for Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Communities ›

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Four fathers, whose children became hostages of Hamas over two tumultuous years, share their harrowing experiences marked by unwavering faith, intense prayer, and the hope of eventual closure.

0 Communities Ethics

The Sandwich Generation

Jamie Betesh Carter in Tablet

The article sheds light on the "sandwich generation," which refers to middle-aged adults caring for both their children and aging parents simultaneously.

0 Communities Ethics

We Need Them Here to Comfort Us

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The tragic loss of four young men in Lakewood has left the community in shock, as they gather to honor their memories and the virtues of simchas hachayim, emes, and chesed that they embodied.

0 Communities Leadership

Arthur Waskow: In Memorium

Shaul Magid in Jewschool

Arthur Waskow (1933-2025) was a pioneering figure in Jewish activism whose work integrated social justice, environmentalism, and progressive Jewish religious practice.

0 Communities Culture

Honoring Rabbi Arthur Waskow – activist, pioneer and prophet

Jay Michaelson in Forward

Rabbi Arthur Waskow, who passed away at 92, was a pioneering figure in Jewish social activism and spirituality.

0 Communities Politics

Should synagogues remove the Israeli flag from bimahs now? How a New York shul made the decision

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Central Synagogue in Manhattan has decided to remove the Israeli flag from its bimah, where it had been displayed since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.

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.

Politics ›

0 Politics Ethics

When advocacy works — and what it teaches us about Jewish responsibility

eJewishPhilanthropy

Warren H. Cohn discusses the successful advocacy campaign he led against the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention's appropriation of the term genocide to describe Israeli actions.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Graham Platner, populist progressive running for Senate in Maine, reveals Nazi tattoo on his chest

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Graham Platner, a progressive Democratic candidate for the Senate in Maine, is facing controversy after admitting to having a Nazi tattoo, a Totenkopf, which he claims was acquired without knowledge of its significance while drunk.

0 Politics Communities

Jewish fears about Zohran Mamdani reveal more about us than about him — and it’s a problem

Mik Moore in JTA

The piece explores the contrasting reactions within the Jewish community towards Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim candidate for New York City mayor.

0 Politics Leadership

We need a ‘Great Schlep’ from Park Avenue to Park Slope to turn out Jews against Zohran Mamdani

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove in JTA

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove's sermon argues that Zohran Mamdani's anti-Zionist rhetoric poses a significant threat to New York's Jewish community.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Maine Senate candidate comes under fire for Nazi-style tattoo

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, a Marine veteran and Democrat, is embroiled in controversy over a tattoo on his chest that has been identified as resembling a Nazi symbol.

0 Politics Antisemitism

A Trump nominee who said he has a 'Nazi streak' withdraws from key administration role

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Paul Ingrassia, a Trump administration nominee, withdrew from his role as head of the Office of Special Counsel following revelations about his past racist and antisemitic comments, including expressing admiration for Nazis.

0 Politics Israel

The Cease Fire - So Far So Good

Emes Ve-Emunah

The current ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is holding despite skepticism from critics of President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Britain Is Bowing to Terror

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article critiques British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to recognize a Palestinian state, arguing it reflects a capitulation to anti-Semitic and extremist pressures rather than a diplomatic achievement.

0 Politics Israel

Euphoria Mixed with Sadness and Worry

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

As Israel witnessed the emotional return of 20 hostages on Hoshana Rabbah, there was a mix of relief and sorrow among the populace, aware of the high cost of lost lives and ongoing tension with Hamas.

0 Politics Leadership

No One Shuts Down Trump

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In the midst of a government shutdown, President Donald Trump is thriving in his brand of governance, blending diplomacy and business.

0 Politics Israel

JD Vance arrives in Israel as ceasefire totters: ‘We are in a very good place’

Grace Gilson in JTA

JD Vance, visiting Israel as Vice President, expressed optimism regarding the Middle East ceasefire brokered by the Trump administration, despite recent violence.

0 Politics Antisemitism

In appearance with Elisha Wiesel, Cuomo escalates ‘antisemitism’ attack on Mamdani

JTA

In a recent event, Andrew Cuomo intensified his criticisms of mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of antisemitism, a stance previously unspoken by Cuomo.

0 Politics Culture

Israel won the war. Now what?

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Following Israeli victories and catastrophes over the past decades, the piece discusses the aftermath of the recent conflict, comparing it to the transformative consequences of the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

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.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Education

Being a religious Jew: Practice, thought, feeling, belief — or something else?

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article explores the fluidity and depth of Jewish identity through the lens of Rabbi Ethan Daniel Davidson's unconventional journey towards ordination.

0 Jewish Law Politics

After three years in Israel, Reform convert told she can’t make aliyah

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

Isabella Vinci, a Reform convert to Judaism, faces challenges in making aliyah to Israel due to her conversion being completed online during the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived insufficient community involvement post-conversion.

0 Jewish Law Communities

On Friday, the rabbi circles Manhattan — now with tech support to protect an essential Shabbat tool

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Rabbi Moshe Tauber has dedicated 25 years to inspecting and maintaining Manhattan's eruv, a symbolic boundary facilitating the carrying of objects on Shabbat.

0 Jewish Law Politics

She converted during the pandemic. Israeli immigration officials say her Zoom course doesn’t count

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

Isabella Vinci's application for Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return was denied by Israel's Population and Immigration Authority due to her conversion process occurring primarily online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Politics

Still Covering Their Tracks

Nicole Wizman in Tablet

The French national railway company SNCF has long attempted to obscure its role in the Holocaust, during which it transported over 76,000 Jews to Nazi concentration camps.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

The Lie About 'Palestine' That Keeps the Middle East at War

Guy Goldstein in Future of Jewish

Guy Goldstein's guest essay argues that the commonly held view of Palestine as a still-to-be-realized state is misleading, asserting instead that the true Palestinian state is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

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 Communities

How We Made Jewish Learning Joyful for Our Neurodivergent Son

Brittany Sirlin in Kveller

Brittany Sirlin shares her family's journey of adapting Jewish education for their neurodivergent son, who struggled with the traditional Hebrew school model.

0 Education Culture

My Jewish studies students aren’t talking about Israel or antisemitism. They told me why.

Ilana M. Horwitz in JTA

Jewish studies students at Tulane University, largely Jewish themselves, are consciously avoiding discussions about antisemitism and Israel in their classes.

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.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Gender/Identity

The Jewish Moms of Netflix

Sarah M. Seltzer in Lilith

The article explores the portrayal of Jewish mother figures in two Netflix shows, "Long Story Short" and "Nobody Wants This."

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy History

The Footsteps of Redemption

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Exploring the notion of living in Messianic times, the article discusses rapid and significant historical events pointing toward redemption, as interpreted from Jewish texts.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Torah

The Month of Bul

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article explores the significance of the month of Cheshvan, also known biblically as Bul, which marks the completion of the First Temple's construction.

Literature ›

0 Literature History

Refuge

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In this evocative narrative set in the Biblical city of refuge, Ramos, Cindy Scarr explores themes of guilt, survival, and community in times of tension and uncertainty.

Culture ›

0 Culture Israel

You Are My Brother

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

During a visit to Israel, the author Cindy Scarr shares a powerful experience after giving a Torah lesson at a yeshivah.

0 Culture Sports

Daniel Naroditsky, Jewish chess grandmaster and influential streamer, dies at 29

Grace Gilson in JTA

Daniel Naroditsky, a prominent Jewish chess grandmaster and influential online figure, has passed away unexpectedly at 29.

0 Culture History

A US military base canceled a children’s event celebrating a pioneering Jewish woman cyclist, citing DEI ban

Andrew Lapin in JTA

A children's event at a U.S. military base celebrating Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, the pioneering 19th-century Jewish female cyclist, was canceled due to a ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

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.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Torah

Where the Money Is

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article pays tribute to Rabbi Moshe Hauer, the executive vice president of the Orthodox Union, highlighting his exemplary leadership qualities that blend public dynamism with profound personal integrity.

0 Leadership Communities

Forever a Talmid

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article recounts Rabbi Moshe Hauer's journey to becoming the executive vice president of the Orthodox Union (OU), offering an insight into the foundations of his leadership and devotion to Torah.

Science ›

0 Science Philosophy

A comet is streaking across our solar system — is it an omen for Jews?

Benjamin Ivry in Forward

A newly discovered comet, 3I/ATLAS, not affecting Earth directly, spurs debate over extraterrestrial life and its implications for Judaism.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Education

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

eJewishPhilanthropy

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.

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.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Communities ›

Politics ›

Jewish Law ›

Holocaust ›

Israel ›

Education ›

Television/Film ›

Philosophy ›

Holidays ›

Literature ›

Culture ›

Leadership ›

Science ›

Ethics ›

Antisemitism ›

Sports ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 22's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Communities ›

Politics ›

Jewish Law ›

Holocaust ›

Israel ›

Education ›

Television/Film ›

Philosophy ›

Holidays ›

Literature ›

Culture ›

Leadership ›

Science ›

Ethics ›

Antisemitism ›

Sports ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 22's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, October 22, 2025