for Wednesday, December 3, 2025

History ›

0 History Politics

To be fair, we should put 'Palestinian' in quotation marks.

David E. Firester, Ph.D. in Future of Jewish

David E. Firester's guest essay explores the historical and political origins of the term 'Palestinian,' advocating for quotation marks to be used when referring to Palestinian identity claims prior to the 20th century.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

All the Jewish TV Coming in December 2025

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

December 2025 is set to be a festive season for Jewish television viewers, with a selection of new specials and series featuring Jewish themes and talents.

0 Television/Film Culture

Israel's 2025 Oscar entry is a story of grief, sex and looming national tragedy

PJ Grisar in Forward

"Come Closer," Israel's 2025 Oscar entry, is a poignant film that intricately weaves themes of grief, love, and national tragedy, directed by Tom Nesher.

0 Television/Film Politics

Why do people want ‘Zootopia 2’ to be about Israel?

Olivia Haynie in Forward

Zootopia 2's plot, centered on the expansion of climate-controlled neighborhoods and displacement of marginalized species, has led some viewers to draw parallels to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, despite the absence of explicit geopolitical references.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

Over 300 rabbis and Jewish leaders call for removal of UN official who denied Oct. 7 rapes

Grace Gilson in JTA

Over 300 Jewish leaders, including prominent rabbis and women's rights advocates, have called for the dismissal of Reem Alsalem, a U.N. rapporteur, after she denied reports of sexual violence during Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

0 Politics Leadership

I was interrogated by Israeli authorities — I know why they're terrified of peace activists like me

Zak Witus in Forward

Zak Witus, Director of Young Leadership and Education at the New Israel Fund, recounts his interrogation by Israeli authorities at Ben-Gurion Airport due to materials in his luggage that supported both Israeli and Palestinian peace efforts.

0 Politics Communities

Hasidic leader defends support for Mamdani. ‘I’m taking beatings to save you’

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Rabbi Moshe Indig, a leader within the Satmar Ahronim sect, has defended his controversial endorsement of Zohran Mamdani in the NYC mayoral race, despite backlash from Jewish communities concerning Mamdani's stance on issues perceived as antisemitic.

0 Politics Culture

In defense of the Sarah Hurwitz we know — and the nuance we all need in this moment

JTA

This article defends Sarah Hurwitz, who served as a speechwriter for the Obama administration and has since authored books on Jewish identity and antisemitism, against a social media backlash.

0 Politics Communities

Dublin city councillors accuse Israel and ‘Zionist lobby’ of quashing proposal to rename Herzog Park

Philissa Cramer in JTA

The controversy surrounding Herzog Park in Dublin escalates as city councillors debate a proposal to rename the park, originally named after Chaim Herzog, an Irish-born president of Israel, due to his role in Israel's Zionist history.

0 Politics Leadership

Netanyahu just made the craziest move of his career.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has initiated a fraught constitutional and political move by seeking a presidential pardon from President Isaac Herzog amidst ongoing corruption trials.

0 Politics Leadership

Should Israel Pardon Bibi? The AI Cure for Deafness. Plus. . .

The Free Press in The Free Press

The piece explores the unprecedented request for a presidential pardon by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amid his ongoing corruption trials.

0 Politics Israel

The Party’s Over

Gary Rosenblatt in Between The Lines

Gary Rosenblatt critiques Ben Rhodes' opinion piece in The New York Times, which argues that Democrats should cease supporting Israel due to moral and political misalignments.

0 Politics Israel

Pope Leo meets with Erdogan, says two-state solution is the ‘only’ path forward in Middle East

Grace Gilson in Forward

Pope Leo XIV, in his first international tour since taking office, has emphasized a two-state solution as the only viable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Communities

Layoffs hit Shabbat dinner as OneTable slashes staff by 25%

Louis Keene in Forward

OneTable, a nonprofit facilitating Shabbat dinners for young Jewish adults, recently laid off 25% of its workforce amid declining funding.

0 Jewish Law Education

By the Book

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr explores the heartache of a dedicated mother who has diligently followed parenting guides and classes, yet still experiences significant challenges with her children.

0 Jewish Law Culture

Growing Together

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's reflective piece, "Growing Together," explores the cultural shift from marriage and parenthood towards individualism and self-actualization.

0 Jewish Law Leadership

The Moment: Issue 1089

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article explores the enduring bond between two prominent Rosh Yeshivahs, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch of Slabodka and Rav Meir Stern of Passaic, who were childhood friends and chose to pursue a life dedicated to Torah study under Rav Aharon Kotler in Lakewood.

Education ›

0 Education Antisemitism

Amid campus tensions, CUNY steps up outreach to Brooklyn yeshivas

Hannah Feuer in Forward

In response to ongoing antisemitism concerns on campuses, the City University of New York (CUNY) is intensifying outreach efforts to Jewish high schools, notably through a dual enrollment program.

0 Education Politics

Israel's Other Existential Crisis

Emes Ve-Emunah

Economist Dan Ben-David highlights Israel's looming existential threat from within, focusing on the Charedi educational system's lack of secular curriculum.

0 Education Culture

Redefining Rich

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In the article "Redefining Rich," Cindy Scarr reflects on the challenge of distinguishing between genuine needs and superficial wants in today's materialistic society, particularly within Jewish communities.

Music ›

0 Music Holidays

This Maccabeats ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Hanukkah Parody Is Epic

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The Maccabeats have released a unique Hanukkah parody inspired by the Netflix film "KPop Demon Hunters," blending traditional and contemporary elements.

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Take Offense While Playing Defense

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Israel's development and upcoming deployment of the Iron Beam, a revolutionary laser interception system, marks a significant defensive advancement.

0 Israel Politics

Too many Jews keep making this dangerous mistake about Israel.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The article by Joshua Hoffman highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between Diaspora Jews and Israel, emphasizing the danger of conflating support for Israel with agreement with its current government.

Communities ›

0 Communities Ethics

Inbox: Issue 1089

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Readers of Mishpacha Magazine react to recent articles, covering diverse topics like the dangers of adopting a victim mentality, the profound impact of a chillul Hashem, issues surrounding alcohol abuse in Jewish communities, and the importance of recognizing innate worth beyond talents.

0 Communities Antisemitism

Face-Off

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Dr. Moshe Glick, a respected community leader and dentist from West Orange, New Jersey, is facing unexpected legal challenges after standing up to a pro-Hamas demonstration outside a local shul.

0 Communities Culture

How a teen found a Jewish community he could call his own

Isaiah Davidson in JTA

Isaiah Davidson recounts his journey to find a Jewish community after moving away from his childhood connections.

0 Communities Education

Bar-Ilan’s Sunflower Center offers a model for how institutions can help Israel heal

eJewishPhilanthropy

Bar-Ilan University's Sunflower Center is offering a framework for resilience and recovery after the trauma experienced by Israel, especially following the events of October 7, 2023.

Torah ›

0 Torah Gender/Identity

Real Royalty

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

"Real Royalty" explores the concept of inner spiritual royalty as exemplified by the biblical figure Batsheva, the wife of King David and mother of King Solomon.

0 Torah Ethics

Parshas Vayishlach: 5786

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Reflecting on Parshas Vayishlach, Cindy Scarr explores the theme of resisting external influences through the biblical story of Yaakov (Jacob) living with Lavan.

Food ›

0 Food Holidays

Tomato Soup with Cheesy Latke Croutons

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig presents a unique Hanukkah recipe: Tomato Soup with Cheesy Latke Croutons, combining the comfort of creamy tomato soup with crunchy, cheese-filled latkes as croutons.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Politics

If Israel reinstates the death penalty, it will betray Jewish values — and Jewish history

Michael Zoosman in Forward

Michael Zoosman argues that Israel's consideration of reinstating the death penalty for terrorists contradicts Jewish values and could harm Israel's international standing and moral authority.

Art ›

0 Art History

Rare 14th-century Hebrew Bible will hit the auction block at Sotheby’s

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

A rare 14th-century handwritten Hebrew Bible from Toledo, Spain, adorned with elaborate calligraphic art and micrographic Masorah, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's New York, with an estimated value of $1.5 to $2.5 million.

Sports ›

0 Sports Communities

Meet Zevi Eckhaus, the Jewish college football bowl-bound quarterback who prays at the 18-yard line

Joseph Strauss in Forward

Zevi Eckhaus, the Jewish starting quarterback for the Washington State Cougars, uniquely integrates his Orthodox Jewish faith with his football career by praying at the 18-yard line, a nod to the significance of the number in Judaism.

0 Sports Communities

Getting to know Zevi Eckhaus, the bowl-bound Jewish quarterback who prays at the 18-yard line

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Zevi Eckhaus, the Jewish starting quarterback for the Washington State Cougars, uniquely combines his athletic pursuits with his faith.

Culture ›

0 Culture Politics

Cory Booker has long embraced Jewish tradition. Now he has married a Jewish woman.

Grace Gilson in Forward

Senator Cory Booker, known for his affinity with Jewish traditions, has married Alexis Lewis, a Jewish real estate professional, in an interfaith ceremony under a chuppah.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, December 3, 2025

History ›

Television/Film ›

Politics ›

Jewish Law ›

Education ›

Music ›

Israel ›

Communities ›

Torah ›

Food ›

Ethics ›

Art ›

Sports ›

Culture ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 3's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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History ›

Television/Film ›

Politics ›

Jewish Law ›

Education ›

Music ›

Israel ›

Communities ›

Torah ›

Food ›

Ethics ›

Art ›

Sports ›

Culture ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 3's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, December 3, 2025