for Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Philosophy ›

Aggadic Men: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’s References to Rabbi Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel

Steven Gotlib in Lehrhaus

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, influenced deeply by Rabbi Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel during a formative meeting in 1968, frequently incorporated Heschelian ideas and references in his writings.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

New York Jewish leaders hope Menin will serve as check against Mamdani

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

Julie Menin's election as the New York City Council speaker is viewed positively by Jewish leaders, who see her as a potential counterbalance to Mayor Zohran Mamdani's critical stance on Israel.

0 Politics Israel

Why Israel recognized Somaliland — and what the rest of the world might do next

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state highlights a shift in geopolitical strategies, driven by regional security concerns, particularly threats from the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.

0 Politics Israel

Is Iran Now in Trump's Crosshairs?

Emes Ve-Emunah

Amid escalating global tensions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio's comments have highlighted a growing U.S. focus on Iran, evoking parallels with actions taken against Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

0 Politics Leadership

She’s Back…

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article discusses Kamala Harris's potential political comeback as a Democratic nominee for the 2028 presidential election.

0 Politics History

Fateful Lightning

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Delta Force, or 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), is a highly secretive and elite unit of the U.S. military, arising from the vision of Colonel Charlie Beckwith after his experiences with the British SAS.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Bruce Blakeman outlines his approach to antisemitism if elected NY governor

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

Bruce Blakeman, a Jewish Republican, seeks to become New York's governor, focusing on combating antisemitism and promoting a strong Jewish presence in the GOP.

0 Politics Holocaust

Using Holocaust Money to Demonize Israel

Daniel Greenfield in Future of Jewish

Daniel Greenfield criticizes Steven Spielberg's Righteous Persons Foundation for redirecting funds, originally intended to support Holocaust education and remembrance, to organizations that he believes are anti-Israel.

0 Politics Antisemitism

After Maduro’s capture, Rubio links Venezuela mission to fight against Iran and Hezbollah

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

Following the U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Secretary of State Marco Rubio linked the mission to combating Iran and Hezbollah's influence in Venezuela.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Was Maduro's abduction a 'Zionist' plot? The accusation is unfounded — and incredibly telling

Dan Perry in Forward

The accusation by Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez that Nicolás Maduro's abduction had 'Zionist undertones' reflects a persistent, erroneous narrative linking Israeli strategic capability to global conspiracy theories.

0 Politics Israel

The vast majority of Israelis are worried about declining US support for Israel, survey finds

Grace Gilson in Forward

A recent survey by the Ruderman Family Foundation reveals considerable anxiety among Israelis regarding waning support for Israel from the American public, with concerns expressed by nearly 80% of respondents.

History ›

0 History Culture

The Untold History of the Swastika and the Star of David

Ruth Vanita in Future of Jewish

Ruth Vanita explores the complex history of two ancient symbols, the swastika and the Star of David, highlighting their Hindu origins and cultural significance beyond Judaism.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

Why Venezuela’s Jews are optimistic about their country’s future — even as the government promotes anti-Israel conspiracies

Hannah Feuer in Forward

The Jewish community in Venezuela, once a thriving population of 25,000, now numbers between 3,000 and 5,000, mainly due to political and economic instability.

0 Communities Jewish Law

At a former driving school, Kehillat Harlem plants roots for Jewish life uptown

Grace Gilson in Forward

Kehillat Harlem, a new synagogue in Central Harlem, has established a permanent presence by moving into a former driving school's storefront, becoming a center for Jewish life in an area once home to a significant Jewish population.

0 Communities History

A year after the LA fires, the lesson is clear: Our greatest disasters are often self-inflicted

Rob Eshman in Forward

In the aftermath of the devastating 2025 fire in Los Angeles, which claimed lives and homes in the affluent Pacific Palisades area, a deeper reflection emerges on the nature of human-driven disasters.

0 Communities Torah

Parshas Shemos: 5786

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr reflects on the theme of discord within the Jewish community, drawing parallels to the biblical account of Moses in Parshas Shemos.

0 Communities Antisemitism

Uncertain Tomorrow

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The Jewish community in Caracas, Venezuela, is facing a precarious and uncertain future amid the country's intense political and social upheaval.

0 Communities History

The Problem With ‘Normal’

Carol Ann Schwartz in Hadassah

Reflecting on the recent past and the year 2026, Carol Ann Schwartz discusses how the Jewish community continues to struggle with the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, atrocities.

0 Communities History

Milan’s Jewish Past, Present—and Olympic Future

Hilary Danailova in Hadassah

Milan, Italy, a city known for its architectural grandeur and rich cultural history, is also home to a vibrant Jewish community with a presence dating back to Roman times.

0 Communities Israel

A Hadassah Trip to Israel Brings Healing and Purpose

Marci Pratt in Hadassah

Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, Marci Pratt engaged in an initiative to pray for hostage Eden Zecharya.

0 Communities Ethics

Disability inclusion is ‘outside our scope’? Think again

eJewishPhilanthropy

Disability inclusion is often mistakenly perceived as a niche concern, distinct from the central endeavors of Jewish life.

0 Communities Education

What Orthodoxy has to offer for non-Orthodox Jews — and no, it’s not ‘kiruv’

eJewishPhilanthropy

Prompted by a post-October 7 resurgence in interest among American Jews for a meaningful Jewish life, this piece by Dovid Bashevkin argues for broader adaptation of Orthodox practices by non-Orthodox communities.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Antisemitism

BBC draws fire after airing Holocaust cello repair story that does not specially mention Jews

Grace Gilson in Forward

A recent BBC One episode of "The Repair Shop" featured a segment on a Jewish child's cello damaged during the Kindertransport.

Culture ›

0 Culture Music

Teens, seniors explore Ashkenazi traditions at Yiddish New York festival

Miri Villerius in Forward

The Yiddish New York festival, held at Hebrew Union College in Manhattan, celebrated its 11th year with over 700 participants and diverse activities exploring Ashkenazi traditions.

0 Culture Television/Film

Paul Rudd Gets Verklempt in a Jewish Moment on ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Paul Rudd, known for his charm and humor, shared a heartwarming Jewish moment on The Drew Barrymore Show.

0 Culture Communities

Family First Inbox: Issue 976

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Family First's Inbox section covers a variety of topics from recent issues of the magazine, touching on themes such as parental relationships, historical fiction's role in connecting with Jewish heritage, the materialism associated with engagement rings, charitable upbringing through allowances, shidduchim challenges, marital dynamics in later life, and realistic expectations in dating.

0 Culture Communities

Whose Simchah?

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr highlights the evolving pressures and dynamics surrounding Jewish weddings, particularly in the Tristate area.

0 Culture Food

Kate Hudson Is a Challah-Baking Pro

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Kate Hudson, inspired by her Jewish heritage through her grandmother Laura Hawn, shares her love for challah baking on the Table Manners podcast.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Literature

REVIEW: ‘Letters from the Afterlife’

Rochelle G. Saidel in Hadassah

"Letters from the Afterlife" is a profound collection of correspondence between Holocaust survivors Chava Rosenfarb, a Yiddish writer, and Zenia Larsson, a sculptor and author, spanning from 1945 to 1971.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Leadership

On the Frontlines

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Tova (Chatzinoff) Rosenfeld heads the ADL's Brooklyn office, serving as a crucial link between the Jewish community and agencies tasked with safeguarding it against antisemitism.

0 Antisemitism Politics

He researches antisemitism for a living. Why does the State Department want to kick him out of the country?

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Imran Ahmed, a researcher studying how tech platforms spread antisemitism, faces deportation after the Trump administration's State Department announced the revocation of his visa, although he is now a legal permanent resident with a green card.

0 Antisemitism Politics

He stormed the Capitol wearing a Camp Auschwitz sweatshirt 5 years ago. Where is he now?

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Robert Keith Packer, known for wearing a "Camp Auschwitz" sweatshirt during the January 6 Capitol riot, became a symbol of the extremist sentiments on display that day.

Education ›

0 Education Culture

Ripple Effect

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Addressing executive functioning challenges can have a significant impact on personal and familial well-being, as illustrated through the experiences shared by Hadassah Eventsur, an occupational therapist and life coach.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Communities

The Holy Kind of Shame

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article explores the nuanced role of shame (bushah) in decision-making, particularly within Jewish financial ethics.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Israel

Hadassah CEO Ellen Finkelstein Reflects on First Year

Ellen Finkelstein in Hadassah

Ellen Finkelstein, in her first year as CEO of Hadassah, reflects on key moments and challenges that have shaped her tenure.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

An Impossibly Green Soup

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig shares a recipe for a vibrant and "impossibly green" soup, inspired by Wishbone Kitchens and packed with immune-boosting ingredients like ginger, garlic, and chilies.

Israel ›

0 Israel Philosophy

The Secret to Loving Israel

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman discusses the complex relationship many Jews and Zionists have with Israel, especially in the aftermath of ongoing conflicts.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Philosophy ›

Politics ›

History ›

Communities ›

Television/Film ›

Culture ›

Holocaust ›

Antisemitism ›

Education ›

Ethics ›

Leadership ›

Food ›

Israel ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

January 7's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Philosophy ›

Politics ›

History ›

Communities ›

Television/Film ›

Culture ›

Holocaust ›

Antisemitism ›

Education ›

Ethics ›

Leadership ›

Food ›

Israel ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

January 7's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, January 7, 2026