JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Thursday, January 1, 2026

Communities ›

0 Communities Jewish Law

An Empty Place at the Jewish Table: Why Are Young Jews Dropping Out?

Steve Lipman in Lehrhaus

In "An Empty Place at the Jewish Table," Steve Lipman explores the growing trend of young Jews from Orthodox backgrounds distancing themselves from traditional observance.

0 Communities Politics

✡️🎧Your Cholent Year: Wrapped

The Cholent in The Cholent

The Cholent's year-end wrap-up for 2025 highlights key issues impacting the Jewish community, emphasizing clarity in naming antisemitism, the pragmatic engagement in politics, and the rejection of Judaism's politicization.

0 Communities Leadership

These are the heroes who defined 2025 in the Jewish world.

Future of Jewish in Future of Jewish

In 2025, the Jewish world was shaped by remarkable acts of heroism and resilience amid significant global challenges.

Culture ›

0 Culture Communities

These Were the Most Popular Names in Israel In 2025

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

As Israel's Population and Immigration Authority releases its most popular names of 2025, shifts are observed with traditionally favored names like Esther, Noam, and Moshe being replaced by Ella, Ari, and Michael.

0 Culture Communities

"Who Are These Jews?" Ask One (Me)

Jewdicious

The article reflects on the author Michael Golden's experiences with cultural identity and his motivations for founding Jewdicious, a platform aimed at broadening understanding of Jewish life.

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.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Culture

Gidon Lev Is a TikTok Star — and a Holocaust Survivor

Thasanya Jayasumana in Kveller

Gidon Lev, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor, has become an unexpected TikTok sensation, blending his harrowing experiences with an infectious optimism.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Somaliland already operates as a de facto state. So why is Israel’s recognition of it so controversial?

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent state marks a significant political move, sparking global debate and UN intervention.

0 Politics Culture

'Between The Lines:' The 5 Most-Read Stories In 2025

Gary Rosenblatt in Between The Lines

Gary Rosenblatt reflects on the most-read articles he authored in 2025, addressing significant issues from the past year.

0 Politics Communities

How Jewish politics are shaping the 2026 election map, from coast to coast

Andrew Lapin in JTA

The upcoming 2026 election cycle in the United States presents significant changes and challenges for Jewish political influence, amid shifting dynamics related to Israel, antisemitism, and party ideologies.

0 Politics Antisemitism

The case for Jewish optimism in 2026

Rob Eshman in Forward

Jewish optimism, despite the predictable cycles of alarm and hardship, can be rooted in recent global and local improvements.

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.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership History

Julius Berman, Orthodox rabbi whose influence spanned secular and observant Jewish institutions, dies at 90

Grace Gilson in Forward

Rabbi Julius Berman, a distinguished Orthodox Jewish leader, passed away at the age of 90.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Things are only going to get worse for Jews from here

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Despite extensive efforts by Jewish organizations to combat antisemitism in 2025, the situation is worsening due to political and cultural dynamics.

Literature ›

0 Literature Art

A legendary graphic novelist gets the (bio)graphic novel treatment

Noah Hirsch-Rechter in Forward

This engaging biography, written in the form of a graphic novel by Steve Weiner and Dan Mazur, delves into the life and legacy of Will Eisner—one of the foundational figures in the comic book and graphic novel industry.

Israel ›

0 Israel Antisemitism

When Jews face violence, we're told to move to Israel. Does that really make us stronger?

Eli Federman in Forward

Eli Federman argues against the notion that Jews should move to Israel in response to growing antisemitism in the diaspora.

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.