for Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Education

Have Jewish philanthropists joined “The Surge” in studying Jewish wisdom?

In light of the growing interest in Jewish identity following recent antisemitic events, the Jewish Funders Network has launched "Jewish Wisdom for Philanthropy," part of its "Guides for Intelligent Giving Series," to encourage Jewish philanthropists to deepen their own knowledge of Jewish texts and values.

0 Ethics Holocaust

We cannot forget the fallen

eJewishPhilanthropy

The emotional plea highlights the ongoing struggle of families whose loved ones, taken as hostages, remain unreturned after their deaths in Gaza.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Non-Zionists vs. Anti-Zionists

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Charedi Judaism, particularly its relationship with Zionism, has been marked by diverse streams such as anti-Zionist groups like Satmar and non-Zionist mainstream charedim.

Education ›

0 Education Culture

A sanctuary on campus: Hebrew classrooms at American universities after Oct. 7, 2023

eJewishPhilanthropy

In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, Hebrew language classes at American universities have become sanctuaries for students seeking connection and understanding amidst rising campus tensions.

0 Education Holocaust

A 21-year-old from rural Argentina travels 5,000 miles to learn — and teach — tolerance

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Agustina Cruz, a 21-year-old from rural Argentina, traveled to Washington, D.C., becoming the first recipient of the White Rose Award for her advocacy for marginalized Roma families.

0 Education Politics

Academia is trying to rewrite Jewish history.

Matthew Nouriel in Future of Jewish

Matthew Nouriel critiques the academic appointment of Hadar Cohen, a spiritual activist without a traditional academic background, to teach a course on "Arab Jews" at the University of San Francisco.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

Graham Platner says ‘I am not a secret Nazi’ after photos of his tattoo emerge

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, is embroiled in controversy over a tattoo on his chest resembling a Nazi Totenkopf.

0 Politics Communities

Prominent NYC rabbi urges congregants to vote against Zohran Mamdani in Shabbat sermon

JTA Staff in Forward

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue and Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue urged congregants to vote against Zohran Mamdani in the New York mayoral race due to his views on Israel, which they believe jeopardize the Jewish community's security.

0 Politics History

It Was Never About Hamas

Ken Silverman in The Beinart Notebook

The article by Ken Silverman examines the intricacies of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arguing that Israel's issues with Hamas are overstated and that the broader strategy is more about controlling Palestinian land and people.

0 Politics Communities

Prominent NYC rabbi urges congregants to vote against Zohran Mamdani in Shabbat sermon

JTA

In a politically charged sermon, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue urged his congregation to vote against Zohran Mamdani, citing concerns over Mamdani's views on Israel and Zionism, which he deemed a threat to New York's Jewish community.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Ro Khanna, Democratic critic of Israel, says he supports Zionism and the ‘right for Israel to exist’

Grace Gilson in JTA

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna of California, known for his criticism of certain Israeli policies, has articulated his support for Zionism and the existence of Israel as a Jewish state.

0 Politics History

Macron Occupies a Jewish Family Home in Baghdad

Alexander Kippen in Tablet

The French government occupies a property in Baghdad originally owned by a Jewish family, the Lawees, who fled Iraq amid anti-Jewish violence in the mid-20th century.

0 Politics Israel

Tom Suozzi finds comfort zone in the political middle, speaking up for Israel

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

Representative Tom Suozzi, a moderate Democrat from New York, emphasizes the importance of maintaining bipartisan support for Israel, a stance that sets him apart from some in his party.

0 Politics Communities

At a synagogue meeting about how to beat Mamdani, Sliwa faces calls to exit NYC mayor’s race

Joseph Strauss in JTA

In a gathering at Fifth Avenue Synagogue, members discussed strategies to defeat Zohran Mamdani's candidacy for New York City mayor.

0 Politics History

They don't hate Israel. They hate losing.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The article by Joshua Hoffman explores the psychological underpinnings of the global anti-Zionist movement, asserting that it is less about opposing Israel's policies and more about a psychological response to the humiliation of losing.

Culture ›

0 Culture Education

The Child Who Remembered Too Much

Adam Eilath in Tablet

Yaeli, a young girl with the uncanny ability to remember experiences and events from different times in Jewish history, grapples with her extraordinary gift.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Britain’s Jewish community wants actions, not words, after Manchester synagogue attack

Lianne Kolirin in Jewish Insider

Following a deadly terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur, the U.K.'s Jewish community demands more than just verbal support from the government amid rising antisemitism.

Sports ›

0 Sports Culture

The Lakers were about to shock the NBA. But Shabbat had to end first.

Louis Keene in Forward

Yaron Weitzman's book, "A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers," reveals a surprising Jewish angle in one of the most shocking NBA trades—the transfer of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Communities ›

0 Communities Education

As Greenpoint’s Jewish community grows, so does this shul’s Hebrew school

Jackie Hajdenberg in Forward

The Jewish community in Greenpoint, Brooklyn is expanding, with the Greenpoint Shul recently incorporating a thriving Hebrew school that serves about 30 children from kindergarten through eighth grade.

0 Communities Politics

Jewish Culture Does Not Define Us

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article discusses the decline in Jewish identity among American Jews, particularly in the context of intermarriage and the varying approaches to Jewish identity among different denominations.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Reform Judaism isn’t Jewish. It’s an entirely different religion.

Sam Mitzmann in Future of Jewish

Sam Mitzmann argues that Reform Judaism is not merely a variant of traditional Judaism but is an entirely separate religion due to its departure from foundational Jewish beliefs and practices.

0 Jewish Law Politics

The Starvation of Gaza: A Halakhic Argument

David Polsky in Lehrhaus

David Polsky explores the contentious issue of whether Israel should block humanitarian aid to Gaza in response to hostage situations, assessing it through the lens of Halakhah.

Art ›

0 Art Holocaust

Hidden in Central Park, a modest installation of Holocaust art — but what was it doing there?

Ricky Ian Gordon in Forward

While walking in Central Park, composer Ricky Ian Gordon stumbled upon what he initially thought to be a street art installation—painted bricks depicting Holocaust victims.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Ethics

Arthur Waskow, activist rabbi who brought Jewish spiritual wisdom to bear on progressive politics, dies at 92

Ben Harris in JTA

Rabbi Arthur Waskow, a pivotal figure in the Jewish Renewal movement and a champion of progressive causes, has passed away at the age of 92.

0 Leadership Gender/Identity

How an 'unlikely rabbi' went from Korea to Colbert

Robin Washington in Forward

Angela Buchdahl's memoir "Heart of a Stranger" explores her unique journey from her South Korean roots to becoming a notable figure in American Judaism as the first Asian American rabbi and cantor.

0 Leadership Communities

Turning the page

eJewishPhilanthropy

Mark S. Charendoff of the Maimonides Fund outlines the critical challenges facing American Jews and Israel in the wake of recent turmoil in Gaza.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

‘It’s a Small World After All’ Now Has New Lyrics From Its Original Jewish Composers

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The iconic Disney song "It's a Small World (After All)," known for its enduring global resonance, received a lyrical update this year with a 70th anniversary verse penned by its original Jewish composers, the Sherman Brothers.

0 Music Culture

Taylor Swift’s Hollow Gematria

Arye Dworken in Tablet

In a critical examination of Taylor Swift's marketing tactics, Arye Dworken highlights how Swift's use of numerology and so-called 'Easter egg' hunting has created a fan culture focused more on decoding hidden messages than on evaluating the substance of her music.

JL;DR

for Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Ethics ›

Israel ›

Education ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Antisemitism ›

Sports ›

Communities ›

Jewish Law ›

Art ›

Leadership ›

Music ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 21's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Ethics ›

Israel ›

Education ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Antisemitism ›

Sports ›

Communities ›

Jewish Law ›

Art ›

Leadership ›

Music ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 21's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Tuesday, October 21, 2025