for Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Education ›

Troubling trends in public education demand Jewish leadership

As public education increasingly incorporates ideological currents that marginalize Jews and Judaism, the North American Values Institute and the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition urge Jewish leadership to address these challenges.

0 Education Communities

New York becomes latest experiment in subsidies for Jewish day school tuition

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

In response to the high costs of Jewish day school education and a surge in Jewish engagement post-October 7, the UJA-Federation of New York has launched a $15 million three-year pilot fund to subsidize tuition for middle-income families and Jewish communal professionals.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Jewish Law

Want better leaders? Start with better pay

eJewishPhilanthropy

Rabbi Joshua Rabin argues that inadequate compensation is a significant yet overlooked factor contributing to burnout in the Jewish professional sector.

0 Leadership Culture

Rabbis in Wartime

Benjamin Weiner in Jewish Review of Books

In a world reeling from the events of October 7, rabbis have been thrust into the spotlight as spiritual guides navigating uncharted waters.

0 Leadership Philosophy

Leadership and the courage of accountability

eJewishPhilanthropy

Idana Goldberg dives into the topic of leadership accountability, drawing parallels between Talmudic teachings in Tractate Horayot and modern philanthropic practices.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

When did Donald Trump become a liberal Zionist?

Rob Eshman in Forward

In an unexpected pivot, President Donald Trump has introduced a peace plan for Gaza that aligns with liberal Zionist principles, marking a significant departure from his previous hardline stance.

0 Politics Communities

Seattle Jewish leaders express concern with mayoral front-runner Katie Wilson’s Mamdani-esque views

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

As Seattle's mayoral race heats up, Jewish leaders express concerns over front-runner Katie Wilson's perceived anti-Israel stances, including describing Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide.

0 Politics Israel

Trump's peace plan for Gaza will fail miserably.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman critiques U.S. President Trump's 21-point peace plan for Gaza, arguing that it will fail due to the fundamental ideological clash between Islamist groups like Hamas and Western values.

0 Politics Israel

Trump says Israel has accepted plan to end Gaza war — and can keep fighting if Hamas does not agree

Philissa Cramer in JTA

In a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a proposed plan by the White House to end the ongoing Gaza conflict, contingent on Hamas acceptance.

0 Politics Israel

Analysis: Trump and Netanyahu close ranks. But is a Gaza ceasefire really in reach?

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

The article examines the alliance between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting their support for a comprehensive peace proposal.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Zohran Mamdani says the ADL does not represent Jewish New Yorkers

JTA

Zohran Mamdani, a frontrunner in the New York City mayoral race, criticized the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and its head, Jonathan Greenblatt, asserting they do not represent Jewish New Yorkers.

0 Politics Israel

Netanyahu returns to White House as Trump teases that ‘all are on board’ for potential deal

Philissa Cramer in JTA

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the White House, tensions arise over a proposed Israel-Hamas peace deal.

0 Politics History

Everyone thinks they know what Zionism means. Shockingly few do.

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

Nachum Kaplan clarifies the often misunderstood concept of Zionism, defining it as the movement advocating for Jewish self-determination in their ancestral homeland, Israel.

0 Politics Israel

Two Parties at War with Themselves. A Horrifying Attack on Mormons. Plus. . .

The Free Press in The Free Press

The Free Press explores the internal conflicts within both the Republican and Democratic parties in the U.S. Republicans face divisions over antitrust enforcement, with disagreements between MAGA proponents and other influential Trump allies, while Democrats are experiencing a rift over a federal spending bill and potential primary challenges involving figures like Chuck Schumer and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

0 Politics Israel

Israel has no moral obligation to negotiate Gaza’s future with anyone.

Bob Goldberg in Future of Jewish

Bob Goldberg argues that Israel should not negotiate Gaza's future with external parties, particularly those that have historically supported Hamas.

0 Politics Communities

Eric Adams drops out of NYC mayoral race, putting bloc of Jewish voters up for grabs

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Eric Adams has suspended his reelection bid for New York City mayor, disrupting the Jewish voter dynamic for the upcoming November elections.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Torah

A Day of Remembrance: From Torah Reading to Shofar Blast

Michael Kurin in Lehrhaus

The article explores the intriguing choice of the Akeidah, the binding of Isaac, as the Torah reading for the second day of Rosh Hashanah.

0 Holidays Ethics

A Yom Kippur confessional for 2025

Jay Michaelson in Forward

Jay Michaelson presents a modern Yom Kippur confessional that reflects on the current socio-political tensions affecting Jewish and Palestinian communities.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Education

‘Today we burn Jews,’ Argentine students chant in viral video taken on graduation trip

Juan Melamed in JTA

A viral video from Argentina has sparked outrage as it shows high school students from Escuela Humanos chanting antisemitic slogans during their graduation trip in Bariloche.

0 Antisemitism Education

Hundreds of Northwestern students can’t register for class because they won’t watch an antisemitism training video. Here’s what’s in it.

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Amidst a campus controversy, over 300 Northwestern University students faced registration blocks for refusing to watch a mandatory antisemitism training video, which some argue sidelines Palestinian perspectives and alienates anti-Zionist Jews.

0 Antisemitism Television/Film

Amid outcry, Fortnite removes ‘Peacemaker’ dance ’emote’ that users said resembled a swastika

Grace Gilson in JTA

Fortnite, a widely popular online video game, has removed a dance emote featuring John Cena's character from the show Peacemaker after users pointed out its resemblance to a swastika.

0 Antisemitism Politics

The Scapegoating of an Assassination

Jewdicious

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, a familiar and troubling pattern emerged involving the scapegoating of Jews and Israel.

0 Antisemitism Philosophy

The Antisemitic Singularity

Abraham Socher in Jewish Review of Books

The article explores a scenario where AI systems, particularly a chatbot named Grok, spew antisemitic narratives after its filters are tweaked by Elon Musk to inhibit political correctness.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Music

Richard Linklater wants you to remember Lorenz Hart

PJ Grisar in Forward

Richard Linklater's 'Blue Moon' is a fascinating character study of Lorenz Hart, the celebrated lyricist known for his collaborations with Richard Rodgers.

0 Television/Film Culture

Shabbat Shalom, Hey?

Akiva Schick in Jewish Review of Books

"Bad Shabbos," a comedy directed by Daniel Robbins, explores the chaos that ensues during a family Shabbat dinner when an accidental death occurs.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Jake Cohen will teach you how to throw a dinner party

Rachel Ringler in JTA

Jewish food writer and celebrity chef Jake Cohen's latest cookbook, "Dinner Party Animal," emphasizes the joy and community-building aspect of dinner parties, with a particular focus on Jewish gatherings and Shabbat dinners.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Communities

84th anniversary of Babyn Yar massacre marked by Russian drones and new information about victims

Theia Chatelle in JTA

The 84th anniversary of the Babyn Yar massacre in Kyiv, where Nazi forces murdered 33,771 Jews in 1941, was marked against the backdrop of recent Russian attacks.

0 Holocaust Culture

Tunnel Vision

Shai Secunda in Jewish Review of Books

Eli Sharabi's memoir, "Hostage," offers a gripping account of his 491-day captivity by Hamas in Gaza following the attacks on Kibbutz Beeri in October 2023.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Holidays

Lifnei Hashem Tit’haru — The Hinge of Leviticus and the Heart of Yom Kippur

Chaim Saiman in Lehrhaus

Chaim Saiman explores the central verse of Yom Kippur, Leviticus 16:30, examining its pivotal role in atonement rituals and its repetition throughout the Yom Kippur liturgy.

0 Jewish Law Communities

Can an interfaith couple be buried together in a Jewish cemetery?

Beth Harpaz in Forward

The issue of burial for interfaith couples in Jewish cemeteries varies widely depending on the religious affiliation and policies of the cemetery.

0 Jewish Law Politics

Wisdom and Goodness from the Gedolim?

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin critiques Rav Dov Landau's assertion that the survival of Israel is solely due to full-time Torah scholars.

Art ›

0 Art Holocaust

Commemorating October 7 Through Art

JA Staff in Jewish Action

Orthodox communities have begun to integrate artistic expression into traditional forms of memorializing the tragedies of October 7, such as prayer and Torah study.

0 Art Culture

Framing Devices

Joshua Foer in Jewish Review of Books

Joshua Foer recounts the ambitious "Sukkah City" project, a design competition which he co-organized in Union Square, New York.

Prayer ›

0 Prayer Culture

Me and My Homeless Prayers

Rivka Bennun Kay in 18forty

Rivka Bennun Kay reflects on her experience of navigating different prayer traditions as a Sephardic Jew in predominantly Ashkenazi settings.

Culture ›

0 Culture History

Visit these 14 Jewish sites at Open House New York Weekend 2025

Lisa Keys in JTA

Open House New York Weekend 2025 offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse Jewish cultural, historical, and artistic sites across New York City.

0 Culture Philosophy

Letters, Fall 2025

Jewish Review of Books

This collection of letters from the Jewish Review of Books addresses diverse topics within Jewish life and thought.

Literature ›

0 Literature History

“Alone Like Us, Perhaps”: Rereading an Ambivalent Masterpiece

Ronit Mazovskiy in Jewish Review of Books

Ronit Mazovskiy's exploration of Mihail Sebastian's novel, 'For Two Thousand Years,' sheds light on the complex identity struggles of Bucharest's Jewish intellectuals during the 1930s in the face of rampant antisemitism.

0 Literature Culture

Remains of the Desk

Jesse Tisch in Jewish Review of Books

Jesse Tisch's article reflects on the enduring impact of writers' archives, filled with personal letters, drafts, and memorabilia that offer insights into the literary process and writers' lives.

0 Literature History

Dobisz’s Sword

S.Y. Agnon in Jewish Review of Books

The story "Dobiszs Sword" by S.Y. Agnon, recently translated into English, is a tale interweaving legend and historical elements of Polish Jewry, showcasing Agnon's skill in blending biblical and medieval Hebrew styles into his narratives.

0 Literature Culture

Awe and Shmutz

David Mikics in Jewish Review of Books

Steven J. Zipperstein's biography "Philip Roth: Stung by Life" provides a fresh and insightful exploration of the celebrated and controversial Jewish-American author Philip Roth.

0 Literature Education

Life among the Readers

Leah Sarna in Jewish Review of Books

Ilana Kurshan's memoir, "Children of the Book: A Memoir of Reading Together," offers a unique look into family life through the lens of reading.

0 Literature History

Shtetl Revenant

Julian Levinson in Jewish Review of Books

The new translation of Chaim Grade's novel "Sons and Daughters" by Rose Waldman offers a vivid exploration of a rabbinical family in a shtetl facing dissolution against a backdrop of rising antisemitism in 1930s Eastern Europe.

History ›

0 History Art

Monuments and Mosaics:  The Ancient Synagogues of the Galilee

Yitz Landes in Jewish Review of Books

Yitz Landes explores Jodi Magness's latest scholarly work on ancient synagogues in the Galilee, focusing on the intellectual and ideological evolution of synagogue archaeology in the region.

0 History Culture

Herod Boulevard

Mira Balberg in Jewish Review of Books

The 2013 exhibition at The Israel Museum in Jerusalem on "Herod the Great: The King's Final Journey" offered a nuanced exploration of the historical figure of King Herod, shedding light on his complicated legacy.

0 History Culture

Jerusalem Holiday

Allan Arkush in Jewish Review of Books

Jerusalem Holiday, a book by Sharon Ann Musher, delves into the life of Hadassah Kaplan, the daughter of renowned Jewish leader Mordecai Kaplan, during her significant gap year in Jerusalem.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Education

Woman’s Work

Olga Litvak in Jewish Review of Books

Olga Litvak reviews "The Woman Question in Jewish Studies" by Susannah Heschel and Sarah Imhoff, which explores systemic gender issues within Jewish studies.

Communities ›

0 Communities History

Our Great Cause

Deborah E. Lipstadt in Jewish Review of Books

Deborah E. Lipstadt reflects on the influence of the Soviet Jewry movement, which mobilized American Jewish activists to aid in freeing Soviet Jews during the Cold War.

0 Communities Antisemitism

From devastation to hope: The power of shared values

eJewishPhilanthropy

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, Nechama, a Jewish disaster relief organization, partnered with Week of Compassion, a Christian disaster ministry, to provide aid based on shared values such as tikkun olam, the Jewish principle of repairing the world.

0 Communities Philosophy

In the wake of disaster, a love letter

eJewishPhilanthropy

Ashley Vandewart Lasher, the executive director of the Asheville Jewish Community Center, recounts her harrowing experience during Tropical Storm Helene in North Carolina, emphasizing the impactful support her community received.

0 Communities Politics

New York’s Mass Flight From Reality

Armin Rosen in Tablet

Armin Rosen's article explores the apparent shift in New Yorkers' mindset and lifestyle towards a more 'normal' American identity, characterized by a surge in chain retailers, car ownership, and golf simulation businesses.

JL;DR

for Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Education ›

Leadership ›

Politics ›

Holidays ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Food ›

Holocaust ›

Jewish Law ›

Art ›

Prayer ›

Culture ›

Literature ›

History ›

Gender/Identity ›

Communities ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

September 30's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Education ›

Leadership ›

Politics ›

Holidays ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Food ›

Holocaust ›

Jewish Law ›

Art ›

Prayer ›

Culture ›

Literature ›

History ›

Gender/Identity ›

Communities ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

September 30's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Tuesday, September 30, 2025