for Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Philosophy ›

Jamie Geller, the chief communications officer for Aish, shares her experiences with microgiving, a fundraising approach that democratizes philanthropy by encouraging small donations that are often matched, amplifying their impact.

0 Philosophy Holidays

Who Is Really Free?

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr explores the concept of freedom, particularly during Passover, by highlighting a distinction between physical and spiritual freedom.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

Muslim prayer room at NYU vandalized with name of Jewish fraternity

Grace Gilson in Forward

A Muslim prayer room at New York University was vandalized with graffiti bearing the name of the Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi, sparking widespread condemnation and concern among the university's Muslim community.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Lipstadt says Trump admin ‘weaponized’ antisemitism in higher ed policy

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Deborah Lipstadt, former U.S. special envoy to combat antisemitism, critiques the Trump administration's approach to tackling antisemitism on college campuses.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Suddenly, antisemitism is activism and 'Islamophobia' is terrorism.

Daniel Greenfield in Future of Jewish

Daniel Greenfield critiques what he perceives as a double standard in how justice is served between attacks on Muslims and Jews in Los Angeles.

0 Antisemitism Television/Film

Play about Roald Dahl’s antisemitism wins 3 Olivier Awards

Grace Gilson in Forward

The play "Giant," by Jewish playwright Mark Rosenblatt, highlights the antisemitism of celebrated children's author Roald Dahl and received three Olivier Awards, including best new play.

Culture ›

0 Culture Politics

Jewish cultural institutions reeling as Trump defunds arts and humanities

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

Jewish cultural institutions face a daunting challenge as President Trump's administration dismantles key federal arts funding bodies, significantly impacting the availability of grants that many depend on.

0 Culture History

A publisher is reissuing a 1931 novel to bolster Jewish representation in Hollywood

Grace Gilson in Forward

Sam Wasson, a noted Jewish film historian, is reissuing the 1931 satire 'Rabbi Burns' to address and counter criticisms of antisemitism related to the Academy Museum's recent Hollywood exhibit.

0 Culture Communities

Iconic UWS Jewish grocery Zabar’s collaborates with Nordstrom

Lisa Keys in JTA

Zabar's, the legendary Jewish grocery store on the Upper West Side known for its smoked fish and coffees, is part of Nordstrom's For Everything New York campaign.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

Tress Test

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article explores the challenges faced by Orthodox Jewish women in purchasing sheitels, a process fraught with emotional, financial, and logistical risks due to the unregulated nature of the wig industry.

0 Culture Holidays

Let’s Talk Shop

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

"Let's Talk Shop" by Cindy Scarr humorously delves into the challenges of shopping for Yom Tov clothing, particularly for families with teenage girls.

0 Culture History

The golden age for American Jews is over — and wow was it short

Dan Friedman in Forward

David Denby's new book, 'Eminent Jews,' explores the cultural and sociopolitical impact of four prominent 20th-century American Jews: Leonard Bernstein, Mel Brooks, Betty Friedan, and Norman Mailer.

0 Culture Antisemitism

Can we please stop talking about antisemitism?

eJewishPhilanthropy

Rabbi Mendel Teldon argues that Jewish identity should not be defined by the struggle against antisemitism, but rather by positive engagement with Judaism.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

It’s official: Southeast Florida’s Jewish population is growing — and getting younger

Grace Gilson in Forward

A recent study by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation reveals significant demographic shifts within Miami-Dade County's Jewish community, marking a 7% growth to 130,100 individuals over the past decade.

0 Communities Education

Family First Inbox: Issue 939

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article discusses various perspectives from readers responding to past issues of Mishpacha Magazine's Family First section.

0 Communities Culture

Inbox: Issue 1057

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Readers of Mishpacha magazine provide various perspectives on contemporary Jewish life, revealing tensions between tradition and modernity.

0 Communities Culture

Not Frozen in Time

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Yitzchok Landa traveled to Greenland to gauge public sentiment regarding President Trump's proposition to annex the island and to explore its formidable landscape.

0 Communities Education

Oct. 7 drove Jewish and Muslim teens apart. A dialogue group in L.A. brought them together.

Madeleine Kashkooli in JTA

In the aftermath of the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel and the subsequent escalation of conflict, tensions between Jewish and Muslim communities have intensified, prompting a need for dialogue.

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

Zohran Mamdani deepens his anti-Israel antagonism in NYC mayoral race

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

Zohran Mamdani, a far-left Democratic Socialist and candidate in the New York City mayoral race, continues to deepen concerns among Jewish communities with his strong anti-Israel stance.

0 Politics Israel

Can Israel's love for Trump survive his coming negotiations with Iran?

Dan Perry in Forward

As President Donald Trump signals a renewal of nuclear negotiations with Iran, concerns arise in Israel over whether his approach will genuinely safeguard Israeli interests amidst Tehran's nuclear advancements.

0 Politics Communities

Is this extremist Zionist group trying to protect Israel — or just punish left-wing Jews?

Emily Tamkin in Forward

Emily Tamkin discusses the controversial actions of the militant Zionist group Betar, which has started compiling lists of Diaspora Jews they believe should be banned from entering Israel, arguing they endanger the Jewish state.

0 Politics Israel

Conservative movement softens support for two-state solution

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

The Conservative and Reform Jewish movements in the U.S. are shifting their stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict amid recent geopolitical tensions.

0 Politics Israel

Bibi Rushes to Washington, Leaves Empty-Handed

Nathan Guttman in Moment

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's unexpected trip to Washington to meet President Trump was driven by urgent developments surrounding U.S.-Iran negotiations over a renewed nuclear deal.

0 Politics Israel

AIPAC attacks Democrats who voted to stop arms sales to Israel

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

AIPAC, the influential pro-Israel lobby, has launched a significant ad campaign targeting Democratic senators who supported resolutions to halt significant arms sales to Israel, a move initiated by Senator Bernie Sanders that was ultimately unsuccessful.

0 Politics Communities

Gazans Standing Up To Hamas?

Jewdicious

The article discusses recent reports of Palestinians in Gaza protesting against Hamas, a significant development given Hamas's oppressive control over the area.

0 Politics Israel

Asked if he plans to drop 17% tariff on Israeli goods, Trump says, ‘Maybe not’

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington did not yield a commitment from President Trump to rescind the 17% tariff on Israeli goods, despite Netanyahu making it a priority.

0 Politics History

You can support a Palestinian state without lying — so why do they?

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

Nachum Kaplan critiques the pro-Palestinian movement for promoting falsehoods about Jewish and Palestinian claims to land and statehood.

0 Politics History

From Espionage and Prison to Freedom

Rabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter in Ami

Jonathan Jay Pollard, a former US Navy intelligence analyst, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1987 for passing secrets to Israel, marking a significant espionage case involving an ally nation.

0 Politics Communities

Courage and Carnage in Gaza // Hamas embarks on a tour of revenge

Avi Shafran in Ami

The article highlights the brutal suppression of anti-Hamas protests in Gaza, where demonstrators demanding the end of Hamas's regime faced severe retaliation, including public beatings and executions.

0 Politics Israel

The King’s Foils

Michael Doran in Tablet

Michael Doran's article analyzes the divergent foreign policy approaches of the hypothetical second term of a Trump administration, highlighting an intriguing tension between hawkish strategies and a so-called "Restraintist" ideology.

0 Politics Israel

Meeting with Netanyahu, Trump again floats proposal for US to take over Gaza

Ben Sales in JTA

During a meeting in Washington, President Trump revisited his controversial proposal for the U.S. to take control of Gaza with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

0 Politics Israel

Trump says US has begun direct talks with Iran over its nuclear program

Ben Sales in Forward

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that direct negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program will commence, following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

0 Politics Antisemitism

In new letter, Mahmoud Khalil downplays campus antisemitism and accuses some students of ‘participating in the genocide’

Grace Gilson in Forward

Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent pro-Palestinian activist and recent Columbia University graduate, has stirred controversy with a letter from an ICE detention center, denouncing the university’s approach to antisemitism and likening it to Nazi-era collaboration.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

The Law of the Land

Dovid Bashevkin in Tablet

Dovid Bashevkin explores the nuanced relationship between Jewish law as discussed in Tractate Sanhedrin and Jewish identity.

0 Jewish Law Communities

You need a non-Jewish neighbor to perform this Passover ritual. Thank heavens.

Ethan Schwartz in JTA

Ethan Schwartz recounts the experience of his wife, Rabbanit Leah Sarna, facilitating the sale of hametz at their community in suburban Philadelphia, highlighting how the presence of non-Jewish neighbors is essential for this Passover ritual.

0 Jewish Law Communities

Beyond the Miracles

Rabbi Eliezer Brand in Ami

The legacy of the Baba Sali, Rav Yisrael Abuchatzeira, continues to draw people from around the world to his resting place in Netivot, where many seek miracles and blessings.

Israel ›

0 Israel Culture

My First Bomb Shelter Experience in Israel

Ted Goldstein in Future of Jewish

During a Shabbat celebration in Jerusalem, Ted Goldstein experienced an interruption of peace as sirens warned of an incoming missile threat.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

This Hebrew Prayer in Max’s ‘The Pitt’ Was One of the Most Moving Jewish TV Moments I’ve Ever Seen

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

In a poignant scene from Max's medical drama "The Pitt," Jewish ER doctor Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, played by Noah Wyle, recites the Shema prayer amid chaos following a tragic mass shooting event.

0 Television/Film Politics

How ‘October 8’ and ‘The Encampments,’ two new documentaries on America post-Oct. 7, talk right past each other

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Two new documentaries, "October 8" and "The Encampments," reflect the deep divide in American perspectives following the Hamas attacks in Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza.

0 Television/Film Antisemitism

The only good Jews in this hit Christian TV show are the ones who follow Jesus

Mira Fox in Forward

The Christian TV series "The Chosen," popular for its depiction of Jesus and his disciples, faces criticism for its portrayal of Jewish characters, especially in its fifth season focused on the Last Supper.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

William Finn, Tony-winning writer of queer, Jewish musicals dies at 73

PJ Grisar in Forward

William Finn, a Tony-winning composer and lyricist celebrated for his queer and Jewish-themed musicals, passed away at 73 after a long illness.

Torah ›

0 Torah Israel

Parshas Tzav-Pesach

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Reflecting on her life in Israel amid missile attacks, Cindy Scarr draws a spiritual correlation between her experiences and the teachings of Pesach.

0 Torah Holidays

Remembering the Forgotten

Max Hollander in Lehrhaus

Max Hollander explores the often overlooked role of Yosef (Joseph) in the Passover seder, suggesting his story adds depth to the themes of remembrance and redemption.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

The Other Side of the Coin

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's narrative, set in a Jewish educational environment, deftly explores the challenges faced by both students and teachers in a specialized classroom setting.

0 Education Holidays

When chocolate isn’t a gimmick but a gateway

eJewishPhilanthropy

Exploring the concept of a Chocolate Seder, this piece highlights an innovative approach to engaging individuals with Jewish tradition through a playful and joyful ritual.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Passover Memories in a Bite of Orange Cake

Pauline Steinhorn in Moment

Pauline Steinhorn recounts her nostalgic journey during a trip to Italy, where a piece of Sephardi orange cake at Ristorante Quinoa in Florence vividly revives childhood memories of her Polish Aunt Bela's Passover treat.

0 Food History

How your matzah gets made: A peek inside the Streit’s factory

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Streits, a renowned kosher food company best known for its matzah, is celebrating its centennial anniversary.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

Humble Nobility

Rabbi Eliezer Brand in Ami

The article offers an intimate glimpse into the life and leadership of the Rebbe of Machnovka-Belz, Rav Yehoshua Rokeach, in Bnei Brak.

History ›

0 History Communities

A Brooklyn street gets co-named for late Chabad rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Joseph Strauss in JTA

The Chabad-Lubavitch community in Brooklyn celebrated the co-naming of a street as Lubavitcher Rebbe Way, honoring their late leader Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Philosophy ›

Antisemitism ›

Culture ›

Communities ›

Politics ›

Jewish Law ›

Israel ›

Television/Film ›

Music ›

Torah ›

Education ›

Food ›

Leadership ›

History ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

April 9's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Philosophy ›

Antisemitism ›

Culture ›

Communities ›

Politics ›

Jewish Law ›

Israel ›

Television/Film ›

Music ›

Torah ›

Education ›

Food ›

Leadership ›

History ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

April 9's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, April 9, 2025