for Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Politics ›

The 3 profound Jewish lessons of Mamdani’s astonishing victory

Rob Eshman in Forward

Zohran Mamdani's mayoral victory in New York City, marked by his limited support from Jewish voters, presents an opportunity for reflection within both Jewish communities and Mamdani's administration.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The rise of Mamdanism

eJewishPhilanthropy

The rise of "Mamdanism," marked by Zohran Mamdani's election as New York City mayor, signals a political shift that could affect American Jewry's options nationwide.

0 Politics Communities

Mamdani’s victory divides Jewish leaders one more way: Whether to say congratulations

Louis Keene in Forward

Zohran Mamdani's recent victory in the New York City mayoral election has sharply divided Jewish leaders and communities.

0 Politics Communities

In a first, a ballot initiative to divest from Israel has won at the ballot box in Boston suburb

Andrew Lapin in Forward

In a historic vote, the Boston suburb of Somerville passed a non-binding resolution, Question 3, urging the municipality to divest from companies doing business with Israel, marking the first time such a proposal passed by popular vote in the U.S.

0 Politics Communities

In a first, a ballot initiative to divest from Israel has won at the ballot box, in Somerville, Mass.

Andrew Lapin in JTA

The city of Somerville, Massachusetts, marked a significant moment in U.S. municipal politics by becoming the first to pass a ballot initiative calling for divestment from Israel.

0 Politics Communities

Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor of New York City, in decisive end to race that polarized Jewish voters

JTA Staff in JTA

Zohran Mamdani's election as New York City's mayor has sent ripples through the city's Jewish community, marking a significant moment in local politics.

0 Politics Communities

How Mamdani became New York’s next mayor, with Jews divided between fierce opposition and fiery support

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, made history as the first Muslim mayor of New York City after winning a closely contested race, which fractured the Jewish community between robust opposition and fervent support.

0 Politics Israel

Nate Morris seeks McConnell’s seat with populist, pro-Israel message

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

Nate Morris, a Republican Senate candidate from Kentucky, is positioning himself as a pro-Israel, populist alternative in the race to succeed retiring Senator Mitch McConnell.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Even if Mamdani wins, Jews can’t afford to miss this moment.

Joanna Landau in Future of Jewish

Joanna Landau's essay addresses the broader implications of Zohran Mamdani's mayoral candidacy in New York City for the Jewish world, irrespective of the election's outcome.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Mamdani said NYPD boots were ‘laced by the IDF.’ What is the relationship between U.S. police and Israel?

Louis Keene in Forward

The discussion surrounding New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's remarks on the NYPD and IDF highlights ongoing debates about the relationship between U.S. police forces and Israel.

0 Politics Communities

Jews Who Support Mamdani

Emes Ve-Emunah

Amid the New York mayoral election, the article analyzes the uncommon support some Jewish voters show for Zohran Mamdani, a candidate with strong anti-Israel views.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Trump calls Jews who vote for Mamdani 'stupid'

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

The article discusses former President Donald Trump's labeling of Jewish voters supporting Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist mayoral candidate in New York City, as "stupid."

0 Politics Israel

In NYC, Election Day arrives with all eyes on Jewish voters

JTA

In the New York City election, Jewish voters find themselves at the center of a contentious political landscape influenced by Middle Eastern politics.

0 Politics Ethics

Election Day, One Year On

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig reflects on the political climate one year after a pivotal election day, focusing on New York City's mayoral race and national politics under the Trump administration.

0 Politics History

Will Israel ever have another leader who truly wants peace?

Dan Perry in Forward

The article reflects on the enduring impact of Yitzhak Rabin's assassination and the subsequent political trajectory of Israel.

0 Politics Communities

Another Own Goal By The Gedolim

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin critically examines the Charedi community's stance on military enlistment and societal contribution in Israel, suggesting it reflects a broader disconnection and even opposition to typical national responsibilities.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Jewish exodus underway from Heritage Foundation’s antisemitism initiative over Tucker Carlson

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

The Heritage Foundation's antisemitism initiative, Project Esther, is in turmoil as seven key members and organizations resign due to the foundation's controversial defense of Tucker Carlson, following his interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes.

0 Politics Israel

2 of NYC’s 5 public pension funds are vulnerable to a mayor-backed Israel divestment push

Joseph Strauss in Forward

Debate intensifies in New York City over potential divestment from Israeli investments by City-administered pension funds, reflecting growing advocacy for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement amidst ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.

0 Politics Israel

What to know about ‘Not On Our Dime,’ Zohran Mamdani’s bill targeting donations to Israeli settlements

Shira Li Bartov in Forward

New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist and NYC mayoral candidate, introduced the "Not On Our Dime" bill, targeting nonprofits that fund Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Politics

A Personal Take on the Other Israel Film Festival

Amy Stone in Lilith

The 19th annual Other Israel Film Festival in Manhattan offers a unique platform for Jewish and Palestinian filmmakers to present thought-provoking cinema that sparks dialogue on complex regional issues.

0 Television/Film Culture

This Reform rabbi is one of 456 competitors on Season 2 of Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’

Grace Gilson in JTA

Rabbi Jamie Field, initially inspired by similar reality shows, participated in Netflix's "Squid Game: The Challenge," bringing her Jewish values and rabbinical presence to the competition.

0 Television/Film Jewish Law

‘Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore’ Is a Must-Watch Documentary About a Deaf Jewish Trailblazer

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore is a compelling documentary about the acclaimed actress's journey as a Deaf Jewish trailblazer.

0 Television/Film Culture

Did Anything Actually Happen in Season 2 of Netflix’s ‘Nobody Wants This’?

Kveller Staff in Kveller

In a Slack roundtable discussion, Kveller and Hey Alma staff dissect the perplexing developments of season two of Netflix's Hot Rabbi Show, "Nobody Wants This."

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

The allies we didn’t expect

eJewishPhilanthropy

Facing a surge in antisemitism, the Jewish community, traditionally accustomed to self-reliance due to historical necessity, is discovering unexpected allies in Christian groups.

0 Antisemitism Communities

When Jews are on the ballot, it’s time to get out.

Hana Raviyt Schank in Future of Jewish

Hana Raviyt Schank reflects on her experiences as a Jew living in various cities, notably New York post-9/11 and during recent resurgences of antisemitism.

Education ›

0 Education Literature

The Joy of Reading and Re-reading

Ilana Kurshan in Hadassah

Ilana Kurshan explores the transformative experience of transitioning from picture books to chapter books with her son, drawing parallels between this shift and the spiritual journey of perceiving God without physical form.

0 Education Ethics

Fed Is Best

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Amidst the challenges of parenting, the article emphasizes the importance of choosing the best feeding method for each newborn, advocating for a flexible approach rooted in the principle that "fed is best."

History ›

0 History Politics

When Rabin was assassinated, Israel changed before my eyes

Andy Carvin in Forward

On the 30th anniversary of Yitzhak Rabin's assassination, Andy Carvin reflects on the impact of that fateful event on Israel and his own personal journey through the region at the time.

0 History Politics

30 Years: The Day We Lost Rabin

Jewdicious

Reflecting on the 30th anniversary of Yitzhak Rabin's assassination, this essay intertwines personal memories with broader political reflections.

0 History Holocaust

They tried to erase the Jews behind Europe’s most famous brands.

Andrea Baur in Future of Jewish

Andrea Baur's essay highlights the systematic expropriation of Jewish contributions to European innovation during the Nazi regime, a process known as "Aryanisation."

0 History Israel

Yitzhak Rabin was killed 30 years ago this week. Has the Jewish world forgotten?

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

The assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, which occurred 30 years ago, is fading into historical memory for many, especially those born after the 1980s.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

When Hashem Puts the Car in Drive

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr reflects on the evolution of modern cars and the profound insights they can teach us about control and expectations in life.

Art ›

0 Art Culture

Expert Eye: Ruggalla

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Rugmaking, one of the world's oldest crafts, continues to blend tradition with contemporary needs.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

The Moment: Issue 1085

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In this issue of Mishpacha Magazine, we follow three intriguing stories highlighting the vibrancy of Jewish life.

0 Communities Education

Inbox: Issue 1085

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The diverse collection of reader responses in "Inbox: Issue 1085" addresses varied aspects of Jewish life, including the challenges of aligning school and camp schedules with the Hebrew calendar without creating chaos for parents and students, the irreplaceable value of traditional Jewish music, and the societal impact of technology on Orthodox communities.

0 Communities Ethics

Why Jewish philanthropy should back solar for nonprofits – even after incentives end

eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish nonprofits are encouraged to adopt solar energy as a strategy to cut operational costs and align with Jewish teachings on environmental stewardship.

0 Communities Prayer

Who wants to be a Minyanaire: How WhatsApp saved our minyan

eJewishPhilanthropy

Congregation Bnai Amoona, a Conservative synagogue in St. Louis, tackled waning minyan attendance by leveraging modern technology.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Education

Identity Crisis

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

A student recalls a traumatic experience with a school teacher whose starkly opposing values prompted an identity crisis, affecting her deeply held beliefs and self-worth.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Holidays

Separation Service

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article explores practical aspects of performing Havdalah, the Jewish ceremony marking the end of Shabbat.

Culture ›

0 Culture Holidays

Family Living: Happy Aunts and Uncles, Happy Couple

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Sheva brachos, the celebratory meals held in the week following a Jewish wedding, can be a logistical challenge for families with many nieces and nephews getting married.

0 Culture Politics

How 'Spiritually Israeli' became a slur that isn't really about Israel

Mira Fox in Forward

The term "spiritually Israeli" has emerged as a pejorative in online discourse, encapsulating a wider shift in cultural perception where Israel is equated with corporatism and unsympathetic dominance, rather than its past image as an underdog.

0 Culture Politics

Amsterdam’s Royal Concert Hall cancels annual Hanukkah concert, citing singer’s IDF ties

Grace Gilson in JTA

The Royal Concert Hall in Amsterdam decided to cancel its annual Hanukkah concert due to the involvement of Shai Abramson, a singer with ties to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Ethics

Succos in the Rain

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

A story from Mishpacha Magazine details an experience during Sukkot, when the tradition of eating in the sukkah is challenged by inclement weather.

Literature ›

0 Literature History

She claims she saw Hitler’s ashes and danced with Goering. But is any of it true?

Olivia Haynie in Forward

Terese Svoboda's memoir, "Hitler and My Mother-in-Law," delves into the life and tales of her mother-in-law, Patricia Hartwell, a former US Office of War Information correspondent.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Politics ›

Television/Film ›

Antisemitism ›

Education ›

History ›

Philosophy ›

Art ›

Communities ›

Ethics ›

Jewish Law ›

Culture ›

Holidays ›

Literature ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

November 5's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Politics ›

Television/Film ›

Antisemitism ›

Education ›

History ›

Philosophy ›

Art ›

Communities ›

Ethics ›

Jewish Law ›

Culture ›

Holidays ›

Literature ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

November 5's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, November 5, 2025