for Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Communities ›

He sold a house to Justin Bieber. Now this LA investor has given Chabad $100M to build one of the world's largest Jewish centers.

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

Alon Abady, a Los Angeles real estate investor, has made a landmark donation of a $100 million office tower in Pico-Robertson to Chabad of California.

0 Communities Politics

As protests grip Iran, fears grow for a Jewish New Yorker held prisoner there

Simone Saidmehr in Forward

Amid the escalating protests in Iran, the Jewish community faces increased danger, highlighted by the plight of Kamran Hekmati, an Iranian Jewish New Yorker imprisoned in Iran for previously visiting Israel.

0 Communities Antisemitism

The synagogue means something special to Southern Jews — which makes the Mississippi arson that much darker

Rachel Fink in Forward

The arson attack on Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, struck at the heart of the Southern Jewish community's identity.

0 Communities Antisemitism

Mississippi Burning (learning)

Jewdicious

The burning of Temple Beth Israel in Jackson, Mississippi, evokes a historical pattern of antisemitism but also underscores the deep roots and resilience of Mississippi's Jewish community.

0 Communities Leadership

Where He Truly Belonged

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Rabbi Uri Lupolianski, known for his immense kindness and public service as the founder of the Yad Sarah organization, and as Jerusalem's first chareidi mayor, passed away recently at the age of 74.

0 Communities Jewish Law

How we built a CAD 50 million pan-Canadian coalition for the regeneration of Israel’s north

eJewishPhilanthropy

The Canadian Jewish community mobilized quickly and effectively in response to the crises faced by their partnership regions in Israel, notably raising $140 million CAD.

0 Communities Antisemitism

The path forward for securing Jewish communities

eJewishPhilanthropy

In the wake of rising antisemitism and recent attacks, Jewish federations are increasingly prioritizing security as a fundamental aspect of communal Jewish life.

0 Communities Jewish Law

The destroyed library at Jackson’s Beth Israel was a sanctuary for me. I have faith it will be one for all again.

Rabbi Lex Rofeberg in JTA

Rabbi Lex Rofeberg reflects on his profound connection to the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, where he lived and served for two years.

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

Militant pro-Israel group Betar US to halt NY operations after settlement with state attorney general

JTA

Betar US, a militant pro-Israel group, has agreed to cease operations in New York after a settlement with New York's Attorney General, Letitia James, who found that the group engaged in a campaign of violence and harassment against Arab, Muslim, and Jewish New Yorkers.

0 Politics Sports

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair wears ‘stop the genocide’ eye black

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair made headlines by wearing eye black inscribed with "STOP THE GENOCIDE" during a postgame interview, signaling his pro-Palestinian stance amidst ongoing tensions in Israel and Gaza.

0 Politics Antisemitism

New York’s governor is introducing a bill to curb synagogue protests. Now comes the hard part.

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Amid rising antisemitic and Islamophobic protests, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed legislation to establish a 25-foot buffer zone around houses of worship, including synagogues, to curb demonstrations that have increasingly targeted these religious sites.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Whither J.D. Vance

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

J.D. Vance and several conservative figures, including Tucker Carlson and Kevin Roberts, face criticism for tolerating controversial figures like Nick Fuentes.

0 Politics Israel

7 IDF Units You Should Know

Future of Jewish in Future of Jewish

The article delves into the complexity and specialization within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), highlighting seven key units each with distinct roles.

0 Politics Israel

In a Mamdani-era primary, J Street endorses pro-Israel incumbent — and, in a first, 'approves' his challenger

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

The article delves into J Street's unique dual endorsement strategy in New York's 10th Congressional District, where they endorse incumbent Dan Goldman while also granting an 'approval' to his challenger, Brad Lander, in the Democratic primary.

0 Politics Holocaust

Regime change in Iran isn't war. It's liberation.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman asserts that regime change in Iran should not be seen as an act of war, but rather an essential step towards liberation.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism History

What the 'synagogue of Satan' slur tells us about Christian antisemitism

Louis Keene in Forward

The term 'synagogue of Satan,' originating from the New Testament's Book of Revelation, has resurfaced as a slur used in contemporary antisemitic rhetoric.

0 Antisemitism Culture

When Eating Jewish Becomes a Crime

Vanessa Berg in Future of Jewish

Jewish and Israeli restaurants around the world are facing a wave of targeted attacks that manifest as vandalism, harassment, and boycotts, under the guise of political protests against Israel's policies.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Rubble of Pasadena synagogue destroyed in wildfire is vandalized with anti-Zionist graffiti

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

The remains of the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center in Southern California, which were destroyed in last year's Eaton wildfire, were vandalized with anti-Zionist graffiti.

0 Antisemitism Culture

The Mississippi synagogue arson suspect has a Christian fitness site. Here’s what that tells us

Mira Fox in Forward

Stephen Spencer Pittman, arrested for arson at a Mississippi synagogue, operates a Christian fitness site named One Purpose, blending scripture with fitness advice and using Hebrew to enhance perceived authenticity.

0 Antisemitism Culture

This gaming platform has 'zero tolerance' for antisemitism. Holocaust reenactments keep reappearing anyway.

Hannah Feuer in Forward

Roblox, a popular gaming platform with a zero tolerance policy for antisemitism, is struggling to prevent Holocaust-themed games and hate speech.

0 Antisemitism Leadership

Jersey City’s outgoing Jewish mayor Steven Fulop signs antisemitism orders as ‘guardrails’ for his successor

Grace Gilson in JTA

Steven Fulop, the outgoing Jewish mayor of Jersey City, took decisive action before leaving office by signing two executive orders aimed at protecting the local Jewish community.

0 Antisemitism History

For 250 years, American Jews have answered prejudice with defiance

Austin Reid Albanese in JTA

For over 250 years, American Jews have met antisemitism with resolute defiance, simultaneously asserting their Jewish identity and their American patriotism.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Synagogue arson suspect posted antisemitic cartoon on day of the attack

Louis Keene in Forward

Stephen Spencer Pittman, a 19-year-old from Mississippi, is charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to the Beth Israel Congregation synagogue in Jackson.

0 Antisemitism Communities

Man charged with setting fire to Mississippi synagogue targeted it due to its ‘Jewish ties,’ FBI says

Grace Gilson in JTA

A man named Stephen Spencer Pittman has been charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to Beth Israel Congregation, the only synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Fundraiser for ICE agent who killed Renee Good includes antisemitic attack on Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey

Andrew Lapin in JTA

In the aftermath of the tragic shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, a controversial fundraiser has emerged, drawing attention for its antisemitic attack on Minneapolis' Jewish mayor, Jacob Frey.

Culture ›

0 Culture Politics

Australian writers’ festival collapses — and apologizes — after boycott over disinvited Palestinian activist

Grace Gilson in JTA

The Adelaide Writers Week in Australia was canceled after nearly 200 authors, including prominent figures like Zadie Smith and Jacinda Ardern, boycotted the event in protest of the disinvitation of Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah.

0 Culture Ethics

Unsustainable: the Conversation Continues

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The discussion, stemming from a recent article about materialism and societal pressures within the Jewish community, delves into the core issues of identity, belonging, and financial responsibility.

0 Culture History

These Jewish Baby Names Will Trend in 2026

Daci Platt in Kveller

In anticipation of 2026, Jewish baby naming trends predict a resurgence in classic and meaningful names.

History ›

0 History Antisemitism

For 250 years, American Jews have answered prejudice with defiance

Austin Albanese in Forward

American Jews have long responded to prejudice with defiance, a theme illustrated by historical records from as early as 1778.

0 History Antisemitism

A century before Trump targeted Somalis, Jews faced the politics of blame

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

The article draws a parallel between President Trump's targeting of Somali immigrants in Minnesota and historical instances of Jews being scapegoated for the crimes of a few members in early 20th-century America.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

In a stylish mystery, Jodie Foster releases the dybbuk of French Jewish identity

PJ Grisar in Forward

In Rebecca Zlotowski's film 'A Private Life,' Jodie Foster stars as Dr. Lilian Steiner, an American-Jewish psychiatrist in Paris who becomes embroiled in solving the mysterious death of a patient.

Education ›

0 Education Torah

Parshas Va’eira: 5786

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The reflection on Parshas Vaeira highlights how Moshe's experience with Bnei Yisrael and Pharaoh underscores the importance of having a receptive audience when imparting lessons.

0 Education Politics

Oklahoma board to vote on application for religious Jewish charter school, teeing up potential battle

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

A new proposal by the National Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation seeks to establish the first publicly funded religious Jewish charter school in Oklahoma, sparking a constitutional debate over the separation of church and state.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Jewish Law

Thinking Thanks Is Not Enough

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude, not just thinking or assuming thanks.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Education

Inner Peace: Personal Development

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article "Inner Peace: Personal Development" focuses on the concept of hishtavus—a lesser-known middah or character trait from Jewish teachings—which denotes equanimity or emotional balance.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Chicken and White Bean Cholent

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

Leah Koenig introduces her modern take on traditional cholent, featuring chicken and white beans for a lighter version of this classic Ashkenazi Shabbat stew.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

A hypnotic new album inspired by a unique Yiddish recording

Zach Golden in Forward

Cantor Sarah Myerson and musician Ilya Shneyveys have released an album titled "The Rose Cohen Experience," inspired by rare Yiddish recordings of folksinger Rose Cohen.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Communities ›

Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

Culture ›

History ›

Television/Film ›

Education ›

Ethics ›

Philosophy ›

Food ›

Music ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

January 14's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Communities ›

Politics ›

Antisemitism ›

Culture ›

History ›

Television/Film ›

Education ›

Ethics ›

Philosophy ›

Food ›

Music ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

January 14's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, January 14, 2026