for Friday, December 5, 2025

Israel ›

0 Israel Politics

Jewish New Yorkers rally outside Park East Synagogue, 2 weeks after anti-Israel protest there

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Hundreds of Jewish New Yorkers gathered outside Park East Synagogue to rally in response to an earlier anti-Israel protest that featured controversial chants.

0 Israel Politics

Conversation with Yossi Klein Halevi: The Responsibilities of an Israeli Writer

Yardena Schwartz in Sources

Yossi Klein Halevi and Yardena Schwartz discuss the evolving responsibilities and challenges facing Israeli writers in today's hostile media environment.

0 Israel Culture

New research indicates how we should talk to young American Christians about Israel

eJewishPhilanthropy

The recent study conducted by BZ Media and Makor Analytics examines how young American Christians, who increasingly identify as non-denominational rather than evangelical, perceive Israel.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Sen. Van Hollen draws criticism after calling local Jewish leader an ‘apologist for the Netanyahu government’

Grace Gilson in JTA

Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has sparked controversy by accusing Ron Halber, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, of being an apologist for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

0 Politics Culture

Ireland, Spain, Netherlands announce boycott of Eurovision following failed effort to oust Israel

Grace Gilson in JTA

Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have announced a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest due to the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) decision to allow Israel's participation.

0 Politics Israel

Israel has a crucial lesson to learn from apartheid South Africa. It isn't what you think

Libby Lenkinski in Forward

Drawing parallels with historical shifts in South Africa and Serbia, Libby Lenkinski emphasizes the need for Israel to develop a clear political vision to effectively tackle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Lithuanian government party leader convicted of inciting hatred towards Jews

Grace Gilson in Forward

Remigijus Zemaitaitis, leader of Lithuania's populist Nemuno Aura party, was convicted for inciting hatred against Jews and minimizing the Holocaust.

0 Politics Israel

What is Elbit Systems, and why did LA synagogue protesters target it?

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Demonstrations erupted outside Los Angeles’ Wilshire Boulevard Temple against Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense contractor.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Anti-BDS order will test Mamdani on day one

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

As New York City transitions to new mayor Zohran Mamdani, outgoing Mayor Eric Adams has issued a significant executive order opposing the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, challenging Mamdani's stated intention to end investment in Israeli bonds.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Mamdani's smile is actually a very scary mask.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Zohran Mamdani, the new mayor-elect of New York City, is facing criticism for his political strategies and team appointments.

0 Politics Communities

NYC synagogue protest leads to a new bill, and a rally by Jewish groups outside Park East shul

Joseph Strauss in Forward

A protest outside the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan, during an Israeli immigration event, has led to significant mobilization among Jewish groups in New York City.

0 Politics Antisemitism

American Antizionism

Shaul Kelner in Sources

Shaul Kelner analyzes the rise of American antizionism, exploring its roots, evolution, and impact on Jewish communities in the United States.

0 Politics Ethics

A Zionism for the Future

Chaim Seidler-Feller in Sources

Chaim Seidler-Feller explores the challenging task of reconciling Jewish ethics with Zionist nationalism.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Politics

A Mandarin-speaking Hasidic Jew walks into Washington…

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Mitchell Silk, also known as Moyshe, made history as the first Hasidic Jew to hold a Senate-confirmed position, serving as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for international markets during the Trump administration.

0 Leadership Gender/Identity

Atra study’s data point on LGBTQ+ rabbinical students is a cause for celebration and hope — and a charge

eJewishPhilanthropy

A recent Atra report highlights that over half of students in non-Orthodox rabbinical programs identify as LGBTQ+, a statistic that both celebrates the progress in Jewish inclusivity and underlines the work still needed.

0 Leadership Communities

Revisiting centralized communal philanthropy: A deeper look at the federation model and its future

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article explores the evolving landscape of Jewish federations and their philanthropic models as they adapt to changing generational values and economic realities.

0 Leadership Communities

Centering Our Youth as a Bridge Across the Generations

Adina H. Frydman in Sources

Adina H. Frydman reflects on the importance of empowering Jewish youth as a means to bridge generational divides, particularly in the context of supporting Israel.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

New CD of Yiddish children’s songs by composer David Botwinik

Deborah Strauss in Forward

A new CD of Yiddish children's songs titled "Zumer iz shoyn vider do" celebrates the legacy of the late David Botwinik, a Vilna-born composer who passed away in 2022 at the age of 101.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Politics

Israel’s wars reignite Judaism’s oldest argument.

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

Nachum Kaplan's essay explores the enduring ethical tension within Judaism between power and morality, particularly in the context of Israel's conflicts with groups like Hamas.

0 Ethics Politics

We Have Sinned, We Have Transgressed, We Have Polarized

Alon Shalev in Sources

The article by Alon Shalev delves into the critical issue of polarization within society, drawing on Jewish historical and moral wisdom to provide insights.

0 Ethics Torah

In Praise of Compromise: Two Models for Navigating Conflicting Values

Joshua Kullock in Sources

In the face of rising polarization among Jewish communities globally, Joshua Kullock urges a re-evaluation of the concept of compromise through a Jewish moral framework.

Literature ›

0 Literature Holocaust

‘Hostage’ Memoir May Well Become A Classic

Gary Rosenblatt in Between The Lines

Eli Sharabi's memoir, "Hostage," has quickly achieved best-seller status in Israel and is now drawing international acclaim as a moving testament to his harrowing experience as a captive of Hamas for 491 days.

0 Literature Holocaust

The Jewish playwright who inspired Tom Stoppard to write his Holocaust history

PJ Grisar in Forward

Tom Stoppard's play "Leopoldstadt" is notably influenced by the Jewish playwright Arthur Schnitzler, a significant figure in German-speaking theater from the early 20th century.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

Synagogue protests have shocked NYC and LA. This Michigan congregation has faced them for 22 years

Hannah Feuer in Forward

For over two decades, Beth Israel Congregation in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has faced persistent anti-Israel and antisemitic protests spearheaded by former congregant Henry Herskovitz.

0 Antisemitism Education

Fighting Antisemitism by Visiting Auschwitz

Emes Ve-Emunah

Amid growing antisemitism, exacerbated by Middle Eastern conflicts and biased media narratives, educational trips to Holocaust sites are highlighted as a potent strategy to combat denial and prejudice.

0 Antisemitism Politics

LA mayor condemns protest outside synagogue event that featured Israeli defense firm

Louis Keene in Forward

Anti-Israel protests erupted outside Los Angeles's Wilshire Boulevard Temple, where an event featuring Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems was held, resulting in the arrest of two individuals for battery and vandalism.

0 Antisemitism Israel

When Is Anti-Zionism Antisemitic? Getting Beyond the Polemics

Ethan Katz in Sources

Ethan Katz explores the contentious relationship between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, particularly in the context of contemporary higher education and political discourse.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

‘Marty Supreme’ is an outstanding celebration — and indictment — of chutzpah

PJ Grisar in Forward

In "Marty Supreme," directed by Josh Safdie and starring Timothée Chalamet, the story follows Marty Mauser, a Jewish ping-pong sensation from New York.

0 Television/Film History

In ‘The Secret Agent,’ a peek into Brazilian Jewish history — and a warning against propaganda

Olivia Haynie in Forward

The film "The Secret Agent," set in 1977 Brazil during the military dictatorship, explores themes of identity, propaganda, and historical memory.

Communities ›

0 Communities Education

With antisemitism and costs of living on the rise elsewhere, this Jewish day school in Dallas is booming

Larry Luxner in JTA

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency article discusses the growth of the Jewish community in Dallas, Texas, particularly focusing on Akiba Yavneh Academy, a modern Orthodox Jewish day school.

0 Communities Politics

2 arrested after pro-Palestinian protest disrupts event on LA synagogue campus

Philissa Cramer in JTA

A pro-Palestinian protest targeting a security event at Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, organized by the Consulate General of Israel, resulted in two arrests and has drawn condemnation from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who labeled the demonstration as antisemitic.

0 Communities Politics

Two Years Since 10/7

Sources

Marking the second anniversary of Hamas's attack on southern Israel, this issue of \"Sources\" reflects on the past two years, marked by events like the return of hostages and a tentative peace process.

0 Communities Politics

Our Fragile Tents: Community, Consent, and Care

Yehuda Kurtzer in Sources

Yehuda Kurtzer explores the evolving North American Jewish identity, shifting from kinship-based to consent-based belonging—a trend intensified by societal challenges and changing communal responses.

0 Communities Ethics

Rebuilding Coalitions toward a Just Future for All

Abigail Levine in Sources

In the wake of increased tensions following the outbreak of war in Israel and Gaza on October 7, questions have emerged about the space for Jewish involvement in broader social justice movements.

0 Communities History

Trauma and Its Challenges, Resilience and Its Shadow: What Holds Israeli Society Together and What Holds It Back

Shoshana Cohen in Sources

Israeli society, challenged by ongoing trauma from conflicts and crises, demonstrates remarkable resilience characterized by unique cultural and historical frameworks.

0 Communities Politics

Synagogue protest spurs action by Jewish groups and elected officials

Joseph Strauss in JTA

A recent protest outside Park East Synagogue in New York, featuring chants like "Death to the IDF," has mobilized Jewish organizations and local lawmakers to respond with a rally and legislative action.

0 Communities Holocaust

Rabbi Mayer Moskowitz, Holocaust survivor and Jewish educator, dead at 98

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

Rabbi Mayer Moskowitz, who passed away at 98, lived a remarkable life defined by survival, resilience, and dedication to Jewish education.

Culture ›

0 Culture Gender/Identity

Inside “Liberation,” the Jewish Feminist Broadway Sensation

Guest Contributor in Lilith

Bess Wohl's latest Broadway hit, "Liberation," is a deeply personal exploration of feminism, memory, and identity, drawing upon her experiences and those of her mother, a former worker at Ms. magazine.

0 Culture Communities

A Rabbi and a Reverend Led Cory Booker and Alexis Lewis’ Interfaith Wedding

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Senator Cory Booker and Alexis Lewis celebrated their marriage with an interfaith ceremony, blending Jewish and Christian traditions.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

Jewish Actress Kat Graham Is Pregnant With Her First Child

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Kat Graham, renowned for her role as Bonnie Bennett on "The Vampire Diaries," has announced her pregnancy with husband Bryant Wood.

Torah ›

0 Torah Jewish Law

What Does It Mean to Limp Toward the Promised Land?

Moshe Koppel in 18forty

Moshe Koppel's analysis of the biblical story of Yaakov wrestling with a mysterious figure in Parshat Vayishlach is positioned as a metaphor for the Jewish journey through history.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Torah

A Window into the Kabbalistic Soul: “Heilek Elo’ah Mi-ma’al” From Job to Tanya

Elisha Price in Lehrhaus

Elisha Price examines the phrase "Heilek Eloah Mi-maal" in R. Shneur Zalman's seminal Hasidic work, Sefer Ha-Tanya, and its controversial theological implications.

0 Philosophy Ethics

<em>Devekut</em> in the Age of Uncertainty

Jonathan Zasloff in Sources

The article explores the theme of uncertainty in Jewish life, especially within the American Jewish community, by drawing on the concept of *devekut*, or spiritual closeness to God, as a guiding principle.

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

Parshat Vayishlach: Rabin, Rachel, Rains and Retzach: How an untranslatable word shaped Judaism and holds hope for the world

Aton Holzer in Lehrhaus

Aton Holzer reflects on his memories of the Rabin assassination and the untranslatable Hebrew term "retzach," which means murder.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

A Jewish education for all our children

eJewishPhilanthropy

Rachel Lerner discusses the pressing need for Jewish educational institutions to adopt more inclusive practices for neurodivergent children within their communities.

0 Education Holocaust

Amid rising antisemitism, Success Academy takes charter school students to Auschwitz

Haley Cohen in Jewish Insider

Success Academy, a charter school network serving primarily low-income families in New York City, has initiated a profound educational program by taking a group of high school students on a six-day tour of Holocaust sites in Poland, including Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Plaszów camp.

0 Education Holocaust

NYC principal turns down Holocaust survivor’s talk over his ‘messages around Israel and Palestine’

Grace Gilson in JTA

A New York City middle school principal, Arin Rusch, rejected a presentation by Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann due to concerns with his material relating to Israel and Palestine.

Food ›

0 Food Communities

The Cookbook That Became a Legend

Esther Levy Chehebar in Tablet

Deal Delights, informally known as The Red Cookbook, is a timeless staple in Syrian Jewish kitchens, encapsulating the history and culinary traditions of the community that immigrated from Aleppo and Damascus.

JL;DR

for Friday, December 5, 2025

Israel ›

Politics ›

Leadership ›

Music ›

Ethics ›

Literature ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Torah ›

Philosophy ›

Education ›

Food ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 5's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Friday, December 5, 2025

Israel ›

Politics ›

Leadership ›

Music ›

Ethics ›

Literature ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Torah ›

Philosophy ›

Education ›

Food ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 5's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Friday, December 5, 2025