for Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Communities ›

Mem Global finds these gestures from afar can support leaders under fire

Jewish community leadership in war-torn Ukraine faces immense challenges, as highlighted by Mem Global's support for young leaders in cities like Kyiv, Odessa, Dnipro, and Chernivtsi.

0 Communities Ethics

I met Pope Leo XIV. What comes next?

eJewishPhilanthropy

In a significant symbol of progressing Catholic-Jewish relations, Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Noam E. Marans of the American Jewish Committee, attended the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV.

0 Communities Education

Miserable Munchkins

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr explores the challenges parents face while trying to keep their children perpetually happy, emphasizing that striving to satisfy every whim may lead to stress and hinder emotional development.

0 Communities History

A Place Called the Pletzl

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The Pletzl, the historic Jewish quarter in Paris' Marais district, has been a significant center for Jewish life since the late 19th century.

0 Communities Education

Faithful Healer

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Roughly 30 years ago, Cindy Scarr recounts the harrowing time when her son Dovid experienced a mysterious and severe illness while attending a yeshivah far from their Los Angeles home.

0 Communities History

Berdychiv was once the ‘Jerusalem of Volhynia.’ Now the Ukrainian city’s tiny Jewish community is struggling.

Theia Chatelle in JTA

Berdychiv, once a vibrant hub of Jewish life and known as the "Jerusalem of Volhynia," now faces significant challenges in preserving its Jewish heritage amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.

0 Communities Politics

At campus symposium, Jewish panelists push back as billionaire Bill Ackman defends Trump’s feud with Harvard

Andrew Silow-Carroll in Forward

During a symposium on Jews and elite universities at the Center for Jewish History, a debate arose centering on Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman's defense of Trump's funding cuts to Harvard and wider demands on universities to increase political diversity.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Trump’s Hostage Envoy on Trump’s Middle-East Trip

Rabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter in Ami

President Trump's Middle East trip served dual purposes, enhancing economic deals and exploring foreign policy strategies concerning the Abraham Accords.

0 Politics Israel

The President, The Princes, and The Promises

Shloime Zionce in Ami

Reporter Shloime Zionce recounts President Trump's tumultuous Middle East tour, encompassing diplomatic interactions in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

0 Politics Communities

Brandon Johnson appointee resigns amid criticism for tearing down Israeli hostage poster

Grace Gilson in JTA

Ishan Daya, appointed to a Chicago advisory committee by Mayor Brandon Johnson, resigned after outcry from Jewish groups over a video showing him tearing down Israeli hostage posters.

0 Politics Communities

An Israeli mom’s NYC mission to free husband from Hamas captivity

Haley Cohen in Jewish Insider

Lishay Lavi Miran, an Israeli mother, is on a mission in New York City to advocate for the release of her husband, Omri Miran, who has been held captive by Hamas in Gaza for nearly 600 days following his kidnapping in the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.

0 Politics Israel

Resolution calling for ‘urgent delivery’ of Gaza aid co-sponsored by nearly all Senate Democrats

Grace Gilson in JTA

A new Senate resolution advocating for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza has garnered almost unanimous support from Senate Democrats and two Independents, highlighting a shift in U.S. political dynamics concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

0 Politics Israel

Israeli left-wing leader Yair Golan doubles down after suggesting Israel ‘kills babies as a hobby’

Ben Sales in JTA

After inciting significant controversy, Israeli left-wing leader Yair Golan, who once served as a deputy chief of staff for Israel's military, has reiterated his harsh statements criticizing the Israeli government's approach to the conflict in Gaza.

0 Politics Israel

Some of Israel’s staunch supporters are now using words such as ‘genocide’ to describe the war

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, some traditionally staunch supporters of Israel are beginning to use severe terms like "genocide" to express their disapproval of Israel's military tactics in Gaza.

0 Politics Israel

The real 'Nakba' was Jewish naïveté.

Adam Hummel in Future of Jewish

Adam Hummel's essay reflects deep skepticism about the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, framing the historical "Nakba," or catastrophe, as the Israeli belief in peace with adversaries who allegedly do not desire it.

0 Politics Leadership

Chuck Schumer's 'Original Sin': Why he protected Joe Biden — until he couldn't

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Sen. Chuck Schumer, a leading Jewish political figure, faced significant pressure as details emerged about his role in a critical 2024 meeting with President Joe Biden.

0 Politics Israel

Trump’s Middle East Blind Spots

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article critiques former President Trump's transactional approach to Middle Eastern foreign policy, highlighting multiple concerns for Israel.

0 Politics Communities

Comeback Cuomo?

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Andrew Cuomo, former governor of New York, aims to make a political comeback by running for New York City mayor, leading in major polls.

0 Politics Ethics

Gift Horses

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article critiques former President Donald Trump for his controversies around propriety, highlighting questionable dealings during his presidency, particularly with Qatar.

0 Politics Education

The State of the Jews

Emes Ve-Emunah

The debate on the future of Judaism centers around educational priorities and how they align with Jewish values and political beliefs.

0 Politics Israel

US hostage envoy: ‘We’re closer than we ever were’ to a deal with Hamas

Ben Sales in JTA

Adam Boehler, the U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs, affirmed at the Jerusalem Post conference that negotiations with Hamas are closer to success than ever before, partly due to recent Israeli Defense Forces actions.

0 Politics Culture

Will Trump’s visit to UAE’s Abrahamic Family House inspire a regional shift?

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

President Trump's visit to the UAE's Abrahamic Family House underscores a message of religious tolerance amid a broader regional shift.

0 Politics Communities

Illinois Senate primary likely a toss-up, experts say, after Underwood declines to run

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

The Illinois Senate primary for 2026 is expected to be a close contest after Rep. Lauren Underwood decided not to run, leaving Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly as potential major Democratic contenders.

0 Politics Communities

Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, could be New York’s next mayor. Here’s how Jews feel about him.

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state Assembly member from Queens and Democratic Socialist, is a contender in New York City's mayoral race.

0 Politics Culture

Europe's Extreme Swing From Auschwitz to 'Allahu Akbar'

Maral Salmassi in Future of Jewish

Maral Salmassi analyzes the convergence of post-World War II European guilt, particularly German, with Islamic ideologies, arguing it creates an environment that marginalizes traditional European identities.

0 Politics Israel

Israeli culture minister: ‘Israel is going to annex land’ in Gaza if Hamas does not cede power

Ben Sales in JTA

Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar, from the Likud Party, announced that Israel plans to annex parts of Gaza unless Hamas relinquishes control and releases Israeli hostages.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Science

Michael Brown // Skyline Robotics

Ami Magazine in Ami

Michael Brown, originally from New Jersey, built a successful career in the office products industry before shifting his focus to robotics.

0 Leadership History

Historicity versus historiography in the workplace

eJewishPhilanthropy

Avi Olitzky reflects on the interplay between historicity and historiography in nonprofit organizations, drawing parallels from his background in biblical criticism.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Zoned-Out // An official is right about the reek, just not about its source

Avi Shafran in Ami

Amid ongoing issues of antisemitism in the U.S., Forestburgh, New York, has become embroiled in a legal battle over alleged discriminatory zoning practices.

0 Antisemitism Television/Film

Top BBC sportscaster to exit amid allegations of antisemitism over anti-Israel social media post

Grace Gilson in JTA

Gary Lineker, a prominent BBC sportscaster and former soccer player, is leaving the BBC following backlash over an antisemitic Instagram post.

Culture ›

0 Culture History

David Denby’s ‘Eminent Jews’

David Mikics in Tablet

David Denby's book "Eminent Jews," as reviewed by David Mikics, captures the essence of a bygone era in American Jewry.

0 Culture Politics

Why Bruce Springsteen should stop listening to Trump and start listening to Rabbi Heschel

Seth Rogovoy in Forward

Bruce Springsteen has recently intensified his criticism of the U.S. administration, reminiscent of the charged remark he made about Trump in 2016.

0 Culture Television/Film

Peppa Pig’s New Baby Sister Has a Very Jewish Name

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The popular children's TV show Peppa Pig has introduced a new character, Peppa's youngest sister named Evie, a name with deep Jewish roots.

0 Culture Jewish Law

I'm not Jewish. Can I still use the name Yael?

Mira Fox in Forward

In response to a query from a non-Jewish person considering adopting the name Yael during a U.S. naturalization process, author Mira Fox delves into the complexities of cultural appropriation versus appreciation.

0 Culture Antisemitism

This Jewish self-defense class comes with a side of pastrami and pickles

Joseph Strauss in JTA

StandStrong, a Chicago-based non-profit, offers self-defense classes for Jews to boost confidence and safety amid rising antisemitism.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

A gala for Jewish Queer Youth celebrates untold, queer Jewish stories

PJ Grisar in Forward

Jewish Queer Youth (JQY) hosted its 2025 gala at Lincoln Center, celebrating the intersection of queer and Jewish identities and stories.

0 Culture History

The Biggest Cultural Divide Between Israeli Jews and Diaspora Jews

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The cultural divide between Israeli and Diaspora Jews is characterized by distinct approaches shaped by their respective historical experiences.

0 Culture Communities

What swag can say about the Jewish moment we’re in

eJewishPhilanthropy

"Let's Bench," an Israeli business specializing in personalized Jewish print products, has found new meaning in creating branded swag amidst the challenges of ongoing conflict in Israel.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Israel

Jewish law is clear: We must put religious and moral values ahead of military and tactical objectives

Rabbi Adam Zagoria-Moffet in JTA

Rabbi Adam Zagoria-Moffet emphasizes the importance of adhering to Jewish law even during wartime, asserting that religious and moral values must supersede military and tactical objectives.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Why Halakhah Is Not About Winning

Yonah Lavery-Yisraeli in Lehrhaus

Yonah Lavery-Yisraeli explores the nature of Halakhic discourse by examining the dual perspectives in Talmudic teachings on repentance, forgiveness, and atonement.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Politics

Eurovision defends voting system after complaints over Israel’s 2nd place finish

Grace Gilson in JTA

The Eurovision Song Contest's organizers are defending its voting process after several European countries questioned Israel's strong placement.

0 Television/Film Culture

When ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ Went Yiddish

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

In 1965, an episode of 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' titled "Bupkis" introduced a wider audience to a playful side of Yiddish culture.

Prayer ›

0 Prayer Culture

Pay as You Pray

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr critiques the use of marketing language in religious contexts, specifically focusing on a poster advertising 'free prayer' at a tzaddik's grave in Israel.

0 Prayer Torah

Chana’s Prayer

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Rebbetzin Shira Smiles discusses the profound lessons from Chana's prayer, highlighting its emphasis on the power of heartfelt tefillah (prayer) to foster closeness with Hashem, beyond merely seeking personal desires.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

Family Living: Eight Things Your ER Doctor Wishes You Knew

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Dr. Aaron R., an ER doctor based in Chicago, offers critical advice on avoiding unnecessary emergency room visits and keeping safe.

0 Education Politics

School vouchers would expand nationwide under federal proposal cheered by Orthodox groups

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

Orthodox groups are celebrating a federal proposal to introduce nationwide school vouchers, which would support families sending children to Jewish schools, including yeshivas.

History ›

0 History Politics

A century ago, Hitler declared war on the 'lying press' and targeted a feisty little newspaper — sound familiar?

Terrence Petty in Forward

Drawing parallels between historical and contemporary challenges faced by the free press, the article highlights the story of the Münchener Post, a newspaper that persistently confronted Adolf Hitler during the Weimar Republic.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Education

Up All Night, Wondering: Shavuot “Would You Rather?” Questions for All Ages

Sari Kopitnikoff in Jewish Action

Sari Kopitnikoff presents a playful yet engaging approach to celebrating Shavuot with a series of 'Would You Rather?' questions themed around the holiday.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

An Epic Jewish Grill Platter

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig introduces a delicious Jewish grill platter that infuses traditional American barbecue with diverse Jewish grilling traditions.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Communities ›

Politics ›

Leadership ›

Antisemitism ›

Culture ›

Jewish Law ›

Television/Film ›

Prayer ›

Education ›

History ›

Holidays ›

Food ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

May 21's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Communities ›

Politics ›

Leadership ›

Antisemitism ›

Culture ›

Jewish Law ›

Television/Film ›

Prayer ›

Education ›

History ›

Holidays ›

Food ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

May 21's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, May 21, 2025