for Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Education ›

Breaking the enrollment paradox: A new approach to Jewish day schools

Jewish day schools, such as Schechter Boston, are reframing their approach to address declining enrollment despite improved educational quality and support.

0 Education Ethics

First Port of Call

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

When faced with an urgent medical situation involving a child, knowing the appropriate first point of contact can be crucial.

0 Education Communities

When teachers are learners: Making professional growth visible in Jewish education

eJewishPhilanthropy

Sulam, a special education inclusion program at Berman Hebrew Academy and Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Maryland, has innovatively reimagined professional development for educators by allowing them to engage in Presentations of Learning (POL).

0 Education Communities

Elevating Jewish early childhood education means elevating how we recruit and retain educators

eJewishPhilanthropy

The decline in graduates with education degrees has exacerbated a staffing crisis in U.S. early childhood centers, impacting Jewish institutions specifically due to financial feasibility and the need for educators proficient in both child development and Jewish traditions.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

Supporting the bereaved families left behind

eJewishPhilanthropy

Amidst the recent conflict between Israel and Iran, Israeli society faces a dual reality of triumph and deep sorrow.

0 Communities Culture

Powwow Events

Nesanel Gantz in Ami

Powwow Events, spearheaded by Joel Wolh, Mechy Schlesinger, and Yehuda Susskind, has become a cornerstone of the Jewish tradeshow scene, orchestrating about 12 industry-specific events annually.

0 Communities Israel

Becoming Israeli — One Missile Attack at a Time

Hether Warshauer in Future of Jewish

Hether Warshauer captures her transformative experience of moving to Israel amid geopolitical tensions and personal aspirations.

0 Communities Jewish Law

You’re in the Army Now

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Jewish recruits in the US military often face unique challenges, such as the lack of kosher meals and misunderstandings of Jewish practices.

0 Communities Ethics

To the Amazing Chesed Girls of 2025

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In a heartfelt tribute, Cindy Scarr honors the young girls who volunteer to spend time with children with special needs.

0 Communities Gender/Identity

The Next Stage

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Shaindy Fried shares her deep struggle with weight and the societal pressures it imposed on her personal and social life, particularly in relation to finding a marriage partner, or zivug, within the Jewish community.

0 Communities Education

The Erasure of Sephardic Jewry

Sruli Fruchter in 18forty

Sruli Fruchter discusses the marginalization of Sephardic Jewry within mixed Ashkenazi-Sephardic communities in the United States.

0 Communities History

My Zeidy Gluck

Nechama Sternberg in Lehrhaus

Nechama Sternberg shares a heartfelt tribute to her grandfather Menachem Mendel Gluck, exploring his life journey from Hungary to America, overcoming personal tragedies, and his influence on her family.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Leadership

How To Not Lose Your Soul

Rabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter in Ami

Rabbi Irwin Katsof, a former nonprofit fundraiser for Aish HaTorah under Rav Noach Weinberg, chronicles his unexpected journey in the world of finance in his memoir, "Living Dangerously: My Struggle to Get Rich Without Losing My Soul."

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

“We’re All Shell-Shocked”

Yochonon Donn in Ami

The recent Democratic primary victory of Zohran Mamdani, a socialist candidate with anti-Semitic rhetoric, has caused significant concern within New York City's Jewish community.

0 Politics Communities

‘Immoral’ U.N. ‘sabotaging’ food distribution, Gaza Humanitarian Foundation chairman says

Lahav Harkov in Jewish Insider

Rev. Johnnie Moore, Chairman of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), faces accusations from the U.N. and other aid entities, suggesting GHF serves as a front for the Israeli Defense Forces rather than genuinely distributing aid.

0 Politics Antisemitism

California Democrat says anti-Israel extremism has ‘decimated the Democratic Party’

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

In an effort to tackle what she perceives as anti-Israel extremism undermining the Democratic Party, Esther Kim Varet is challenging Republican Rep. Young Kim in California.

0 Politics Israel

Pro-Israel Jewish Democrats say Zohran Mamdani’s Israel stances are cause for concern, but not panic

Ron Kampeas in Forward

Zohran Mamdani's victory in New York's mayoral Democratic primary has raised concerns among pro-Israel Jewish Democrats, who are uneasy about his stances, such as his defense of the phrase "globalize the intifada."

0 Politics History

How my Jewish great-grandfather paved the way for Zohran Mamdani — and Donald Trump

Stefanie Iris Weiss in Forward

Stefanie Iris Weiss reflects on her great-grandfather Irwin Steingut, the first Jewish Speaker of the New York State Assembly, drawing parallels between his legacy and the recent political rise of Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim Democrat in New York City.

0 Politics Antisemitism

What Zohran Mamdani has actually said about Jews and Israel

Gabe Friedman in JTA

Zohran Mamdani, a New York State Assemblymember and recent NYC mayoral candidate, has sparked controversy with his pro-Palestinian stance and statements on Israel.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Schumer and other Senate Democrats condemn the phrase ‘globalize the intifada’

Grace Gilson in JTA

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Senate Democrats, including Richard Blumenthal, John Fetterman, and Jacky Rosen, have publicly condemned the use of the phrase "globalize the intifada," arguing that it incites violence and fosters antisemitism.

0 Politics Communities

It’s Up to YOU, New York

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Zohran Mamdani's surge to potentially become New York City's mayor as a socialist and pro-Palestinian advocate signifies a dramatic political shift in what was traditionally a more centrist city.

0 Politics Israel

Iran War Roundtable: Aftershocks

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

This roundtable discussion by Mishpacha's news analysts examines the complex aftermath of the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran, questioning who truly emerged victorious and what the future holds.

0 Politics Communities

Zohran Mamdani has represented Astoria's Jews for 4 years. What do they think of him?

Andrew Silverstein in Forward

Zohran Mamdani's recent victory in the Democratic mayoral primary highlights the complex relationship between his political stance and the Jewish community he represents in Astoria, Queens.

0 Politics Communities

Left Electoralism After Mamdani: A Roundtable - A strategy discussion on the opportunities and risks created by the DSA candidate’s primary win in New York City.

Alex Kane in Jewish Currents

Zohran Mamdani's nomination as the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor represents a significant milestone for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in their strategy to advance progressive policies through the Democratic Party.

0 Politics Culture

'Progressives' plagiarized Judaism and deleted Jews from the story.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

In this article, Joshua Hoffman argues that the modern progressive movement has adopted Jewish values such as social justice, universal human dignity, and moral responsibility, while simultaneously alienating Jewish people and their historical contributions.

0 Politics Communities

Connecticut’s Jewish community wonders: What happened to Chris Murphy?

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Senator Chris Murphy, initially seen as a staunch supporter of Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, has faced growing criticism from Connecticut's Jewish community over his recent shift in stance.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi hopes to win the Jewish vote in Illinois Senate contest

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is seeking to capture the Jewish vote in Illinois as he campaigns for the U.S. Senate, highlighting his pro-Israel stance and actions against antisemitism as key components of his platform.

0 Politics Israel

Zohran Mamdani belongs to the Democratic Socialists of America, a leading critic of Israel. Here’s what to know.

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

Zohran Mamdani's unexpected victory in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor has brought attention to his affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), known for its controversial stance on Israel.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Politics

Getting Away With Murder // Beware the MAID

Avi Shafran in Ami

Avi Shafran critiques the expansion of Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) laws, highlighting a worrying trend towards normalizing euthanasia for non-terminal and mentally ill patients.

0 Ethics Culture

What a Jewish view of repentance reveals about Jimmy Swaggart’s tearful confession

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Benyamin Cohen explores the stark contrast between televangelist Jimmy Swaggart's public confession and the Jewish approach to repentance.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

When Jewish pain becomes ‘political’: Therapists fired after raising antisemitism concerns

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Two Jewish therapists, Jackie Junger and Jacqueline Katz, are suing their former employers, D2 Counseling, for alleged discrimination and unlawful termination after raising concerns about antisemitism.

0 Antisemitism Politics

No, Zohran Mamdani does not need to grovel before the ADL

Daniel Sieradski in Jewschool

The article criticizes the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for its current stance and approach under CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, especially regarding its relationship with progressive Jewish communities and its handling of issues related to Israel and Palestine.

0 Antisemitism Communities

24 Iranian Jews remain in prison as government launches internal crackdown, sources say

Larry Cohler-Esses in JTA

Twenty-four Iranian Jews remain imprisoned amid a broad government crackdown in Tehran and Shiraz, following recent hostilities with Israel.

0 Antisemitism Culture

Hating Jews has become socially acceptable.

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

Nachum Kaplan's essay addresses the alarming rise of antisemitism and ignorance concerning Jewish and Israeli history, highlighted by recent events at the Glastonbury Festival.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

All the Jewish TV Coming in July 2025

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

July 2025 is set to deliver an array of Jewish and Jew-ish television content, offering viewers a diverse selection of shows and documentaries.

Culture ›

0 Culture History

Dr. Ruth taught me everything I know — because she was my mom

Joel Westheimer in Forward

Joel Westheimer reflects on the life and legacy of his mother, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, renowned sex therapist and media personality, in an adapted eulogy marking her first yahrzeit.

0 Culture History

A Seat at the Table

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr reflects on the legacy and familial significance of her grandmother's dining table, which symbolizes both the past and the present of her family life.

0 Culture Education

Family Living: Summer Tips

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article "Family Living: Summer Tips" provides practical advice for moms navigating summer activities with children.

0 Culture Communities

The Erasure of Sephardic Jewry

Sruli Fruchter in 18forty

Sephardic Jewry and its rich cultural and historical contributions face erasure within broader Jewish communities, especially in places like the United States where Ashkenazi customs predominantly overshadow Sephardic traditions.

Art ›

0 Art Culture

Venice’s international arts festival gets unexpected taste of Yiddish

Jennifer A. Stern in Forward

The 2025 Venice Biennale features a unique cultural touch with the return of the Yiddishland Pavilion, an initiative by curator Maria Veits and artist Yevgeniy Fiks, highlighting Yiddish culture and identity through art.

History ›

0 History Jewish Law

The Lost Legacy of the Leshem

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Rav Shlomo Elyashiv, also known as the Leshem, was a prominent kabbalist of the Lithuanian world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Communities

Uniforms, Uniformity, and Truth

Emes Ve-Emunah

The author reflects on the Charedi practice of children wearing uniforms, highlighting concerns about ideological rigidity and conformity within Orthodox Judaism.

0 Jewish Law Culture

Are There Any Kosher Frogs?

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin explores the question of whether frogs are kosher, amidst more common discussions on current Jewish and world affairs.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

Ben Kweller’s New Album Is a Complex and Jewish Exploration of Grief

Leah Grisham in Kveller

Ben Kweller, the Jewish musician, channels intense personal grief into his new album, "Cover the Mirrors," following the tragic loss of his son.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Education ›

Communities ›

Philosophy ›

Politics ›

Ethics ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Culture ›

Art ›

History ›

Jewish Law ›

Music ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

July 2's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Education ›

Communities ›

Philosophy ›

Politics ›

Ethics ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Culture ›

Art ›

History ›

Jewish Law ›

Music ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

July 2's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, July 2, 2025