for Thursday, December 25, 2025

Politics ›

Jewish groups defend European media monitors banned for what State Dept. calls ‘censorship’

Andrew Lapin in Forward

The Biden Administration's visa restrictions on European digital hate-speech activists have drawn criticism from Jewish organizations, who see these figures as allies in countering online antisemitism.

0 Politics Leadership

Bibi: ‘I Made A Mistake’ In Empowering Far-Right Extremists

Gary Rosenblatt in Between The Lines

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu privately admitted to Abe Foxman, a prominent American Jewish leader, that he erred in appointing far-right politicians Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to key positions within his coalition, who are known for their extremist views.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Vance declines to draw a line against rising influence of antisemitic figures in Republican party

Grace Gilson in JTA

The article discusses Vice President JD Vance's reluctance to denounce antisemitic figures within the Republican Party, specifically highlighting Nick Fuentes, a controversial white nationalist.

0 Politics Television/Film

An Israeli media mainstay is crumbling. Will liberal democracy go with it?

Dan Perry in Forward

The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is advancing efforts to shut down Army Radio, a significant media outlet in Israel.

0 Politics Israel

Where Israel Goes Next. The Real War on Christmas. Plus. . .

The Free Press in The Free Press

Matti Friedman's essay in The Free Press reflects on the societal and political changes in Israel at the end of 2025.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Judging the Judges

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Israel's High Court is once again at the heart of significant controversy, this time for its push to allow women to qualify as dayanim, or religious judges, a move seen as challenging traditional Jewish law.

0 Politics Israel

What Almost Everyone Gets Wrong About Israel's Wars

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

The article by Joshua Hoffman critiques common misconceptions about Israel's ongoing conflicts, distinguishing between transactional wars, driven by material interests, and religious-civilizational wars, driven by ideological imperatives.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Ben Shapiro is mounting a last stand against right-wing antisemitism. It’s not going well.

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Ben Shapiro, a prominent Orthodox Jewish conservative commentator, has publicly condemned rising antisemitic sentiments within right-wing circles, labeling high-profile conservatives like Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Steve Bannon as purveyors of conspiracies and dishonesty.

0 Politics Leadership

Campaigning Against the Courts

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Political tension in Israel heats up as Prime Minister Netanyahu maneuvers through the judicial system while preparing for upcoming elections.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

British police drop case against Bob Vylan for ‘Death to the IDF’ chant, sparking outrage from Jewish groups

Grace Gilson in Forward

British police have dropped their investigation into Bob Vylan, a UK punk band, whose chants of "Death to the IDF" at the Glastonbury music festival stirred controversy among Jewish groups.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Coast Guard again retracts policy that sought to downgrade swastika as hate symbol, clearing path for confirmation of new leader

Andrew Lapin in JTA

The U.S. Coast Guard, facing objections from Jewish groups and politicians, has retracted a controversial policy that would have downgraded the classification of swastikas as hate symbols.

0 Antisemitism Communities

When Jews start packing suitcases, everyone should be concerned.

Leo Pearlman in Future of Jewish

This stirring essay by Leo Pearlman tackles the alarming rise in antisemitism in the UK, underscored by recent polling showing that a significant portion of British Jews are considering leaving the country due to safety concerns.

0 Antisemitism Politics

The Lessons of Bondi Beach

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article addresses the increasing isolation and danger faced by Jews worldwide in the wake of the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel.

Culture ›

0 Culture History

“We Should Make a Documentary About Circles.” (After Terrances Hayes’s “We Should Make a Documentary about Spades”)

Ian Kohn in Lehrhaus

Ian Kohn's poetic piece, inspired by Terrance Hayes' work, explores the Jewish diaspora and the metaphorical concept of circles as a representation of community and continuity.

0 Culture Politics

12 things Jewish New York lost and gained in 2025

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

2025 was a year of both losses and gains for Jewish New York as the city saw transformative changes.

0 Culture Communities

The data is in: For many in the Northeast, Christmas isn’t Christmas without Chinese food

Grace Gilson in JTA

Jews in the Northeast have embraced a unique Christmas tradition of eating Chinese food, a practice that has now been supported by a study showing high search interest in Chinese cuisine around this time.

0 Culture Science

How Modern Technology Shapes the iGaming Experience

Sue Fishkoff in Hadassah

The iGaming industry has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, driven by advancements in modern technology, evolving regulations, and the increasing expectations of players.

0 Culture History

In the beginning was the word — and the word was whisky

Dan Friedman in Forward

Noah Rothbaum's "The Whiskey Bible" is a comprehensive guide to whisky, exploring its historical evolution from an American immigrant industry to an international bestseller, largely influenced by Jewish participation.

0 Culture Television/Film

2025's Jewish highlights — from 'Marty Supreme' to Max Fried's menschy move

Mira Fox in Forward

In a review of 2025's Jewish cultural highlights, author Mira Fox dives into an array of notably Jewish films, TV shows, plays, books, and newsletters characterized by their depiction of Jewish life and themes.

0 Culture Ethics

Price Tags

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr explores the cultural pressures within Jewish communities that lead to overspending on events and material goods, such as weddings and bar mitzvahs, which have evolved from luxuries to perceived necessities.

0 Culture Philosophy

How to Read a Map

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Maps of Jerusalem transcend their geographical purpose to become reflections of spiritual journeys, illustrating the evolving nature of Jewish identity and holiness.

0 Culture Ethics

The Taxi Driver’s Hashkafah

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr recounts a compelling story shared by her son-in-law about an encounter with a uniquely principled Israeli taxi driver, illustrating how faith and integrity guide his profession.

Education ›

0 Education Gender/Identity

Why Jewish girls are missing in the discourse around Israel

Ilana M. Horwitz in JTA

Ilana M. Horwitz highlights a persistent gender confidence gap in Jewish day schools concerning Israel-related discourse.

0 Education Communities

With rising numbers of American students considering college in Israel, a new program offers help

Elana Sztokman in JTA

As antisemitism rises on American college campuses, more Jewish students are exploring educational opportunities in Israel, where their Jewish identity is inherently accepted.

0 Education Jewish Law

How the next generation of rabbis is preparing for the age of A.I.

Louis Keene in Forward

Amidst the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into various sectors, rabbinical students in the U.S. are confronting the implications of AI on religious study and practice.

0 Education Jewish Law

Insulation Is Not Education

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr argues in Mishpacha Magazine that over-protective parents in the Torah-observant community often seek to insulate their children from slightly different ways of observance, fearing negative influences.

Communities ›

0 Communities History

Who Was Edmond Safra, the Jewish Billionaire at the Heart of Netflix’s ‘Murder in Monaco’?

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Edmond Safra, the subject of Netflix's documentary "Murder in Monaco," was a Jewish billionaire and revered banker who died under mysterious circumstances in a 1999 Monaco apartment fire.

0 Communities Politics

Self-appointed chief rabbi of Saudi Arabia says he was denied entry at border

Grace Gilson in JTA

Rabbi Jacob Herzog, who self-identifies as the chief rabbi of Saudi Arabia, announced that he was denied entry into the country, even with a valid visa.

0 Communities Torah

The Moment: Issue 1092

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In "The Moment: Issue 1092," Cindy Scarr shares captivating stories highlighting Jewish identity, resilience, and the power of prayer.

0 Communities Ethics

Inbox: Issue 1092

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article offers a range of perspectives from engaged Jewish community members on contemporary issues within Jewish life.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Culture

Jewish Women Are Leading the Menopause Movement

Hilary Danailova in Hadassah

Jewish women are emerging at the forefront of a new movement to address menopause, a critical and often overlooked stage in women's health.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

In a new album, Yiddish becomes a language of queer belonging

Miri Villerius in JTA

Ira Khonen Temple's debut album, "Strange Tongue/Mistame Loshn," intertwines Yiddish and queerness, reflecting the artist's journey through diverse gender experiences and Jewish musical heritage.

0 Music Culture

Layered Shifts of Life

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Composer Chayala Neuhaus continues to evolve her musical journey with the release of 'Miracles 4', featuring songs that resonate with themes of faith, perseverance, and the layered experiences of Jewish life.

Torah ›

0 Torah Communities

5 Ways Vayigash Rewrites Jewish Life in Diaspora

Rivka Bennun Kay in 18forty

Rivka Bennun Kay's analysis of Parshat Vayigash reflects on the enduring relevance of Jewish life in the diaspora, using the biblical narrative of Yaakov's move to Egypt as a framework.

Language ›

0 Language Culture

The Exciting Yiddish Word We Should All Use More

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The Yiddish word "plotz", stemming from "platsn" meaning to crack or burst, offers a vibrant way to express both positive and negative emotions.

JL;DR

for Thursday, December 25, 2025

Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

Culture ›

Education ›

Communities ›

Gender/Identity ›

Music ›

Torah ›

Language ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 25's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

Culture ›

Education ›

Communities ›

Gender/Identity ›

Music ›

Torah ›

Language ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

December 25's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Thursday, December 25, 2025