JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Education ›

0 Education Culture

A bridge over troubled water: Why online encounters are an inseparable part of Jewish education

eJewishPhilanthropy

Online encounters have become a vital component of Jewish education, serving as a bridge between teens in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

0 Education Jewish Law

Family Living: Resilient Children

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr explores strategies for fostering resilience in children, emphasizing its importance for coping with life's challenges.

Torah ›

0 Torah Jewish Law

God’s Estranged Wife: Rashi on Song of Songs, Lamentations and Hosea

Devorah Schoenfeld in Lehrhaus

Devorah Schoenfeld delves into Rashi's intricate interpretations of Song of Songs, Lamentations, and Hosea, presenting a provocative narrative of God's estrangement from Israel.

0 Torah Philosophy

Parshas Devarim: 5785

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Drawing on the emotional and historical weight of the term "eichah," Cindy Scarr explores themes of giving and taking through the lens of Parshas Devarim.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Zohran Mamdani’s pro-Palestinian positions drove 83% of his new voters in the NY primary, poll shows

Shira Li Bartov in JTA

Zohran Mamdani's strong advocacy for Palestinian rights significantly influenced the outcome of the New York mayoral primary, appealing particularly to first-time voters.

0 Politics Israel

Recognizing a Palestinian state is a great way to doom Palestinians

Dan Perry in Forward

In this opinion piece, Dan Perry argues that unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state by France and the UK could inadvertently strengthen Hamas and undermine prospects for peace in the region.

0 Politics Antisemitism

We need a new antisemitism strategy.

Mijal Bitton in Future of Jewish

Mijal Bitton argues for a revised strategy in addressing the growing antisemitism in Western politics, suggesting that Jewish communities should shift from reactive outrage to strategic coalition building.

0 Politics Israel

UK will recognize Palestinian state if Israel does not end ‘appalling situation’ in Gaza

Grace Gilson in Forward

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that Britain will join France in recognizing a Palestinian state at the United Nations if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire and take steps to improve conditions in Gaza.

0 Politics Ethics

35 rabbis arrested in NYC and DC protests for Gaza food aid

Grace Gilson in Forward

In a bold demonstration of activism, 35 rabbis were arrested in New York City and Washington, DC for protesting the Israeli blockade of Gaza and advocating for humanitarian aid.

0 Politics Culture

The subject was Gaza, but Jon Stewart and Peter Beinart had a whole lot to say about Judaism

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

In a compelling discussion on The Daily Show, Jon Stewart and Peter Beinart explored the complex themes of Jewish identity and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

0 Politics Communities

For Jews who have supported Israel, famine in Gaza may be a breaking point

Dany Bahar in Forward

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marked by severe malnutrition and starvation, is posing a moral quandary for Jews who have been staunch supporters of Israel.

0 Politics Jewish Law

How Jon Stewart evolved on Israel — at least on ‘The Daily Show’

PJ Grisar in Forward

Jon Stewart, former host of "The Daily Show," has openly discussed and critiqued Israel's actions over the years, highlighting how his viewpoints have evolved on air alongside changing events in Gaza.

0 Politics Israel

Inside the Room

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, a pro-Israel evangelical, recently visited Slabodka's roshei yeshivah, Rav Dov Landau and Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, in Bnei Brak.

0 Politics Ethics

Starvation? Yes. But Who, How Many, and Why

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article explores the complex and contentious issue of starvation in Gaza, as images of severely malnourished Palestinian children circulate in the media, influencing global opinion against Israel.

0 Politics Israel

Recognizing Palestinian statehood, Emmanuel Macron once again reveals himself a master of bad timing

Robert Zaretsky in Forward

French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to recognize Palestinian statehood is seen as poorly timed amid ongoing political tensions.

0 Politics Israel

Mamdani’s criticism of Israel and support for Palestinians attracted voters, new poll shows

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Zohran Mamdani's electoral victory in the Democratic primary for NYC Mayor has spotlighted a significant shift in political dynamics concerning Israel and Palestine.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Too many people still don't understand Hamas.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman argues that many Westerners misunderstand Hamas, perceiving it as a political movement or resistance group rather than what he describes as a violent gang-like organization.

0 Politics Ethics

Charedi Idealism and Sacrifice

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin critiques the approach of respecting Charedim who avoid IDF service, arguing that spiritual dedication does not excuse neglecting national defense responsibilities.

0 Politics Ethics

As images from Gaza spread, US rabbis wrestle with war’s morality from the pulpit

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

American rabbis are grappling with the moral implications of Israel's war against Hamas as the conflict impacts civilian lives in Gaza.

0 Politics Communities

The Church of Taybeh

Tony Badran in Tablet

The article examines the inflammatory allegations that Israel deliberately targets Christian holy sites, particularly focusing on a rumored attack on the Church of Taybeh in the West Bank.

0 Politics Israel

The Bugs Bunny Trial

Gadi Taub in Tablet

Gadi Taub's article discusses the ongoing trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, dubbed the 'Bugs Bunny Trial' due to its trivial focus on a Bugs Bunny doll incident from nearly 30 years ago.

0 Politics Israel

However it distributes aid, or doesn’t, Israel still has no plan for its war in Gaza

Yaakov Katz in JTA

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, a lack of coherent strategy remains a critical issue for Israel, states Yaakov Katz.

0 Politics Israel

Israel must end this war — by winning it.

Bob Goldberg in Future of Jewish

Bob Goldberg, in his guest essay, argues that Israel must decisively end its ongoing conflict with Hamas rather than prolong the battle through what he terms 'suicidal humanitarianism.'

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Education

UCLA settles antisemitism lawsuit with $6.13M payout, including donations to Jewish groups

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

UCLA has reached a $6.13 million settlement in the Frankel v. Regents of the University of California case, resolving accusations that the university allowed antisemitic discrimination against Jewish students during 2024 campus protests.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

Wesley LePatner, killed in Midtown Manhattan shooting, is mourned as a ‘uniquely brilliant’ Jewish leader

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Wesley LePatner, a prominent Jewish community leader and senior executive at Blackstone, was tragically killed in a mass shooting at her Midtown Manhattan office.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

Tom Lehrer Gave Us One of the Best Jewish Holiday Songs, ‘Hanukkah in Santa Monica’

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Tom Lehrer, who recently passed away at age 97, left an indelible mark on Jewish music with his song "Hanukkah in Santa Monica."

0 Music Culture

What Is Your Favorite Yerushalayim Niggun?

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Exploring the deep connection between music and Jewish longing, particularly regarding Yerushalayim, this article showcases various Jewish artists sharing their favorite niggunim about Jerusalem.

0 Music Culture

A voice for his generation, Tom Lehrer found laughter even in the most sensitive aspects of Jewish life and history

Benjamin Ivry in Forward

Tom Lehrer, the American Jewish singer-songwriter who passed away at 97, masterfully infused Yiddishkeit into his satirical music, honing a tradition of Jewish cabaret performers who entertained with sharp socio-political commentary.

0 Music Politics

A new collection of Yiddish songs casts Israel as the ‘evildoer’ in Gaza

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

A collection of Yiddish songs titled "Lider mit Palestine: New Yiddish Songs of Grief, Fury, and Love," produced by Joe Dobkin, Josh Waletzky, and Isabel Frey, casts Israel in a critical light, accusing it of committing atrocious acts in Gaza.

Culture ›

0 Culture Ethics

In Peace: Part 3 of 3

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Exploring the raw and tender emotions of grief, Cindy Scarr's piece focuses on dealing with the loss of a beloved father.

0 Culture History

It Were but a Dream

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article explores the intense and surreal experiences of Jewish exile, or 'galus,' by sharing personal narratives of distress and perseverance that will ultimately be eclipsed by the predicted redemption of 'Geulah.'

Communities ›

0 Communities Philosophy

Inbox: Issue 1072

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The collection of letters in "Inbox: Issue 1072" reflects the diverse emotional and intellectual engagements of Mishpacha magazine's readership.

0 Communities Leadership

'I was first and foremost Jewish,' said Wesley LePatner, killed in NYC shooting

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Wesley LePatner, a prominent member of the New York Jewish community and executive at Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, was tragically killed in a shooting at Blackstone's Midtown Manhattan headquarters.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Education

Their Story Is Our Story

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Tishah B'Av remains a powerful day of mourning not just for the ancient destruction of the Temples but also for the collective suffering of the Jewish people throughout history.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Tomato Sandwich with Dill Pickle Mayo

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig introduces a new twist on the classic tomato sandwich by incorporating Ashkenazi influences.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Antisemitism

Faith-driven feminism after Oct. 7, 2023: Showing up when it’s hard

eJewishPhilanthropy

In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attacks, Rabba Daphne Lazar Price reflects on the vital role of interfaith feminist alliances in combating antisemitic and gender-based violence.

Israel ›

0 Israel Communities

‘To everything there is a season,’ and now is the time for business

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article highlights the significant role tourism and economic collaboration play in Israel's resilience amid crises, exemplified by Oren's small eatery recovery thanks to unexpected tourist support.