JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Thursday, November 27, 2025

Politics ›

0 Politics Jewish Law

Jewish moderate Julie Menin claims victory as next City Council speaker

Grace Gilson in Forward

Julie Menin, a Jewish New York City Councilwoman, has claimed victory in the race for council speaker, potentially becoming the first Jewish speaker in the council's history.

0 Politics Communities

More than 25% of Israelis want to leave the country. How did we get here?

Sruli Fruchter in Forward

A recent Israel Democracy Institute survey reveals that over 25% of Israelis are considering leaving the country, highlighting a growing disillusionment with Israel's political and social landscape.

0 Politics Communities

Jewish moderate Julie Menin claims victory as next NYC Council speaker, positioning herself as a counterweight to Mamdani

Grace Gilson in JTA

Julie Menin, a Jewish moderate councilwoman from Manhattan, is set to become the next New York City Council speaker, pending the official election in January.

0 Politics History

America's First Jewish President

Jewdicious

Francis Salvador was the first Jewish official elected in America, serving briefly in South Carolina's Provincial Congress before his death in 1776.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Mamdani’s Jewish Problem

Emes Ve-Emunah

Zohran Mamdani's election as New York City's mayor has sparked concern within its Jewish community, given his strong anti-Israel views and support for BDS, in stark contrast to past mayors.

0 Politics Culture

Reversing course, Peter Beinart apologizes for speaking appearance at Tel Aviv U

Grace Gilson in Forward

Peter Beinart, a progressive Jewish author known for his criticism of Israel, apologized for speaking at Tel Aviv University, acknowledging it contradicted the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement's principles.

0 Politics Communities

Peter Beinart is speaking in Israel. Cue the criticism from both the left and the right.

Grace Gilson in JTA

Peter Beinart, a progressive Jewish author and critic of Israel, faced scrutiny from both ends of the political spectrum during his speech at Tel Aviv University.

0 Politics Culture

Israelis and Jews must regain self-respect.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman argues for Jews and Israelis to prioritize self-determination and pride in their heritage, independent of external validation.

0 Politics Israel

Malinowski stresses he’s pro-Israel in N.J. comeback bid, while not ruling out conditions on aid

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

Former Congressman Tom Malinowski, running for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, emphasizes a balanced pro-Israel stance, advocating for conditional aid based on U.S. policy alignment and human rights compliance.

Education ›

0 Education Antisemitism

Jewish leaders must work with educators to battle antisemitism — not demonize us

Randi Weingarten in Forward

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, responds to criticisms at the Jewish Federations of North America's General Assembly, highlighting the necessity for collaboration between Jewish leaders and educators to effectively combat antisemitism.

0 Education Antisemitism

Sarah Hurwitz, former Obama speechwriter, creates firestorm with remarks about Holocaust education

Andrew Silow-Carroll in Forward

Sarah Hurwitz, an author and former speechwriter for the Obamas, stirred controversy with remarks at the JFNA General Assembly about Holocaust education's effectiveness in combating antisemitism.

Culture ›

0 Culture Holidays

The Biggest Hanukkah Merch Fails of 2025

Rabbi Yael Buechler in Kveller

Rabbi Yael Buechler reviews some of the most humorous and misguided Hanukkah merchandise blunders of 2025.

History ›

0 History Communities

In Galveston, descendants of a forgotten Jewish migration keep their community’s story alive

Dan Fellner in Forward

The Galveston Movement was a forgotten chapter of Jewish migration to the United States that is currently being preserved by the descendants of those immigrants in Galveston, Texas.

0 History Culture

The Nazis sent them to Hawaii to spy for the Japanese

Julia M. Klein in Forward

Christine Kuehn's book, "Family of Spies: A World War II Story of Nazi Espionage, Betrayal, and the Secret History Behind Pearl Harbor," is an intriguing blend of history and memoir recounting her family's unexpected Nazi espionage activities during World War II.

0 History Antisemitism

The West is abandoning the Jewish idea that made it free.

Lucy in Future of Jewish

Lucy Tabrizi's essay delves into the historical patterns of antisemitism and tyranny, arguing that the cyclical nature of persecution against Jews is a reflection of deeper societal ills.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Education

Shunned by the right, targeted by the left, Eva Illouz confronts antisemitism masquerading as academic freedom

Robert Zaretsky in Forward

Eva Illouz, a notable sociologist and public intellectual, recently faced antisemitic actions masked as anti-Zionist sentiment at the Erasmus School in Rotterdam.

0 Antisemitism Holocaust

Sarah Hurwitz, former Obama aide, stirs social media firestorm with remarks about Holocaust education

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Sarah Hurwitz, a former speechwriter for the Obamas and an author, sparked controversy with her remarks at the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly.

Torah ›

0 Torah Philosophy

5 Things Vayetzei Teaches About God Meeting Us When We’re Broken

Rivka Bennun Kay in 18forty

The content delves into the weekly parsha Vayetzei, where Yaakov's journey amidst psychological distress illustrates divine encounter through crisis.

Communities ›

0 Communities Language

Leading with ‘y’all’

eJewishPhilanthropy

Jason Plotkin, executive director of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, explores the power of language in fostering connection and belonging in Jewish communities, emphasizing the impact of the phrase "Shalom Y'all."

0 Communities Politics

Finding light in the dark

eJewishPhilanthropy

In light of growing polarization and discomfort within the Jewish community, notably concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this piece emphasizes the shared values and resilience that unite American Jews.

0 Communities Politics

The End of Jewish Denominations

Nolan Lebovitz in Tablet

Nolan Lebovitz explores the evolving landscape of Jewish denominational divisions, arguing that current Jewish identity is increasingly defined by one's stance on Zionism rather than traditional denominational lines.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Food

Turkey, Tradition, and Peacock

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin's article explores the complex halachic history behind the acceptance of turkey as a kosher bird, particularly in light of the traditional requirements for a bird to have a kosher status.

0 Jewish Law Culture

Beyond the Window

Avraham Weiner in Lehrhaus

Avraham Weiner's narrative explores the life of a young Jewish man navigating the tensions between his ultra-Orthodox upbringing and his secular, scientific influences from his mother.