for Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Ethics

Rachel Schwartzberg highlights the founding of MyZuzah by Manette Mayberg, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every Jewish home has a kosher mezuzah, in response to a spiritual revelation following a personal accident.

0 Jewish Law Communities

Parenting on Different Pages

Merri Ukraincik in Jewish Action

Religious misalignment between parents—where one becomes more or less observant than the other—is a significant factor in Orthodox Jewish attrition, according to a study by the OU's Center for Communal Research.

0 Jewish Law Food

Kosher Conundrums: More answers to year-round and Pesach kashrus questions you never thought to ask

JA Mag in Jewish Action

"Kosher Conundrums" provides answers to common yet intricate questions regarding the kosher status of various foods and products, particularly those relevant during Passover.

0 Jewish Law Culture

Torah in a Connected World: A Halakhic Perspective on Communication Technology and Social Media

Reviewed by Rabbi Steven Gotlib in Jewish Action

Rabbi Jonathan Ziring's book, reviewed by Rabbi Steven Gotlib, provides a comprehensive halakhic perspective on navigating social media and communication technology as a frum Jew.

0 Jewish Law History

Rakafot Aharon: Timeless Halakhah and Contemporary History (4 vols.)

Reviewed by Rabbi Ron Yitzchok Eisenman in Jewish Action

Rabbi Aaron Rakeffet-Rothkoff's four-volume series, "Rakafot Aharon," draws from his extensive lectures and writings on both Torah scholarship and Jewish history, offering a rich and engaging collection for audiences ranging from seasoned students to newcomers.

0 Jewish Law Torah

Reviews in Brief – Spring 2025

Rabbi Gil Student in Jewish Action

Rabbi Menachem Genack's expanded edition of "Birkat Yitzchak" and Dr. Moshe Sokolow's "Pursuing Peshat" provide two significant contributions to Jewish scholarly literature.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

Taking Back our Schools—and Childhood

Barbara Bensoussan in Jewish Action

Jewish day schools across the U.S., including YULA and BMA, are increasingly banning or restricting smartphone use on campuses to combat growing mental health concerns among students.

0 Education Culture

When School and Family Don’t Match

S. Schreiber in Jewish Action

School and family misalignment is a significant factor influencing students' religious identity within the Orthodox Jewish community, as highlighted by a study from Yeshiva University.

0 Education Jewish Law

Kosher ADHD: Surviving and Thriving in the Torah-Observant World

Reviewed by Olivia Friedman in Jewish Action

"Kosher ADHD: Surviving and Thriving in the Torah-Observant World" by Drs.

0 Education Leadership

How Will We Face Our Father?

Rabbi Moshe Hauer in Jewish Action

Rabbi Moshe Hauer discusses the profound impact a thoughtful educator can have on students, illustrated through a letter from a young man who was influenced by Rabbi Yisrael Lashak's teachings.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

Why Study Attrition?

Dr. Moshe Krakowski in Jewish Action

Dr. Moshe Krakowski examines the phenomena of attrition within American Orthodox Jewish communities, focusing on why individuals raised in Orthodox environments choose to leave.

0 Communities Jewish Law

The Role of the Rabbi

JA Mag in Jewish Action

The OU study on attrition within the observant Jewish community unexpectedly highlighted the significant role of rabbis and religious leaders in shaping individuals' religious experiences.

0 Communities Jewish Law

“It’s not all or nothing”

JA Mag in Jewish Action

The article discusses a study by the OU's Center for Communal Research (CCR) revealing that many individuals who leave Orthodox Judaism maintain connections to the community and its values.

0 Communities Ethics

It’s Okay to Eat by Yourself

Efraim Jaffe in Jewish Action

Efraim Jaffe shares a heartfelt account of his journey through grief after the passing of his wife, Esther.

0 Communities Holidays

Frozen Parking Lot

Rabbi Ilan D. Feldman in Jewish Action

Rabbi Ilan D. Feldman offers a reflective journey through the layers of his synagogue's parking lot as a metaphor for the evolving nature of Jewish observance over the years.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Jewish Law

What’s the Truth about . . . a Dairy Meal on Shavuot?

Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky in Jewish Action

The custom of eating dairy on Shavuot is often misunderstood as an ancient tradition when, in reality, the practice in its current form is relatively recent, with full dairy meals only emerging in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Literature ›

0 Literature Jewish Law

New from OU Press – Spring 2025

JA Mag in Jewish Action

OU Press and Koren Publishers present "Megillat Ruth Mesorat HaRav," a detailed commentary rooted in Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik's teachings.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

Change of Pace, Change at Pace: Managing Gradual Transformation

Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph in Jewish Action

Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph discusses the challenges and strategies of managing change, emphasizing a gradual approach in spiritual, personal, and organizational contexts.

0 Leadership Politics

Reflections on the Life and Legacy of Joe Lieberman—On the Occasion of His First Yahrtzeit

Rabbi Menachem Genack in Jewish Action

Reflecting on the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman on the occasion of his first yahrtzeit, Rabbi Menachem Genack highlights the senator's unique blend of personal faith, moral integrity, and political bipartisanship.

0 Leadership Politics

Nita Lowey, longtime Jewish congresswoman and Middle East peace advocate, dies at 87

Philissa Cramer in Forward

Nita Lowey, who passed away at 87, was a trailblazing Jewish Democrat from New York known for her substantial impact as a U.S. Congresswoman for 32 years.

0 Leadership Politics

Nita Lowey, longtime Jewish congresswoman and Middle East peace advocate, dies at 87

JTA

Nita Lowey, a prominent Jewish congresswoman and advocate for Middle East peace, has passed away at 87.

Politics ›

0 Politics Jewish Law

Letters – Spring 2025

JA Mag in Jewish Action

The letters section of JA Mag's Spring 2025 issue captures the tension within the Jewish community regarding military service and outreach post-October 7.

0 Politics Antisemitism

What does Chuck Schumer’s new book actually say about antisemitism on the left?

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Senator Chuck Schumer's new book, "Antisemitism in America: A Warning," attempts to address the complex landscape of antisemitism on the left, particularly in relation to Israel.

0 Politics Education

Citing Jewish group’s targeting, Cornell grad student files suit against deportations of pro-Palestinian activists

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Momodou Taal, a Cornell University grad student, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's efforts to deport pro-Palestinian activists, asserting that it infringes on freedom of speech.

0 Politics Antisemitism

B’Ivrit | How Israeli Media Views Trump’s America

Nathan Guttman in Moment

Israeli media coverage of Trump's actions often lacks the critical perspective prevalent in U.S. reporting, particularly regarding controversies like the federal grants cut to Columbia University and Trump's inflammatory remarks about Jewish politicians.

0 Politics Education

Trump's crusade against Columbia is ripped straight from Hungary's anti-Soros playbook

Emily Tamkin in Forward

Emily Tamkin draws parallels between Donald Trump's administration's attacks on Columbia University and Viktor Orbán's targeting of the Central European University (CEU) in Hungary, both of which are seen as attacks on liberal and multicultural institutions by authoritarian-minded leaders.

0 Politics Antisemitism

‘Resounding no’ to ‘strongly support’: JTA readers weigh in on Trump’s bid to deport Mahmoud Khalil

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

The Trump administration's decision to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a leader in the pro-Palestinian movement, has sparked debate among Jewish communities.

0 Politics Gender/Identity

The Woman at the Center of the Struggle for Israel’s Soul

Megan Naftali in Moment

Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara stands at the center of a significant political and legal struggle concerning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

0 Politics Culture

Can the Democratic Party Survive?

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article explores the waning favorability of the Democratic Party, as reflected in a CNN poll showing an all-time low rating of 29%.

0 Politics Antisemitism

After welcoming far-right politicians, Israel’s antisemitism conference is hemorrhaging speakers

Philissa Cramer in JTA

The Israeli government's upcoming conference on combating antisemitism is facing backlash due to the inclusion of far-right European politicians.

0 Politics Education

You Are No Longer a Jew

Peter Beinart in The Beinart Notebook

Peter Beinart discusses the contentious redefinition of Jewish identity within the American Jewish community, highlighting issues around support for Israel as a criterion for being considered Jewish by establishment organizations like the Anti-Defamation League.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Chuck Schumer: After Oct. 7, US Jews thought, ‘Maybe it could happen here’

Ben Sales in JTA

Senator Chuck Schumer's recent interview with The New York Times highlights his reflections on antisemitism in America, especially following the unprecedented events on October 7.

0 Politics Ethics

Lee Zeldin, the first Jewish EPA administrator, needs a refresher on Jewish values

eJewishPhilanthropy

Lee Zeldin, the first Jewish administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has faced criticism for his role in dismantling environmental regulations that protect public health—a move considered contrary to Jewish values such as preserving life (pikuach nefesh).

0 Politics Leadership

The Mad King

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, depicting him as a leader overtaken by self-interest and tyrannical tendencies.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Ceasefire ends as Israeli bombs strike Gaza

Ben Sales in JTA

Tensions between Israel and Hamas have reignited as Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on Gaza, ending a two-month ceasefire.

0 Israel Politics

Unlike most countries, Israel thrives amid chaos.

Future of Jewish

Ira Slomowitz's essay reflects on the ideas of Nassim Taleb's book "Antifragile," discussing how Israel personifies antifragility amidst chaos and adversity.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Education

Remembering the Future:Reflections on the Six Remembrancesfor a People That Needs to Learn to Step Back From History

Benjamin Miller in Lehrhaus

Benjamin Miller's article delves into the spiritual significance of the six remembrances found in many Jewish prayer books.

0 Philosophy Politics

The Cult of Gabor Maté and the Rise of Therapeutic Politics

Mathew Giagnorio in Future of Jewish

Gabor Mat, a Holocaust survivor and prominent critic of Israel, has gained a significant following by focusing on trauma as the central cause of human suffering, including diseases like cancer and addiction.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism History

Columbia University hates the Jews.

Hana Raviyt Schank in Future of Jewish

Hana Raviyt Schank's essay discusses the rise of antisemitism at Columbia University following the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023, highlighting incidents of harassment and the university's inadequate response.

Sports ›

0 Sports History

Jewish March Madness

Jordan Poltorak in Moment

Basketball has a rich history within Jewish communities, particularly since its rise in popularity on New York's Lower East Side after its invention.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Communities

How a Jewish man with Parkinson’s won ‘Jeopardy!’ after 24 years and a missed voicemail

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Harvey Silikovitz became a sensation as he became the first person with Parkinson's disease to win on the game show Jeopardy!, after an arduous 24-year journey to get onto the show.

JL;DR

for Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Jewish Law ›

Education ›

Communities ›

Holidays ›

Literature ›

Leadership ›

Politics ›

Israel ›

Philosophy ›

Antisemitism ›

Sports ›

Television/Film ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 18's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Jewish Law ›

Education ›

Communities ›

Holidays ›

Literature ›

Leadership ›

Politics ›

Israel ›

Philosophy ›

Antisemitism ›

Sports ›

Television/Film ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 18's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Tuesday, March 18, 2025