for Thursday, December 18, 2025

Leadership ›

This the moment Jewish leadership was built for

In a passionate call to action, philanthropist Mike Leven argues that the threats facing Jewish communities today are part of a coordinated effort to undermine Jewish life and legitimacy, requiring a radical restructuring of Jewish institutional responses.

0 Leadership Jewish Law

Man of G-d: Remembering Rabbi Moshe Hauer

Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph in Jewish Action

Rabbi Moshe Hauer, ztl, is remembered as a profoundly influential rabbinic figure who inspired many with his unwavering faith in G-d and commitment to Hashem-first perspectives.

0 Leadership History

A Guiding Light for Klal Yisrael

Chief Rabbi Kalman Meir Ber in Jewish Action

Rabbi Kalman Meir Ber delivers a poignant eulogy for Rabbi Moshe Hauer, likening his passing to the sudden setting of a brilliant midday sun.

0 Leadership Communities

“His Life Was a Continuous Ascent”

Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb in Jewish Action

Rabbi Moshe Hauer, ztl, is memorialized by Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb as a remarkable figure whose life was characterized by continuous growth in wisdom, leadership, and empathy.

0 Leadership Ethics

To Illuminate Rather Than Condemn: The Legacy of Rabbi Moshe Hauer

Moishe Bane in Jewish Action

Rabbi Moshe Hauer's legacy is commemorated for his distinctive approach to Orthodox Jewish leadership, blending staunch advocacy with genuine warmth.

0 Leadership Communities

Portrait of a Leader

JA Staff in Jewish Action

Rabbi Moshe Hauer's tenure as both a congregational leader in Baltimore and the executive vice president of the Orthodox Union (OU) exemplifies his dedication to Jewish leadership and community building.

0 Leadership Communities

Life Lessons from My Stint as Junior Gabbai

Rabbi Akiva Males in Jewish Action

Reflecting on his childhood role as a junior gabbai in his Cleveland synagogue, Rabbi Akiva Males shares a formative lesson on humility and equitable leadership imparted by his mentor, Rabbi Doniel Schur.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

After MIT professor’s killing, Jewish influencers spread unverified antisemitism claim

Louis Keene in Forward

Following the murder of MIT professor Nuno Loureiro, a rumor quickly spread on social media that he was Jewish and targeted for his purported pro-Israel stance.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Some people are learning the wrong lessons from Ahmed al Ahmed

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

In the wake of the tragic Bondi Beach massacre, where antisemitism erupted into violence, Ahmed al Ahmed, a Muslim who heroically intervened, has sparked divisive narratives.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Jewish identity surges after Bondi, highlighting internal divisions — and the potential for renewed Black-Jewish cooperation

Robin Washington in Forward

In light of increasing antisemitism post the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, many American Jews initially hid their identities for fear of violence.

0 Antisemitism Politics

What can really be done to prevent antisemitic attacks like Bondi Beach?

Jay Michaelson in Forward

In the aftermath of an antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Jay Michaelson explores effective strategies for combating antisemitism.

0 Antisemitism Ethics

I'm a neuroscientist. Here's why Ahmed al Ahmed’s bravery at Bondi Beach strains our narratives.

Iddo Gefen in Forward

The heroic actions of Ahmed al Ahmed, a Muslim fruit-seller who intervened to stop a terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, challenge the prevalent narratives of rigid group identities and loyalties often perpetuated by figures like Nick Fuentes and Thomas Rousseau.

0 Antisemitism Israel

The Israel news we don’t hear – and the forces that silence us

Aviya Kushner in Forward

Aviya Kushner highlights the overlooked positive developments in Israel, such as the remarkable 90% rise in Israeli stock market values, contrasted against the rise in the S&P 500 since October 7.

0 Antisemitism Communities

These Videos Help Us Find Resilience After the Bondi Beach Hanukkah Attack

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack, where a father-son duo inspired by ISIS opened fire on a Jewish celebration in Sydney, killing 15 people, is a tragic reminder of antisemitic violence.

0 Antisemitism Culture

Christians are displaying menorahs in their windows post-Bondi Beach attack. Why some Jews object

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Following the horrendous attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, some Christians have started displaying menorahs as a gesture of support for their Jewish neighbors.

0 Antisemitism Gender/Identity

My religion was 'None of the above,' until Oct. 7 and now Bondi

David Weill in Forward

In his poignant reflection, David Weill describes his journey from religious ambiguity to embracing his Jewish identity against the backdrop of rising global antisemitism.

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

Moderate N.Y. Democrat Rory Lancman hoping to reinvigorate party’s centrist wing in the suburbs

Haley Cohen in Jewish Insider

Rory Lancman, a moderate Democrat and former New York State Assemblyman, aims to counter the party's far-left influence in suburban areas outside New York City.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Citing Sydney attack, police in London say they will now arrest those who chant ‘globalize the intifada’

Philissa Cramer in JTA

In the wake of a deadly terror attack in Sydney, London and Manchester police have introduced a policy to arrest individuals chanting 'globalize the intifada' at pro-Palestinian protests, arguing the phrase can incite violence and instill fear within Jewish communities.

0 Politics Holidays

At White House Hanukkah party, Trump says Congress ‘is becoming antisemitic’

Andrew Lapin in Forward

At a White House Hanukkah celebration, former President Donald Trump addressed his claims that Congress and universities are becoming increasingly antisemitic and lamented the diminishing influence of the pro-Israel lobby.

0 Politics History

Norman Podhoretz, Commentary editor and archetypal Jewish neoconservative, dies at 95

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Norman Podhoretz, a pivotal figure in Jewish intellectual life, passed away at 95.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Is Australia lying about the Bondi Beach attack?

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Following a terrorist attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, the Australian government's response has been scrutinized, particularly in relation to potential Iranian involvement.

0 Politics Communities

Zohran Mamdani visits the Rebbe’s Ohel, increasingly a pilgrimage site for politicians

Joseph Strauss in JTA

New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani visited the Ohel, the gravesite of the Chabad-Lubavitch leaders, following the antisemitic attack at a Hanukkah event in Australia that claimed 15 lives.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Culture

Jewish morality sabotages Jewish self-defense.

Francisco Gil-White in Future of Jewish

Francisco Gil-White argues that Jewish morality, deeply ingrained through a focus on ethics inspired by figures like Rabbi Hillel, ironically makes Jewish communities vulnerable by prioritizing ethical goodness even in self-defense scenarios.

0 Ethics Education

Financial Minimalism

Rivka Resnik in Jewish Action

Rivka Resnik explores the concept of financial minimalism, urging readers to declutter their finances with intention.

0 Ethics Communities

Ahmed al Ahmed’s bravery at Bondi Beach reminds us of our own humanity in a world that seeks to erode it

Iddo Gefen in JTA

The courageous action of Ahmed al Ahmed, a Muslim fruit-seller who intervened to stop a violent attack on Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Sydney, challenges rigid narratives of group identity.

Culture ›

0 Culture History

Decades after her ancestor was blacklisted from Hollywood, this teenager is bringing her family’s history to light

Olivia Haynie in Forward

Simone Elias, a teenager with a passion for classic Hollywood, discovered her familial connection to the blacklisted Jewish screenwriter H.S. Kraft, inspiring her to explore Hollywood's past during the Golden Age.

0 Culture Holidays

When my children decorate for Hanukkah, I don’t just see pride. I see pluralism in action.

Rabbi Joshua Ladon in JTA

Rabbi Joshua Ladon reflects on how his children's Hanukkah decorations symbolize the evolving nature of Jewish religious expression and the importance of pluralism in public life.

0 Culture Food

Tangy Lemon Frozen Yogurt

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig shares a bittersweet reflection in her latest newsletter, bridging personal grief with the joy of Hanukkah and culinary passion.

0 Culture Ethics

Turning Off My Phone

Richard Simon in Jewish Action

Reflecting on how his smartphone dependency interfered with family time and personal well-being, Richard Simon decided to turn off his phone for an entire year as an experiment in digital detox.

0 Culture Antisemitism

After Bondi Beach, reclaiming difference in an age of sameness

eJewishPhilanthropy

Amidst the backdrop of Hanukkah and a recent attack at Bondi Beach, the article highlights the ongoing challenge and necessity for Jews to assert their distinctiveness in a world leaning toward cultural homogeneity.

0 Culture Jewish Law

In making a Christian case for Shabbat, Charlie Kirk stripped off its Judaism

Mira Fox in Forward

Charlie Kirk's posthumous book, "Stop, in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life," attempts to make a Christian case for observing Shabbat.

0 Culture Antisemitism

Pink Brings Light to a Difficult Holiday Season In New Hanukkah Video

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

During a challenging Hanukkah season marked by recent antisemitic violence, singer Pink brings light and joy through a candle-lighting video with Israeli activist Noa Tishby and her daughter, Willow.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Food

This Jewish Baker Is a Netflix ‘Is It Cake?’ Star

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Melissa Alt, a Jewish baker from Teaneck, New Jersey, shines on the Netflix show Is It Cake?

Literature ›

0 Literature Culture

REVIEW: ‘Bethlehem Road’

Vivian Cohen-Leisorek in Hadassah

Bethlehem Road by Judy Lev is a collection of 12 short stories capturing the essence of the Baka neighborhood in Jerusalem from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

Letters to the Editor: Hadassah Thrifters and Heart Health

Editor in Hadassah

Readers of Hadassah Magazine share thought-provoking stories on diverse topics, reflecting community engagements and personal histories.

0 Communities Ethics

Crushed by the Costs: The Hidden Financial Strain of the Orthodox Middle Class

Shalom Goodman in Jewish Action

Many Orthodox Jewish families, even with substantial incomes, face significant financial strains due to high community expectations and necessary expenses like tuition and housing.

0 Communities Culture

Faces of Orthodoxy: Stories of Orthodox Jews, One Face at a Time

Alexandra Fleksher in Jewish Action

In response to Netflix's portrayal of Orthodox Jews in "My Unorthodox Life," Alexandra Fleksher initiated a counter-narrative through social media campaigns like #myorthodoxlife and Faces of Orthodoxy.

0 Communities Prayer

Letters – Winter 2025

JA Staff in Jewish Action

This collection of letters to the Jewish Action magazine highlights various aspects of Jewish life across the United States and in Israel.

0 Communities Language

This Pennsylvania rabbi fuses liberal Judaism with Hasidic Yiddish

Dalia Wolfson in Forward

Rabbi Cody Bahir, the new head of a Conservative congregation in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, uniquely blends liberal Judaism with Hasidic Yiddish culture.

Torah ›

0 Torah Philosophy

5 Perspectives on Finding God in the Chaos

18Forty Staff in 18forty

Exploring Parshat Miketz, 18Forty presents five insightful perspectives on finding God amid chaos.

Education ›

0 Education Leadership

Rabbinical training doesn’t have a pipeline problem — we have a preparation problem

eJewishPhilanthropy

Rabbi Jesse Paikin of the Shalom Hartman Institute argues that the crisis in rabbinic training is not about declining interest (a pipeline problem) but about outdated preparation methods.

0 Education Communities

The Cost of Community: The OU’s Bold Effort to Make Frum Life Sustainable

Tova Cohen in Jewish Action

In response to the financial pressures faced by the Orthodox Jewish community, particularly the middle class, the Orthodox Union (OU) has launched several initiatives under its Living Smarter Jewish (LSJ) program to improve financial literacy.

0 Education Jewish Law

Ben Yeshiva: Pathway of Aliyah

Reviewed by Rabbi Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer in Jewish Action

"Ben Yeshiva: Pathway of Aliyah" by Rabbi Ahron Lopiansky is a comprehensive guide for yeshiva students, addressing the challenges and nuances of the modern yeshiva experience.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Winner Winter Weeknight Dinner!

Naomi Ross in Jewish Action

Naomi Ross shares a selection of winter dinner recipes perfect for staying warm and utilizing pantry staples when fresh produce is less available.

0 Food Gender/Identity

Latkes…But Make Them Feminist

Guest Contributor in Lilith

Exploring the intersection of feminist values and traditional Jewish culinary practices, this piece by Bonny Reichert introduces a modern approach to making latkes.

History ›

0 History Philosophy

Kotzk: The Rebbe, The Message, The Legacy

Reviewed by Yehuda Geberer in Jewish Action

Yisroel Besser’s "Kotzk: The Rebbe, The Message, The Legacy" is an engaging exploration of the teachings and philosophy of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Morgenstern of Kotzk.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Education

Coming Soon from OU Press – Winter 2025

JA Staff in Jewish Action

Scheduled for release in Winter 2025, the revised edition of Rabbi Gersion Appel's "The Concise Code of Jewish Law: A Guide to Daily Prayer and Religious Observance," edited by Rabbi Daniel Goldstein, continues to be an indispensable resource for understanding practical Jewish law.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays History

Most people don't understand Hanukkah's true meaning.

Forest Rain in Future of Jewish

The true essence of Hanukkah extends far beyond its secularized, Christmas-like celebrations prevalent among Jews outside Israel.

JL;DR

for Thursday, December 18, 2025

Leadership ›

Antisemitism ›

Politics ›

Ethics ›

Culture ›

Television/Film ›

Literature ›

Communities ›

Torah ›

Education ›

Food ›

History ›

Jewish Law ›

Holidays ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 18's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Thursday, December 18, 2025

Leadership ›

Antisemitism ›

Politics ›

Ethics ›

Culture ›

Television/Film ›

Literature ›

Communities ›

Torah ›

Education ›

Food ›

History ›

Jewish Law ›

Holidays ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 18's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, December 18, 2025