JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Gender/Identity

Book Review: Rav Yehuda Henkin’s Responsa on Contemporary Jewish Women’s Issues (Expanded Edition)

Dena Rock in Lehrhaus

Rav Yehuda Henkin, a prominent Modern Orthodox halachic authority, authored significant responsa addressing women's issues in Jewish law, encapsulating his thoughtful and empathetic approach towards contemporary challenges.

0 Jewish Law Culture

The Case for Unplugging on Shabbat

Alan Morinis in Hadassah

Alan Morinis, founder of The Mussar Institute, discusses the profound spiritual benefits of unplugging on Shabbat as explored in his new book, "The Shabbat Effect: Jewish Wisdom for Growth and Transformation."

0 Jewish Law Culture

The Winning Circle

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Yitzchok Saftlas, CEO of Bottom Line Marketing Group, intertwines Torah wisdom with modern relationship-building strategies in his book "A Practical Guide to Winning Relationships."

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Saudi Arabia pivots from moderation

Emily Jacobs in Jewish Insider

Saudi Arabia is shifting its regional strategy, moving away from its traditional moderating role in the Middle East and closer to Islamist-aligned nations like Qatar and Turkey.

0 Politics Israel

Rep. Randy Fine’s incendiary comments on Muslims alarm many Jews — without denting his standing on the pro-Israel right

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Congressman Randy Fine, a Jewish freshman from Florida, has been the focal point of controversy due to his inflammatory remarks against Muslims, presenting a dilemma for the pro-Israel right.

0 Politics Israel

Israel suspends operations of multiple humanitarian organizations in Gaza, including Doctors Without Borders

Grace Gilson in Forward

Israel has halted the operations of over three dozen humanitarian organizations in Gaza, including Doctors Without Borders, due to new registration requirements intended to prevent Hamas exploitation.

0 Politics Leadership

Peace at Last vs. Peace That Lasts

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In a recent meeting at Mar-a-Lago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump presented distinct peace proposals aimed at the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

0 Politics Israel

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The upcoming 2026 Israeli elections, deeply influenced by the tragic massacre of October 2023, highlight entrenched political divisions, with Prime Minister Netanyahu remaining a central figure.

0 Politics Communities

Empire State of Mind

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

In the upcoming New York gubernatorial race, Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman stands as a distinctive figure, known for his dedication to Jewish values in a predominantly Democratic district.

0 Politics Communities

The Turning of the Tide

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin discusses the formation of The Coalition for Talmud Torah and Security, a U.S.-based group of donors who are now withholding financial support from yeshivas that publicly denounce the IDF.

0 Politics Leadership

The Free Press Heroes of 2025. Plus . . .

The Free Press in The Free Press

In this edition of The Free Press's "The Front Page," a reflective look at 2025 features a celebration of unsung heroes who made a substantial impact during the year, demonstrating the power of individual action during challenging times.

0 Politics Israel

Israel and America are rewriting the world order.

Bob Goldberg in Future of Jewish

In a guest essay, Bob Goldberg argues that the strategic alliance between Israel and the U.S., exemplified by recent interactions between leaders Netanyahu and Trump, marks a shift from a multilateral, diplomacy-focused world order to one grounded in unilateral preemption and raw power.

0 Politics Israel

Trump, hosting Netanyahu in Florida, says next phase of Gaza ceasefire plan will begin ‘as quickly as we can’

Grace Gilson in Forward

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Florida to discuss the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, which has seen slow progress since its inception.

0 Politics Israel

It's a classic trick of liars and crooks — and it's shaping Israel's response to war and disaster

Dan Perry in Forward

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism for his handling of accountability following the October 2023 Hamas attacks.

Culture ›

0 Culture Politics

The Witch Hunt Against a Fearless Jewish Journalist

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Bari Weiss, a Jewish journalist known for her principled stand on ideological diversity and journalistic integrity, became a target of media criticism following her public resignation from The New York Times in 2020.

0 Culture Education

Why People Don’t Like You

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Social skills are often acquired organically, but some may need guidance to improve.

0 Culture Ethics

Family First Inbox: Issue 975

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Reflecting on complex familial relationships, the letters in Family First Inbox depict deeply personal experiences of navigating challenging dynamics with parents.

0 Culture Communities

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Faced with an unexpected dilemma, Bluma navigates the complexities of friendship and familial boundaries in Cindy Scarr's narrative, "Double-Booked."

0 Culture Politics

Being both Jewish and Slavic in America hasn’t always been simple — but sharing stories and culture is helping me make sense of who I am

Vick Volovnyk in JTA

Growing up nestled between Jewish and Slavic identities, Vick Volovnyk explores their complex intersection within the context of historical and ongoing political tensions.

0 Culture Music

How I found freedom in a Passover Seder, an amp and a red Fender Duo-Sonic guitar

Peter Himmelman in Forward

For Peter Himmelman, a childhood Passover at his cousin's house marked the beginning of a journey where music and Jewish tradition intertwined to shape his identity.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Absolute Bagels is back — and Jewish New Yorkers are lining up in droves

Hannah Feuer in Forward

After a year of closure due to health violations, New Absolute Bagels has reopened in New York City, drawing significant crowds despite its past issues.

Communities ›

0 Communities Torah

The Moment: Issue 1093

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The piece in Mishpacha Magazine's Issue 1093 highlights several impactful Jewish narratives and events.

0 Communities History

Gov. Hochul says she stepped in to block demolition of historic Brooklyn shul

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has intervened to stop the demolition of the historic Kingsbrook Synagogue in Brooklyn, part of a nearly century-old Jewish hospital complex.

Torah ›

0 Torah Communities

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr shares a touching story about Rav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg and the transformative power of a brachah, or blessing.

Literature ›

0 Literature Culture

In ‘Queen Esther,’ John Irving Gives Us a Powerful Jewish Heroine

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

John Irving's latest novel, "Queen Esther," introduces readers to a vibrant Jewish heroine who endures profound loss and discrimination from a young age.

Israel ›

0 Israel History

The world thinks Israel is collapsing. Reality suggests otherwise.

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

Exploring the narrative of Israel's current state, Nachum Kaplan emphasizes that contrary to global perceptions of collapse, Israel is stronger than ever.