JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Thursday, December 19, 2024

Politics ›

0 Politics Ethics

Israel commiting acts of genocide by intentionally depriving Gazans of water, says new Human Rights Watch report

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

A Human Rights Watch report accuses Israel of committing acts of genocide by intentionally depriving Gazans of water, a claim based on the sharp reduction in water access since October 2023.

0 Politics Communities

Ireland’s chilly relations towards Israel turning more hostile

Lianne Kolirin in Jewish Insider

Tensions between Ireland and Israel have intensified following the outbreak of war, leading Israel to close its embassy in Dublin.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The Palestine marches need to stop.

Daniel Clarke-Serret in Future of Jewish

The essay by Daniel Clarke-Serret argues against pro-Palestinian marches, particularly those in Western capitals like Montreal, which he perceives as aggressive and disruptive.

0 Politics Communities

It's a hopeless time. Here's one genuinely good Israeli solution

Rob Eshman in Forward

Rula Daood and Alon-Lee Green, leaders of the Israeli peace group Standing Together, are delivering a hopeful message of unity amidst the bleak Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel ›

0 Israel Jewish Law

How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Israel

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman's article reflects on the anxiety surrounding Israel, heightened by the devastating events of October 7th, and explores how these experiences shifted his perspective from worry to a deeper faith in Israel's resilience.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

Montreal synagogue firebombed for the 2nd time in just over a year

Ron Kampeas in Forward

A synagogue in Montreal's suburb of Dollard-des-Ormeaux was firebombed for the second time in just over a year, marking a troubling trend of antisemitic attacks in Canada following the Hamas invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023.

0 Antisemitism Communities

There are grounds for optimism in Slovakia – but we cannot turn a blind eye to surviving antisemitism

Jewish Chronicle

The article reflects on a visit to Slovakia, highlighting both the preservation of Jewish heritage by non-Jewish Slovaks and the underlying antisemitism that still lingers.

0 Antisemitism Politics

How Australia went from ‘goldene medina’ to ‘vitriol and vilification’ of Jews

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

In recent months, Australia has witnessed a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents, leading to significant concerns within the Jewish community.

Food ›

0 Food Holidays

Sufganiyot in the city: Where to get Hanukkah donuts in NYC this year

Risa Doherty in JTA

As Hanukkah approaches, sufganiyot, the traditional oil-fried donuts, are in high demand throughout New York City.

0 Food Culture

Crispy Fried Rice Latkes

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig explores the joyful culinary convergence when Hanukkah overlaps with Christmas, a rare occurrence this year.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

18 notable Jews who died in 2024

JTA Staff in JTA

This review honors the memories of 18 influential Jewish figures who passed away in 2024, highlighting their unique contributions across diverse fields such as politics, arts, and activism.

0 Communities Culture

Meet the pair saving the starving in Jerusalem

Jewish Chronicle

Daniella Seltzer and Itay Peled's initiative, Food Rescuers, addresses the acute food insecurity crisis in Jerusalem exacerbated by high living costs, disrupted supply chains, and war.

0 Communities Education

Augusta Is Not on the Moon

Cole S. Aronson in Jewish Action

In a thought-provoking conversation, the Orthodox Union proposes a plan to invigorate Jewish community life in Augusta, Maine, by encouraging young, Orthodox Jewish families to relocate there and establish Jewish institutions.

0 Communities Antisemitism

Your Jewish friends have a secret group chat.

Karol Markowicz in Future of Jewish

In recent times, many Jews have found solace and community in secret group chats that are active discussions spaces away from their non-Jewish friends.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Holidays

In This New Disney Hanukkah Episode of ‘SuperKitties’, The Spirit of the Holiday Shines Bright

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Disney's animated series, SuperKitties, features a charming Hanukkah episode titled "Hanukkah Rescue."

0 Television/Film Culture

Between the Temples: A Movie for Every Season

InternsFall21 in Lilith

Between the Temples is a poignant film exploring themes of grief, renewal, and self-discovery, paralleling the introspection of the High Holy Days.

0 Television/Film Culture

Hallmark’s ‘Hanukkah on the Rocks’ Gives Us That Jewish Holiday Magic

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Hallmark's 2024 Hanukkah offering, "Hanukkah on the Rocks," is a charming film that reimagines typical Hallmark romance with a Jewish twist.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Jewish Law

Fulfillment as a Jewish Woman

Emes Ve-Emunah

Reflecting on the changing roles of Jewish women within Orthodox Judaism, the article discusses the tension between traditional gender roles and modern feminist perspectives.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Culture

Dreidel, Remixed: 8 New Spins on the Classic Chanukah Game

Sari Kopitnikoff in Jewish Action

Sari Kopitnikoff introduces eight innovative variations of the traditional Chanukah dreidel game, breathing new life into the beloved holiday activity.

0 Holidays Culture

Hanukkah’s arrival on Christmas Day renews ‘Chrismukkah’ deliberations for interfaith families

Jacob Gurvis in JTA

As Hanukkah converges with Christmas on December 25, interfaith families like Sarah Levitin's and Laurie Beijen's navigate the complexities and opportunities of what some call "Chrismukkah."

0 Holidays Politics

Mayor Eric Adams calls himself ‘a modern-day Maccabee’ at pre-Hanukkah party at Gracie Mansion

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Mayor Eric Adams hosted a pre-Hanukkah celebration at Gracie Mansion, emphasizing unity and a commitment to combating antisemitism.

Culture ›

0 Culture Gender/Identity

New Beginnings: Unfolding

Rina Shamilov in New Voices

Rina Shamilov poignantly captures the complex emotions involved in leaving home and entering a new phase of life amid family crisis.

0 Culture Food

A gift for your Friday night dinner host? Shop the Christmas aisle!

Jewish Chronicle

Finding a unique gift for a Friday night dinner host can be challenging, as traditional choices like wine and chocolates often feel overused.

0 Culture Holidays

Chanukah on a Budget

Steve Lipman in Jewish Action

Gift-giving during Chanukah has grown in popularity, prompting financial challenges for many Jewish families aiming to provide gifts over each of the eight nights.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

A comprehensive guide to the best Hanukkah songs of all time, from 'I have a little dreidel' to the latest Wicked parodies

Jenny Singer in Forward

Jenny Singer's article in the Forward provides a comprehensive guide to Hanukkah music, showcasing a variety of songs that span genres and languages.

Torah ›

0 Torah Jewish Law

Review of Kuntres Birkat Yitzchak: He’arot Le-Masechet Sanhedrin, fourth edition

Reviewed by Rabbi Gil Student in Jewish Action

Rabbi Menachem Genack's expanded fourth edition of "Kuntres Birkat Yitzchak: Hearot Le-Masechet Sanhedrin" is a significant scholarly work based on his original essays from 1968, enriched with several new insights and contributions.

0 Torah Philosophy

Dovid Bashevkin in Tablet

Dovid Bashevkin reflects on his personal struggles while studying Tractate Bava Batra and explores the deeper themes within its pages, which at first seem mundane with discussions about property and inheritance laws.

Literature ›

0 Literature History

Review of Guardians of the Flame: A historical fiction about the wars of the Maccabim

Reviewed by Steve Lipman in Jewish Action

"Guardians of the Flame" by C. Cohen is a historical fiction novel centered on the Maccabean revolt against the Greeks, set in 164 BCE.

0 Literature Education

Books That Shine: Two Inspirational Books for Kids This Chanukah

Reviewed by Steve Lipman in Jewish Action

In "Books That Shine: Two Inspirational Books for Kids This Chanukah," author Steve Lipman reviews two children's books that offer lessons in heroism and dedication.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

The Tree of Life: Root Jewish community in day schools

eJewishPhilanthropy

Robert Lichtman argues that Jewish day schools, rather than synagogues, are the true epicenter of Jewish communal life, suggesting that their presence is crucial for a thriving community.

Art ›

0 Art History

Salvador Dali’s little-known series about the founding of Israel comes to a Holocaust museum on Long Island

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Salvador Dali's "Aliyah, the Rebirth of Israel" series is now exhibited at the Holocaust Memorial Tolerance Center in Glen Cove, Long Island.

0 Art History

Sonia Delaunay: A Force of Nature

Guest Contributor in Lilith

Sonia Delaunay, born Sarah Stern in 1885, emerged as a pioneering figure in the abstract modern art movement, despite societal barriers faced by women and Jews in early 20th century Europe.