for Thursday, March 27, 2025

Leadership ›

0 Leadership History

Stef Wertheimer, one of Israel’s richest men, dies at 98

Grace Gilson in Forward

Stef Wertheimer, a pioneering figure in Israel's industrial and political landscape, passed away at the age of 98.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Netanyahu’s government is about to pass a key piece of its resurrected judicial overhaul

Ben Sales in Forward

Israel's government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is poised to pass a controversial judicial overhaul that would increase political power over judicial appointments, igniting fresh protests nationwide.

0 Politics Israel

All about ‘Qatargate,’ the scandal roiling Israeli politics

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

Qatargate is a burgeoning scandal in Israeli politics, highlighting alleged Qatari influence within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Reform leader condemns Khalil’s arrest, says campus crackdown risks greater antisemitism

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Rabbi David Saperstein, a prominent leader in the Reform movement, condemned the arrest and potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian protest leader at Columbia University, warning that such actions undermine civil liberties vital to American democracy and can fuel antisemitism.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Blame Roy Cohn for the vicious backlash to Jeffrey Goldberg's group chat scoop

Rob Eshman in Forward

Jeffrey Goldberg's investigative reporting of a national security breach involving a Signal chat, where he was inadvertently included, has led to a backlash that starkly reflects the influence of Roy Cohn's infamous tactics: attack, deny, and claim victory.

0 Politics Israel

5 Israeli Moves That Critics Were Wrong About

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The article discusses five significant Israeli military and political strategies that have faced criticism but are now viewed as necessary measures in the face of regional threats.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Israeli government increases politicians’ role in selecting judges, passing key piece of judicial overhaul

Ben Sales in JTA

Amidst an ongoing conflict in Gaza and domestic protests, the Israeli government has advanced a controversial judicial overhaul, increasing the role of politicians in selecting judges.

0 Politics Israel

After years of torture and deprivation, are Palestinians finally ready to stand up to Hamas?

Dan Perry in Forward

Amidst ongoing conflict and devastating conditions, Palestinian protests against Hamas are emerging, signaling potential changes in Gaza's political landscape.

0 Politics Israel

Opinion | The Rule of Lawlessness

Konstanty Gebert in Moment

Konstanty Gebert critiques former President Donald Trump's international policy proposals, emphasizing their disregard for the rule of law.

0 Politics Israel

Opinion | Don’t Give an Inch to Israel’s Enemies

Naomi Ragen in Moment

Naomi Ragen's opinion piece explores the complex and challenging situation Israel faces with Hamas, emphasizing the high stakes and difficult choices in ongoing negotiations.

0 Politics Israel

Opinion | Is Turkey Israel’s Next Big Problem?

Ilan Berman in Moment

With the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and the diminishing Iranian influence in the region, Israel is now turning its attention to the potential threat posed by a resurgent Turkey.

0 Politics Ethics

Opinion | What Did You Just Say to Me?

Letty Cottin Pogrebin in Moment

Letty Cottin Pogrebin advocates for 'talking back' as a crucial form of political and social resistance in an era increasingly characterized by divisive rhetoric and policies.

0 Politics History

The Key Difference Between 'Pro-Palestine' and 'Pro-Israel'

Z.E. Silver in Future of Jewish

The guest essay by Z.E. Silver explores the differences between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine positions, arguing that the former is rooted in supporting Jewish sovereignty and the existence of Israel as a Jewish state.

0 Politics Israel

Clueless People

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin addresses misconceptions among American Orthodox Jews regarding the political and economic dynamics of Israel, particularly focusing on the differences between the Charedim and the Religious Zionist communities.

0 Politics Communities

The View From Post-Nasrallah Lebanon

Rabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter in Ami

The interview with Toni Nissi, head of the Aramean Democratic Organization, delves into the political landscape of post-Nasrallah Lebanon and the continuous struggles of the Aramean Christian community for peaceful coexistence with Israel.

Culture ›

0 Culture Philosophy

The Shekhinah as a Tool for Political Critique: The Mystico-Political Thought of Rabbi Menachem Froman

Tchiya Froman in Lehrhaus

Rabbi Menachem Froman was a complex and influential figure within Israeli society, using the mystical framework of the Zohar to bridge divides between religious and secular, left and right, Arabs and Jews.

0 Culture Literature

This Adorable Children’s Book Reminds Us That Yiddish Is the Language of Love

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

"Sweet Babe: A Jewish Grandmother Kvells," a delightful children's book by illustrator Robin Rosenthal, celebrates the affectionate Yiddish language and Jewish culture through the bond between a grandmother and her grandchild.

0 Culture Communities

Stunning Indian Jewish Baby Names

Naomi Kaye Honova in Kveller

Indian Jewish names are a beautiful blend of traditional Jewish and diverse Indian linguistic and cultural influences.

0 Culture Education

The Jewish Governess

Lior Zoë Perets in Lehrhaus

The narrative recounts the unique situation of a Jewish governess, Miss Sarah Rosen, employed at Longhaven Manor, a household torn between her unconventional background and her teaching skills.

Communities ›

0 Communities History

Central Park’s Wollman Rink, which the Trump Organization hopes to run again, was named for this Jewish family

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Central Park's Wollman Rink, named after a philanthropic Jewish family, is the focus of a new bidding war for operational rights.

0 Communities History

B&H Photo, iconic Hasidic-owned electronics store in Midtown, is getting even bigger

Lisa Keys in JTA

B&H Photo, a prominent Hasidic-owned electronics store in New York City, is expanding after purchasing a 10-story building at 333 West 34th Street for $150 million.

0 Communities Politics

Jeffrey Goldberg, journalist included in Signal warchat, once worked for the Forward

Samuel Eli Shepherd in Forward

Jeffrey Goldberg, the current editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, started his illustrious journalism career at the Forward, where he worked from 1992 to 1998.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Yeshiva University Responds

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Yeshiva University (YU) and its recognition of an LGBTQ+ student club, which sparked significant backlash, particularly from the Charedi community.

0 Communities Culture

Nearly a quarter of Americans raised Jewish have left the religion, survey says

Grace Gilson in JTA

A recent Pew Research Center study reveals that nearly 25% of Americans raised Jewish no longer identify as religiously Jewish, with 17% describing themselves as religiously unaffiliated and others having converted to Christianity or Islam.

0 Communities Culture

Nearly a quarter of Americans raised Jewish have left the religion, survey says

Grace Gilson in JTA

A Pew Research Center survey reveals that nearly 24% of U.S. adults raised Jewish no longer identify as religiously Jewish, with 17% being religiously unaffiliated and small percentages converting to other religions like Christianity and Islam.

0 Communities Ethics

When the helpers need help

eJewishPhilanthropy

After the devastating loss of their home in the Eaton Fire, Michael Sidman and his husband Raffi Petrosian experienced an overwhelming wave of support from family, friends, and even strangers, exemplified by a touching donation from a childhood rabbi, who encouraged passing on half as tzedakah.

0 Communities Leadership

Daniel Jundef // C&A Iron Works

Nesanel Gantz in Ami

Daniel Jundef has taken the helm of C&A Iron Works, a business rooted in Borough Park, after being inspired by and stepping into the shoes of his late brother.

0 Communities Politics

Jewish social service agencies brace for federal funding cuts amid uncertainty

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Jewish social service agencies across the U.S. are facing a potential crisis due to anticipated federal funding cuts under the Trump administration's budget plans.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

I’m scared about antisemitism, but my friends just want to talk about the war

Mira Fox in Forward

Mira Fox explores the challenges faced by Jewish students in American public schools who feel that their concerns about antisemitism are marginalized in favor of discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

0 Antisemitism Politics

On the left as well as the right, a thick residue of antisemitism in France

Robert Zaretsky in Forward

In France, contemporary politics reveal a persistent undercurrent of antisemitism, which affects both leftist and rightist parties.

History ›

0 History Art

Book Review | The Colorful Crew Who Unlocked the Past

Robert Alter in Moment

The review explores Joshua Hammer's "The Mesopotamian Riddle," which delves into the 19th-century race to decipher Sumerian and Akkadian cuneiform scripts that revealed long-lost Mesopotamian civilizations.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Politics

Moment Debate | Do Jews Have a Special Obligation to Hide Migrants or Refugees Who Are in Danger of Deportation?

Moment in Moment

The debate featured in this Moment article discusses whether Jews have a unique obligation to protect migrants and refugees at risk of deportation.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Spring Vegetable Soup

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Marking the fourth anniversary of The Jewish Table, Leah Koenig shares a lighthearted narrative around crafting a Spring Vegetable Soup as a base for warmer weather.

Education ›

0 Education Israel

Reimagining Jewish citizenship in perilous times: A call for a clear articulation and standards for Jewish civics education

Contributing Author in eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish communities today are facing significant challenges and opportunities, including polarization, rising antisemitism, and political shifts, particularly in the wake of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict's current escalation.

0 Education Communities

Becoming, belonging and building: Thresholds for Jewish college students

Contributing Author in eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish Threshold Development Theory is being applied by Hillel to support Jewish college students in navigating identity, community, and contribution amidst increasing antisemitism on campuses.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Rifles, Rubble and the Riviera

Shloime Zionce in Ami

Shloime Zionce offers a gripping first-hand narrative of his journey into the Gaza Strip, accompanying Moti Fried, a Belzer chasid known for his humanitarian efforts on the Israeli front lines.

Science ›

0 Science Ethics

Nasty Blast from the Past // Measles is baaaack

Avi Shafran in Ami

Avi Shafran highlights the return of measles, once a routine childhood illness before vaccines nearly eradicated it, now resurging due to declining vaccination rates.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Communities

I refuse to be called a 'Jew of color.'

Mijal Bitton in Future of Jewish

Mijal Bitton reflects on her discomfort with the label "Jew of color," arguing that it often undermines the complexity of Jewish identity by imposing American racial binaries onto Jewish communities.

JL;DR

for Thursday, March 27, 2025

Leadership ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Communities ›

Antisemitism ›

History ›

Ethics ›

Food ›

Education ›

Israel ›

Science ›

Gender/Identity ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 27's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Thursday, March 27, 2025

Leadership ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Communities ›

Antisemitism ›

History ›

Ethics ›

Food ›

Education ›

Israel ›

Science ›

Gender/Identity ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 27's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, March 27, 2025