JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Education ›

0 Education Communities

Continuity Requires Content

Sapir

In this contemplative critique, the author argues that American Jewish leadership has neglected the rich content of Jewish civilization, culminating in a generation increasingly disengaged from its own heritage.

0 Education Politics

Public Funding for Private Education

Sapir

The article explores the historical and contemporary challenges of Jewish day school affordability in America, framing it as a critical issue for Jewish continuity.

0 Education Jewish Law

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article highlights the challenges faced by dedicated educators like Charna, a seasoned teacher with a passion for interweaving secular subjects with Torah values, as they confront a growing lack of discipline and respect in classrooms.

0 Education Communities

What Religious Zionists Taught Me About Reading Tanach as a Living Story

Rivka Bennun Kay in 18forty

Rivka Bennun Kay reflects on the unique educational messages within Israel's Religious Zionist community, particularly their engagement with Tanach as a living narrative.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Politics

Judaism and the Politics of Tikkun Olam

Sapir

The article examines the complexities of applying Jewish teachings, specifically tikkun olam, to social justice efforts, noting that Judaism encompasses a broad range of opinions that can support both liberal and conservative views.

0 Ethics Culture

The Jewish Case Against Materialism

Sapir

Using the biblical story of the golden calf as a starting point, this piece explores the tensions between materialism and spirituality within contemporary Jewish life.

0 Ethics Jewish Law

Publisher's Note

Sapir

Reflecting on a Talmudic passage from Eruvin 65b, the publisher explores the complexities surrounding money in Jewish tradition, emphasizing its role as both a practical necessity and a mirror of character.

0 Ethics Philosophy

We Reap What We Sow

Joel Salatin in Tablet

Joel Salatin argues that the pork industry's use of gestation crates illustrates a deep philosophical and practical dysfunction by ignoring the inherent 'glory' of pigs.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

Sapir

The letters featured in the Sapir Journal address a recent issue on the topic of Jewish chosenness, reflecting diverse perspectives within the Jewish thought spectrum.

0 Philosophy History

What Milton Friedman Got Wrong

Sapir

The article critically examines Milton Friedman's views on capitalism and its relationship with Judaism, highlighting Friedman's misunderstanding of Jewish ambivalence towards capitalism.

0 Philosophy Politics

We need to talk about the most influential academic fraud of the 20th century.

Tobias Gisle in Future of Jewish

Tobias Gisle critiques the lasting influence of Edward Said's seminal work, "Orientalism," on academic perspectives, particularly in Middle Eastern studies.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Ethics

Jewish Masterpiece: Laws of Gifts to the Poor

Sapir

Maimonides' tragic personal experiences, including the death of his brother, deepened his understanding of poverty and shaped his views on charity, as reflected in his Mishneh Torah.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Sapir

Monetary currency, deeply embedded in Jewish law, serves as more than just a medium of exchange but as an expression of sovereignty and legitimacy crucial to civilization's continuity.

0 Jewish Law Ethics

“Should I Always Dan l’Chaf Zechus Bad Behavior?”

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

This article explores the Jewish principle of 'dan l'chaf zechus' – judging others favorably – in the context of dealing with habitual negative behavior.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Philosophy

Showing Up as Jews for the Benefit of All

Sapir

Lynn and Stacy Schusterman discuss the evolution of their philanthropic endeavors, emphasizing the integration of both Jewish and secular causes as fundamental aspects of their giving philosophy.

0 Leadership Jewish Law

Mission Over Money

Sapir

Driven by a personal scholarship that pivoted him towards Jewish communal service, the author reflects on his long experience in the Federation system, emphasizing the need for Jewish organizations to prioritize mission over fund-raising metrics.

0 Leadership Philosophy

The Chief Rabbi and the Rebbe: Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’s Engagement with Habad Hasidism

Aryeh Solomon in Lehrhaus

This in-depth essay explores the impactful relationship between Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

0 Leadership Communities

Post-adrenaline leadership

eJewishPhilanthropy

As the immediate crisis following the October 7 attacks in Israel subsides, Jewish campus professionals are reflecting on their roles and responsibilities moving forward.

0 Leadership Communities

From transaction to covenant: Rethinking clergy-congregation contract negotiations

Contributing Author in eJewishPhilanthropy

In the context of synagogue leadership, reevaluating clergy-congregation contract negotiations from a transactional model to a covenant-based approach can enhance community relations and better align with Jewish values.

Communities ›

0 Communities History

Broadening the Base of Jewish Giving

Sapir

Jewish philanthropy has shifted significantly over the past several decades, moving from a model of broad, socially pressured giving to one that emphasizes large donations from wealthy individuals.

0 Communities Ethics

More Than Money

Sapir

Jewish communal life has historically been sustained not only by financial contributions but also through direct service and volunteerism, embodying the Jewish ethos of tzedakah (charity) and avodah (service/worship).

0 Communities Ethics

Poverty and Jewish Community

Sapir

The experiences of Tanya and Jennifer in Philadelphia highlight the critical role of Jewish community bonds in mitigating economic hardship.

0 Communities Jewish Law

This Israeli hostage story will touch you in ways words can't describe.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

This compelling narrative recounts the harrowing and inspiring journey of Sapir and Sasha, two young Israelis who found themselves hostage to Palestinian terrorists after being kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during an attack in October 2023.

0 Communities History

How one man’s burial brought Jews and Christians together — and what it still teaches 120 years later

Austin Albanese in Forward

The funeral of Harris Cohn in 1915 at the Beth Joseph Synagogue in Tupper Lake, New York, serves as a poignant example of interfaith unity between Jews and Christians.

0 Communities Holidays

No More Questions

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Through the poignant narratives of Mrs. Chana Sharabi and Efrat Mor, this article delves into stories of loss, survival, and resilience following the Simchas Torah massacre of 2023.

0 Communities Politics

For Family Goldin, Closure At Last

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The long-awaited return of Lt. Hadar Goldin's remains to Israel marks a significant moment of closure for the Goldin family and the nation.

0 Communities Culture

Few Jews, many aliens: Inside Roswell’s vanishing Jewish community

Larry Luxner in Forward

The article explores the curious relationship between the UFO folklore of Roswell, New Mexico, and its dwindling Jewish community.

0 Communities History

Roswell, New Mexico, is rife with UFOs, scorpions and conspiracy theories — but few Jews

Larry Luxner in JTA

Nestled in the dusty expanse of New Mexico, Roswell is infamous for the 1947 UFO incident, a saga sustained by the efforts of Jewish nuclear physicist Stanton T. Friedman.

0 Communities Ethics

Diversity under fire: What a multicultural hospital can teach the world

eJewishPhilanthropy

The Hadassah Medical Organization, a prominent Jerusalem-based hospital established by the Hadassah Women's Zionist Organization of America, demonstrates how culturally diverse teams can provide exemplary compassionate care amidst adversity.

0 Communities Education

Black and Jewish college students explore shared adversity and allyship at DC-area ‘Unity Dinner’

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Black and Jewish college students from various universities in Washington DC gathered to explore shared challenges and alliances through a Unity Dinner.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Building Israel’s Trillion Dollar Economy

Sapir

Israel's economy has shown remarkable resilience and growth despite ongoing multifaceted conflicts and significant challenges.

0 Politics History

The Need for a Jewish Sovereign Wealth Fund

Sapir

Facing a shift in the American Jewish experience, the concept of establishing a Jewish Sovereign Wealth Fund is being proposed amid the backdrop of declining institutional trust and rising anti-establishment sentiment.

0 Politics Israel

The (Calculable) Costs of Israel’s Wars

Sapir

The article examines the immense financial burden Israel has faced due to ongoing military conflicts over the past few years, breaking down expenditures on defense systems like Iron Dome, Arrow interceptors, and offensive operations.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The Buchanan Resurrection

Lee Smith in Tablet

The tension within the MAGA movement reflects a broader clash within modern conservatism, where internal divisions are exacerbated by an effort to reassess past ideological foundations.

0 Politics Israel

After Mamdani win, socialists look to challenge Democratic incumbents in NYC

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

Zohran Mamdani's recent election victory as mayor of New York City has invigorated the democratic socialist movement, prompting efforts to challenge pro-Israel Democratic incumbents in upcoming midterm elections.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Progressive Jewish groups say ADL’s ‘Mamdani Monitor’ is ‘Islamophobic and racist’

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

A coalition of progressive Jewish organizations has criticized the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) Mamdani Monitor as Islamophobic and racist, targeting New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

0 Politics Leadership

Mamdani Moment or Democratic Direction?

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article explores the evolving political dynamics within the Democratic Party as it grapples with an internal shift toward socialism, marked by the rise of leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and now, the new mayor Mamdani.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Ascent of the Losers

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article delves into the horseshoe theory of politics, highlighting how both extreme Left and extreme Right in contemporary society demonstrate hostility towards Israel and Jews, alongside sharing certain sociological traits.

0 Politics Israel

When The 'Gold Standard' in News Coverage Lies

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article discusses the pervasive influence of media bias, particularly how it affects public perception of conflicts such as the Israel-Gaza war, as reported by the BBC.

0 Politics Israel

Why this congressional candidate is making attacks on AIPAC central to his campaign

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Michael Blake, a congressional candidate from New York, has centered his campaign on criticizing AIPAC, reflecting a broader trend among progressive candidates to distance themselves from the pro-Israel lobby.

0 Politics Antisemitism

When Zionism was maligned at the UN, he fought for truth — what would he say today?

Jeffrey K. Salkin in Forward

Daniel Patrick Moynihan, former U.S. ambassador to the U.N., took a pivotal stand against the 1975 U.N. Resolution 3379, which equated Zionism with racism.

0 Politics Communities

I spoke out against Mamdani. Then he won. Here's how we walk forward together.

Elliot Cosgrove in Forward

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove reflects on the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City's mayor and the divisions it has revealed within the Jewish community.

0 Politics Culture

Sure, be mad I voted for Mamdani — I'm still just as Jewish (and Israeli) as you are

Libby Lenkinski in Forward

Libby Lenkinski writes about her controversial support for Zohran Mamdani, the New York City Mayor-elect, delving into the polarized nature of contemporary politics where loyalty often eclipses substantive debate.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Leadership

Money Can’t Buy You Love

Sapir

The Jewish Funders Network conducted a survey assessing philanthropic efforts targeted at combating antisemitism, revealing both the fragmented nature and significant increase in funding over the years, yet raising questions about the effectiveness of these expenditures.

0 Antisemitism Holocaust

When 'The Holocaust Is Fake' Shows Up on Your Street Corner

Aviya Kushner in Future of Jewish

The essay by Aviya Kushner explores the painful yet essential act of responding to Holocaust denial, highlighted by her personal experiences encountering denialist stickers in Chicago and reflecting on family history in Germany.

History ›

0 History Communities

The Bank on Orchard Street

Sapir

Sender Jarmulowsky, a Jewish immigrant banker on New York's Lower East Side, transformed American finance for immigrants in the early 20th century through innovative banking and credit practices.

Israel ›

0 Israel Culture

Gal Gadot wins Genesis Prize for her ‘defense of Israel’ as Gaza war divides Hollywood

Shira Li Bartov in Forward

Gal Gadot, the Israeli actress known for her role as Wonder Woman, was awarded the Genesis Prize for her vocal support of Israel, particularly amidst Hollywood’s division over the Gaza conflict.

Culture ›

0 Culture Language

This Jewish Name Is in the Top Ten Baby Names for the First Time

Daci Platt in Kveller

The name Eliana, which means "my God has answered" in Hebrew, has climbed into the top ten baby names for girls on BabyCenter's list, marking a significant milestone.

0 Culture Israel

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The narrative by Cindy Scarr reflects on a deeply personal and emotional conflict as a mother of an IDF soldier, grappling with feelings of self-pity and gratitude.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

"Show Stopper" recounts the personal journey of Dobby Baum, a singer who navigated the challenges of sharing personal life on social media to advance her career.

0 Culture Leadership

Jewish and Muslim comedians team up to turn tension into titters

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

In an effort to foster unity and understanding across religious divides, Comedy for Peace brings together Jewish, Muslim, and Christian comedians for interfaith performances.

0 Culture History

A Yiddish circus in a suitcase

Luise Fakler in Forward

Tsirk Dobranotch, Germany's first Yiddish circus company, blends klezmer music and circus artistry to revive the rich, if nearly forgotten, heritage of Jewish circus traditions in Europe.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

From shtetl to synth: How Yiddish electronica found its rhythm

Judah Sussman in Forward

Yiddish music is experiencing a modern transformation through electronica, as artists like Josh "Socalled" Dolgin and Chaia bring this cultural tradition into the digital era.

0 Music Culture

Hootenanny will bring Jewish camp song and spirit to Manhattan temple at Nov. 13 event

Peter Ephross in JTA

Celebrating the joyful spirit of Jewish summer camps, a special musical hootenanny will be held on November 13 at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Manhattan.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Holocaust

Is 'Nuremberg' the Holocaust movie we need right now?

Mira Fox in Forward

The film "Nuremberg," directed by James Vanderbilt, attempts to tackle the complex history of the Nuremberg trials with a focus on the relationship between psychiatrist Douglass Kelley and Hermann Goering, Hitler's second-in-command.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Pumpkin Pie with Hawaij Streusel

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig introduces a unique culinary twist on traditional pumpkin pie with her recipe for Pumpkin Pie with Hawaij Streusel.