The Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal, renowned for his candid critiques of Algerian and global issues, has been detained by the Algerian government on charges of endangering the nation.

0 Politics Communities

Who is Steven Donziger, the Jewish environmental lawyer who politicians want Biden to pardon next?

Samuel Eli Shepherd in Forward

Steven Donziger, a Jewish environmental lawyer known for his legal battle against Chevron over pollution in Ecuador, is being advocated for a presidential pardon by U.S. politicians at the end of Biden's term.

0 Politics Culture

Almost one month after Election Day, here’s what we know about how Jews voted

Ron Kampeas in JTA

The voting behavior of American Jews in the most recent election, occurring nearly a month ago, reflects an enduring but slightly weakened Democratic preference.

0 Politics Israel

Trump taps Abraham Accords negotiator as ambassador-level hostage envoy amid Gaza crisis

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Adam Boehler, a key figure in negotiating the Abraham Accords with Gulf states, as his special envoy for hostage affairs, which he plans to elevate to ambassador level.

0 Politics Culture

How changing daylight saving time may impact Jews

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Benyamin Cohen explores the potential impacts on Jewish practices if the U.S. changes its daylight saving time observance.

Culture ›

0 Culture Food

On Friday nights, a Brooklyn restaurant creates a Tel Aviv-style Shabbat experience

Lisa Keys in JTA

Mesiba, an Israeli restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offers a Tel Aviv-style Shabbat dinner series every Friday night.

0 Culture Holidays

Hanukkah ‘Advent’ Calendars Are Low-Key Genius

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Jewish holidays often evoke unique challenges for families in predominantly Christian cultures, as is the case with Hanukkah.

0 Culture Education

What Banned Book Changed Your Life?

Moment in Moment

The article delves into the impact of banned books on personal development and societal values, highlighting stories from notable figures about specific banned books that influenced their lives.

0 Culture Holidays

Hadassah Magazine’s Hanukkah Gift Guide 2024

Editor in Hadassah

The Hadassah Magazine Hanukkah Gift Guide 2024 presents a curated selection of Jewish-themed gifts celebrating cultural pride and resilience.

0 Culture Antisemitism

‘Why I’m playing Fagin in a yarmulke’

Jewish Chronicle

Simon Lipkin, an accomplished musical theatre actor, is set to fulfill his childhood dream of playing Fagin in "Oliver!" at the Gielgud Theatre.

0 Culture Communities

Meet the proud Ethiopian Israeli New Yorker who was born to cook

Jewish Chronicle

Beejhy Barhany, an Ethiopian-born, Israeli-raised chef now based in New York, uses her culinary skills to celebrate her diverse heritage at Tsion Café in Harlem.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

The JC blind date: ‘I would say yes if he was game’

Jewish Chronicle

Joseph, an English teacher and artist, and Lissa, a cookie business owner, both participated in a Jewish blind date experience, focusing heavily on rich, flowing conversation.

Education ›

0 Education Language

Harvard’s Yiddish Studies program is in danger

Jessica Kirzane in Forward

Harvard University's denial of tenure to its sole Yiddish professor, Saul Noam Zaritt, threatens not only its Yiddish and Jewish studies programs but also its scholarly reputation.

0 Education Politics

Cornell president’s leaked criticism of Gaza class prompts new row over academic freedom

Andrew Lapin in Forward

Cornell University's interim Jewish president, Michael Kotlikoff, has come under fire from academic groups for criticizing a new course entitled "Gaza, Indigeneity, Resistance," taught by pro-Palestinian Jewish professor Eric Cheyfitz.

0 Education Antisemitism

I’m a non-Jewish academic. British universities are racist

Jewish Chronicle

A non-Jewish academic at a UK university critiques the pervasive structural antisemitism within British academia.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Communities

Drought in NYC could put a damper on public Hanukkah menorah lightings

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Rabbi Shimon Hecht of Chabad of Park Slope faces the possible cancellation of their traditional Hanukkah menorah lighting at Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, due to fire safety concerns heightened by a drought warning in New York City.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Ripped, dipped, sliced and shmeared — what makes a bagel a bagel?

Mira Fox in Forward

In a playful exploration of what's considered a true bagel, the article delves into the recent trends of 'rip and dip' bagels that challenge traditional views.

0 Food Culture

The best foodie Chanukah gifts for a real taste of Israel

Jewish Chronicle

Highlighting a variety of unique Chanukah gift options, this piece offers a curated selection of Israeli food and artisan products that celebrate the country's rich culinary heritage.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

What a landsman needs to know about ‘Landman’

PJ Grisar in Forward

"Landman," a new Paramount+ series, plays with themes of real estate and oil rights negotiations, drawing loose allusions to biblical narratives, like those in Genesis, though it notably lacks Jewish content.

0 Television/Film Culture

Leah Forster’s new off-Broadway show is anything but Orthodox

Samuel Eli Shepherd in Forward

Leah Forster, once a closeted Haredi teacher, is now a viral sensation and performer with her one-woman show, "That's Yentatainment," currently off-Broadway.

0 Television/Film Culture

All the Jewish TV to Stream In December 2024

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The article outlines a plethora of Jewish-themed TV shows and specials available for streaming during December 2024, highlighting a surge in Hanukkah-related content.

0 Television/Film Culture

We previewed Hallmark’s schmaltzy Chanukah movies so you don't have to

Jewish Chronicle

The anticipation for Hallmark's annual holiday releases is met with mixed feelings, as the network offers its usual multitude of Christmas films but only a couple dedicated to Chanukah.

0 Television/Film Culture

What to Know About Jewish ‘Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’ Star Meredith Marks

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Meredith Marks, a star of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, recently celebrated her bat mitzvah, an event featured in the show's fifth season.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

He was just 21. His life story mirrored mine. Now I'm mourning him with hostage families in Tel Aviv.

Jessica Steinberg in Forward

Jessica Steinberg reflects on the tragic story of Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old Israeli American soldier whose life ended abruptly during the conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023.

0 Communities Education

Wolfson Hillel gives a warm welcome to some new Israeli friends

Jewish Chronicle

Wolfson Hillel School in Southgate has started a warm cultural and educational exchange with the King Solomon School from Ramat Hasharon, Israel.

0 Communities Politics

UAE remains an enclave of peace and template for tolerance

Jewish Chronicle

The recent tragic murder of Rabbi Tzvi Kogan has shaken the Jewish community in the UAE but has not diminished the country's reputation as a haven of tolerance for Jews since the Abraham Accords in 2019.

0 Communities History

News Jews Can Use

Hana Raviyt Schank in Future of Jewish

Hana Raviyt Schank explores the enduring challenges of antisemitism and assimilation experienced by Jewish communities, both historically and in contemporary contexts, through the lens of her family's immigrant narrative.

Israel ›

0 Israel Culture

American Jews adopting American views is not necessarily bad news for Israel

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article examines the complex relationship between American Jews and Israel, particularly young adults who demonstrate a growing disconnect with Israeli politics despite a strong emotional attachment to the state.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

American campuses are now even more toxic for Jews

Jewish Chronicle

In recent months, American university campuses have seen a rise in overt hostility towards Jewish students and institutions, particularly Hillel, a key organization for Jewish student life.

Sports ›

0 Sports Culture

Pass the matzo: Brigham Young’s Jewish quarterback lands endorsement deal with Manischewitz

Louis Keene in Forward

Jake Retzlaff, the Jewish starting quarterback at Brigham Young University (BYU), has signed an endorsement deal with Manischewitz under the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness agreement.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Education

On Jewish Leadership

Sources

The latest issue of "Sources" explores the multifaceted aspects of Jewish leadership, prompted by reflections on Rabbi David Ellenson's impactful contributions during his tenure as President of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

0 Leadership Education

The Learning Leader: Orchestrating Organizational and Personal Change

B. Elka Abrahamson in Sources

B. Elka Abrahamson explores the dynamics of leadership in contemporary Jewish organizations, emphasizing the need for adaptive leaders to create transformative change through open communication and strategic partnerships.

0 Leadership Jewish Law

On These Things the World Stands: Leading with Religious Vision

Avi Killip in Sources

Avi Killip explores three models of Jewish leadership, drawing on personal experiences and religious teachings.

0 Leadership Politics

Doubt, Empathy, and Hope: Leadership for the Israel of Tomorrow

Sources

The article explores pivotal aspects of Israeli leadership amid current societal upheaval.

0 Leadership Communities

Jewish Communal Leadership: A Board Chair’s Perspective

Sources

This reflection by a former chair of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations explores the nuanced dynamics of Jewish communal leadership, specifically focusing on the necessity of building consensus.

0 Leadership Communities

Mission, Vision, and Jewish Philanthropic Leadership: A Conversation with Rachel Garbow Monroe and Paula B. Pretlow

Sources

The conversation with Rachel Garbow Monroe and Paula B. Pretlow of The Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation explored their philanthropic vision and leadership dynamics.

0 Leadership Communities

Do Lay Leaders Actually Lead?

Sources

Lay leadership in Jewish organizations depends on the alignment of the organization's scope, community characteristics, and the leaders' skills.

0 Leadership Philosophy

Spiritual Leadership in Israel after October 7

Sources

Spiritual leadership in Israel after October 7 faces the challenge of reconciling hope and despair amidst trauma and political turmoil.

0 Leadership Culture

Picture This: Three Very Different Views of Jewish Social Justice Leadership

Sources

James Forman, known as McDew, was a distinguished civil rights activist and leader within the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), whose Jewish faith deeply influenced his approach to social justice.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Leadership

Relational Rabbinics: Reframing the Role of Female Clergy

Sources

The article explores the evolving role of female clergy in Judaism, emphasizing the importance of relational rabbinics, where clergy combine deep community connections with traditional scholarship.

0 Gender/Identity Torah

How to Read the Torah from a Trans Perspective (Even If You Aren’t Transgender)

Sources

Rabbi Elliot Rose Kukla's book, "The Soul of the Stranger: Reading God and Torah from a Transgender Perspective," explores how transgender perspectives can illuminate new understandings of the Torah.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Rereading the Story of the Oven of Akhnai: From Interpretive Rights to Interpretive Responsibilities

Sources

Rabbi Eliezer's passionate insistence on his interpretation in the Oven of Akhnai story unveils a deeper critique of rabbinic authority.

0 Jewish Law Gender/Identity

A Tale of Two Women: Standing at the Center of the Talmud

Sources

Exploring the role of women in the Talmud, this piece encourages readers to re-evaluate assumptions about female invisibility in ancient rabbinic texts.

Literature ›

0 Literature Culture

Book Review | A Rebbe with a Fiddle and No Followers

Michael Krasny in Moment

Howard Langer's debut novel, "The Last Dekrepitzer," follows Rebbe Shmuel Meir Lichtbencher, the lone survivor of a fictional Hasidic sect destroyed in the Holocaust.