for Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Education ›

0 Education Holocaust

The history we tell: Raising up silenced voices in historical narratives

"The Holocaust and Jewish Communities in Wartime North Africa," developed by Facing History and Ourselves, broadens historical narratives by highlighting the experiences of North African Jews during the Holocaust.

0 Education Antisemitism

We can apply lessons from universities to address antisemitism on middle and high school campuses

eJewishPhilanthropy

Antisemitism in educational settings remains a concerning issue, not just at universities but also within middle and high schools.

0 Education Jewish Law

Birthright Israel changed my life – and transformed my generation

eJewishPhilanthropy

Elias Saratovsky, the current president and CEO of the Birthright Israel Foundation, reflects on the transformative impact of Birthright Israel over the past 25 years.

0 Education Ethics

On Teaching Jewish Violence

guestpost in Jewschool

Mollie Leibowitz critiques the traditional Jewish educational narrative that emphasizes historical victimhood while neglecting instances of Jewish-led violence, using the story of Purim as a key example.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Communities

Increasing the light of gender equity in Adar

eJewishPhilanthropy

Rachel Gildiner reflects on the intersection of Women's History Month, Daylight Savings Time, and the Jewish month of Adar, emphasizing the call to increase light and joy in the face of gender inequity challenges.

0 Gender/Identity Jewish Law

Trans Bodies, “Mutilation,” and Jewish Tradition

Guest Contributor in Lilith

In a reflection on trans identity and Jewish tradition, Laynie Soloman of SVARA examines the political challenges facing transgender people under the Trump administration and contrasts these with Jewish perspectives on body modification.

Torah ›

0 Torah History

The Destruction of Babylonia, Detailed: R. Yonatan’s Petihta to Megillat Esther

Tamar Weissman and Batnadiv HaKarmi in Lehrhaus

Tamar Weissman and Batnadiv HaKarmi explore Rabbi Yonatan's petihta on the Book of Esther, focusing on the fall of Babylonia as a central theme in its narrative.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

As ICE targets a pro-Palestinian activist, some Jews are asking if this is the fight against antisemitism they signed up for

Andrew Silow-Carroll in Forward

The article discusses the political and ethical controversy surrounding the Trump administration's recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and green card holder at Columbia University, as part of its intensified efforts against campus antisemitism.

0 Politics Antisemitism

American Jewish Committee says it’s ‘appalled’ by Mahmoud Khalil’s views but does not praise his arrest

Ben Sales in Forward

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has responded to the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist arrested by ICE at Columbia University, by emphasizing the necessity of due process.

0 Politics Communities

This Interview with Released Hostage Eli Sharabi Is a Must-Watch

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Eli Sharabi's emotional interview on the Israeli show "Uvda" sheds light on his harrowing experience as a hostage in Gaza and the tragic loss of his family during this period.

0 Politics History

Hitler and Putin: Echoes In History

Jewdicious

The piece draws historical parallels between Adolf Hitler's expansionist policies leading up to World War II and Vladimir Putin's current actions in Eastern Europe.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Goodbye and Good Riddance

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article discusses the controversial detention and pending deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist with a green card, due to his involvement in pro-Hamas activism and anti-Israel demonstrations.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Trump allies target Jewish judge — and his wife — after ruling on Palestinian activist

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Judge Jesse Furman, a Jewish federal judge, is under fire from far-right figures after ruling against the Trump administration's attempted deportation of a Palestinian activist.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Debating a Jew, Trump supporters endorse America's 'European and Christian' identity

Mira Fox in Forward

A recent viral debate video featured the leftist podcaster Sam Seder, a Reform Jew, clashing with Trump supporters on critical cultural and political issues.

0 Politics Jewish Law

The judge who blocked Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil’s deportation is an observant Jew

Ben Sales in JTA

Judge Jesse Furman, an observant Jew appointed by President Obama, issued an order blocking the deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil by ICE, citing the need to retain jurisdiction over the case until a ruling is made.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The private equity investor using the federal bureaucracy to tackle antisemitism

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Josh Gruenbaum, formerly of private equity giant KKR, has taken up a role leading the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) with the aim of addressing antisemitism through federal contracting practices.

0 Politics Israel

The West makes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict worse, not better.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman explores the complex role of Western diplomacy in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, suggesting that attempts at mediating peace, such as the Oslo Accords and various U.S. initiatives, have often exacerbated tensions rather than resolved them.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Jewish groups targeted Columbia grad Mahmoud Khalil — then ICE arrested him

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University and a permanent U.S. resident, by ICE has fueled debates on the intersection of immigration policy, free speech, and antisemitism.

0 Politics Communities

A growing number of Jewish groups are condemning Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest

Ben Sales in JTA

The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian protest leader at Columbia University, by ICE has sparked widespread condemnation from liberal Jewish groups and others concerned about civil liberties.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Antisemitic terror plot in Australia was fake and staged by a crime boss, police say

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

In a stunning revelation, New South Wales police in Australia disclosed that what initially seemed to be a significant antisemitic terror plot was actually a hoax perpetrated by a crime boss to influence his prosecution.

0 Antisemitism Politics

The Multi-Billion Dollar War on Israel and the Jewish People

Future of Jewish

Toba Hellerstein delves into the complex landscape of modern antisemitism and anti-Zionism, asserting that these ideologies are fueled by deeply entrenched propaganda networks.

0 Antisemitism Culture

Jewish Trauma's Double-Edged Sword

Jen Gilman Porat in Future of Jewish

Jen Gilman Porat's essay critiques the current cultural norms and social justice practices within liberal circles, particularly focusing on how Jewish issues are sometimes marginalized or misunderstood.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

A bagel shop backed out of a Jewish food festival over Israel. Then regret set in.

Philissa Cramer in Forward

Isaac Henrion, owner of a bagel shop in Durham, North Carolina, withdrew from a local Jewish food festival due to criticism over the event's connection with a pro-Israel Jewish organization.

0 Communities Politics

Washington-area Jewish community braces for impact of mass federal layoffs

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

The Jewish community in Washington, D.C. faces significant challenges due to mass layoffs in the federal government, affecting many families connected to institutions like Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School.

0 Communities Culture

Reflections on “The Color of Love: A Story of a Mixed-Race Jewish Girl”

Guest Contributor in Lilith

Marra B. Gad's memoir, "The Color of Love: A Story of a Mixed-Race Jewish Girl," explores her dual identity as a Black and Jewish woman adopted by a white Ashkenazi family in 1970s Chicago, navigating the racial and cultural challenges within the American Jewish community.

0 Communities History

A 100-year-old former synagogue in the East Village will become luxury condos

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

A century-old former synagogue in New York's East Village, initially serving the Lemberger Congregation Anshei Ashkenaz and later converted to a Baptist church, is set to be demolished to make way for luxury condos.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Inbox: Issue 1053

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Readers respond to various articles from Mishpacha Magazine, highlighting key community and personal issues.

0 Communities Leadership

Pro-Israel LGBTQ group A Wider Bridge names new leadership after previous director charged with sexual misconduct

Ben Sales in JTA

A Wider Bridge, a pro-Israel LGBTQ organization, has appointed Rabbi Denise Eger as its interim executive director following the resignation of the previous director, Ethan Felson, amid charges of sexual misconduct.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Politics

Torah vs. Daas Torah, Yet Again

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin critiques the distortion of Torah teachings by charedi leaders to oppose drafting yeshiva students into the IDF.

0 Jewish Law Holidays

When Should Mishloah Manot be given in Jerusalem when Shushan Purim is Shabbat?

Yaakov Jaffe in Lehrhaus

Purim celebrations in walled cities like Jerusalem occasionally coincide with Shabbat, a situation that complicates Purim customs such as megillah reading, mishloah manot (gift giving), and the festive meal.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Culture

When the world turns upside down, rabbis can help us keep our heads on straight

Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein in JTA

Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein reflects on the critical role rabbis play during chaotic times, drawing parallels to the topsy-turvy story of Purim.

0 Leadership Politics

Meet the Jewish judge who ruled Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil should not be deported by ICE

Meghann Cuniff in Forward

U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman, a prominent Jewish jurist, has recently ruled against the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and recent Columbia graduate, until a further hearing can be held.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Culture

A six-step guide to making mishloach manot that don't suck

Louis Keene in Forward

Louis Keene offers a humorous and practical six-step guide to creating memorable mishloach manot for Purim.

0 Holidays Philosophy

Purim’s Message This Year

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article in Mishpacha Magazine explores the deeper spiritual message of Purim amidst current global challenges faced by Jewish communities.

0 Holidays Torah

Purim 2025: The Final Edition

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article draws compelling parallels between the Purim story and contemporary challenges, suggesting we are living in a modern-day iteration of the threats faced by the Jewish people in ancient Persia.

Music ›

0 Music Communities

My Son, the Singer

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Raising a child who grows into a famed Jewish musician comes with unique insights and surprises, as shared by the mothers of artists like Simcha Leiner, Yonatan Razel, Avremi Roth, and Yoily Polatseck.

0 Music Culture

Second Set

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Lipa Schmeltzer, a beloved figure in Jewish music, has made a poignant return to the stage, blending his classic lively style with mature themes of struggle and perseverance.

0 Music Culture

Beyond Words

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article, "Beyond Words," delves into the mystique and humorous absurdities found in classic Jewish song lyrics from various albums like "Journeys" and "Country Yossi."

0 Music Culture

Israel’s Eurovision Song of 2025, Sung by an October 7 Survivor, Is Here

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the tragic October 2023 attack at the Nova Festival, is set to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with the song "New Day Will Rise."

Culture ›

0 Culture Communities

The first-ever Brooklyn SeltzerFest is a celebration of ‘Jewish champagne’

Joseph Strauss in JTA

The first-ever Brooklyn SeltzerFest celebrates the cultural heritage and contemporary popularity of seltzer, often called "Jewish champagne."

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Education

Florida teen brings a Holocaust memorial project to his high school

Lily Stahlman in JTA

Adam Mendelsohn, a senior at Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, initiated a Holocaust memorial project to educate his community on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Food ›

0 Food Holidays

Cardamom-Rose Iced Coffee

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig shares her reflections on finding joy during Purim, a time of celebration, highlighting the parallels of the holiday with the festive spirit of Mardi Gras.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Education ›

Gender/Identity ›

Torah ›

Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

Communities ›

Jewish Law ›

Leadership ›

Holidays ›

Music ›

Culture ›

Holocaust ›

Food ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 12's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Education ›

Gender/Identity ›

Torah ›

Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

Communities ›

Jewish Law ›

Leadership ›

Holidays ›

Music ›

Culture ›

Holocaust ›

Food ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 12's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, March 12, 2025