for Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Antisemitism ›

How did the ADL conclude that Elon Musk didn’t give a Nazi salute? It isn’t saying.

Andrew Lapin in Forward

The article examines the controversy surrounding Elon Musk's gesture at President Trump's inauguration, which resembled a Nazi salute and sparked backlash from various Jewish and progressive groups.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Harvard settles major antisemitism lawsuits with promises to police anti-Zionist speech and forge Israeli partnership

Andrew Lapin in Forward

In response to allegations of antisemitism, Harvard University has resolved lawsuits with Jewish organizations by committing to address anti-Zionist rhetoric, increase its study of antisemitism, and forge partnerships with Israeli educational institutions.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Australia is no longer the Australia I grew up in.

Future of Jewish

Chavi Israel, a Jewish Studies educator in Sydney, reflects on the rise of antisemitism in Australia, particularly after October 2023.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Harvard settles antisemitism lawsuits with promises to police anti-Zionist speech

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Harvard University has settled two lawsuits with Jewish organizations that accused it of fostering an antisemitic environment, particularly in the context of anti-Zionist expression, following the October 2023 Hamas attacks.

0 Antisemitism Politics

ADL excuses Musk salute as 'awkward gesture'

Mira Fox in Forward

Elon Musk recently ignited controversy with a gesture during an inauguration event that resembled a Nazi salute, leading to celebration by far-right groups and concern among Jewish communities.

0 Antisemitism Israel

New Books Unravel Anti-Zionism

Bryan Schwartzman in Hadassah

Bryan Schwartzman's article in Hadassah Magazine reviews two new books, Adam Kirsch's "On Settler Colonialism" and Jake Wallis Simmon's "Israelophobia."

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

Elise Stefanik decries ‘antisemitic rot’ in United Nations, backs Elon Musk at confirmation hearing

Ben Sales in Forward

Rep. Elise Stefanik addressed antisemitism within the United Nations at her Senate confirmation hearing for U.S. ambassador to the U.N. She argued for defunding UNRWA, a Palestinian aid agency, and criticized the U.N. for disproportionately targeting Israel.

0 Politics Israel

Trump lifts sanctions on West Bank settlers, earning praise from the Israeli right

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

In a significant policy reversal from the previous administration, President Donald Trump has lifted sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on several Israeli settler organizations and individuals accused of violent extremism against Palestinians.

0 Politics Culture

Nazi salute or not, Elon Musk was gesturing to a new spectacle of fascism

Robert Zaretsky in Forward

Elon Musk's hand gesture during the 2025 presidential inauguration has sparked intense debate and speculation regarding its meaning, reminiscent of historic fascist salutes.

0 Politics Ethics

Opinion | When Your Enemy Is a Friend to Democracy

Amy E. Schwartz in Moment

In her opinion piece, Amy E. Schwartz reflects on the complexities of recognizing heroism in politically discordant figures amidst challenges to democratic norms in the U.S. and beyond.

0 Politics Israel

A dramatic inauguration, and a spectacular hostage release: What's behind the theater of Trump 2.0?

Pini Dunner in Forward

Rabbi Pini Dunner analyzes Donald Trump's highly theatrical second inauguration, which follows a dramatic hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

0 Politics Leadership

Not Just Plain Jimmy of Plains, GA

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

James Earl Carter, often perceived as a simple Southern peanut farmer who became president, remains an enigmatic figure, particularly in relation to the Jewish community.

0 Politics Leadership

A Complicated Man

Emes Ve-Emunah

The piece navigates the complicated and polarized perceptions surrounding Donald Trump's political resurgence, noting both his achievements and contentious actions.

0 Politics Israel

Why Ben-Gvir may be more dangerous outside the government than in it

Jewish Chronicle

Itamar Ben-Gvir's recent resignation from the Israeli government has positioned him as a stronger opposition figure against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the right.

0 Politics Communities

At a Trump inauguration event in Jerusalem, fervent optimism with an undercurrent of unease

Deborah Danan in JTA

In Jerusalem, a celebratory event marked Donald Trump's inauguration with a focus on reinforcing ties between Israel and the evangelical community.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The Red Cross is sleeping with terrorists.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman criticizes the International Red Cross for its alleged collaboration with Hamas, a terrorist organization, accusing it of displaying a bias against Israel and showing complicity in humanitarian issues.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Elon Musk’s straight-armed gesture at inauguration event ignites comparisons to Nazi salute

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Elon Musk's straight-armed salute at Donald Trump's inauguration ignited controversy, with comparisons made to the infamous Nazi salute.

0 Politics Israel

Israeli right still hopeful about Trump presidency despite ‘terrible’ cease-fire deal

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

Following a controversial cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which was facilitated under significant pressure from Donald Trump's incoming administration, the Israeli right-wing's enthusiasm for Trump has cooled.

0 Politics Culture

Trump, Netanyahu and Ta-Nehisi Coates want us to believe the world is simple — it isn't

Aviya Kushner in Forward

Aviya Kushner discusses the complex emotions following political and global events, framed around the second inauguration of Donald Trump.

0 Politics Israel

Hostage deal must only be mid-point of the Gaza war.

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

The article by Nachum Kaplan critiques the recent ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing that while the release of Israeli hostages is a positive outcome, the agreement leaves Hamas's power intact in Gaza, posing future security threats.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Elon Musk appears to do Nazi salute at Trump inauguration rally

Mira Fox in Forward

Elon Musk, speaking at Trump's inauguration rally, sparked controversy by making a gesture interpreted by some as a Nazi salute.

Culture ›

0 Culture Politics

Released hostage Emily Damari’s injured hand becomes an instant symbol of Israeli defiance

Philissa Cramer in Forward

Emily Damaris, who was injured during her captivity by Hamas, has become a symbol of resilience in Israel after her release.

0 Culture Food

New York Restaurant Week 2025: 9 Jewish and Jew-ish spots to try

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

New York City's 2025 winter edition of Restaurant Week features several intriguing Israeli, Jewish, and Jew-ish dining spots, even in the absence of strictly kosher options.

0 Culture Antisemitism

Actor Josh Gad Will Advocate for Jewish People for His ‘Whole Life’

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Josh Gad, renowned for his comedic roles in "Frozen" and "The Book of Mormon," uses his platform to passionately advocate for Jewish communities and against antisemitism.

0 Culture Communities

‘Landed: A yogi’s memoir in pieces & poses’

Julie Zuckerman in Hadassah

Jennifer Lang's memoir, "Landed," takes readers through her complex journey of making aliyah to Israel, balancing a cross-cultural marriage, and navigating her Jewish identity.

0 Culture History

‘Not From Here: The Song of America’

Judy Bolton-Fasman in Hadassah

Leah Lax's "Not From Here: The Song of America" delves into the immigrant experience in America by presenting personal narratives interwoven with her own family history and insights from her time in the Hasidic community.

0 Culture Education

How Jewish identity is formed matters

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article emphasizes the significance of fostering a strong, positive Jewish identity in youth as a means to combat antisemitism and inspire inclusivity.

Language ›

0 Language History

Seize the Word

Joseph Lowin in Hadassah

Joseph Lowin explores the versatility of the Hebrew root (ḥet-tet-pe), meaning "to snatch", which appears in various contexts from ancient scriptures to modern slang.

History ›

0 History Antisemitism

In Praise of Germany’s Flawed ‘Culture of Remembrance’

Megan Naftali in Moment

Germany's postwar generation became a global model for dealing with the past, confronting the nation's Nazi history through a powerful remembrance movement that unraveled familial and national denial.

0 History Culture

The LA fires torched my grandfather Arnold Schoenberg's legacy — and the site of a rich Jewish emigre history

E. Randol Schoenberg in Forward

E. Randol Schoenberg reflects on the devastating impact of the Palisades fire that destroyed significant musical archives and personal possessions, including those tied to his grandfather, Arnold Schoenberg, a seminal Jewish composer who fled Nazi Germany for Los Angeles.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

Opinion | The Strength of the Heartbroken

Fania Oz-Salzberger in Moment

Fania Oz-Salzberger reflects on a poignant meeting with survivors from Gaza border kibbutzim, discussing the enduring power of Jewish continuity and secular Jewish values in the wake of devastating violence on October 7.

0 Communities Ethics

Los Angeles Clergy Responds to Wildfires

Jordan Poltorak in Moment

Following devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, various Jewish communities have mobilized efforts to support affected individuals.

0 Communities Politics

As winds shift against immigrants, refugee resettlement advocate Sasha Chanoff steps up

Larry Luxner in JTA

Sasha Chanoff, a Jewish humanitarian with personal roots in the refugee experience, is making significant strides in refugee resettlement through his organization, RefugePoint.

0 Communities Ethics

Dear Investor

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

A resident in a budding Orthodox Jewish neighborhood expresses frustration at real estate investors who purchase homes but rent them out instead of moving in, preventing the community's growth.

Literature ›

0 Literature Gender/Identity

‘We Would Never’

Elizabeth Edelglass in Hadassah

Tova Mirvis' novel, "We Would Never," intricately blends a murder mystery with a deep exploration of familial and personal complexities.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Philosophy

Where was God in the Holocaust? A NY poet and activist asks the question in a book of ‘psalms’

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Menachem Rosensaft, a poet and Holocaust survivor born in the Bergen-Belsen displaced persons camp, explores the profound theological question of God's presence—or absence—during the Holocaust in his new collection, "Burning Psalms: Confronting Adonai After Auschwitz."

0 Holocaust History

From WWII Amsterdam, a deeply disturbing story of Dutch complicity with the Nazis

Gary Lucas in Forward

Musician Gary Lucas shares his reflections on Willy Lindwer's documentary "Lost City," which sheds light on the disturbing complicity of Dutch authorities in the Nazi deportation of Jews from Amsterdam during World War II.

Music ›

0 Music Communities

HASC’S Backstage Secrets

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The 38th Annual HASC Concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center went ahead with enthusiasm despite a winter storm, drawing a diverse crowd eager for entertainment and inspiration.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

Software Savvy: Part 21

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In a complex scenario faced by Heshy, the owner of a car service company, Mendy, his assistant, introduces him to the benefits of Field Service Management (FSM) software.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Education

Making Meetings Matter

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr explores the often overlooked art of organizing effective meetings, focusing on the balance between time management (zeman) and timing (eis) as exemplified in Jewish teachings.

Education ›

0 Education History

United We Stand for Yeshivos

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article highlights the efforts of early 20th-century Jewish immigrants in America to establish and sustain yeshivos, preserving their Torah heritage in the face of secularization.

Art ›

0 Art Culture

Jules Feiffer, a ‘smartass’ Jew whose work spanned comics and cinema, dies at 95

PJ Grisar in Forward

Jules Feiffer, a seminal figure in American comics, cinema, and theater, passed away at 95.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Torah

Whats the truth about . . . Errors in Laining?

Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky in Jewish Action

Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky addresses a common misconception regarding errors made by a baal korei (Torah reader) during Torah reading.

Food ›

0 Food Politics

“We’ll never take ‘Made in Israel’ off the label – I’m proud of our produce”

Jewish Chronicle

Adam Bass, founder of Providence Deli, the rapidly expanding UK kosher food brand, is committed to spotlighting the Israeli origin of his products despite facing boycotts and logistical challenges.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy History

To Be a Stiff-Necked People

Zach Truboff in Lehrhaus

Renowned author Rabbi Zachary Truboff explores the concept of being a "stiff-necked people," drawing insights from the teachings of the Piaseczner Rebbe, Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, amidst the backdrop of crisis and suffering.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Antisemitism ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Language ›

History ›

Communities ›

Literature ›

Holocaust ›

Music ›

Television/Film ›

Leadership ›

Education ›

Art ›

Jewish Law ›

Food ›

Philosophy ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

January 22's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Antisemitism ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Language ›

History ›

Communities ›

Literature ›

Holocaust ›

Music ›

Television/Film ›

Leadership ›

Education ›

Art ›

Jewish Law ›

Food ›

Philosophy ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

January 22's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, January 22, 2025