for Friday, September 12, 2025

Education ›

0 Education Communities

Widening the frame: Rethinking how we understand impact in Jewish learning

eJewishPhilanthropy

The Jim Joseph Foundation is advocating for a broader, more inclusive understanding of Jewish learning impacts.

Culture ›

0 Culture Ethics

The sword has been unsheathed again

eJewishPhilanthropy

Drawing inspiration from a Talmudic story that parallels today's polarizing climate, Rabbi Benjamin Berger reflects on the unsettling trend of ideological violence, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

0 Culture History

Americans and Their Demons

Maggie Phillips in Tablet

Following a shooting in Minneapolis that many describe as "demonic," the article explores America's current fascination with demons and spiritual warfare.

0 Culture Communities

Bella Bryks Klein promoted Yiddish to people of all ages

Rukhl Schaechter in Forward

Bella Bryks Klein was a pivotal figure in promoting Yiddish culture, bridging generations with her passion for the language and its heritage.

0 Culture Torah

Spirituality or intellectualism? An age-old High Holiday debate

Judah Sussman in Forward

The High Holidays prompt an ongoing debate between spirituality and intellectualism within Jewish communities.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker’s interrogator out to trip up Israel supporters

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

Isaac Chotiner, a staff writer for The New Yorker, has garnered attention for his confrontational interview style, particularly with those defending Israel.

0 Politics Israel

Dan Goldman’s primary emerging as bellwether for the staying power of pro-Israel Democrats

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

The upcoming primary race for New York's Dan Goldman's congressional seat is seen as a significant indicator of the influence of pro-Israel Democrats in an increasingly progressive district.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Ashley Hinson emerges as odds-on favorite to succeed Ernst in the Senate

Emily Jacobs in Jewish Insider

Ashley Hinson, currently a U.S. Representative from Iowa, has become the leading candidate to replace Senator Joni Ernst, who is not seeking re-election.

0 Politics Culture

What Killed Charlie Kirk

Liel Leibovitz in Tablet

Liel Leibovitz's article explores the societal factors that have contributed to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, emphasizing deep-rooted changes in American social norms and institutional failures.

0 Politics Israel

Israel's attack against Hamas in Qatar was successful.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Israel conducted an unprecedented airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeting top Hamas leaders during a meeting, aiming to disrupt hostage-for-ceasefire negotiations.

0 Politics Communities

Brad Lander calls for ‘coalition of anti-Zionists and liberal Zionists’ in appearance with Zohran Mamdani

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Brooklyn's comptroller, Brad Lander, proposed a coalition of anti-Zionists and liberal Zionists to combat issues in Gaza, during a speech at a Jewish progressive event organized by Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ).

0 Politics History

He showed Americans the visceral horrors of the Third Reich — what would he think of Trump's US?

Terrence Petty in Forward

Revisiting William L. Shirer's experiences in Nazi Germany, this article draws parallels between the totalitarian tendencies Shirer observed and contemporary politics in the United States under former President Donald Trump.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Why Nazi comparisons triggered Trump after Charlie Kirk’s assassination

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Jacob Kornbluh examines President Donald Trump's controversial reactions to accusations of nazi affiliations following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Israel is being blamed for Charlie Kirk’s death. Here’s what that conspiracy theory says about the far right’s divide

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

The murder of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist, has ignited a conspiracy theory among certain far-right circles that Israel was responsible for his death.

0 Politics History

Who was Horst Wessel, and why are people comparing Charlie Kirk to him?

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, parallels have been drawn between him and Horst Wessel, a Nazi martyr used by Hitler to galvanize support.

0 Politics Culture

Jewish lawmaker who shared Duke stage with Jerry Seinfeld condemns his ‘Free Palestine’-KKK comparison

Andrew Lapin in JTA

North Carolina state senator Sophia Chitlik publicly criticized Jerry Seinfeld for his controversial comments made during a Duke University event comparing pro-Palestinian protesters to the Ku Klux Klan.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Charlie Kirk and Alan Berg: 2 murders, 41 years apart, show the painful perils of polarization

Rob Eshman in Forward

The murders of Charlie Kirk in 2025 and Alan Berg in 1984 have exposed the dangerous extremes of political polarization, posing threats to free expression and amplifying the perilous intersection between the First and Second Amendments in the U.S. Charlie Kirk, a conservative pundit known for extremist rhetoric, was assassinated similarly to Berg, a liberal radio host killed for his outspoken views.

0 Politics Israel

Why Israel Blocks the Media From Gaza (And Why It’s Right)

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

Nachum Kaplan argues that Israel's restriction of foreign journalists in Gaza is justified due to security concerns and the biased reporting historically exhibited by the international media.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Charlie Kirk, conservative activist who considered himself a defender of Jews and Israel, is dead at 31

Grace Gilson in JTA

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist known for his outspoken support of Israel, was fatally shot while speaking at a Utah university.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Communities

‘You Will Survive’

Magali Druscovich in Tablet

The article chronicles the life of Francisco Wichter, a Holocaust survivor who triumphed over unimaginable adversity.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

Orthodox couple attacked in Venice as antisemitic incidents in Europe raise anxiety for Jews and Israelis

Grace Gilson in JTA

A recent antisemitic attack in Venice highlights growing concerns over the safety of Jews and Israelis in Europe.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Hate is on the rise. But guns make Jews less safe, not more secure.

Rebecca Fischer in JTA

Rebecca Fischer, a Jewish public health advocate, argues against increased gun ownership in the Jewish community despite rising antisemitic violence.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Antisemitism flares and ‘Reichstag’ mentions soar online in wake of Charlie Kirk assassination

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Charlie Kirk's assassination has triggered a wave of online antisemitic conspiracy theories, blaming Jews and the Israeli spy agency Mossad for his death.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

Forty years later, we need 'The Golden Girls' now more than ever

Olivia Haynie in Forward

"The Golden Girls" remains a beloved TV show 40 years after its debut for its refreshing portrayal of older women and its Jewish sensibility, despite Jewish characters not being central.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Israel

Cherishing Torah and Judaism Is Not Uniquely Charedi

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article expresses strong disagreement with certain Charedi leaders who prioritize exempting young Charedim from military service over other pressing issues, such as supporting the IDF soldiers who continuously risk their lives.

0 Jewish Law Holidays

What’s the Truth about . . . Fasting on Yom Kippur?

Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky in Jewish Action

Fasting on Yom Kippur is a central Biblical commandment that takes precedence over attending synagogue services if one cannot do both.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Philosophy

What the Ancient First Fruits Teach Us About Jewish Joy

Rivka Bennun Kay in 18forty

The bikkurim ceremony, depicted in the Beth Alpha synagogue mosaics, highlights the Jewish value of performing mitzvot with joy.

Communities ›

0 Communities Philosophy

What grief-born charities can teach about resilience and lasting impact

eJewishPhilanthropy

In the wake of trauma, such as the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, families often channel their grief into charitable initiatives.

JL;DR

for Friday, September 12, 2025

Education ›

Culture ›

Politics ›

Holocaust ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Jewish Law ›

Holidays ›

Communities ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

September 12's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Education ›

Culture ›

Politics ›

Holocaust ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Jewish Law ›

Holidays ›

Communities ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

September 12's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Friday, September 12, 2025