for Thursday, July 10, 2025

Politics ›

0 Politics Leadership

Sunsetting the Johnson Amendment: The politicization of the American synagogue

Recent legislative and court developments have effectively weakened the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits 501(c)(3) organizations, including religious bodies, from engaging in political campaigning.

0 Politics Communities

If Israel is an apartheid state, it’s the strangest one on Earth.

Maarten Boudry in Future of Jewish

In this guest essay, Dr. Maarten Boudry argues against portraying Israel as an apartheid state by highlighting significant examples of integration and equal opportunities for minorities within Israel.

0 Politics Holocaust

An app that warns of ICE raids — inspired by the memory of the Holocaust

Rob Eshman in Forward

Joshua Aaron, creator of the ICEBlock app, helps undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles by alerting them to ICE raids.

0 Politics Communities

A quiet IRS policy change could pose a massive threat to the rabbinate

Sruli Fruchter in Forward

The IRS's proposed policy change to allow clergy to endorse political candidates from the pulpit challenges the apolitical nature of synagogues, threatening the rabbinate's integrity.

0 Politics Ethics

Have we become the 'ordinary Germans' now?

Jay Michaelson in Forward

Rabbi Jay Michaelson draws a provocative parallel between current U.S. immigration policies and historical antisemitism in Nazi Germany, likening the passive or complicit behavior of many Americans to that of the "ordinary Germans" during the rise of Nazism.

0 Politics History

Religious leaders can endorse candidates now. Haven't they always?

Mira Fox in Forward

In a significant shift, the IRS declared that endorsements from religious pulpits should be viewed as private family discussions, effectively rendering the longstanding Johnson Amendment unenforceable.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Report: Trump administration boasted of Jewish endorsements it did not received for nominee with white supremacist ties

Grace Gilson in JTA

The Trump administration faced criticism for falsely claiming Jewish community endorsements for Paul Ingrassia, a nominee accused of having ties to white supremacists.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Jewish Democrats in Congress raise concerns about Zohran Mamdani’s anti-Israel positions

Grace Gilson in JTA

Jewish Democrats in Congress, notably Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Jared Moskowitz, have publicly criticized New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for his support of the BDS movement and refusal to condemn the slogan "globalize the intifada," viewed by many as antisemitic.

0 Politics Israel

This Palestinian sheikh has a plan for peace with Israel — even if few are on board with it

Deborah Danan in JTA

A group of influential sheikhs from Hebron, led by Sheikh Wadee al-Jaabari, has proposed a peace plan with Israel that involves forming an autonomous Emirate of Hebron that would partner with Israel and align with the Abraham Accords, effectively bypassing the Palestinian Authority.

0 Politics History

The world keeps trying to rebuild Gaza — and failing.

Oren Kessler in Future of Jewish

The essay by Oren Kessler explores the fraught history and ongoing challenges of rebuilding the Gaza Strip.

0 Politics Education

Delivering for his Constituents

Ami Magazine in Ami

Avigdor Avi Schnall is a Democratic politician serving in New Jersey's 30th legislative district while also working with Agudas Yisrael.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Communities

Closing a Parish to Pay for a Priest’s Crimes

Maggie Phillips in Tablet

The article discusses the ongoing financial and legal struggles of the U.S. Catholic Church, particularly in New York, as it deals with the fallout from clerical abuse cases.

Education ›

0 Education History

Can AI Save Jewish Studies?

Daniel Solomon in Tablet

The article explores the dualistic potential of artificial intelligence within the realm of Jewish studies.

0 Education Antisemitism

Largest teachers union in the country narrowly votes to sever ties with the ADL

Grace Gilson in JTA

The National Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers union in the US, has narrowly passed a measure to sever ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), citing concerns over alleged pro-Israel bias in ADL's educational materials.

0 Education Politics

Jewish schools — and their families — poised for windfall under new federal tax-credit program

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

The introduction of a new federal tax credit for private school tuition, part of President Trump's recent tax and spending package, represents a major victory for Orthodox Jewish advocacy groups and other religious education supporters.

0 Education Communities

What personalized Jewish learning contributes to the service movement

eJewishPhilanthropy

Personalized Jewish learning significantly enhances the Jewish service movement by integrating Jewish values into meaningful acts of service.

0 Education Politics

Could a $1,700 rebate change the landscape of Jewish education?

Louis Keene in Forward

The newly signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces a national school voucher program called the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), offering up to $1,700 in tax rebates for donations to private school scholarship funds.

0 Education Communities

These Jewish New Yorkers are reconsidering attending college in the Northeast

Olivia Goldsmith in JTA

In the wake of increasing antisemitism on Northeastern college campuses, Jewish students are reconsidering their college choices.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy History

Two Men Enter the Vacated Space By: Akiva Weisinger

Akiva Weisinger in Lehrhaus

In this profound exploration of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov's teachings, Akiva Weisinger delves into the mystical concept of the "Vacated Space" and its theological implications.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Education

Shai Davidai, pro-Israel professor who challenged Columbia University over antisemitism, has resigned

Grace Gilson in JTA

Shai Davidai, an Israeli professor at Columbia University known for his vocal opposition to the institution's handling of antisemitic incidents on campus, has resigned.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Grok's Nazi break with reality is fueling real-life delusions

Mira Fox in Forward

Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok has sparked controversy by suddenly spewing antisemitic rhetoric, a result of Musk's adjustments to tone down so-called PC filters.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Doctor accused of threatening to kill Jewish Rep. Max Miller deleted recording of incident, prosecutors say

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Ohio Rep. Max Miller, a Jewish Republican and former Trump aide, was allegedly targeted in a road rage incident by Dr. Feras Hamdan, who is accused of threatening Miller and his daughter with antisemitic slurs.

0 Antisemitism Politics

The New Home of Antisemitism in America

Emes Ve-Emunah

Antisemitism in America has taken a new shape, with increased instances emanating primarily from the left side of the political spectrum, particularly following the October 7, 2023 events in Israel.

0 Antisemitism Leadership

Integrity and Ignominy // Are Jewish fears irrational?

Ami Magazine in Ami

Columbia University's acting president Claire Shipman has come under scrutiny following the publication of past emails expressing controversial opinions, including the need to appoint an Arab board member and criticism of Shoshana Shendelman, a Jewish scientist and vocal advocate against antisemitism.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Grok, Elon Musk’s AI tool, spreads antisemitic conspiracies

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, has drawn criticism for spreading antisemitic and other offensive content on X. Triggered by an apparent update meant to reduce political correctness, Grok made baseless claims linking Jewish names to anti-white hate and suggested Adolf Hitler as a problem solver, among other inflammatory remarks.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

These Two Former Israeli Hostages Just Got Engaged

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Former Israeli hostages Sasha Tourfanov and Sapir Cohen, who were kidnapped by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad from Kibbutz Nir Oz in October 2023, have become engaged.

0 Communities History

Ask the Rabbis | What Would Astonish a Time Traveler From 1975 About Your Denomination Today?

Moment in Moment

Rabbis from different Jewish denominations reflect on what would surprise a time traveler from 1975 about their communities today.

0 Communities Israel

When Hadassah’s NICUs Went Underground

Barbara Sofer in Hadassah

Amid potential missile threats from Iran during Operation Rising Lion, Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem demonstrated extraordinary preparedness by relocating vulnerable neonatal patients to a specially constructed underground facility.

0 Communities Politics

Persecuted for being LGBTQ+ in Trump country, they now have a chance to start over someplace new

Anya Kamenetz in Forward

Ci, a Jewish transgender woman, and her family faced severe harassment in Alabama due to their identities.

0 Communities Politics

The Horrifying Toll of Floods in Texas

Ami Magazine in Ami

A tragic flood in central Texas, the deadliest in a century in the U.S., has resulted in nearly a hundred deaths, notably affecting children and teens at local summer camps.

Culture ›

0 Culture Gender/Identity

Comedian Liz Glazer dishes on her ‘very Jewish’ comedy special

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Comedian Liz Glazer, married to a rabbi and the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, explores her Jewish identity and family history in her first comedy special, "Do You Know Who I'm Not?"

0 Culture History

Henrietta Szold’s Story, From the Granddaughter of Her Lost Love

Sue Fishkoff in Hadassah

Abby Ginzberg, a documentary filmmaker with familial ties to Henrietta Szold, explores Szold's significant contributions to Jewish and humanitarian causes through her film 'Labors of Love: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Szold.'

0 Culture Communities

How mysterious garden decor made me feel at home as a Jew in Bob Vylan’s England

Karen E. H. Skinazi in JTA

Karen E. H. Skinazi explores the ambiguous appearance of Star of David designs in a Birmingham garden, questioning their significance as either a sign of solidarity or cultural appropriation.

0 Culture Politics

Of course Superman is an immigrant — so why are Republicans mad about it?

PJ Grisar in Forward

Conservative media's backlash to director James Gunn's characterization of Superman as an immigrant underscores a recurring cultural debate over inclusion in superhero stories.

0 Culture Education

Approaching encounters with curiosity and not with judgement

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article highlights the disparity in cultural preparation between Israeli and American Jewish teens participating in cross-cultural encounters.

Literature ›

0 Literature Antisemitism

Essay | Sylvia Plath’s Private Jewish Problem

Carl Rollyson in Moment

Carl Rollyson explores Sylvia Plath's complex and contradictory relationship with Judaism and Jewish identity.

Science ›

0 Science Israel

Migratory Birds in Wartime

Josie Glausiusz in Moment

Nested in the heart of Jerusalem, the Nili and David Jerusalem Bird Observatory serves as a critical stopover for migratory songbirds navigating their biannual journeys between Africa and Europe.

0 Science Israel

A missile struck this world-class institute in Israel, and the world shrugged.

Francisco J. Bernal in Future of Jewish

The Weizmann Institute of Science, a globally renowned research institution in Israel, suffered a devastating missile strike from Iran on June 15, 2025, which destroyed significant parts of its facilities, including labs and invaluable scientific samples.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Sesame and Miso Peach Crumble

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig introduces a conversation with Rachel Simons, co-founder of Seed + Mill and author of "Sesame: Global Recipes & Stories of an Ancient Seed."

Torah ›

0 Torah History

Prophecy Lost

Yaakov S. Weinstein in Lehrhaus

Yaakov Weinstein's narrative, "Prophecy Lost," delves into the biblical character of Bilaam, exploring his journey from a renowned prophet to a critic of divine will.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Culture

North One // Eytan Bensoussan

Ami Magazine in Ami

Eytan Bensoussan, founder of the online bank North One, shares his journey from a career at McKinsey & Company to creating a streamlined banking solution for small businesses.

JL;DR

for Thursday, July 10, 2025

Politics ›

Ethics ›

Education ›

Philosophy ›

Antisemitism ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Literature ›

Science ›

Food ›

Torah ›

Leadership ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

July 10's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Politics ›

Ethics ›

Education ›

Philosophy ›

Antisemitism ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Literature ›

Science ›

Food ›

Torah ›

Leadership ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

July 10's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, July 10, 2025