for Thursday, October 30, 2025

Politics ›

Natan Slifkin critiques the Charedi Orthodox community's recent prayer rally in Jerusalem, highlighting the deep division between their leadership and broader Israeli society regarding IDF enlistment.

0 Politics Communities

Proposal to elevate Netanyahu’s son shatters fragile concord at World Zionist Congress

JTA

The 39th World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem has been fraught with tension following a proposal to elevate Yair Netanyahu, son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to a leadership role within the organization.

0 Politics History

It’s All About China

Lee Smith in Tablet

Lee Smith's article explores the intricate geopolitical relationships between the United States, China, and their impact on global security, particularly in light of recent conflicts in the Middle East.

0 Politics History

Can Trump Strike a Grand Bargain With Xi?

Henry Gao in Tablet

Amid the intensified U.S.-China trade war initiated by President Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods, the possibility of a grand economic bargain between the U.S. and China emerges as a key global issue.

0 Politics Israel

Scott Wiener, looking to succeed Pelosi, balances progressive politics with Jewish allyship

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

Scott Wiener, a Jewish Democrat, is in the spotlight as he aims to succeed Nancy Pelosi in the U.S. House of Representatives.

0 Politics Antisemitism

ADL removes ‘Protect Civil Rights’ from website as it narrows its mission amid right-wing attacks

Ron Kampeas in Forward

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has quietly modified its mission statement by removing a section on protecting civil rights from its website, marking a strategic focus shift amidst right-wing criticism.

0 Politics Communities

Jews alone can’t help Cuomo pull off an upset – but they may be fueling his momentum

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent in the New York City mayoral race, is hoping that support from moderate and older voters, particularly within the Jewish community, will help him upset the Democratic favorite, Zohran Mamdani.

0 Politics Leadership

Why rabbis across America are taking sides in New York’s mayoral race

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

The New York City mayoral race featuring Zohran Mamdani has sparked significant debate among rabbis across the United States, highlighting deepening divisions over Israel and antisemitism.

0 Politics Culture

How Dare You Steal Our Song

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Rabbi Natan Slifkin reflects on maintaining resilience in the face of adversity, particularly citing the significance of the song "Am HaNetzach Lo Mefached MiDerech Arucha," which inspires courage through difficult journeys.

0 Politics Communities

‘Jews for Zohran’ knock doors as Mamdani’s past IDF comments resurface

JTA

Jewish support for Zohran Mamdani, a candidate in the NYC mayoral race, has become a contentious topic as his past comments linking the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to U.S. police brutality have resurfaced.

0 Politics Antisemitism

For some reason, 'the Jews' make societies go mad.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman's article critiques the global moral hysteria against Israel and the Jewish people, arguing that it parallels historical mass delusions like McCarthyism and the witch trials.

0 Politics Leadership

Rabbis Angela Buchdahl and Elliot Cosgrove show the split in the pulpit over political endorsements

Andrew Silow-Carroll in Forward

The contentious New York City mayoral race has brought to light differing perspectives among Jewish rabbis regarding political endorsements.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

From ‘Surge’ to strength: Rebuilding our community connection to Israel

eJewishPhilanthropy

In the fallout of the traumatic October 7 attacks on Israel, Jewish engagement, particularly in North America, has surged with increased connection and participation in Jewish life.

0 Communities Philosophy

When crisis calls, collaboration answers: A new model for philanthropic response

eJewishPhilanthropy

In response to the antisemitic attack in Boulder on June 1, 2025, local Jewish organizations redefined crisis management by adopting a collaborative approach to philanthropic funding.

0 Communities Politics

Isolationism is Not the Solution

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article addresses a Charedi Posek's perspective on Jewish identity and integration within Israeli society, revealing a significant divide between Charedi and secular or religious Zionist communities.

0 Communities Art

American synagogues are closing at a record rate. This retired judge is rescuing their stained glass windows.

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Retired Judge Jerry Orbach dedicates his efforts to rescuing stained glass windows from closed or abandoned synagogues across the Midwest.

0 Communities Politics

China’s War on Christians

Bob Fu in Tablet

The article details China's severe crackdown on the Zion House Church, a prominent Christian movement in China, marking the most significant suppression of Christianity since the Cultural Revolution.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

‘Nobody Wants This’ Season Two Features a Jewish Baby Naming Ceremony

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

"Nobody Wants This" continues to explore unique Jewish ceremonies in its second season, featuring a Jewish baby naming, or brit bat, in episode 5.

0 Television/Film Politics

The Cinema of October 7th

Orian Morris in Tablet

Nadav Lapid's latest film, "Yes!," features a provocative examination of Israeli society, continuing his tradition of merging political critique with avant-garde cinematic style.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

Maria Ka’s cosmic Yiddish music — from punk grit to starlight

Judah Sussman in Forward

Polish musician Maria Ka is transforming Yiddish music through her innovative album "Di Mashin" (The Machine), combining punk rock influences with cosmic themes.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

Rabbi Alvin Kass, longest-serving NYPD chaplain famed for 9/11 response, dies at 89

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Rabbi Alvin Kass, who passed away at 89, was revered as the longest-serving chaplain in the New York Police Department (NYPD), notable for his compassionate response during the 9/11 attacks.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics History

In the tunnels of Gaza, hostage Eli Sharabi found a way to be a blessing

Rabba Sara Hurwitz in JTA

Rabba Sara Hurwitz reflects on the profound lessons from Eli Sharabi's account of his captivity in Gaza.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

ADL enlists major law firms to launch pro bono network for antisemitism cases

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has launched a nationwide pro bono legal network to assist victims of antisemitism, partnering with over 40 major law firms to offer legal services.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Tucker Carlson hosts Nick Fuentes for a friendly conversation about ‘these Zionist Jews’

Andrew Lapin in Forward

In a recent controversial interview on Tucker Carlson's talk show, notorious antisemite and white nationalist Nick Fuentes discussed his beliefs regarding Jews, Israel, and conservatism.

Torah ›

0 Torah Philosophy

5 Things Lech Lecha Teaches About Spiritual Seeking

Rivka Bennun Kay in 18forty

Lech Lecha is a foundational Torah portion that offers profound insights into spiritual seeking, centering on Avraham's journey from Haran to the unknown.

History ›

0 History Politics

To understand Israel, remember the Jews of the Arab world.

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

Half of Israel's Jewish population is of Middle Eastern and North African descent, making the narrative of them being European colonial settlers flawed.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

‘We’ll always have day school’: The relationship between Jewish nostalgia and Jewish fluency

eJewishPhilanthropy

Exploring the intertwined relationship between Jewish nostalgia and fluency, the piece reflects on the critical role Jewish day schools play in fostering strong Jewish identities.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Ethics

German government pledges record $1B in funding for Holocaust survivor home care

Grace Gilson in JTA

The German government has committed a historic $1.08 billion to support home care for Holocaust survivors, addressing the increasing needs of an aging survivor population.

Culture ›

0 Culture Jewish Law

Stop Giving Your Jewish Kids Dumb Names

Rina Raphael in Tablet

Jewish naming traditions are undergoing radical changes, as contemporary parents increasingly opt for unique and unconventional names rather than time-honored ones linked with heritage and cultural significance.

Literature ›

0 Literature History

Maurice Sendak’s Scary Monsters

Kathryn Wolf in Tablet

Maurice Sendak, the renowned illustrator and author of children's literature, is celebrated for his daring approach to storytelling, revealing childhood anxieties through the lens of his Jewish heritage and family history.

JL;DR

for Thursday, October 30, 2025

Politics ›

Communities ›

Television/Film ›

Music ›

Leadership ›

Ethics ›

Antisemitism ›

Torah ›

History ›

Education ›

Holocaust ›

Culture ›

Literature ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 30's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Thursday, October 30, 2025

Politics ›

Communities ›

Television/Film ›

Music ›

Leadership ›

Ethics ›

Antisemitism ›

Torah ›

History ›

Education ›

Holocaust ›

Culture ›

Literature ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 30's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, October 30, 2025