for Thursday, June 5, 2025

Antisemitism ›

Boulder’s ‘very shocked and very traumatized’ Jewish community takes stock of its losses, and its strength

Grace Gilson in JTA

Rabbi Marc Soloway of Boulder, Colorado's Congregation Bonai Shalom reflects on the recent traumatic attack targeting a Jewish community vigil, which resulted in injuries and widespread emotional distress.

0 Antisemitism Communities

After terror, can Jews move forward without isolating?

Boaz Heilman in Forward

Rabbi Boaz Heilman, reflecting on recent antisemitic attacks, including a Molotov cocktail assault in Boulder, Colorado, explores how Jewish communities can advance without succumbing to isolation.

0 Antisemitism Communities

The antisemitic attacks are painful. The silence from our trusted partners is excruciating.

Rabbi Asher Knight in JTA

Rabbi Asher Knight expresses profound disappointment and distress over the lack of response from allies and community leaders to a surge in antisemitic attacks, including a firebombing in Boulder and other violent incidents across the U.S. Despite Jewish communities historically standing publicly in solidarity with causes such as racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights, many of their partners have remained silent in the wake of recent violence explicitly targeting Jews.

0 Antisemitism Holocaust

Holocaust survivor burned in Boulder attack speaks out: ‘What the hell is going on?’

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Barbara Steinmetz, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, was injured in a horrific firebomb attack in Boulder, Colorado, aimed at people advocating for hostages held in Gaza.

0 Antisemitism Politics

What happens when you dehumanize 'Zionists'

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Arno Rosenfeld examines the implications of dehumanizing 'Zionists' and the growing trend of equating Jewish identity with Zionism, a bias often underpinning antisemitic rhetoric.

0 Antisemitism Politics

What happens when you dehumanize 'Zionists'

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Arno Rosenfeld's piece delves into the dangers of dehumanizing Zionists, tracing how such rhetoric can enable violence against Jewish individuals and communities.

0 Antisemitism Communities

We Jews know what hate looks like. So why is it so hard to name when it comes for us?

Iola Kostrzewski in JTA

Iola Kostrzewski's powerful piece highlights how the Jewish community often struggles to clearly label antisemitic acts, contrasting the more straightforward identification of racism in other contexts.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Jews at Harvard are still worried about antisemitism — and about Trump’s response to it

Haley Cohen in Jewish Insider

Jewish students at Harvard University face uncertainty due to a potential Trump administration policy that could strip the university of its ability to enroll foreign students, including many Jews from Israel.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

Democrats vying for NYC mayor show rare unity against Trump crackdown on universities

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

The New York City Democratic mayoral primary debate saw candidates unite against the Trump administration's punitive measures towards universities amidst escalating campus protests and violence.

0 Politics Israel

How the Media Manufactured a ‘Genocide’

Zach Goldberg in Tablet

The article by Zach Goldberg examines how media outlets have expanded the application of the term "genocide," particularly in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

0 Politics Communities

After Boulder attack, Trump revives Muslim travel ban with targeted changes

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Following a firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado, that injured Jewish marchers, President Trump signed a revised version of his contentious Muslim travel ban.

0 Politics Israel

Argentina’s rabbi-ambassador to Israel says El Al will launch direct flights to Buenos Aires

Juan Melamed in Forward

Rabbi Axel Wahnish, Argentina's ambassador to Israel and personal rabbi to Argentine President Javier Milei, has announced that El Al will soon launch direct flights between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations.

0 Politics Jewish Law

NYC comptroller candidate Mark Levine speaks Hebrew in first campaign ad

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President and candidate for New York City comptroller, has launched a multilingual campaign ad that includes Hebrew to connect with the city's diverse populations.

0 Politics Culture

Schmear campaign: Andrew Cuomo's bacon bagel blunder bothers NY Jews

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Andrew Cuomo's misstep in New York politics involves his poorly chosen breakfast sandwich.

0 Politics Gender/Identity

Pete Hegseth is targeting a Jewish American hero — who's next?

Benjamin Ivry in Forward

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to rename a Navy ship honoring Jewish LGBTQ+ rights advocate Harvey Milk, revealed during Pride Month, has sparked controversy and accusations of erasing queer progress from public life.

0 Politics History

Marketing Authoritarianism - Mimicking his Salvadoran ally Nayib Bukele, Trump is using spectacles of disappearance to project a total power he does not yet possess.

Dennis M. Hogan and Matthew Ellis in Jewish Currents

In a disturbing display of power, former U.S. President Donald Trump is emulating Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele by using dramatic depictions of deportation and detention as a political tool.

0 Politics Culture

Multiculturalism sounds nice — until it destroys your society.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman critiques unchecked multiculturalism, arguing that while diversity enriches society, overemphasis on cultural differences can erode shared values and societal cohesion.

0 Politics Communities

‘How Democrats Lost Men Like Me.’ Plus. . .

The Free Press in The Free Press

The Free Press provides a deep dive into the Democratic Party's current challenges in attracting young male voters, using a humorous comparison to an anthropological study reminiscent of Margaret Mead's work.

0 Politics Leadership

Battles in the Briefing Room

Shloime Zionce in Ami

Shloime Zionce, senior White House correspondent for Ami, reflects on the demanding role of a White House press secretary, featuring insights from former Press Secretary Sean Spicer.

0 Politics Antisemitism

When Hamas cheers you on, you might be doing it wrong.

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

Nachum Kaplan's essay critiques Europe and several Western countries for their stance on Israel amid the conflict with Hamas.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Torah

Choosing Our Chosenness: Answering the Call with Spiritual Intelligence

Yosi Amram in Lehrhaus

Yosi Amram explores the complex idea of Jewish chosenness, reflecting on the discomfort it can cause due to perceived elitism.

0 Philosophy Culture

Choosing Our Chosenness: Answering the Call with Spiritual Intelligence

Yosi Amram in Lehrhaus

Yosi Amram delves into the often misunderstood concept of Jewish chosenness, which traditionally implies a divine selection that can be perceived as elitist by both Jews and non-Jews.

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

The road to Jewish hell is paved with 'Tikkun Olam.'

Sam Hilt in Future of Jewish

This guest essay by Sam Hilt critically examines the modern adoption of the term "Tikkun Olam" in Jewish discourse as a simplification of Judaism's philosophical depth.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

All the Jewish TV Coming in June 2025

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

June 2025 offers Jewish audiences a limited but diverse selection of TV content to enjoy.

0 Television/Film Culture

We Have a ‘Nobody Wants This’ Season Two Release Date!

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Fans of the hit show "Nobody Wants This" will be delighted to learn that season two is set to premiere on Netflix on October 23, just after the High Holidays.

0 Television/Film Culture

In a time of darkness and trauma in Israel, a profound new film offers a dose of 'Bliss'

Dan Friedman in Forward

In Shemi Zarhin's film "Bliss," known as "Hemda" in Hebrew, the emotional intricacies of Israeli life are explored against the backdrop of familial and societal challenges.

0 Television/Film Culture

Dozens of Jewish and Israeli movies are screening in NYC in June. Here are our picks.

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

June in New York City boasts a vibrant selection of Jewish and Israeli films showcased across multiple esteemed festivals, including the Tribeca Festival, the Israel Film Center Festival, and the Sephardic Jewish Film Festival.

Communities ›

0 Communities Philosophy

There's one crucial Talmudic lesson we must act on in the wake of antisemitic violence

Aaron M. Schwartz in Forward

In the aftermath of a violent attack on Jewish demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, the author, Aaron M. Schwartz, reflects on the Talmudic concept of "elu ve'elu" ("these and those"), which acknowledges the validity of contrasting perspectives.

0 Communities Politics

Insularity - a National Tragedy

Emes Ve-Emunah

Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch discusses the increasingly insular stance of the Charedi community in Israel, particularly regarding military service in the IDF.

0 Communities Antisemitism

For this I became a Jew? Yes, for exactly this I became a Jew.

Meg Keene in JTA

Meg Keene reflects on her journey of converting to Judaism against a backdrop of rising antisemitism in America.

0 Communities History

A Jewish farmer drove 600 miles to rescue a century-old synagogue. Now he’s building a new one in a cornfield.

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Nik Jakobs, a Jewish farmer from Illinois, is on a remarkable mission to revive Jewish community life by salvaging a century-old synagogue in Pennsylvania.

0 Communities Leadership

From Passion to Impact

Nesanel Gantz in Ami

Rabbi Naftali Miller and Dr. Jonathan Donath reflect on their journey from inception to success in the world of nonprofit work with organizations Chasdei Lev and Daily Giving.

Culture ›

0 Culture Gender/Identity

This comedy dating show is bringing dildos to synagogue

Mira Fox in Forward

Comedian Allison Goldberg brings a unique twist to dating shows with "Love Isnt Blind," a live performance where a single woman chooses her date based on insights from contestants' phones, activities, and their mothers' input—without the men speaking.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

This NY synagogue transformed its religious school to make it meaningful, flexible and fun

Debra Rubin in JTA

Rodeph Sholom, a Reform synagogue in New York City, has reimagined its religious school to prioritize Jewish values, family involvement, and flexibility.

0 Education Holidays

Taking Sinai with us: Bringing the message of Shavuot to all Jewish educational spaces

eJewishPhilanthropy

The message of Shavuot, commemorating the giving of the Torah at Sinai, extends beyond its historical context, serving as a profound educational model for contemporary Jewish learning.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Spiced Cabbage and Tomatoes

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig's article spotlights Beejhy Barhany, an Ethiopian Jewish restaurateur in Harlem, and her new cookbook, 'Gursha: Timeless Recipes for Modern Kitchens.'

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Communities

Cherishing our Holocaust survivors

eJewishPhilanthropy

Holocaust Survivor Day, established to honor the resilience of Holocaust survivors, takes on extra significance in light of recent attacks on Jews in Israel.

0 Holocaust Communities

“Here Are Your Jews”

Binny Binet in Ami

Binny Binet recounts his journey to the Greek island of Zakynthos, renowned for its beautiful landscape and remarkable history of protecting its Jewish community during the Holocaust.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Leadership

"Rav Chaim Can't Be Wrong!"

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Rav Chaim Kanievsky's stance that charedi yeshiva students should not serve in the IDF is often upheld within the charedi community as an undisputed truth, leveraging his immense Torah knowledge and esteemed status.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

A Most Unusual Memorial // A tribute to a giant stands in my backyard

Avi Shafran in Ami

Avi Shafran reflects on a personal experience with Rabbi Moshe Sherer, the legendary leader of Agudath Israel of America, whose 27th yahrtzeit was observed recently.

JL;DR

for Thursday, June 5, 2025

Antisemitism ›

Politics ›

Philosophy ›

Television/Film ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Education ›

Food ›

Holocaust ›

Jewish Law ›

Leadership ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

June 5's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Thursday, June 5, 2025

Antisemitism ›

Politics ›

Philosophy ›

Television/Film ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Education ›

Food ›

Holocaust ›

Jewish Law ›

Leadership ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

June 5's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, June 5, 2025