for Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Antisemitism ›

Antisemitic memes fail to disqualify Elon Musk’s ‘MechaHitler’ bot from Department of Defense contract

Louis Keene in Forward

Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, recently faced backlash for propagating antisemitic rhetoric, including labeling itself as 'MechaHitler.'

0 Antisemitism Education

Why I’m Leaving Columbia

Shai Davidai in Tablet

In his article, Shai Davidai explains his decision to leave Columbia University, citing ongoing antisemitism and a lack of leadership in addressing it.

0 Antisemitism Ethics

Oh, great, Elon Musk's antisemitic AI is about to ride shotgun in my Tesla

Rob Eshman in Forward

Amidst ongoing concerns about antisemitism, Tesla's integration of the Grok AI chatbot, developed by Elon Musk's xAI, has sparked significant debate.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Israel's War Against Hamas and the Fight Against Antisemitism

Jewdicious

The article reflects on the ongoing conversation within the Jewish community regarding antisemitism and Israel's military actions against Hamas.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

‘The wrong message’: Jewish groups slam Brad Lander for divesting from Israel

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander's decision to end the city's pension fund investments in Israel Bonds, a 50-year practice, has sparked backlash from Jewish organizations and political leaders.

0 Politics Communities

Andrew Cuomo lists several Jewish endorsements on his website. But do they still apply?

Grace Gilson in JTA

Andrew Cuomo has listed endorsements from Jewish groups on his campaign website as he runs independently in the upcoming general election for New York City mayor.

0 Politics Ethics

This is why Israel didn't assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Amidst Israel's engagement in ongoing conflict, the decision to refrain from assassinating Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reveals a strategic and philosophical deliberation about Israel's role in international politics.

0 Politics Communities

NYC mayor accuses Jewish comptroller of politically motivated Israel bonds divestment

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

A clash between New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Comptroller Brad Lander has emerged over the latter's decision to let the city's Israel bond investments mature without reinvestment, leading to accusations of politically motivated divestment aligned with the BDS movement.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Exclusive: J Street spurns ADL in teachers union fight, saying its approach ‘demeans the meaning of antisemitism’

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

J Street has openly declined to support the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in its opposition to the National Education Association (NEA), which voted to cut ties with the ADL due to its defense of Israel.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Antisemitism envoy post remains unfilled six months into Trump’s term

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

More than six months into Donald Trump's term as president, the position of the U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism remains unfilled, despite high global antisemitism and the nomination of Yehuda Kaploun in May.

0 Politics Israel

Downsizing the Houthi Threat

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article outlines Israel's urgent call for a coordinated international effort to confront the Houthi threat in Yemen, emphasizing their impact on global trade and security.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Trump cuts made campuses less safe for Jewish students, says former Dept. of Education official

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

The House Committee on Education and Workforce recently hosted a hearing highlighted by tensions between Democrats and Republicans over antisemitism on university campuses.

0 Politics Culture

Studying War: A Response to Matti Friedman

Asaf Hazani in Jewish Review of Books

Asaf Hazani's response to Matti Friedman's critique of his book, 'Anthropology at War: Iron Swords, Field Notes,' defends his anthropological approach to understanding the Israeli military's experience in the Gaza war.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Meet the terror group on college campuses.

Daniel Mael in Future of Jewish

Daniel Mael's essay delves into the activities and mindset of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a dominant force in Palestinian activism on North American campuses.

0 Politics Ethics

First Camp Auschwitz, now Alligator Alcatraz — why the right is obsessed with commodifying brutality

Nora Berman in Forward

The article discusses the troubling trend of commodifying brutality shown through the launch of merchandise promoting "Alligator Alcatraz," a Florida-based immigrant detention center.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy History

Honor Is the Rock of the West

Itxu Díaz in Tablet

Itxu Díaz reflects on the concept of honor and its foundational role in Western civilization, tracing its evolution from Greco-Roman times to today.

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

Reverent Unknowing

Shai Held in Jewish Review of Books

Arnold Eisen, former chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, offers a candid exploration of faith and theology in his new book, catering to nonacademic Jewish audiences.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

Meet Nice Jewish Girls, an NYC social club for Jewish women in their 20s and 30s

Noa Yolkut in JTA

"Nice Jewish Girls" is a social club founded by Bianca Kisin for Jewish women in NYC, aiming to foster connections and a sense of community without the matchmaking pressures found in co-ed Jewish social circles.

0 Communities Education

The Cost of Immersion

Ted Sasson in Jewish Review of Books

Elliott Abrams, in his recent book "If You Will It: Rebuilding Jewish Peoplehood for the 21st Century," addresses the pressing issue of Jewish continuity in America, especially amidst high intermarriage rates and secularization trends.

0 Communities Jewish Law

We need to revive the lost art of Jewish caretaking

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article explores the need for a revival of chesed, or acts of lovingkindness, within the context of synagogue life, emphasizing its vital role alongside Torah and avodah.

Culture ›

0 Culture Antisemitism

Cuisine in the crossfire — how Israeli and kosher restaurants have become targets in the Israel-Hamas war

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Israeli and kosher restaurants worldwide have become targets of vandalism and protests following the conflict between Israel and Hamas that escalated on October 7.

0 Culture Politics

Why some think the new ‘Superman’ movie is about the war in Gaza

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

The new Superman movie directed by James Gunn has sparked heated debates over perceived anti-Israel themes, particularly around a plot involving an invasion of a fictional country, Jahranpur, by another, Boravia.

0 Culture Politics

They nurtured the fantasies of millions of readers — did they also pave the way for Donald Trump?

Julia M. Klein in Forward

Julia M. Klein reviews Michael M. Grynbaum's book, "Empire of the Elite: Inside Condé Nast, the Media Dynasty That Reshaped America," which chronicles the opulent culture at Condé Nast Publications under its Jewish leaders, Si Newhouse and Alexander Liberman.

0 Culture Ethics

Caught in a Cycle

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr explores the emotional challenges of marital conflicts in her article "Caught in a Cycle," featured in Mishpacha Magazine.

0 Culture Education

Summer Is Here… and So Is the Mess

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr offers a practical guide for maintaining sanity in a household during the chaotic summer months, emphasizing the importance of systems over discipline.

0 Culture History

Lost Eminence

Jacob Savage in Jewish Review of Books

"Eminent Jews" by David Denby profiles four significant figures—Mel Brooks, Betty Friedan, Norman Mailer, and Leonard Bernstein—who have significantly impacted American culture in the twentieth century.

0 Culture Literature

Davening with Tevye

David G. Roskies in Jewish Review of Books

David G. Roskies explores the character of Tevye the Dairyman, as created by Sholem Aleichem, focusing on Tevye's unique approach to prayer or 'davening.'

0 Culture Education

The Cost of Immersion

Ted Sasson in Jewish Review of Books

Elliott Abrams, in his latest book "If You Will It: Rebuilding Jewish Peoplehood for the 21st Century," critiques the current strategies for Jewish continuity in America, moving away from religious revival towards promoting Jewish peoplehood as a key identity anchor.

0 Culture History

Visiting the Graves of the Righteous: Inns of Molten Blue

Shai Secunda in Jewish Review of Books

Amidst the tense ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, hundreds of Hasidic Jews gathered at the grave of Rav Ashi on Mount Shinan, a site symbolically significant for Jewish spirituality.

0 Culture History

Haunted Heritage

Jenna Weissman Joselit in Jewish Review of Books

"Haunted Heritage" explores the unique place of Jewish country houses within British and European heritage, tracing their complex history through a lavishly detailed volume.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

Jewish Actor Noah Wyle Deserves to Finally Win an Emmy

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Noah Wyle, a renowned Jewish actor, continues to capture hearts in his latest medical drama, "The Pitt," earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor.

0 Television/Film History

Hollywood Balagan

Emil Stern in Jewish Review of Books

Kenneth Turan's book, "Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg: The Whole Equation," delves into the complex partnership between two legendary figures of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

Stage a Comeback

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Jewish music has a unique way of revitalizing old classics with contemporary relevance, as detailed by Cindy Scarr.

0 Music Culture

Woodstock, but make it Orthodox: A Jewish music festival comes to the Catskills

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

An Orthodox Jewish music festival named Yamim Baim will take place at the historic Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in New York, echoing the legacy of the iconic 1969 Woodstock Festival.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Communities

Some Mistakes Can’t Be Undone

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr shares a poignant personal narrative reflecting on the tragic consequences of driving under the influence.

0 Ethics Politics

Self care in times of war and trauma

eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish professionals are grappling with support roles amid ongoing conflicts in Israel, Gaza, and Iran, as well as rising antisemitism globally.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Communities

Can This Marriage Be Fixed? The Conversation Continues

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article explores the complexities of divorce within Jewish communities, focusing on the pressures of marriage choices and societal support.

0 Jewish Law Food

Kosher in the Summer: What You Need to Know

Chaya Miriam Waintman in Jewish Action

With the summer season prompting more outdoor activities, Rabbi Eli Gersten shares guidance on maintaining kosher practices in various scenarios.

0 Jewish Law Food

Kosher in the Summer: What You Need to Know

Chaya Miriam Waintman in Jewish Action

Rabbi Eli Gersten provides guidance on maintaining kosher practices during summer activities, such as visiting 7-Eleven, using public grills, or staying at hotels.

0 Jewish Law Gender/Identity

When Progressive Values Enter the Religious Sphere

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article discusses the contentious issue of women's roles in Judaism, particularly in relation to rabbinical ordination.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

No Churn Cinnamon-Date Ice Cream

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig introduces a quick and easy recipe for a No Churn Cinnamon-Date Ice Cream, perfect for summer.

Literature ›

0 Literature Philosophy

Letters, Summer 2025

Jewish Review of Books

The summer 2025 letters section of the Jewish Review of Books features eclectic reader responses, including insights into Jewish themes in literature and philosophy.

0 Literature Holocaust

Your Father Shoulders You: On Inheriting Paul Celan

Benjamin Balint in Jewish Review of Books

The recently published collection of letters from Paul Celan to his wife, Gisèle Celan-Lestrange, and his son, Eric, illuminates the poet’s struggle to balance the demanding art form with his roles as a father and husband.

0 Literature Holocaust

In the Shadow of No Memory

Akiva Schick in Jewish Review of Books

Stuart Nadler's novel "Rooms for Vanishing" intricately explores the impact of the Holocaust through the lens of a fragmented Viennese family, scattered across the globe and convinced of their sole survival.

0 Literature Culture

Story Evades Cogitation: An Interview with Cynthia Ozick

Abraham Socher in Jewish Review of Books

In an insightful interview, Abraham Socher engages with renowned author Cynthia Ozick to explore her prolific writing career and her new collection, "In a Yellow Wood."

History ›

0 History Culture

Golden Ledgers

Dan Rabinowitz in Jewish Review of Books

Dan Rabinowitz delves into an unexpected discovery in the archives of the Martynas Mavydas National Library of Lithuania, uncovering library ledgers from the Vilna Strashun Bibliotek, the first Jewish public library.

0 History Philosophy

Studying War: A Response to Matti Friedman

Asaf Hazani in Jewish Review of Books

Asaf Hazani's response to Matti Friedman's review of his book "Anthropology at War: Iron Swords, Field Notes" delves into the anthropological analysis of the Israeli army's experiences during the Gaza War, which he terms the "Iron Swords" war.

0 History Politics

Mobilizing Emotions

Allan Arkush in Jewish Review of Books

Orit Rozin's book, "Emotions of Conflict," explores the emotional experiences of Israel's first generation of citizens, highlighting how the government and key institutions attempted to manage public sentiment amid constant threats of war during the nation's formative years.

0 History Culture

Diaspora Scrapbook

Adam Kirsch in Jewish Review of Books

Melting Point, written by British Rachel Cockerell, presents a layered family history that delves into the randomness of Jewish existence in the 20th century, alongside the broader Jewish struggle for identity and place.

0 History Communities

The Grand Street Riot

Richard Kreitner in Jewish Review of Books

Scott D. Seligman's book delves into the dramatic events surrounding the 1902 funeral of New York City's Chief Rabbi Jacob Joseph, the East Side's response to his passing, and the resulting Grand Street Riot.

Israel ›

0 Israel History

Mobilizing Emotions

Allan Arkush in Jewish Review of Books

Orit Rozin's book, translated by Haim Watzman, explores the emotional states and management of Israeli citizens during the country's early years, particularly in response to conflict and insecurity.

Art ›

0 Art Culture

Sorry, No More Borscht

Jeremy Dauber in Jewish Review of Books

Jeremy Dauber examines the Jewish roots and broad cultural influence of MAD magazine through a collection of essays edited by David Mikics.

Education ›

0 Education Culture

The Hardest Jewish Lesson I’m Teaching My Children

Mijal Bitton in Future of Jewish

Mijal Bitton, a scholar and spiritual leader, reflects on the complex challenge of instilling in her children an unwavering Jewish identity amidst an increasingly hostile environment, especially towards those visibly connected to Israel.

Sports ›

0 Sports Culture

Baseball’s Jewish All-Stars

Peter Dreier in Tablet

The article traces the history of Jewish players in Major League Baseball's All-Star Games since its inception in 1933.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Antisemitism ›

Politics ›

Philosophy ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Television/Film ›

Music ›

Ethics ›

Jewish Law ›

Food ›

Literature ›

History ›

Israel ›

Art ›

Education ›

Sports ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

July 16's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Antisemitism ›

Politics ›

Philosophy ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Television/Film ›

Music ›

Ethics ›

Jewish Law ›

Food ›

Literature ›

History ›

Israel ›

Art ›

Education ›

Sports ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

July 16's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, July 16, 2025