for Friday, October 31, 2025

Prayer ›

0 Prayer Leadership

Jewish worship: It’s time for some creative disruption

Jewish worship practices can benefit from creative disruption, suggests Cantor Rabbi Hillary Chorny, who reflects on her experiences with various synagogues and innovative prayer initiatives like the Kol Tefilla shabbaton.

Communities ›

0 Communities Leadership

The next generations are already giving in their own ways. Is your Jewish organization meeting them where they are?

eJewishPhilanthropy

Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly making their mark as active donors within the Jewish community, challenging the notion that their philanthropy will only blossom in later years.

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.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

NYC’s Eric Adams condemns anti-Israel art exhibit: ‘Activism is not an excuse for antisemitism’

Grace Gilson in JTA

New York City Mayor Eric Adams strongly condemned an unsanctioned anti-Israel art installation that appeared briefly on Governors Island, labeling it an act of antisemitism and cautioning against its normalization.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Heritage Foundation president stands by Tucker Carlson after host platforms antisemitism

Andrew Lapin in JTA

The Heritage Foundation's president, Kevin Roberts, affirmed his support for media personality Tucker Carlson despite Carlson's recent interview with antisemitic influencer Nick Fuentes.

0 Politics Communities

When the system is broken, it’s time to roll up our sleeves

eJewishPhilanthropy

The 39th World Zionist Congress highlighted the need for reform within Zionist institutions, reflecting concerns over political influence overshadowing the original mission.

0 Politics Gender/Identity

Feminist vs. Jewish: These women say NYC’s mayoral election is forcing a painful choice

Jackie Hajdenberg in Forward

In the New York City mayoral election, Jewish women voters face a dilemma that pits their feminist values against their Jewish identity.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Ellison’s Oracle poised to run TikTok, raising hopes for tougher rules against antisemitism

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

Negotiations concerning the ownership of TikTok's operations in the U.S. could lead to stricter measures against antisemitism on the platform, providing hope for Jewish communities concerned about hate speech.

0 Politics Communities

We’re Jews in Zohran Mamdani’s neighborhood. We love New York — but not like this.

JTA

The article from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency discusses the tension and concerns among Jewish residents in New York's District 36, represented by Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.

0 Politics Jewish Law

The Million Man Prayer Rally

Emes Ve-Emunah

A large-scale prayer rally in Jerusalem has gathered hundreds of thousands of Charedi Jews resisting the Israeli military draft.

0 Politics Communities

Overwhelmed by the NYC mayor’s race between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo? A guide for the perplexed

Hannah Feuer in Forward

The New York City mayoral election is witnessing a dynamic race featuring three key candidates: Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Conservative students grill Vance on support for Israel at Turning Point USA event

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Young conservatives have increasingly questioned the U.S.'s firm support for Israel, as indicated by recent exchanges at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi.

0 Politics Communities

Conflict over Mamdani is a reminder: We still can't agree on the line between anti-Zionism and antisemitism

Mira Sucharov in Forward

Amid rising antisemitism and low Israeli-Palestinian relations, the debate persists on whether anti-Zionism equates to antisemitism.

0 Politics Communities

Cuomo dominates Jewish vote in new poll, as Israeli TV pillories Mamdani

JTA

The article discusses the ongoing tensions among Jewish communities over the support for Zohran Mamdani in the New York mayoral race, highlighting the divide between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel narratives.

0 Politics Antisemitism

I won’t vote for Democrats who backed Mamdani. I know I’m not the only one.

Menachem Z. Rosensaft in JTA

Menachem Z. Rosensaft, a lifelong centrist Democrat, expresses his disillusionment with the Democratic Party's support for Zohran Mamdani, a candidate with anti-Zionist views.

0 Politics Communities

The rabbinic backlash against Zohran Mamdani isn’t about Mamdani at all

Nora Berman in Forward

The article by Nora Berman in the Forward explores the extensive rabbinic backlash against Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim Democratic Socialist candidate for the New York City mayoral race, highlighting that the controversy reveals deeper uncertainties within American Jewry rather than concerns about Mamdani himself.

0 Politics Communities

A second rabbinic letter, arguing against Jewish rejections of Mamdani, enters the NYC mayor’s race

Philissa Cramer in JTA

The politically charged atmosphere surrounding the New York City mayoral race has sparked significant debate within Jewish communities, as highlighted by a new rabbinic letter.

0 Politics Israel

I didn’t leave the Left. They left me — all because of Israel.

John Matthews in Future of Jewish

John Matthews, a journalist, reflects on the shifting attitudes of the political Left towards Israel.

0 Politics Communities

The Charedim Go To War

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

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 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 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 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.

Culture ›

0 Culture Antisemitism

Overhauled Kennedy Center takes on the mantle of combating antisemitism

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

The Kennedy Center is adopting a proactive approach to combat antisemitism through the arts under its new leadership.

0 Culture Politics

Former Hostage Alon Ohel Plays His Piano Again

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Alon Ohel, a former hostage released from Hamas captivity after being held for over two years, has joyfully returned to playing his piano.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

It’s time to put antisemites in their place.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

In an impassioned critique, Joshua Hoffman addresses the insidious nature of modern antisemitism, particularly its guise as anti-Zionism.

0 Antisemitism Holocaust

A sign in my neighborhood says 'The Holocaust is fake' — I wish I felt surprised

Aviya Kushner in Forward

Amid growing occurrences of Holocaust denial and distortion, Aviya Kushner expresses her disturbance at encountering a sign proclaiming "The Holocaust is fake" in her Chicago neighborhood, emphasizing the dangerously blurred lines between truth and falsehood in contemporary discourse.

0 Antisemitism Holocaust

How Germany's Holocaust remembrance culture kicked off a democratic crisis

Jake Wasserman in Forward

Walking through Weimar, Germany, exemplifies the nation's Erinnerungskultur, or memory culture, which centers on commemorating Holocaust victims through Stolpersteine and other memorials.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

Freed hostage Alon Ohel plays piano on Israeli sketch comedy show ‘Eretz Nehederet’

Grace Gilson in JTA

Freed hostage Alon Ohel made an emotional appearance on the Israeli sketch comedy show Eretz Nehederet, showcasing his piano skills that helped keep his spirit alive during his two-year captivity by Hamas.

0 Television/Film Culture

“Hot Rabbi” Culture Undermines Real Religious Connection

Guest Contributor in Lilith

The increasing cultural fascination with "hot clergy," exemplified by the Netflix show "Nobody Wants This," is critiqued for diverting attention from genuine spiritual connections.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Israel's ONE Missing Key To An Optimal Future

Jewdicious

Joanna Landau, the founder of Vibe Israel, emphasizes the importance of strategically managing Israel's international reputation.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Torah

What Star Trek and Genesis Teach Us About Consciousness

Rivka Bennun Kay in 18forty

Rivka Bennun Kay explores the intersection of consciousness, AI, and spirituality, contemplating what defines human uniqueness in an age of advanced artificial intelligence.

Art ›

0 Art Communities

How a curator and a rabbi joined forces to keep a piece of Boston's Jewish history alive

Noah Hirsch-Rechter in Forward

A captivating collaboration between a curator and a rabbi has preserved an important piece of Boston's Jewish history, the Sam Katz Torah ark from Chelsea, Massachusetts.

JL;DR

for Friday, October 31, 2025

Prayer ›

Communities ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Israel ›

Philosophy ›

Art ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 31's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Prayer ›

Communities ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Israel ›

Philosophy ›

Art ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

October 31's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Friday, October 31, 2025