for Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Communities ›

0 Communities Israel

The Ultimate Sacrifice: The Faith and Courage of IDF Widows

Chava Zenilman, Hadas Loewenstern, Dana Cohen, and Galit Vizel represent the resilience and faith of IDF widows who have lost husbands in recent conflicts in Gaza.

0 Communities Jewish Law

What Jews Really Want

Liel Leibovitz in Jewish Action

In the aftermath of recent tragic events, many American Jews are reconnecting with their heritage, prompting a discussion on how the Orthodox community can welcome these individuals.

0 Communities Education

Leave No Neshamah Behind

Rebbetzin Gevura Davis as told to Merri Ukraincik in Jewish Action

Rebbetzin Gevura Davis shares insights from her work in kiruv, emphasizing the importance of welcoming all Jews into the community, particularly in light of recent events that have spurred increased interest in Jewish roots.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Leave No Neshamah Behind

Rebbetzin Gevura Davis as told to Merri Ukraincik in Jewish Action

Rebbetzin Gevura Davis discusses the transformative shift seen amongst American Jews since October 7, as they begin reconnecting with their heritage, and outlines how the Orthodox community can embrace them through effective kiruv (outreach) efforts.

0 Communities Leadership

Cultivating Jewish Pride

Rabbi Judah Mischel in Jewish Action

Rabbi Judah Mischel stresses the significance of embracing Jewish identity and pride in the wake of recent global upheavals.

0 Communities Education

Welcoming October 8th Jews Home: A Symposium, Part 3

JA Mag in Jewish Action

In a thought-provoking symposium, Rivkah Slonim and Rabbi Efraim Mintz discuss new strategies for strengthening Jewish identity among American Orthodox Jews, especially post-October 7 challenges.

0 Communities Torah

Start-Up Shul: How to build a welcoming kehillah

Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt and Rabbi Binyamin Goldschmidt in Jewish Action

The article explores the growth and experience of the Altneu Synagogue, a new community on Manhattan's Upper East Side, particularly in response to the events of October 7.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Reaching Across the Gap

Toby Klein Greenwald in Jewish Action

Kesher Yehudi is a social movement in Israel dedicated to uniting religious and secular Jews through the pairing of study partners, known as chavrutot.

0 Communities Culture

The American Israeli Post-October 7

Sandy Eller in Jewish Action

In the aftermath of the October 7 terror attacks, American Israelis experienced a profound upheaval, prompting a significant shift in their engagement with Jewish communities in the United States.

0 Communities Education

It All Starts with a Mom

Ahuva Reich in Jewish Action

TJJ for Moms and Dads, an initiative created by NCSY, allows parents of teens who have participated in The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey to experience Israel themselves, fostering a deeper connection to Judaism.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Just Ahavas Yisrael

JA Mag in Jewish Action

Project Inspire is a volunteer-driven initiative that facilitates joyful and experiential Jewish events for individuals from diverse backgrounds, without expecting them to change their level of observance.

0 Communities History

A Time of Repentance

JA Mag in Jewish Action

In the wake of the Six-Day War, Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe witnessed and encouraged a religious awakening among secular Israelis, inspired by the miraculous events of the conflict.

0 Communities Leadership

Rethinking Outreach Post-October 7: Speaking with Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz

Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin in Jewish Action

Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin interviews Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz about the post-October 7 Jewish identity awakening in the American and Israeli Jewish communities, drawing parallels and contrasts with the religious resurgence following the Six-Day War.

0 Communities Ethics

Look a Little Harder

Rabbi Ezra Sarna in Jewish Action

Rabbi Ezra Sarna reflects on the quiet dedication of unsung heroes who contribute humbly and significantly to Jewish communities.

0 Communities Ethics

Letters – Winter 2024

JA Mag in Jewish Action

This collection of letters in JA Mag addresses various facets of Jewish life and challenges.

0 Communities Ethics

October 8th Dropouts: Reclaiming the Jews of Shame

Rabbi Moshe Hauer in Jewish Action

Rabbi Moshe Hauer discusses the phenomenon of Jewish disassociation in a post-October 7 world where two types of threats against Jews are prevalent: physical, from pro-Hamas entities, and spiritual, from those who criticize Israel under the guise of morality.

0 Communities Jewish Law

The Consequences of Speaking Truth to Power

Emes Ve-Emunah

In an interview with three anonymous Charedi rabbis from prestigious backgrounds, the intricate dynamics within the Israeli Charedi community are explored, revealing both internal contradictions and criticisms.

0 Communities Food

A loss that leaves a bagel-sized hole on the Upper West Side of Manhattan

Nora Sissenich in Forward

The closing of Absolute Bagels has deeply affected the Upper West Side and Morningside Heights communities.

Culture ›

0 Culture Education

What Jews Really Want

Liel Leibovitz in Jewish Action

Liel Leibovitz explores the post-October 7 resurgence of interest in Judaism, suggesting a shift from the current outreach models to ones that emphasize challenging, substantial engagement with the faith.

0 Culture Leadership

Cultivating Jewish Pride

Rabbi Judah Mischel in Jewish Action

Rabbi Judah Mischel explores the resurgence of Jewish identity and pride in the face of contemporary global challenges, particularly rising antisemitism and the lingering effects of historical trauma such as the Holocaust.

0 Culture Education

Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin on Jewish Identity Post-October 7

JA Mag in Jewish Action

Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin reflects on Jewish identity, particularly in light of contemporary challenges such as secularism and assimilation.

0 Culture History

Yiddish recipes, memories and photos wanted for online cookbook

Forverts Staff in Forward

Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett is inviting enthusiasts of Eastern European Jewish cuisine to contribute memories, recipes, and photos to her online cookbook as part of the Yiddish New York festival.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

One Book, One Hadassah: ‘Tap Dancing on Everest’

Editor in Hadassah

Dr. Mimi Zieman's memoir, "Tap Dancing on Everest," explores her unique journey as the only woman and medical expert on an Everest expedition team, intertwining themes of feminism, medicine, and Jewish identity.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

Does the ‘My Best Friend’s Dad’s Name’ Baby Naming Trend Work for Jewish Girls?

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

In light of the emerging trend in 2025 towards gender-neutral and once traditionally male names for girls, Jewish naming conventions might see some interesting shifts.

0 Culture Politics

Are Jews white? The answer changes everything.

Michael Inzlicht in Future of Jewish

Michael Inzlicht explores the complex question of whether Jews are considered white, a classification that varies widely depending on historical, cultural, and geographical contexts.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Communities

Ten-Year Goal to Save Am Yisrael: One million new Jewish families on the path to keeping Shabbat

Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein in Jewish Action

Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein proposes a bold ten-year plan to inspire one million Jewish families to embrace Shabbat observance as a means to combat assimilation, particularly in the diaspora.

0 Jewish Law Culture

Ten-Year Goal to Save Am Yisrael: One million new Jewish families on the path to keeping Shabbat

Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein in Jewish Action

Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein proposes a bold plan to strengthen global Jewish identity by focusing efforts on promoting Shabbat observance.

0 Jewish Law Communities

Responding to the Call

Rabbi Efraim Mintz in Jewish Action

Rabbi Efraim Mintz calls upon the Orthodox community to seize the current moment, where many American Jews are reconnecting with their heritage, by embracing personalized outreach.

0 Jewish Law Communities

Welcoming October 8th Jews Home: A Symposium, Part 2

JA Mag in Jewish Action

The symposium explores different perspectives on Jewish outreach, emphasizing the importance of fostering Jewish identity and pride, even if it doesn't immediately lead to full observance of mitzvot.

0 Jewish Law Communities

Outreach Obligations and Responsibilities: What Does Halachah Say?

JA Mag in Jewish Action

In a conversation moderated by Rabbi Phil Karesh, Rabbi Shmuel Fuerst and Rabbi Micah Greenland discuss the halachic obligation for engagement in Jewish outreach.

0 Jewish Law Torah

What’s the Truth about . . . Relocating a Sefer Torah?

Rabbi Ari Z. Zivotofsky in Jewish Action

Relocating a sefer Torah is a nuanced issue in Jewish law, typically discouraged due to the high respect and honor due to the Torah.

0 Jewish Law Politics

Reviews in Brief – Winter 2024

Rabbi Gil Student in Jewish Action

Rabbi Gil Student reviews three seminal books touching on different aspects of Jewish thought and practice.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Jewish Law

Responding to the Call

Rabbi Efraim Mintz in Jewish Action

Rabbi Efraim Mintz discusses the evolution of Orthodox Jewry's response to challenges posed by modernity, specifically highlighting the kiruv (outreach) movement initiated in the 20th century.

0 Leadership Communities

Canada’s Rabbi: The Life and Legacy of Rabbi Reuven Bulka

Reviewed by Rabbi N. Daniel Korobkin in Jewish Action

Rabbi Reuven Bulka, remembered as 'Canada's Rabbi,' exemplified the impact a dedicated community leader can have.

0 Leadership Culture

Putting Hope to Work

Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph in Jewish Action

The article reflects on the challenging times for Israel, faced with prolonged war, and emphasizes hope as a sustaining force.

0 Leadership Communities

New mayor of Florence, Italy, is the first woman and first Jew to lead the historic city

Rossella Tercatin in JTA

Sara Funaro has made history by becoming the first woman and first Jew to serve as mayor of Florence, Italy.

Education ›

0 Education Culture

How a Gap Year in Israel Can Change a Life

Kylie Ora Lobell in Jewish Action

Olami Launch provides a transformative gap year experience in Israel for Jewish teens from secular backgrounds, contributing to their personal growth and strengthening their Jewish identity.

0 Education Communities

Getting More Jewish Kids into Jewish Schools

Rachel Schwartzberg in Jewish Action

The Consortium of Jewish Day Schools (CoJDS) has launched a new initiative called "Coming Home" to promote Jewish education by increasing enrollment in Jewish day schools.

0 Education Communities

From Portacabins to multi-million pound building: school shows future of inclusive education

Jewish Chronicle

Side by Side School in Stoke Newington, North London, has transformed from temporary portacabins to a state-of-the-art 13 million pound facility, aimed at providing inclusive education for children with special needs.

0 Education Culture

The matchmaking service with a difference

Jewish Chronicle

Avidan Halivni, associate director of the Chicago-based Jewish Learning Collaborative (JLC), is pioneering a novel matchmaking service focused on pairing individuals with suitable Jewish tutors for personalized educational experiences.

0 Education Philosophy

Are children encouraged enough to be creative?

Jewish Chronicle

Reflecting on a disappointing camp experience, Rabbi Fine emphasizes the critical role of creativity in education.

Food ›

0 Food Holidays

It’s My Party and I’ll Fry if I Want to

Naomi Ross in Jewish Action

In this seasonal article, Naomi Ross explores the deeper significance of Chanukah through culinary celebrations.

0 Food Holidays

Four secrets for making great homemade latkes for Hanukkah

Beth Harpaz in Forward

Beth Harpaz shares expert tips for making perfect latkes for Hanukkah, emphasizing homemade's superior taste over store-bought alternatives.

0 Food Culture

Visiting Eilat? Try these kosher restaurants

Jewish Chronicle

Eilat's kosher dining scene has transformed in recent years due to pandemic impacts and fluctuating tourism.

0 Food Culture

Israel’s culinary ambassador Eyal Shani doubles South Florida footprint with new kosher restaurant

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani has expanded his culinary footprint in South Florida with the opening of a new kosher restaurant, Malka, in West Palm Beach.

0 Food Culture

How to (Actually) Cook With Your Kids for Hanukkah

Jamie Betesh Carter in Tablet

Joan Nathan's updated book, "A Sweet Year: Jewish Celebrations and Festive Recipes for Kids and Their Families," aims to help families cook together, especially during Jewish holidays.

Torah ›

0 Torah Education

New from OU Press – Winter 2024

JA Mag in Jewish Action

Rabbanit Atira Ote's new Hebrew book, "Ote LaParasha," invites families to explore the weekly Torah portions and haftarot with fresh and engaging content.

History ›

0 History Culture

The Shochet (Vol. 1): A Memoir of Jewish Life in Ukraine and Crimea

Reviewed by Faigy Grunfeld in Jewish Action

"The Shochet (Vol. 1)", a memoir by Pinkhes-Dov Goldenshteyn, translated and annotated by Michoel Rotenfeld, offers a vivid portrayal of Jewish shtetl life in 19th century Ukraine and Crimea.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

The Guide to the Perplexed: A New Translation

Reviewed by Rabbi Shnayor Burton in Jewish Action

The new translation and commentary of Maimonides' "The Guide to the Perplexed" by Lenn E. Goodman and Phillip I. Lieberman, published by Stanford University Press, aim to make this profound work more accessible to a contemporary audience by prioritizing readability over literal translation.

0 Philosophy Education

Revisiting the Attainability of Greatness

Moishe Bane in Jewish Action

Moishe Bane explores the concept of greatness within Torah Judaism, questioning whether the Orthodox community sufficiently encourages the pursuit of personal greatness among its members.

Art ›

0 Art Communities

Coming Out of the Woodwork

Jeff Korbman in Jewish Action

Jeff Korbman recounts his journey from a hobby woodworker to a craftsman with a meaningful purpose, merging his Jewish identity with woodworking.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

Q&A | Peter Wertheim on Antisemitism in Australia

Jacob Forman in Moment

Peter Wertheim, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, discusses the recent rise in antisemitism in Australia following heightened tensions related to events in Gaza.

0 Antisemitism Communities

As improved relations quaver, a new guide aims to educate Catholics about antisemitism

Ben Sales in JTA

The American Jewish Committee and U.S. bishops have collaborated to publish a glossary aimed at educating Catholics about antisemitism, amidst a backdrop of Pope Francis's controversial remarks regarding Israel.

0 Antisemitism Politics

The parroting of Hamas propaganda is an ethical crisis for journalism

Jewish Chronicle

The Henry Jackson Society's report highlights a significant ethical issue within global journalism, critiquing the media's uncritical acceptance of casualty figures from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health.

Politics ›

0 Politics Science

Beyond Green

Michael Lind in Tablet

Michael Lind critiques progressive energy policies, arguing that their ambitious goals of transitioning completely to renewable energy, while banning fossil fuels and nuclear power, are disconnected from reality.

0 Politics Communities

The Jewish Trends That Mattered Most in 2024

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

In 2024, the Jewish world was characterized by significant geopolitical shifts, rising antisemitism, and a renewed sense of solidarity between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora.

0 Politics Ethics

Settler extremism threatens to undo Israel — and Jews worldwide must take responsibility

Coby Schoffman in Forward

Coby Schoffman's article addresses the urgent need for the global Jewish community to confront Israeli settler extremism, which threatens Israel's democratic reputation and impacts Jews worldwide.

0 Politics Israel

A hostage deal by Hanukkah? Israel, US and Hamas indicate unusual optimism.

Ron Kampeas in Forward

With Hanukkah approaching, there is heightened optimism regarding a potential deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas since their attack on Israel in October 2023.

0 Politics Israel

Interview | What Assad’s Fall Means for Syria and the Greater Middle East

Nadine Epstein in Moment

Ilan Berman, a regional security expert, discusses the recent developments in Syria, where the Assad regime has fallen due to increased Israeli military actions against Hezbollah and Iranian targets.

0 Politics Israel

Why Israel’s Supporters Get So Mad When Critics Call Gaza a “Genocide”

Peter Beinart in The Beinart Notebook

Peter Beinart discusses the emotional backlash from Israeli supporters when the term "genocide" is used to describe Israel's actions in Gaza.

0 Politics Ethics

How Hamas fooled the media: A neuroscientist’s view

Jewish Chronicle

The article explores how militant groups like Hamas use cognitive empathy as a psychological tool to manipulate Western media and audiences.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Israel to shutter Ireland embassy, citing ‘antisemitic rhetoric of the Irish government’

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Israel has decided to close its embassy in Dublin, a move attributed to Ireland's critical stance on Israeli policies, including its recognition of a Palestinian state and support for international legal action against Israel.

0 Politics Israel

Newly elected Rep. Gabe Evans brings Middle East military experience to Capitol Hill

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

Rep.

0 Politics Israel

The Only Way to End the Gaza War

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

In his provocative analysis, Joshua Hoffman argues that the only definitive way to conclude the ongoing Gaza conflict is through territorial realignment.

Sports ›

0 Sports Communities

Meet Yaniv Bazini, the Israeli college soccer star who could lead UVM to a national title

Jacob Gurvis in Forward

Yaniv Bazini, an Israeli college soccer star at the University of Vermont (UVM), has become a pivotal player, scoring 14 goals this season and leading his team to its first NCAA championship appearance.

0 Sports Israel

Meet Yaniv Bazini, the Israeli forward who propelled U of Vermont to its first soccer championship

Jacob Gurvis in JTA

Yaniv Bazini, an Israeli forward, played a pivotal role in leading the University of Vermont's Division I soccer team to its first national championship.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

This ‘Wicked’ version of ‘Adon Olam’ performed by two NYC cantors is proving to be popular

Lisa Keys in JTA

Cantor Azi Schwartz of Park Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan has captivated audiences with a creative rendition of Adon Olam set to the tune of "Popular" from the musical *Wicked*.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Israelopathic Israelis

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin explores the phenomenon of what he terms "Israelopathic" Israelis, referring to a group of Israelis who harbor a deep-seated animosity towards Israel.

0 Israel Communities

Empowering Israel through small business: The ESEK model

eJewishPhilanthropy

Andrew Keene, upon moving to Israel, founded ESEK to support Israeli small businesses amidst the economic challenges following the Oct. 7 crisis.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

‘The Brutalist,’ the epic new movie getting Oscar buzz, is built from the stories of postwar Jewish architects

Andrew Lapin in JTA

"The Brutalist," an upcoming film gaining Oscar buzz, spotlights the stories of Jewish postwar architects like Louis Kahn and Marcel Breuer through a fictional character, László Tóth, played by Adrien Brody.

0 Television/Film Culture

This Hallmark Hanukkah film is a minor miracle

PJ Grisar in Forward

Hallmark's new holiday film, *Hanukkah on the Rocks*, that fuses romance and comedy with Jewish life, showcases a vibrant Jewish Chicago setting.

0 Television/Film Culture

Every American Hanukkah special, movie and TV episode worth knowing about

PJ Grisar in Forward

With Hanukkah's profile rising alongside Christmas, pop culture has gradually increased its Hanukkah content, moving beyond the instantly recognizable tunes like Adam Sandler's holiday songs.

0 Television/Film Music

'A Complete Unknown' proves that one thing about Bob Dylan will certainly endure

Gary Lucas in Forward

The review of the Bob Dylan biopic 'A Complete Unknown' highlights Timothee Chalamet's portrayal of a young Dylan as commendable but suggests that the film falls short in depicting the complexity of Dylan's life and musical journey.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Jewish Law

The rabbi who helped to crack Israel’s Orthodox glass ceiling

Jewish Chronicle

Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy is an influential figure in advancing the role of women in Orthodox Judaism.

JL;DR

for Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Communities ›

Culture ›

Jewish Law ›

Leadership ›

Education ›

Food ›

Torah ›

History ›

Philosophy ›

Art ›

Antisemitism ›

Politics ›

Sports ›

Music ›

Israel ›

Television/Film ›

Gender/Identity ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 17's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Communities ›

Culture ›

Jewish Law ›

Leadership ›

Education ›

Food ›

Torah ›

History ›

Philosophy ›

Art ›

Antisemitism ›

Politics ›

Sports ›

Music ›

Israel ›

Television/Film ›

Gender/Identity ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 17's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Tuesday, December 17, 2024