for Thursday, May 29, 2025

Communities ›

0 Communities Israel

A new conversation and a shared commitment

In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 conflict and during the period of counting the Omer, American synagogues face critical challenges as congregants grapple with the complexities of Israel's political landscape and its integration into Jewish identity.

0 Communities Ethics

Hostages’ long-lasting mental and physical scars of Gaza captivity are treated at ‘Returnees Ward’

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

In the aftermath of being taken hostage by terrorists in Gaza, Israeli returnees face enduring physical and psychological challenges.

0 Communities Leadership

Crisis, conflict and The Kindest Generation

eJewishPhilanthropy

Reflecting on the stark contrast between the author's own sheltered upbringing in the United States and the tumultuous experiences faced by contemporary Israeli youth, the piece emphasizes the resilience and compassion of the current generation.

0 Communities Education

Matan Torah and Beyond // Reflections and insights from the Munkatcher Rebbe

Rabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter in Ami

In this engaging reflection, Rabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter shares insights from his conversation with the Munkatcher Rebbe on the occasion of Yom Tov and in light of his grandfather's yahrtzeit.

0 Communities Jewish Law

Endless Night // Exploring the Arctic Circle and Its Mysteries

Binny Binet in Ami

Binny Binet shares his journey to Svalbard during the polar nights, where the sun doesn't rise for months.

0 Communities Antisemitism

‘Sarah, we will continue your mission’: DC Jewish museum shooting victim mourned at Kansas City funeral

Philissa Cramer in Forward

The funeral for Sarah Milgrim, an Israeli embassy employee killed in a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., was marked by reflections on her life dedicated to diplomacy and peacebuilding.

Education ›

0 Education Torah

Yeshivos: Blight or Blessing?

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin critically examines the role of yeshivot in modern society, particularly as Israel faces ongoing challenges.

0 Education Ethics

Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s Commencement Speech Must Be Heard

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Rachel Goldberg-Polin delivered a poignant commencement speech at Yeshiva University's graduation ceremony, which revolved around themes of unity and balance.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

DSA condemns D.C. museum killings and distances itself from subgroup that posted ‘Free Elias Rodriguez’

Louis Keene in Forward

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) publicly condemned the murder of two Israeli embassy workers in Washington D.C., distancing itself from a subgroup within its ranks that praised the killings.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The Anti-Israel Right Joins the Pro-Iran Left

Lee Smith in Tablet

The article examines the alignment of anti-Israel right-wing figures with pro-Iran left-wing entities in their criticisms of Israel.

0 Politics History

The Radical Presidency

Michael Lind in Tablet

Michael Lind's article explores the expansion of executive power in the United States, highlighting the controversial practices of recent presidents like Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden.

0 Politics Culture

After 600 days of war, is it time to retire the phrase 'tikkun olam?'

Aviya Kushner in Forward

In an article reflecting on 600 days of war, journalist Aviya Kushner examines Israeli perspectives on the phrase 'tikkun olam'—a concept widely embraced by diaspora Jews as repairing the world.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The Progressives' Terrorism Problem

Jonathan Forrester in Future of Jewish

Jonathan Forrester's guest essay critically addresses the challenge of violence within progressive movements, highlighting a recent incident involving Elias Rodriguez.

0 Politics Israel

Trump confirms he told Netanyahu not to attack Iran, saying, ‘I don’t think it’s appropriate’

Ben Sales in JTA

President Donald Trump acknowledged advising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against initiating an attack on Iran amidst ongoing diplomatic negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.

0 Politics Education

How a controversial definition of antisemitism is making its way into state laws — from banning masks to training cops

Hannah Feuer in Forward

The adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism is causing significant shifts in state laws across the U.S., affecting educational institutions, protestors, and curriculum content.

0 Politics Communities

Staying in Motion - The JVP national members meeting was a show of force at a moment of alarming vulnerability to repression.

Arielle Angel in Jewish Currents

The Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) National Members Meeting in Baltimore showcased both the strength and vulnerability of the anti-Zionist Jewish movement.

0 Politics Ethics

Pope Leo XIV calls for ceasefire in address: ‘The cries of parents rise to heaven’

Grace Gilson in JTA

Pope Leo XIV's recent address at the Vatican has underscored his commitment to advocating for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, emphasizing the human suffering with vivid imagery of parents in distress.

0 Politics Israel

We must face reality — the Gaza War is now a war of annihilation

Jay Michaelson in Forward

Contributing Columnist Jay Michaelson addresses the growing rift between Israel's government and global allies, including critical voices within Israel and the Jewish diaspora.

0 Politics Israel

Israel’s own media is a weapon for its enemies.

John Matthews in Future of Jewish

John Matthews examines the role of media in shaping perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arguing that a bias exists against Israel in both Western and regional media outlets.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Going Mainstream

Rabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter in Ami

Seth Barrett Tillman, an Orthodox Jewish legal scholar based in Ireland, has risen to prominence due to his unconventional interpretations of the U.S. Constitution that have been utilized in defending Donald Trump.

0 Politics Communities

A Prince of a Candidate // New York’s young’ns have a better choice

Avi Shafran in Ami

The New York mayoral race is gearing up with a variety of candidates vying for attention among Jewish voters.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Latest Lawler challenger says antisemitism helped motivate his congressional bid, accuses Republicans of weaponization

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

Mike Sacks, a former political journalist and Democratic candidate for New York's 17th Congressional District, seeks to unseat Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, driven by concerns over rising antisemitism and what he views as its politicization by Republicans.

0 Politics Communities

Gottheimer’s path to the governor’s mansion runs through New Jersey’s Jewish community

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer is leveraging his strong connections with New Jersey's Jewish community to bolster his gubernatorial campaign in the Democratic primary.

0 Politics Education

Ethnic studies compromise opens door to broader antisemitism legislation in California

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

California has made progress on addressing antisemitism within its educational system, following a long-standing debate over ethnic studies curricula that some feared unfairly depicted Jews or singled out Israel.

0 Politics Education

In California, Jewish leaders swap ethnic studies battle for fighting antisemitism in schools — with allies

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

In California, Jewish leaders have shifted their focus from disputing a controversial ethnic studies curriculum to collaborating with racial and ethnic caucuses on tackling antisemitism in schools.

0 Politics Jewish Law

What’s Next for Jewish Solidarity Organizing with Palestine in the Face of Trump?

Harlow Raye in New Voices

Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), formed in 1996 and now a leading group in the Jewish solidarity movement with Palestine, recently held a National Member Meeting in Baltimore.

Culture ›

0 Culture Politics

A Chicago cinema canceled a pro-Israel movie screening, relented — then canceled again

Grace Gilson in JTA

A planned screening of the documentary "Bring The Family Home" about campus antisemitism was canceled twice by the Facets Film Forum in Chicago, sparking controversy over free speech and accusations of antisemitism.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Communities

Should Jewish employees get more days off than everyone else?

Beth Harpaz in Forward

The article explores the workplace fairness issue of Jewish employees receiving more days off for religious holidays compared to their non-Jewish colleagues.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Gender/Identity

Elsa Guedj on Playing a ‘Reformed’ Female Rabbi

Susan Hornik in Hadassah

Elsa Guedj stars as La Schmoll, a newly ordained liberal rabbi in the HBO Max series "Reformed," set in the picturesque city of Strasbourg, France.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Israel prepares to call up 450,000 soldiers amid mounting toll on reservists and their families

Deborah Danan in JTA

Amid ongoing military operations in Gaza following Hamas attacks, Israel is facing unprecedented strain on its reservist soldiers and their families.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Communities

Helena Weinrauch, Holocaust survivor and ‘dancing angel,’ dies at 100

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Helena Weinstock Weinrauch, a remarkable Holocaust survivor who embraced ballroom dancing in her late 80s, passed away just shy of her 101st birthday.

0 Holocaust History

In WWII’s only all-female concentration camp, community was the key to survival

Olivia Haynie in Forward

Lynne Olson's book, "The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück," delves into the unique story of the all-female concentration camp during World War II, focusing on how community and solidarity among prisoners were key to survival.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Antisemitism is no longer just an ideology — it's an economic model

Tehilla Shwartz Altshuler in Forward

Antisemitism has evolved from a mere ideology to an economic model in today's digital world.

0 Antisemitism Education

Anti Zionism is Antisemitism - and Harvard

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article argues that anti-Zionism is tantamount to antisemitism and criticizes prestigious institutions like Harvard University for perpetuating this ideology under the guise of academic freedom.

0 Antisemitism History

Antisemitic podcaster Stew Peters barred from hotel hosting veterans’ reunion after backlash

Louis Keene in Forward

Antisemitic podcaster and Holocaust denier Stew Peters was barred from the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel after being invited by the USS Liberty Veterans Association to speak at their upcoming reunion.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Antisemitism must be studied as a serious mental illness.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman argues that antisemitism should be classified as a mental illness due to its irrational and enduring nature.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Israel

18 Women With Zionist Cred

Alex Lapkin Schwank in Hadassah

Hadassah's recognition of 18 influential women advocating for Israel highlights the diverse and passionate nature of pro-Israel advocacy today.

0 Leadership Communities

Rabbi Moshe Weiss // HRW Legacy LLC

Nesanel Gantz in Ami

Rabbi Moshe Weiss embodies the profound balance between a life of Torah study and professional success.

Torah ›

0 Torah Culture

The Torah was a gift — and ‘fair use’ is the very point of revelation

Sara Tillinger Wolkenfeld in JTA

The article explores the concept of owning the Torah as a communal gift given without ownership restrictions, paralleling current debates on copyright and fair use in digital spaces.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

A Mathematical Reevaluation of the Prohibition on Counting Jews

Mark Glass in Lehrhaus

Mark Glass delves into the halachic and mathematical complexities of the prohibition against directly counting Jews, tracing its roots and interpretations across various Jewish texts.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Culture

Here’s how New York is celebrating Shavuot in 2025

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

New York City's Jewish community is set to celebrate Shavuot 2025 with a variety of vibrant activities ranging from educational events to festive gatherings.

JL;DR

for Thursday, May 29, 2025

Communities ›

Education ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Ethics ›

Television/Film ›

Israel ›

Holocaust ›

Antisemitism ›

Leadership ›

Torah ›

Jewish Law ›

Holidays ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

May 29's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Communities ›

Education ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Ethics ›

Television/Film ›

Israel ›

Holocaust ›

Antisemitism ›

Leadership ›

Torah ›

Jewish Law ›

Holidays ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

May 29's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, May 29, 2025