for Saturday, January 31, 2026

Politics ›

Yoram Hazony’s antisemitism speech sparks pushback from former aide and Jewish conservatives

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

Yoram Hazony, a key figure in national conservatism, has sparked a broader debate among Jewish conservatives following his recent comments on antisemitism within the American right.

0 Politics Israel

Attacking Iran is more complicated than most people realize.

Vanessa Berg in Future of Jewish

Vanessa Berg's essay delves into the complexities of initiating military action against Iran, highlighting the intricate geopolitical, economic, and strategic dilemmas involved.

0 Politics Israel

Diplomatic ties fray further as South Africa and Israel kick out each other’s envoys

Grace Gilson in JTA

The diplomatic relationship between South Africa and Israel has deteriorated further following the mutual expulsion of each other's top envoys.

0 Politics Communities

How a law used to protect synagogues is now being deployed against ICE protesters and journalists

Hannah Feuer in Forward

The Trump administration's use of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE), a law traditionally protecting abortion clinics from interference, has expanded to address disruptions at religious sites.

0 Politics Leadership

Daniel Rosen, Minnesota’s US attorney in hot seat over ICE, won confirmation in part on the strength of his Jewish leadership

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Daniel Rosen, Minnesota's U.S. Attorney, finds himself in a challenging position as controversies arise over the Justice Department's investigations of the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, amidst criticism of Rosen's office for potentially politicizing its actions.

0 Politics Leadership

Josh Shapiro’s new memoir puts his Jewish identity at the center of his political vision

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's memoir, "Where We Keep the Light," underscores his Jewish identity as a central pillar in his political life, not merely a private or cultural aspect.

0 Politics Communities

Iranian Jews caught between frustration and hope as US debates intervention

Simone Saidmehr in Forward

As an uprising unfolds in Iran, Iranian American Jews grapple with anticipation and anxiety.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Ritchie Torres’ challengers are testing how Israel plays in the Bronx — and taking aim at ‘Zionists’ in a Jewish neighborhood

Joseph Strauss in JTA

The political race for the Bronx's 15th Congressional District seat, currently held by pro-Israel Congressman Ritchie Torres, is highlighting the intersection of local and international issues, particularly concerning Israel.

0 Politics Holocaust

Here's exactly why it's dangerous to compare ICE to Nazis

Armin Langer in Forward

Armin Langer cautions against the frequent and emotionally charged comparisons of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to Nazism, emphasizing the historical and logical inaccuracy of such parallels.

0 Politics Culture

Italian rapper Ghali’s planned Winter Olympics set draws backlash over his Gaza advocacy

Grace Gilson in Forward

Italian rapper Ghali's planned performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan has sparked controversy due to his past criticism of Israel.

0 Politics History

‘America can’t do a damn thing against us.’

Daniel Greenfield in Future of Jewish

Daniel Greenfield's essay examines the history of U.S.-Iran relations, emphasizing Iran's persistent hostilities towards the U.S., including terrorism and hostage-taking.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

Jewish seniors rally behind their caregivers as 350,000 Haitians are set to lose legal status

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Jewish seniors at Sinai Residences in Boca Raton, Florida, are expressing solidarity with their Haitian caregivers, who face deportation threats due to the cessation of their Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

0 Communities Ethics

Healing Israeli Heroes

Jewdicious

Lavi Zamir, CEO of Bshvil HaMachar, is leading a transformative movement to support Israeli reserve soldiers in healing from the psychological impacts of combat.

0 Communities Education

We know the Jewish world is global — but we also need to experience it

eJewishPhilanthropy

Reflecting on a century-old story of two Sephardic Jewish immigrants shouting "Yehudi!" in Seattle to find community, the importance of experiencing and connecting with global Jewish life is emphasized.

0 Communities Culture

The invisible war Nova survivors are still fighting

eJewishPhilanthropy

In the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire following the attacks of October 7, 2023, survivors of the Nova music festival and bereaved families continue to grapple with severe mental health challenges, despite the return to "normalcy" in Israeli life.

0 Communities Antisemitism

The doors were repaired at Chabad’s headquarters. But the sense of security is still broken.

Joseph Strauss in JTA

In a disturbing security incident at Chabad's world headquarters in Crown Heights, a man named Dan Sohail allegedly drove his car into the synagogue's doors after being seen trying to maneuver bollards blocking the entrance.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

When Catherine O’Hara delivered the perfect Purim spiel

PJ Grisar in Forward

The article commemorates the versatile actress Catherine O'Hara, who passed away at 71, and highlights her memorable performance in the 2006 film "For Your Consideration."

0 Television/Film Culture

Netflix’s ‘Queen of Chess’ tracks the rise of Judit Polgar — but leaves her Jewishness out of it

PJ Grisar in Forward

Rory Kennedy's documentary "Queen of Chess" chronicles the rise of Judit Polgar, the first and only woman to break into the top 10 overall world chess rankings and her notable victory over world champion Garry Kasparov.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Culture

As editor-in-chief, I'm finding my way Forward (and back)

Alyssa Katz in Forward

Alyssa Katz takes the helm as the new editor-in-chief of The Forward, highlighting the publication's mission to provide unflinching, ethical journalism—especially vital amid rising antisemitism and complex geopolitical issues involving Israel and Gaza.

0 Leadership Jewish Law

The cases that made Nat Lewin — and the causes he made possible

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Nat Lewin has had a profound impact on American legal history and the role of Jews in the legal profession.

0 Leadership Holocaust

Holy Pride: From the Sea of Fear to the Frontlines of Faith

Judah Mischel in 18forty

Judah Mischel reflects on the legacy of Rabbanit Chana Henkin and her family, especially following the tragic murder of her son and daughter-in-law in a terrorist attack.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

I’m a Jewish studies professor. I wasn’t trained to give pastoral care — but my students desperately need it.

Sasha Goldstein-Sabbah in JTA

Jewish studies professors are finding themselves in unexpected pastoral roles as students navigate the complex and often hostile climate on university campuses.

Sports ›

0 Sports Culture

'Winning Cures All'

The Cholent in The Cholent

In an engaging interview, Seattle's Fox 13 sports director Aaron Levine reflects on what he considers a 'golden age' for Seattle sports, highlighted by the Seahawks' unexpected Super Bowl run, the Mariners' close bid for a World Series, and the Sounders' cup victory over Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.

0 Sports Culture

16 Jewish and Israeli athletes to watch in the 2026 Winter Olympics, from the ice rink to the alpine slopes

Jacob Gurvis in JTA

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will see a significant presence of Jewish and Israeli athletes, with Israel sending its second-largest delegation ever and several Jewish athletes representing other countries.

Culture ›

0 Culture Holidays

Saying the Mourner’s Kaddish at Disneyland

Gabrielle Birkner in Kveller

Gabrielle Birkner shares a poignant narrative of celebrating her son's 10th birthday at Disneyland while simultaneously marking the solemn 20th yahrzeit of her father and stepmother.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

Could this be the most Jewish musical that never admits its own Jewishness?

Allan Neuwirth in Forward

Lionel Bart's musical "Oliver!", often considered quintessentially Victorian, is imbued with elements reflecting its Jewish origins, despite not overtly acknowledging this heritage.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

New York City Council pushes action on antisemitism, without Mamdani

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

New York City Council has established a task force to combat antisemitism, creating potential tensions with the mayor's office, led by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

0 Antisemitism Education

The West is spending billions combating antisemitism. Is it working?

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

Following the October 7th massacre in 2023, Western governments have invested billions in combating rising antisemitism, yet it persists.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Israel

Tu B’Shevat: A winter reminder of our roots

eJewishPhilanthropy

Tu BShevat, traditionally known as the holiday of the trees, serves as a poignant reminder of the Jewish connection to Israel, even amidst harsh North American winters.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Politics

After Alex Pretti killing in Minneapolis, Jewish gun owners confront Second Amendment tensions

Grace Gilson in JTA

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a gun-carrying protester against ICE in Minneapolis, has stirred significant controversy among Jewish gun owners.

JL;DR

for Saturday, January 31, 2026

Politics ›

Communities ›

Television/Film ›

Leadership ›

Education ›

Sports ›

Culture ›

Music ›

Antisemitism ›

Holidays ›

Ethics ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

January 31's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Politics ›

Communities ›

Television/Film ›

Leadership ›

Education ›

Sports ›

Culture ›

Music ›

Antisemitism ›

Holidays ›

Ethics ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

January 31's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Saturday, January 31, 2026