for Friday, October 17, 2025

Philosophy ›

The emergency isn’t over: Why Jewish philanthropy must stay in crisis mode after the war

Following the recent war and the freeing of hostages, the Jewish community has been remarkable in its quick, united, and effective response to the crisis, raising billions and strengthening grassroots engagement efforts.

0 Philosophy Communities

Stages of Grief

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Reflecting on the profound themes of mortality and grief during the Yamim Noraim, Rabbi Yonah Sklare shares a moving tribute to his late friend and colleague Reb Dovid Steingroot, who passed away from cancer.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

Remembering my chavruta: Rabbi Moshe Hauer, z”l

eJewishPhilanthropy

Rabbi Rick Jacobs reflects on the profound impact of Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zl, highlighting their unique relationship despite their differing religious backgrounds—Reform and Orthodox.

0 Leadership Politics

Fearless or foolish? Michael Roth, Wesleyan’s Jewish president, stands apart in opposing Trump’s campus policies

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Wesleyan University president Michael Roth is an outspoken critic of President Trump's campus policies, particularly those affecting Jewish life and academic freedom.

0 Leadership Culture

Angela Buchdahl, ‘An Unlikely Rabbi’

Gary Rosenblatt in Hadassah

Angela Buchdahl, renowned for her remarkable journey from a diverse heritage to becoming a leading figure in Reform Judaism, is celebrated for her transformative impact at Central Synagogue in New York.

0 Leadership Communities

Rabbi Moshe Hauer, OU leader admired across Jewish world, is dead at 60

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Rabbi Moshe Hauer, a prominent figure in American Orthodoxy and a respected leader across Jewish denominations, has tragically passed away at age 60.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Science

My Spare Embryos

Justine el-Khazen in Tablet

Justine el-Khazen explores the complicated reality of having leftover embryos from IVF, a deeply personal and ethically complex issue.

0 Ethics Communities

Scared Silent

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr explores the detrimental technique in personal relationships known as the "scare them silent" strategy, where individuals use yelling or sharp words to avoid taking responsibility and deflect criticism.

Politics ›

0 Politics Ethics

The people trying to save the world are the ones destroying it.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

In this critique of modern activism, Joshua Hoffman argues that many individuals and movements claiming to "save the world" are instead perpetuating moral confusion and distortion.

0 Politics Communities

A time to sob, and to dance: Why does the joy of the hostage release feel so painful?

Yardena Schwartz in Forward

The return of Israeli hostages from Gaza has brought a mix of joy and deep sorrow to Israel and the global Jewish community.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Mike Johnson denounces Young Republicans’ group chat that praised Hitler as JD Vance downplays uproar

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned a leaked group chat among Young Republican officials that included antisemitic and racist remarks, reinforcing the Republican Party's opposition to Nazi ideology.

0 Politics Israel

Zohran Mamdani deflects questions about Hamas on Fox News

JTA

Zohran Mamdani, a candidate in the New York City mayoral race, deflected Fox News questions regarding his stance on Hamas and Israel, instead emphasizing his focus on affordability in New York.

0 Politics Communities

Trump, Israel, and Jewish-American Voters

Jewdicious

Jewish-American voters have traditionally favored the Democratic Party due to shared liberal values, historical experiences as a minority, and alignment on domestic policies such as civil rights.

0 Politics Philosophy

Harmeet Dhillon’s Civil Rights Revolution. Why Hamas Doesn’t Want Peace. Plus. . .

The Free Press in The Free Press

The latest edition of The Free Press highlights Harmeet Dhillon's controversial tenure as assistant attorney general with the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Will Diaspora Jews support the ‘Sparta State’?

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article examines the evolving relationship between Diaspora Jews and Israel, particularly as the country's current political climate challenges traditional views.

0 Politics Education

With new higher ed compact, Trump’s antisemitism crusade broadens to fight academic bias

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

The Trump administration's new proposal, the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, aims to reshape higher education by tying federal funding preferences to universities' adoptance of policies against race-based admissions and a commitment to greater ideological diversity, among other points.

0 Politics Israel

Rep. Seth Moulton challenging Markey, one of Israel’s leading Senate critics, in high-stakes Dem primary

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

Rep. Seth Moulton is challenging Sen. Ed Markey in the Massachusetts Democratic primary, pushing for generational change.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Think the left is politically violent? Young Republicans have a wake-up call for you

Emily Tamkin in Forward

Emily Tamkin's article in The Forward examines the troubling rise of antisemitism among young Republicans, as evidenced by leaked group chats discussing violent fantasies and Adolf Hitler admiration.

0 Antisemitism Politics

The hostages are home. The fight is far from over

eJewishPhilanthropy

The release of hostages marks a significant moment in Jewish history, but the struggle against antisemitism continues.

0 Antisemitism Politics

As she emerges as populist GOP critic, Marjorie Taylor Greene amplifies antisemitic rhetoric

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican congresswoman known for her controversial rhetoric and conspiracy theories, has increasingly targeted Jewish and pro-Israel individuals and groups.

Culture ›

0 Culture Holocaust

Rachel Goldberg-Polin: The Voice of the Mothers

Jessica Steinberg in Hadassah

Rachel Goldberg-Polin has emerged as a poignant symbol of resilience and hope following the harrowing abduction and eventual murder of her son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, during the Hamas attack in October 2023.

0 Culture Israel

When Dinosaurs Become Dinosaurs

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin reflects on how his once fervent interest in dinosaurs, which involved not just their biology but also the theological conundrums they pose for Orthodox Judaism, has faded in relevance.

0 Culture Education

Family First Inbox: Issue 964

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The Family First Inbox, Issue 964, showcases diverse perspectives on modern Jewish life from readers who respond to previous articles and editorial discussions.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

Check out these fall Jewish school open houses in the New York area

New York Jewish Week Staff in JTA

Jewish families in the New York area exploring educational options for their children have a diverse array of Jewish day schools and yeshivas to consider.

0 Education Culture

Perpetual Planning

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article in Mishpacha Magazine explores the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, particularly regarding "perpetual planning" where decisions remain unmade due to perfectionism or waning interest.

0 Education Communities

The Conversation Continues: To Be Honest: Issue 960

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article highlights the ongoing crisis in Jewish education due to low teacher salaries, which impacts teacher recruitment and retention across the Jewish community.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

The new Anne Frank musical wants you to laugh at 'woke culture' — but is it funny?

Olivia Haynie in Forward

An innovative but controversial production, "Slam Frank," by Andrew Fox, explores the boundaries of satire by reimagining Anne Frank as a Latinx pansexual character named Anita.

0 Television/Film Culture

How a Jewish schoolteacher from New Jersey made it to Hollywood and Broadway at the same time

Jon Kalish in Forward

Robert Kaplow, a former high school English teacher from New Jersey, has carved a unique path in the arts, transitioning from a beloved educator to a creative force in theater and radio.

Art ›

0 Art History

At a book-lovers’ mecca, a celebration of the Jewish Diaspora

Lisa Keys in JTA

At New York City's Grolier Club, the exhibit "Jewish Worlds Illuminated: A Treasury of Hebrew Manuscripts from The JTS Library" showcases an extraordinary collection of Jewish manuscripts from across the diaspora.

Literature ›

0 Literature History

A glimpse of the Jewish left in 1920s Palestine

Judah Sussman in Forward

"Boom and Chains," a novel by Hanan Ayalti, highlights the complexities of Mandate-era Palestine through the lens of Jewish, Arab, and socialist interactions.

0 Literature Philosophy

Thomas Mann’s Magic Mountain Reimagined

David Mikics in Tablet

David Mikics explores how Thomas Mann's "The Magic Mountain," published in 1924, remains a vital literary exploration of life, death, and intellectual discourse amid the historical backdrop of early 20th-century Europe.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

From British Band to Holy Land, Words That Never Let Go

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Ken Burgess, originally a member of London's bustling 1960s music scene, converted to Judaism and became a prominent figure in the Israeli music world.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Brothy Meatball and Vegetable Soup

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig shares her Brothy Meatball and Vegetable Soup recipe, a dish influenced by Sephardi cuisine, featuring spiced meatballs and vegetables.

Torah ›

0 Torah Philosophy

Parshas Bereishis: 5786

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr explores the concept of divine favoritism in the Torah, specifically in the context of Noach finding favor (chein) in Hashem's eyes despite humanity's condemnation.

Communities ›

0 Communities Ethics

See Something, Say Something: Issue 963

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article explores the complexities of parental involvement in adult children's lives, particularly when it involves offering unsolicited advice on parenting.

0 Communities Holidays

Simchat Torah in Hostages Square lays bare divide over just how much to celebrate yet

Deborah Danan in JTA

The observation of Simchat Torah at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv highlighted the complex interplay of joy and grief as the community grappled with the recent return of living hostages from Gaza, following a traumatic period marked by a Hamas-led massacre.

0 Communities Antisemitism

Europe is losing its religion, and its Jews.

Future of Jewish

Europe is witnessing a significant decline of religious adherence, with a noticeable transformation of once-sacred Christian buildings into entertainment venues.

JL;DR

for Friday, October 17, 2025

Philosophy ›

Leadership ›

Ethics ›

Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

Culture ›

Education ›

Television/Film ›

Art ›

Literature ›

Music ›

Food ›

Torah ›

Communities ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 17's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Philosophy ›

Leadership ›

Ethics ›

Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

Culture ›

Education ›

Television/Film ›

Art ›

Literature ›

Music ›

Food ›

Torah ›

Communities ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 17's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Friday, October 17, 2025