JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Saturday, December 13, 2025

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Israel faces its most important test since 1973.

Guy Goldstein in Future of Jewish

Guy Goldstein argues that Israel is at a critical juncture not seen since 1973, facing immense diplomatic pressure from a coordinated Arab bloc seeking influence over the Palestinian cause, while the U.S.—weakened by transactional diplomacy under Trump—finds its leverage diminished.

0 Politics Israel

Trump’s National Security Strategy reveals a painful truth: Israel is newly vulnerable

Dan Perry in Forward

Dan Perry examines the implications of the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy under President Trump for Israel, highlighting a shift from values-based diplomacy to a self-interest-driven approach.

0 Politics Leadership

Top ADL civil rights lay leader quits, accusing group of being ‘useful idiot’ for Trump

Ron Kampeas in JTA

Joe Berman, a former key leader at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), has publicly resigned, criticizing the organization for aligning too closely with the Trump administration and narrowing its focus exclusively to antisemitism at the expense of broader civil rights advocacy.

0 Politics Communities

Rabbis who criticized Mamdani say they were ‘heartened’ after meeting with him on Thursday

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayor-elect, held a private meeting with key figures from the New York Board of Rabbis to address concerns from the Jewish community, particularly regarding his anti-Zionist stance and support for BDS.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The New Mind Virus Quickly Overtaking Our Societies

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman critiques the rise of arrogance and ignorance in public discourse, particularly concerning complex issues like Israel and Zionism.

0 Politics Israel

Israeli tourists could soon be required to show 5 years of social media history to enter the US

Grace Gilson in JTA

Israeli tourists planning to visit the United States might soon have to provide five years of social media history as part of new draft regulations by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

0 Politics Israel

Trump administration struggles to lay out clear vision for Gaza peace plan

Matthew Shea in Jewish Insider

The Trump administration's Gaza peace plan, announced three months ago, remains vague in practice and fails to address significant issues, such as governance and security, especially with Hamas retaining control over much of Gaza.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Education

High schoolers’ ‘human swastika’ on football field shakes San Jose Jewish community

Grace Gilson in Forward

An incident at Branham High School in San Jose, California, where students formed a human swastika on the football field, has caused a major uproar in the local Jewish community and beyond.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Nashville Jewish community center sues Goyim Defense League over alleged campaign of intimidation

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

The Gordon Jewish Community Center in Nashville has initiated a federal civil rights lawsuit against the neo-Nazi group Goyim Defense League, citing a campaign of antisemitic intimidation and harassment.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Allegations of Discrimination at Renton High Emerge

The Cholent in The Cholent

A former teacher at Renton High School, Lauren Hasson, has filed a tort claim alleging harassment and discrimination based on her Jewish and Israeli heritage.

0 Antisemitism Music

Scottish band Primal Scream draws backlash over concert backdrop of Israeli officials with swastika-eyes

Grace Gilson in JTA

Primal Scream, a Scottish rock band, faced severe backlash after a concert in London where images combining the Star of David with swastikas were projected during their performance.

0 Antisemitism Politics

An Orthodox Perspective on Antisemitism

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article explores the Orthodox Jewish perspective on the rise of antisemitism in the U.S., particularly in the context of political tensions between left and right-wing factions.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Nanny on trial for allegedly poisoning Jewish family in France ‘because they have money’

Grace Gilson in Forward

The trial of Lela Y., an Algerian nanny accused of poisoning a Jewish family in France, highlights ongoing concerns about antisemitism in the country.

Education ›

0 Education Torah

Rabbi Eliezer Diamond, beloved Jewish Theological Seminary professor and author, dies at 73

Grace Gilson in Forward

Rabbi Eliezer Diamond, a cherished educator at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) for 35 years, passed away at 73 after battling cancer.

0 Education Torah

Rabbi Eliezer Diamond, beloved Jewish Theological Seminary professor and author, dies at 73

Grace Gilson in JTA

Rabbi Eliezer Diamond, a revered professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), has passed away at 73 after a courageous battle with cancer.

0 Education Antisemitism

In a state with few Jews, how teachers introduce students to Hanukkah

Hannah Feuer in Forward

In Montana, where Jewish populations are sparse, the Montana Jewish Project is utilizing Hanukkah curriculum boxes to introduce schoolchildren to the festival's traditions and significant historical events.

Israel ›

0 Israel History

What is the state of American Zionism today, and how did we get here?

Elliot Cosgrove in Forward

Elliot Cosgrove analyzes the current state of American Zionism by reflecting on its historical roots and evolution, amid a backdrop of complex American-Jewish identity.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

We are living in Peak Latke, and I think I know why

Rob Eshman in Forward

In an age readily defined by social media and constant connectivity, the art of making latkes—the traditional Jewish potato pancake—has experienced a renaissance with boundless creativity and digital sharing.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Holidays

Hanukkah and the long-term value of short-term thinking

eJewishPhilanthropy

Reflecting on the differing rabbinic opinions of Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel on the sequence of lighting Hanukkah candles, Rabbi Matthew J. Rosenberg explores the broader philosophical implications of short-term versus long-term thinking.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

Grow hope with us this Hanukkah

eJewishPhilanthropy

JCC Chicago is spearheading a movement to foster positivity and community resilience through its Growing Hope initiative.

0 Communities Culture

This Hanukkah, my synagogue is illuminating our walls with relics of our Jewish immigrant stories

Ruth Messinger in Forward

The Society for the Advancement of Judaism in New York City is launching an exhibition titled "How We Got Here: Honoring Our Immigrant Forebears," showcasing family immigration stories through personal portraits and stories of congregants.

Culture ›

0 Culture Antisemitism

Refusing to hide our light

eJewishPhilanthropy

In examining the persistent fear faced by American Jews in displaying their Jewish identity, particularly the menorah during Hanukkah, Sara Fredman Aeder draws parallels with historical moments of Jewish resilience.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Holidays

6 hostages murdered in Gaza lit Hanukkah candles in captivity, newly released footage shows

Grace Gilson in JTA

Footage released by the IDF reveals a poignant moment where six Israeli hostages, later murdered by Hamas, observed Hanukkah traditions while in captivity.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Culture

The 'Judaism of I' is killing Judaism.

Hava Mendelle in Future of Jewish

Hava Mendelle explores the shift towards individualized notions of Jewish identity, a phenomenon she refers to as the "Judaism of I."

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Jewish Law

Can Jewish tradition help you stay sane when all your bosses are ‘idiots’?

Beth Harpaz in Forward

In her final column for Bintel Brief, Beth Harpaz addresses a plea for guidance from someone exasperated with incompetent bosses by drawing on Jewish texts and wisdom for advice on maintaining sanity in such situations.