JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Education ›

0 Education Culture

25 Jewish Things You Should Be Learning

Future of Jewish in Future of Jewish

The Future of Jewish presents a comprehensive list of 25 key topics spanning Jewish literature, philosophy, history, and more, essential for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Jewish culture and heritage.

0 Education Ethics

Just Answer “No” — The Conversation Continues

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article discusses whether seminaries should ask applicants if they have undergone therapy, a controversial question affecting admissions.

Politics ›

0 Politics Culture

The 3 Most-Read Columns In 2024

Gary Rosenblatt in Between The Lines

In this reflection on the year 2024, Gary Rosenblatt highlights his three most-read and favorite columns, focusing on critical issues in the Jewish world.

0 Politics Science

RFK Jr. wants fluoride out of drinking water. Israel has a decade of lessons to offer.

Deborah Danan in Forward

The debate over water fluoridation in the U.S. has been reignited by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s proposal to remove fluoride, similar to Israel's decision a decade ago.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Read the Forward’s 10 most-read stories of 2024

Louis Keene in Forward

In 2024, the Forward's top stories largely centered around American politics, specifically focusing on the impact of leadership shifts and Middle East conflicts on domestic issues like antisemitism.

0 Politics Israel

Passion Matters More than Cash

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article analyzes the recent National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets a colossal $895 billion for the U.S. defense budget, yet underscores the importance of political will and passion over monetary resources for effective national security.

0 Politics Israel

The Truth from Someone Who Lives There

Emes Ve-Emunah

This piece explores the situation in Gaza, emphasizing how Hamas is blamed for the hardships faced by Palestinians rather than Israel.

0 Politics Antisemitism

This obscure rule explains Biden’s approach to antisemitism

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

President Joe Biden's approach to combating antisemitism has been marked by hesitancy despite initial bold moves like creating a national strategy and appointing a special envoy.

0 Politics Antisemitism

This obscure rule explains Biden’s approach to antisemitism

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

President Joe Biden's administration has wrestled with addressing antisemitism, especially concerning the classification of anti-Zionism as antisemitic.

0 Politics Antisemitism

This obscure rule explains Biden’s approach to antisemitism

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

President Joe Biden's approach to antisemitism reveals a complex interplay between political strategy and policy execution.

0 Politics Israel

Israel and the US know that only sustained bombing will stamp out the Houthis’ threat

Jewish Chronicle

The article discusses the increasing threat of the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Middle East, particularly their use of drones and missiles to target Israel and attack shipping, which has drawn retaliation from Israel and involvement from the US.

0 Politics Israel

How Mossad’s masterstrokes helped Israel reshape the Middle East

Jewish Chronicle

A daring operation by Israel's Mossad led to a decisive reshaping of the Middle East, marking a significant decrease in Hezbollah and Iran's regional influence.

0 Politics Communities

A Gazan Voice on Hamas

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin shares insights from Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian from Gaza, who provides a critical perspective on Hamas's role in perpetuating the Gaza conflict.

0 Politics Israel

2 Bay Area House reps face class-action suit for supporting Israel aid

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

A class-action lawsuit has been filed by Northern California residents against their congressional representatives, Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman, accusing them of harming local and Palestinian communities by voting for U.S. military aid to Israel.

0 Politics Antisemitism

An Open Letter to the Pope

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

In an open letter addressed to Pope Francis, the author, Joshua Hoffman, critiques the Pope for his alleged one-sided commentary on Israel's actions in Gaza, arguing that such statements risk reinforcing antisemitic narratives.

0 Politics Israel

Netanyahu throws cold water on hostage deal prospects — and reminds us what a curse he is for Israel

Dan Perry in Forward

Dan Perry critiques Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for allegedly prolonging the conflict in Gaza for personal political gain.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

From ‘A Real Pain’ to ‘The Brutalist’ and beyond, Jewish movies were everywhere in 2024. What does it mean?

Andrew Lapin in JTA

In 2024, Jewish-themed movies have featured prominently in Hollywood despite tensions surrounding antisemitism, Israeli politics, and the industry's diversity standards.

0 Television/Film Culture

2024 in review: film

Jewish Chronicle

A review of notable films of 2024 highlights both deeply provocative and entertaining works.

0 Television/Film Culture

Which Jewish mother helped the BBC celebrate Chanukah right?

Jewish Chronicle

The BBC's Saturday Kitchen is set to celebrate Chanukah with an episode of Celebration Kitchen, featuring Jewish chefs and celebrities.

Communities ›

0 Communities Leadership

Who Will Comfort Us Now

Toby Bulman Katz in Jewish Action

Rav Nachman Bulman, ztl, was a profound and influential rabbi whose legacy spans numerous communities and individuals influenced by his teachings and leadership.

0 Communities Israel

The Mouths of Babes

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In her article "The Mouths of Babes," Cindy Scarr provides a poignant reflection on how her children perceive the ongoing conflict in Israel.

0 Communities Education

The Mashgiach’s Advice

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Rabbi Shloime Spielman recounts how the advice from his Mashgiach, Rav Mattisyahu Salomon, to become a teacher significantly impacted his life.

Culture ›

0 Culture Holidays

Modern-Day Miracles

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In "Modern-Day Miracles" by Cindy Scarr, the exploration of contemporary miracles during Chanukah spotlights how faith and divine intervention play roles in everyday life.

0 Culture Ethics

All in Order: Simplified Joy

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr explores the concept of finding joy through personalized and mindful home organization in her article "All in Order: Simplified Joy."

0 Culture Leadership

20 Questions for Rachel Bachrach

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Rachel Bachrach, deputy editor at Mishpacha magazine, shares insights into her editing role from her home in Cincinnati.

0 Culture Communities

I Miss My Jewish Christmas

Meredith Bodgas in Kveller

Meredith Bodgas reflects on the bittersweet experience of missing out on her family's tradition of Jewish Christmas after marrying someone who isn't Jewish.

0 Culture Holidays

8 incredible things to do during Hanukkah in NYC this year

Lisa Keys in JTA

The article offers an engaging guide to celebrating Hanukkah in New York City, highlighting a variety of cultural, festive, and culinary experiences.

0 Culture Israel

The Heroism of Israel’s Healers

Ted Goldstein in Future of Jewish

The essay by Ted Goldstein highlights the immense courage and resilience of Israeli healers, focusing on the experiences of two anonymous paramedics, "Rachel" and "Leah."

0 Culture Education

We all need to know about Santa – even the Charedim

Jewish Chronicle

The article discusses the complex dynamics of growing up Jewish in a predominantly Christian society, particularly through the lens of Christmas versus Chanukah experiences.

0 Culture Food

In a first-ever Hanukkah doughnut contest, New York bakers battle for best in dough

PJ Grisar in Forward

The Great Hanukkah Doughnut Duel, the first of its kind, took place at Hotel Moxy in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where six bakeries competed to offer the best sufganiyot, the beloved Hanukkah doughnut.

0 Culture Holidays

Christmukkah is old news. This year, try merging Hanukkah with an ancient Persian holiday

Rob Eshman in Forward

Erev Yalda offers a novel cultural fusion by blending Hanukkah with the ancient Persian holiday Yalda, celebrated during the winter solstice.

0 Culture Music

Christmas, the Greatest Jewish American Holiday

David Mikics in Tablet

Christmas, far from being solely a Christian holiday, has been significantly influenced by Jewish contributions in America.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Ethics

Shabbos Chanukah: Then and Now

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In a reflective piece, Cindy Scarr intertwines a personal story of her son's premature birth on Chanukah with themes of gratitude and the significance of making deeds out of miracles.

0 Holidays History

A Hopeful People

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Chanukah serves as a profound symbol of Jewish hopefulness, contrasting optimism by emphasizing action in the face of adversity.

0 Holidays Culture

8 candles, 80 opinions: The many meanings of an American Hanukkah

Rabbi Leon A. Morris in JTA

Hanukkah, with its festive traditions like dreidel games and latkes, serves as a poignant reflection of contemporary tensions faced by American Jews, especially in balancing Jewish distinctiveness and universalism.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Gender/Identity

The Next Frontier in Religious Growth

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr addresses the need for enhanced religious growth opportunities for adult Orthodox women, highlighting it as a largely overlooked area within American Orthodox communities.

Food ›

0 Food Holidays

Fried sweet potatoes with kasha, toum, and kimchi

Sam Lin-Sommer in Forward

Celebrating Hanukkah with a modern twist on traditional latkes, Sam Lin-Sommer and Ethan Blake offer a new recipe featuring fried sweet potatoes, buckwheat groats (kasha), toum, and kimchi.

0 Food Culture

A Hanukkah with no latkes? 3 tips for the best holiday feast of your life

Sam Lin-Sommer in Forward

Sam Lin-Sommer offers a unique take on Hanukkah cuisine by moving away from traditional latkes to explore diverse Jewish culinary traditions and local, sustainable ingredients.

0 Food Culture

Best eats of 2024: kosher, Jew-ish and cracking cookbooks

Jewish Chronicle

2024 has been a year of culinary innovation and poignant connections through food for the Jewish community.

0 Food Holidays

Simply the best potato latkes

Victoria Prever in Jewish Chronicle

Preparing the perfect potato latkes involves using starchy potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward for maximum crunch.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

2024 in review: Jewish music

Jewish Chronicle

Bob Dylan culminated his three-year world tour with a historic performance at the Royal Albert Hall, thrilling fans with classic hits like "All Along the Watchtower" and raising questions about future concerts as he nears his mid-eighties.

Literature ›

0 Literature Holocaust

2024 in review: Jewish books

Jewish Chronicle

This annual review highlights a range of impactful Jewish books across diverse genres.

Art ›

0 Art History

2024 in review: Jewish art

Jewish Chronicle

The past year's Jewish art scene reflects profound themes of resilience, personal history, and socio-political reactions.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

Could drugs ever be used to reach a spiritual high?

Jewish Chronicle

Exploring whether drugs can be used for spiritual awakening, Orthodox Rabbi Alex Chapper and Progressive Rabbi Jonathan Romain express contrasting views, yet both discourage such practices.

Sports ›

0 Sports Communities

Tournaments score highly with schools

Andrew Sherwood in Jewish Chronicle

Maccabi GB's Inter-School Sports tournaments have become a highly successful fixture in the Jewish school community, offering vibrant and inclusive sporting events for nearly 30 years.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

Belgium’s Jews Are Thinking of Moving Where?

Moment in Moment

European Jewish communities, particularly in Belgium, are feeling increasingly unsafe in light of a steep rise in antisemitic incidents exacerbated by tensions following the October 7 attacks.