JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Communities ›

0 Communities History

Watersheds and Existential Threats

Carol Ann Schwartz in Hadassah

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari's recent visit to Hadassah Hospital in Israel underscores the enduring legacy and contemporary challenges faced by the Hadassah Medical Organization, especially during times of conflict.

0 Communities Education

Inbox: Issue 1044

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The discussion in this issue highlights the challenges and initiatives within the Jewish community regarding education, mental health, and inclusion.

0 Communities Jewish Law

The Moment: Issue 1044

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The issue provides insight into contemporary Jewish and Torah life, highlighting the actions and decisions of prominent figures and communities.

0 Communities Education

Returning Conservative Judaism to its Roots

Emes Ve-Emunah

Examining the trajectory of Conservative Judaism in America, this article highlights its initial mission to balance traditional Halachic commitment with modern American life, leading to significant growth mid-century.

0 Communities Culture

The Borscht Belt hotels were cornerstones of Jewish family life that have no real replacement

Sara Fredman Aeder in JTA

The article reflects on the historical significance of the Borscht Belt hotels in New York's Catskill Mountains as vital centers for Jewish family life.

0 Communities Jewish Law

The Divorced Parents’ Guide to Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Ezra Weinberg in Kveller

Planning a bar or bat mitzvah can be particularly challenging for families dealing with high-conflict divorces despite the event's inherent complexities.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Literature

New and Noteworthy Holocaust Books

Sandee Brawarsky in Hadassah

Five recently published books offer diverse and profound insights into the Holocaust and its enduring impact.

Art ›

0 Art Jewish Law

A Fabric Artist on Quilting Jewish Identity

Louise Silk in Hadassah

Louise Silk, a renowned quiltmaker from Pittsburgh, showcases her work at the Heinz History Center in an exhibition titled "A Patchwork Life."

0 Art Culture

A Fabric Artist on Quilting Jewish Content

Louise Silk in Hadassah

Louise Silk, a quiltmaker and fabric artist, reflects on her extensive career through a special exhibition at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

Dana Kessler in Tablet

Israel's long history of conflict has given rise to numerous war-related songs that capture the emotions and atmosphere of each period.

0 Music Culture

Peter Yarrow sang the soundtrack to my Jewish childhood

Abigail Pogrebin in Forward

Reflecting on her unique connection with folk legend Peter Yarrow, Abigail Pogrebin shares personal memories tied to Yarrow's music, particularly the iconic Hanukkah song "Light One Candle," first tested at her family's Hanukkah party.

0 Music Culture

Peter Yarrow, Jewish musician and activist of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, dies at 86

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Peter Yarrow, the influential Jewish musician and activist from the iconic 1960s folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, passed away at 86 due to bladder cancer.

0 Music Jewish Law

In Peter Yarrow's legacy, an uneasy blend of Jewish values and personal transgressions

Benjamin Ivry in Forward

Peter Yarrow, the Jewish singer-songwriter and member of the iconic folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary, left behind a complex legacy intertwining cultural contributions and personal controversies.

Politics ›

0 Politics Leadership

The Deep State Strikes Back!

Lee Smith in Tablet

The article discusses the complex dynamics between Donald Trump's prospective national security team and the existing U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), amidst concerns about Trump's agenda being undermined.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Scoop: Heritage Foundation plans to ‘identify and target’ Wikipedia editors

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, is reportedly planning a campaign to identify Wikipedia editors it accuses of promoting antisemitic and anti-Zionist content.

0 Politics Antisemitism

What the election of Pierre Poilievre would mean for Canadian Jews and Israel

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Pierre Poilievre, poised to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada's Prime Minister, promises to be a staunch ally of Israel and the Jewish community.

0 Politics Israel

In interviews on Arab and Israeli TV, a tale of two completely different beliefs about the war

Dan Perry in Forward

Dan Perry reflects on his experiences in divergent media appearances amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

0 Politics Israel

Israeli leaders threaten ‘war’ in the West Bank after terror attack

Ben Sales in Forward

Amid escalating violence in the West Bank, Israeli leaders are threatening a robust military response following a deadly attack by Palestinian gunmen that killed three Israelis.

0 Politics Leadership

Trump’s Race Against the Clock

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Donald Trump, having won the 2024 election with a strong mandate focusing on the economy and immigration, faces the critical transition period before inauguration, needing to finalize his cabinet and maintain an energized base.

0 Politics Ethics

The era of fact-checking is over, Meta says, even if it leads to more disinformation

Mira Fox in Forward

Meta has decided to cease its practice of fact-checking posts on Facebook and Instagram, citing concerns about the overly restrictive nature of its previous policies and a desire to prioritize free speech.

0 Politics Ethics

Don’t lose hope: Many Palestinians do want peace

Jewish Chronicle

In the wake of the divisive rhetoric following the October 7 attack, Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib calls for hope and a renewed path towards peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.

0 Politics Ethics

Investing firm to stop assessing human rights risk in ‘contiguous territorial disputes’ after scrutiny from pro-Israel groups

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

Morningstar, a firm known for advice on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues, has chosen to cease evaluating human rights risks related to contiguous territorial disputes, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, after facing significant pressure from pro-Israel groups.

0 Politics Education

We can’t let anti-Israel activists poison the well of Wikipedia

Jewish Chronicle

Wikipedia's credibility is under scrutiny as anti-Israel activists manipulate content, particularly around sensitive topics like Israeli hostages and 2023 conflicts.

0 Politics Israel

The Agony of Indulging in a Hostage Deal Yet Again

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

In the aftermath of the October 7th hostage crisis in Israel, the national conversation once again revolves around the harrowing decisions involved in negotiating for captive Israelis.

0 Politics Israel

The U.S. has been too weak in seeking a hostage deal. Could Trump really change things?

David Christopher Kaufman in Forward

In the midst of ongoing negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip, the entrance of Donald Trump into the U.S. presidency raises questions about a potential shift in strategy.

0 Politics Israel

A look at the right-wing lawmakers that could constrain pro-Israel legislation in the new Congress

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

House Republicans, with a slim majority, face potential challenges in passing pro-Israel legislation due to objections from a faction of right-wing lawmakers.

0 Politics Israel

Trump Middle East envoy says he’s ‘really hopeful’ hostage deal will be struck by Inauguration Day

Emily Jacobs in Jewish Insider

Steve Witkoff, President-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, expressed optimism about a potential deal for the release of hostages detained by Hamas, potentially before Trump's inauguration.

0 Politics Israel

Some Israeli soldiers traveling abroad are facing war crimes inquiries over their Gaza service

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Israeli soldiers who have served in Gaza and subsequently posted related content on social media are encountering legal challenges abroad, leading to rapid evacuations from countries where they might face war crimes charges.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Four years after Jan. 6, pardons for rioters would be an insult — and threat — to Jews

Rob Eshman in Forward

On the fourth anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Rob Eshman argues that pardoning those involved would be an insult to Jewish communities and a threat to society.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Jews don't want to replace you!

Ben Koan in Future of Jewish

Ben Koan's essay delves into the concept of the "Great Replacement" theory, often used by white supremacists to target Jews unfairly.

0 Antisemitism Education

Dept. of Education opens Title VI antisemitism investigation at Sarah Lawrence College, where Hillel alleged atmosphere of intimidation

Andrew Lapin in JTA

A Title VI antisemitism investigation has been launched by the federal Department of Education into Sarah Lawrence College after a complaint by the Hillel chapter alleged a hostile environment for Jewish students.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

Jewish Director Jeff Baena Made Movies that Were Dark and Divine

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Jeff Baena, a Jewish director known for blending dark themes with humor, passed away at 47.

0 Television/Film Culture

‘Nobody Wanted This’ — Especially a Lot of Jewish Women

Jewdicious

In Netflix's series 'Nobody Wants This,' the portrayal of Jewish women has attracted significant criticism for perpetuating negative stereotypes.

Culture ›

0 Culture Jewish Law

How a special Yiddish word and a phone company inspired Delia Ephron's new Broadway play

Samuel Eli Shepherd in Forward

Delia Ephron's Broadway play "Left on Tenth," inspired by an aggravating phone call with Verizon, explores her journey of rediscovering love and resilience after personal loss.

0 Culture Science

Inside Out: Fresh Face Formula

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The piece delves into the benefits and methods of skin exfoliation to achieve radiant skin, discussing both physical and chemical techniques.

0 Culture History

Skiing on Sacred Snow

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article "Skiing on Sacred Snow" by Cindy Scarr traces the history of skiing on Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights, an area of strategic and cultural importance to Israel.

0 Culture History

Jimmy Carter, Bubby and me

Lisa Mayer in Forward

Lisa Mayer recounts her childhood adventure attending Jimmy Carter's 1977 presidential inauguration with her formidable grandmother, Bubby.

0 Culture Antisemitism

Everyone threatened to leave X because of the Nazis. Why didn't they?

Mira Fox in Forward

After Elon Musk's controversial take-over of Twitter, now rebranded as X, numerous users expressed intent to leave due to Musk's endorsement of figures associated with antisemitism and conspiracy theories.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Ethics

The Motivation Formula

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article explores effective strategies for motivating employees by drawing parallels between motivation and physics, psychology, and mussar, a Jewish ethical tradition.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Communities

Save the Date: Chapter 3

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In "Save the Date: Chapter 3," Cindy Scarr explores the inner journey of Chaim Feld, a young man struggling with self-esteem and the challenges of dating.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

Childhood Regained

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Professor Jonathan Haidt from NYU has sparked a movement limiting smartphone use among youth, emphasizing the need to restore elements of childhood lost to modern technology.

0 Education Philosophy

How to give to universities post-Oct. 7

eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish philanthropists face new challenges when donating to universities following the events of October 7, urging them to prioritize Jewish self-preservation.

0 Education Communities

First-ever Solomon Schechter day school in North America goes Orthodox

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

The Solomon Schechter School of Queens, the first day school named after the influential Conservative Rabbi Solomon Schechter, has transitioned to an Orthodox educational model, rebranding itself as Queens Hebrew Academy.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Roasted French Onion Soup

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig's article explores how certain non-Jewish foods like sushi and French onion soup have become staples in kosher dining, despite their origins.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Yes, the Torah can save your marriage.

Mark Gerson in Future of Jewish

Mark Gerson offers insights into revitalizing marriage through Torah principles, addressing a friend's concerns about a functional but joyless relationship.