for Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Torah ›

0 Torah Ethics

Prometheus’s Flood

Yaakov S. Weinstein in Lehrhaus

In a reimagined biblical narrative, Yaakov Weinstein explores the story of Noah through a creative lens.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

Jewish Director Rob Reiner Was the Definition of a Mensch

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Rob Reiner, the famed Jewish director known for seminal works like "Spinal Tap," "When Harry Met Sally," and "The Princess Bride," was tragically murdered alongside his wife Michele Singer Reiner.

0 Television/Film Culture

Rob Reiner, iconic Jewish director and actor, found dead with wife Michele in their home

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Hollywood is reeling from the shocking deaths of Rob Reiner, the acclaimed Jewish film director and actor, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, found dead in their home with multiple stab wounds.

0 Television/Film Culture

Rob Reiner asked the big questions. His death leaves us searching for answers.

PJ Grisar in Forward

The unexpected death of Rob Reiner, a beloved director and cultural icon, leaves the world grappling with questions similar to those he posed throughout his career.

0 Television/Film Communities

Actor-Director Rob Reiner dies at 78

PJ Grisar in Forward

Rob Reiner, beloved actor-director known for film classics like "The Princess Bride" and "When Harry Met Sally," tragically passed away at 78 alongside his wife in an apparent homicide.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Antisemitism tensions rise as NYC Young Republicans host the far-right

Joseph Strauss in JTA

The New York Young Republican Club's recent gala stirred controversy for hosting figures associated with antisemitic rhetoric and far-right extremism.

0 Antisemitism Culture

The Jewish bargain with the West is collapsing quickly.

Bob Goldberg in Future of Jewish

Bob Goldberg's essay in *The New Zionist Times* discusses the perceived collapse of the Western societal contract with Jewish communities.

0 Antisemitism Communities

The Bondi Beach attack is inspiring Jewish pride. For our children’s sake, we need to allow our fear, too.

David Bryfman in JTA

In the wake of a brutal antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australian Jews face the challenge of balancing pride with processing fear and mourning.

0 Antisemitism Communities

These Are the Victims of the Bondi Beach Hanukkah Shooting in Sydney

JTA Staff in Kveller

During a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Sydney, a tragic shooting claimed the lives of 15 individuals, including prominent Chabad rabbis, community members, and young children.

0 Antisemitism Holidays

Drive-by shooting targets Jewish family’s Hanukkah display, police in California town say

Grace Gilson in Forward

In Redlands, California, a Jewish family celebrating Hanukkah with inflatable decorations was the target of a drive-by attack involving an airsoft gun.

0 Antisemitism Holidays

Thoughts about the Chanukah Massacre in Australia

Ken Silverman in The Beinart Notebook

Ken Silverman discusses the tragic massacre in Sydney, Australia, which occurred on the first night of Chanukah, highlighting the impact on the closely-knit Jewish community there.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Police in Redlands, California, investigating shooting attack on Jewish family’s Hanukkah display

Grace Gilson in JTA

In Redlands, California, a Jewish family's Hanukkah display was attacked in a drive-by shooting; assailants fired an airsoft gun while shouting antisemitic and anti-Palestinian sentiments.

0 Antisemitism Education

In the fight against K-12 antisemitism, we are grateful for allies – but are not afraid to call out antisemitism when we see it

Lauren Steinberg in Forward

Lauren Steinberg highlights the ongoing struggle against antisemitism in K-12 education, emphasizing the essential role of alliances with educators and unions like the American Federation of Teachers.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Her daughter left the Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration just before the shooting, then asked, ‘Mommy, why do they hate us so much?’

Robin Washington in Forward

In the aftermath of a tragic mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Sydney, the Jewish community mourns the loss of lives, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger.

0 Antisemitism Holidays

After Sydney attack, NY Jewish leaders at menorah lighting call for solidarity and pride

Grace Gilson in JTA

Following a tragic attack at a Chabad Hanukkah party in Sydney, Australia, which claimed multiple lives, New York Jewish leaders and community members gathered for a public menorah lighting in Carl Schurz Park to demonstrate solidarity and resilience.

0 Antisemitism Communities

I was at Bondi Beach last week. Our concerns were ignored

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article recounts a visit to Australia by a delegation of Jewish leaders, including Marina Rosenberg of the Anti-Defamation League, prior to a tragic antisemitic attack that resulted in the death of 15 Jews at Bondi Beach.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Forget 'Never Again'. We need Vigilant Judaism, and we need it now.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman argues for a shift towards 'Vigilant Judaism' in response to growing antisemitism, addressing the misconception that Jewish safety can be outsourced to external authorities.

0 Antisemitism Holidays

Bondi Beach attack transforms global Hanukkah celebrations into acts of defiance — with added security

Grace Gilson in Forward

Following a tragic shooting at a Chabad Hanukkah party in Australia, Jewish communities worldwide, led by Chabad emissaries, have turned their Hanukkah celebrations into powerful acts of defiance against antisemitism.

Communities ›

0 Communities Antisemitism

Jewish donors help raise $1.3M for Ahmed al Ahmed, the Muslim man who disarmed a Bondi Beach attacker

Grace Gilson in JTA

Ahmed al Ahmed, a Muslim fruit seller, heroically disarmed a gunman during a Hanukkah event attack in Sydney's Bondi Beach.

0 Communities Antisemitism

The bar mitzvah next door to the Bondi Beach shooting

eJewishPhilanthropy

A bar mitzvah celebration in Bondi Beach, Sydney, became the backdrop for a traumatic experience when a nearby shooting disrupted the event.

0 Communities History

Australia’s Jewish community is defined by Holocaust survivors, Yiddishkeit and immigrants

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Australia's Jewish community, deeply influenced by Holocaust survivors and bolstered by a growing number of South African immigrants, faced tragedy at the Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration where 15 individuals were killed.

0 Communities Holocaust

Australia welcomed my family’s Holocaust survivors — and Bondi Beach soon became a symbol of renewal for me

Andy Carvin in Forward

The narrative by Andy Carvin explores his discovery of an Australian branch of his family, descendants of Holocaust survivors who fled Europe.

0 Communities Holidays

Brown University students light first Hanukkah candle in the shadow of mass shooting

Shira Li Bartov in JTA

Brown University students gathered for a somber Hanukkah candle lighting that also served as a vigil following a devastating mass shooting in an economics class, where two were killed and nine injured.

0 Communities Holidays

At Chabad Hanukkah party in California, hours after Bondi Beach massacre, joy defied grief’s shadow

Louis Keene in Forward

Amidst the backdrop of tragedy from a terror attack at a Chabad event in Sydney, the Jewish community of Pacific Palisades, California, gathered for a Hanukkah celebration that emphasized resilience and defiance in the face of loss.

0 Communities Ethics

Will laying tefillin make a difference? A rabbi responds to his cousin’s murder in Australia attack

Robin Washington in Forward

The article reflects on the aftermath of a tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, where 15 people were killed during a Chanukah event organized by Chabad of Bondi, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger.

0 Communities Antisemitism

New York Jewish leaders at menorah lighting call for solidarity and pride after Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack

Grace Gilson in Forward

In response to the tragic attack on a Chabad Hanukkah party in Sydney that left 15 dead, New York City Jewish leaders and community members gathered at a menorah lighting in Carl Schurz Park to demonstrate steadfast solidarity and resilience.

Culture ›

0 Culture History

This Jewish family acquired a farm in 1889 Oklahoma. Now it’s on stage in New York City.

Lisa Keys in JTA

Alice Eve Cohen's play, "Oklahoma Samovar," explores the rich, unlikely history of her Jewish ancestors who settled in Oklahoma during the 1889 Land Run after fleeing Latvia.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

Columbia professor Mahmood Mamdani, father of NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, criticizes university over antisemitism and protests

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani, father of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, has criticized Columbia University's leadership and its approach to handling antisemitism allegations.

0 Politics Antisemitism

An Open Letter to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

In an open letter to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Nachum Kaplan vehemently criticizes the government's failure to adequately address rising antisemitism in Australia, following a brutal attack on a Hanukkah celebration and growing incidents against the Jewish community.

0 Politics Israel

Lander struggles to land hits on Goldman — beyond disagreeing on Israel

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

The primary race between New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in New York's 10th Congressional District highlights tensions within the Democratic Party regarding Israel.

0 Politics Antisemitism

After Australia shooting, Jewish leaders say Mamdani’s refusal to condemn ‘globalize the intifada’ has consequences

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

The tragic shooting targeting a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, which resulted in at least 15 deaths, has intensified criticism towards New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for his earlier reluctance to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada."

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Antisemitism

The Maccabees taught us persistence and hope – even when the light flickers, as it has this Hanukkah

Vanessa Aronson in Forward

Vanessa Aronson reflects on how the Hanukkah story and Jewish traditions of resilience and intellectual engagement have guided her journey from Catholicism to Judaism.

0 Holidays Antisemitism

The call of this Hanukkah moment remains simple and urgent: Light candles everywhere. Even when we're under attack.

Alon Shalev in Forward

In light of a devastating massacre in Sydney targeting Jews, Alon Shalev emphasizes the urgent need to uphold the Hanukkah tradition of publicly lighting menorahs.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Jewish Law

Is the sacred becoming political?

eJewishPhilanthropy

Daniel Elbaum, the executive director of IDF Widows and Orphans USA, discusses an unexpected trend where support for the non-political mission of his organization seems to increasingly align with political leanings.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Jewish Law

Serving faith and nation: The rabbis bringing light to U.S. troops on Europe’s front lines

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

U.S. military chaplains, including Rabbis Aaron Melman, Aaron Gaber, and Laurence Bazer, serve as spiritual guides for Jewish and non-Jewish soldiers alike on European front lines.

JL;DR

for Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Torah ›

Television/Film ›

Antisemitism ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Politics ›

Holidays ›

Ethics ›

Leadership ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 16's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Torah ›

Television/Film ›

Antisemitism ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Politics ›

Holidays ›

Ethics ›

Leadership ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 16's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Tuesday, December 16, 2025