JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Music ›

0 Music Culture

Still Playing Our Song

Sharona in Mishpacha

Chaim Banet, a prolific composer and choirmaster, has been a defining influence in Jewish music over the past five decades, particularly through his children's choirs in Haifa.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

Streetwise in Syria

Sharona in Mishpacha

Sharona embarks on a journey to Syria, joining a delegation of Jews of Syrian descent to visit the grave of Rav Chaim Vital despite recent grave vandalism.

0 Communities Culture

Inbox: Issue 1061

Sharona in Mishpacha

The collection of letters in this issue of the magazine reflects a myriad of concerns and perspectives within the Jewish community.

0 Communities Education

After Oct. 7, a hub of Jewish-Arab shared society faces its toughest test

Tamara Zieve in Jewish Insider

Givat Haviva, Israel's largest organization dedicated to fostering Jewish-Arab shared society, faced an unprecedented challenge following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas.

0 Communities Israel

In Edan Alexander’s hometown in New Jersey, months of fear and anguish give way to joy and relief

Stav Ziv in Forward

In Tenafly, New Jersey—a town teeming with Israeli influence—the release of Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity after 580 days sparked a wave of jubilation and relief.

0 Communities Israel

In Tenafly, NJ, a crowd celebrates the release of local son Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old from Tenafly, NJ, was celebrated by his community after being released from Hamas captivity, following a U.S.-negotiated deal.

History ›

0 History Communities

Sharona in Mishpacha

Zalman Yudkin's life story exemplifies resilience and dedication to Jewish faith even under oppressive regimes.

0 History Culture

Is Pope Leo Jewish? Ask his distant cousins — like me

Robin Washington in Forward

Robin Washington uncovers surprising connections between himself and Pope Leo XIV, suggesting a distant family relation through Jewish and Creole lines.

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

Sharona in Mishpacha

The article details the anticipated release of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American IDF soldier abducted by Hamas, highlighting the relentless efforts of U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer in advocating for his release.

0 Politics Culture

Nickel and Diming

Sharona in Mishpacha

In 2025, Republicans struggle to implement promised tax cuts despite holding major governmental positions, facing practical challenges like a thin majority in the House and running out of time with midterm elections looming.

0 Politics Israel

Trump Keeps Israel on Edge

Sharona in Mishpacha

Sharona's article in Mishpacha Magazine highlights the growing tensions between the US and Israel due to President Trump's recent diplomatic maneuvers in the Middle East.

0 Politics History

The Destruction of Khalet a-Daba’ - The largest demolition in the history of Masafer Yatta in the southern West Bank portends an escalation of Israel’s ethnic cleansing campaign in the region.

Emily Glick in Jewish Currents

The demolition of Khalet a-Daba in Masafer Yatta on May 5th marked a significant escalation in Israeli actions within the West Bank.

0 Politics History

Triumphalism and Desperation, or, “To What May October 7 be Compared?”: Is October 7 the End of an Era that Began in June 1967

Shaul Magid in Jewschool

Shaul Magid explores the significance of October 7 in comparison to the Six-Day War of June 1967, questioning whether it marks the end of an era that began then.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Leo Terrell: DOJ plans to use litigation to ‘eliminate antisemitism’

Emily Jacobs in Jewish Insider

Leo Terrell, senior counsel to the Department of Justice, discusses the Trump administration’s strategy for combating antisemitism, highlighting the intention to use litigation against those deemed antisemitic.

0 Politics Israel

This is the moment for Israel to remember what it means to be sovereign.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

In the wake of the release of Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier held by Hamas, concerns have surfaced about the Israeli government's loyalty to its citizens in captivity.

0 Politics Antisemitism

What’s next for suspended student who posted ‘F--- the Jews’ video? An alt-right media tour

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Mo Khan, a Temple University student suspended for posting antisemitic content, has embarked on a media tour of alt-right platforms in an effort to defend his actions.

0 Politics Israel

Israeli-American Hostage Edan Alexander Is Finally Home

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier, has returned home after 584 days held captive by Hamas in Gaza.

0 Politics Israel

Despite Netanyahu, Edan Alexander is finally free

Sruli Fruchter in Forward

Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli-American held captive for 584 days by Hamas, has been freed following direct negotiations by former President Donald Trump, bypassing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

0 Politics Ethics

A judge just released another pro-Palestinian activist. Here's why that's good for the Jews

Rob Eshman in Forward

The release of pro-Palestinian activist Rmeysa Öztürk by a Vermont judge has broader implications for American democracy and Jewish interests, argues Rob Eshman.

0 Politics Communities

‘New Jersey tough’: Gov. Phil Murphy on released Hamas hostage Edan Alexander, a Tenafly native

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey expressed joy over the release of Edan Alexander, a local IDF soldier captured by Hamas and held for 584 days.

0 Politics Israel

Is Trump Still With Us?

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article examines perceptions of former President Donald Trump's shifting stance toward Israel, amidst reports of policy changes like potential recognition of a Palestinian state and negotiations with Iran.

0 Politics Israel

Hamas releases Edan Alexander, last living American hostage, to Red Cross

Ben Sales in Forward

After 584 days of captivity, Hamas released Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli soldier, back to Israel under a deal with the United States.

0 Politics Israel

Hamas releases Edan Alexander, last living American hostage, to Israel

Ben Sales in JTA

Hamas's release of Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli citizen, marks a significant development in the ongoing hostage crisis that began with Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023.

0 Politics Communities

What I’ve Learned on My Book Tour

Peter Beinart in The Beinart Notebook

Peter Beinart reflects on the changes in discourse surrounding Israel and Palestine over the years in the context of his book tour for "Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza."

0 Politics Israel

Hamas and Trump say Edan Alexander to be freed from Gaza after US negotiates release

Philissa Cramer in Forward

Edan Alexander, the only U.S. citizen among the remaining living hostages in Gaza, is set to be freed after negotiations by the Trump administration.

Education ›

0 Education Jewish Law

How can I, as a parent, best advocate for my son’s therapy?

Sharona in Mishpacha

Balancing collaboration with advocacy is crucial when supporting a child in therapy amidst educators who may have traditional perspectives.

0 Education Jewish Law

For the first time since Henry VIII created the role, a Jew will helm Hebrew studies at Cambridge

Shira Li Bartov in JTA

Aaron Koller will make history as the first Jewish scholar to assume the Regius Professor of Hebrew role at the University of Cambridge, a position that has been traditionally filled by Anglican churchmen since its establishment by Henry VIII in 1540.

Culture ›

0 Culture Communities

After hooking Israelis, former hostage Keith Siegel is bringing his famous pancakes to NYC this week

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Keith Siegel, a former hostage who was held captive in Gaza for 484 days, is bringing his now-famous pancake recipe to New York City for a special pop-up event.

0 Culture History

October 7th shattered us, but it also awakened something beautiful.

Raphael Shore in Future of Jewish

Raphael Shore reflects on the shocking events of October 7th, which deeply impacted Jews worldwide, prompting a newfound sense of unity and identity.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

A decade of progress: Strengthening leadership and the Jewish nonprofit sector

eJewishPhilanthropy

Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in addressing leadership challenges within the Jewish nonprofit sector.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

It is illegal to be pro-Israel.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

In his article, Joshua Hoffman explores the complex and often misrepresented narratives surrounding Israel and its right to defend itself against ongoing conflicts with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.