for Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Welcome, visitor! Here's a digest of what's been published in Jewish media over the last day. JL;DR members have access to summaries of everything plus our full archive. Donate & start reading »

Prayer ›

0 Prayer Jewish Law

Prescriptive Power

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Exploring the challenges of connecting through davening, this article offers insights from Ruchi Koval, Elisheva Kaminetsky, and Shevi Samet on how to make prayer more meaningful.

Literature ›

0 Literature Holocaust

Eli Sharabi’s ‘Hostage’ memoir named Jewish book of the year

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Eli Sharabi's memoir, "Hostage," detailing his harrowing abduction by Hamas and subsequent release, has won Book of the Year at the National Jewish Book Awards, showcasing narratives of resilience and survival from the Oct. 7, 2023 attack.

Education ›

0 Education History

The Essence of Education

Jon Kelsen in Lehrhaus

Glenn Dynner's book, "The Light of Learning: Hasidism in Poland on the Eve of the Holocaust," as reviewed by Jon Kelsen, explores the pivotal role of Hasidic yeshivot in Poland before the Holocaust as bastions of cultural and religious resilience.

0 Education Culture

In Defense of Seminary

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr argues for the spiritual and social merits of the post-high school seminary experience in Eretz Yisrael for Jewish young women.

Communities ›

0 Communities Antisemitism

Andorra's tiny Jewish community reels after local carnival features mock execution of Israeli effigy

Grace Gilson in Forward

A Catalan festival in Andorra featured an effigy with an Israeli flag during a mock execution, drawing condemnation from Andorra's Jewish community and international Jewish organizations.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

British woman who removed an Israeli hostage poster from a memorial site is convicted of theft

Grace Gilson in Forward

In Brighton, England, Fiona Monro, a woman linked to anti-Zionist activism, was convicted of theft for removing a poster of an Israeli hostage, Tzachi Idan, from a memorial site.

0 Politics Antisemitism

More Jewish officials are rebuking Rep. Randy Fine over tweet comparing Muslims to dogs

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Rep. Randy Fine of Florida, a Jewish congressman known for his pro-Israel stance, faced widespread criticism and calls for censure following an Islamophobic tweet comparing Muslims unfavorably to dogs.

0 Politics Communities

Jesse Jackson, whose ties to American Jews were marked by strain and solidarity, dies at 84

Philissa Cramer in Forward

Rev. Jesse Jackson's life and legacy were marked by complex relationships with American Jews, shaped by moments of both solidarity and strain.

0 Politics Ethics

Tragically, 'genocide' has become a meaningless word

Jay Michaelson in Forward

Jay Michaelson critiques the reckless use of the word 'genocide' in political discourse, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

0 Politics Communities

Charedi Chickens Come Home To Roost

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

In a critical analysis published by The Jerusalem Post, Natan Slifkin discusses a controversial incident involving female IDF soldiers being harassed by a haredi mob, using this to highlight broader issues within haredi society.

0 Politics Israel

Mamdani appoints progressive Israel critic to oversee NYC’s global diplomacy

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Ana Maria Archila, co-chair of the Working Families Party, has been appointed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani to lead the city's international affairs office.

0 Politics Israel

The High Cost of a Hostile Iran

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

The article discusses the economic consequences for the United States of engaging with the current hostile regime in Iran, highlighting the substantial costs associated with military involvement.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader whose 1984 comments undercut Jewish relations, dies at 84

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Rev. Jesse Jackson, the influential civil rights leader, has passed at age 84.

0 Politics Antisemitism

France Needs Jews in Order to Remain Itself

Emmanuel Macron in Tablet

In this passionate speech by French President Emmanuel Macron, delivered on the twentieth anniversary of Ilan Halimi's tragic murder, the imperative of combating antisemitism is central to preserving France's identity and values.

0 Politics Israel

The New Constitution of Palestine™️

Daniel Greenfield in Future of Jewish

Daniel Greenfield critiques the proposed constitution for the so-called State of Palestine, posited by the Palestine Liberation Organization, emphasizing its reinforcement of Islamic and Palestinian supremacy rather than democratic values.

Culture ›

0 Culture Politics

PEN America’s Jewish Exception

Ari Ingel in Tablet

PEN America, an organization traditionally committed to defending free expression, has come under criticism for retracting a statement condemning the cancellation of comedian Guy Hochman's events due to ideological biases against Israel.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

Elevated Style: Effortless Staples

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Exploring the elegance and practicality of everyday wardrobe essentials, Cindy Scarr curates a collection of versatile clothing staples that seamlessly combine style and functionality.

0 Culture Jewish Law

Fridge on My Toe

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr humorously recounts her experience grappling with the potential kashrut status change of her beloved pareve pot after it possibly came into contact with fleishig.

0 Culture Communities

Second Sight

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's tender narrative "Second Sight" explores the complex layers of parent-child relationships through the bond between Miriam and her daughter Devorah.

0 Culture Holidays

Enter Kveller’s Fourth Annual Passover Parody Contest!

Kveller Staff in Kveller

Kveller is launching its fourth annual Passover parody contest, inviting participants to submit Passover-themed parodies of popular songs.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Ethics

The End of Jewish Apology Culture

Mitch Schneider in Future of Jewish

Mitch Schneider's essay highlights the emergence of a new confident Jewish generation that no longer apologizes for its identity or beliefs.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Madrid museum sparks outcry after ejecting 3 elderly Israeli tourists who displayed Israeli flag, Star of David

Grace Gilson in JTA

Three elderly Israeli women were ejected from the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid after displaying the Israeli flag and wearing a Star of David, sparking accusations of antisemitism.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

‘Tehran’ Producer Dana Eden Was an Israeli TV Pioneer

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Dana Eden, a trailblazing Israeli producer who influenced Israeli and international television, passed away at 52 while working in Athens on the fourth season of the acclaimed show Tehran.

0 Television/Film Politics

Berlin film festival fends off criticism after jury president Wim Wenders rebuffs calls to criticize Israel

Toby Axelrod in JTA

The Berlin International Film Festival faces controversy after its jury president, Wim Wenders, declined to make a political statement about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, prompting criticism from artists and the withdrawal of author Arundhati Roy.

0 Television/Film Politics

Frederick Wiseman, documentarian whose antisemitism experiences led to a career examining social institutions, dies at 96

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Frederick Wiseman, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker, passed away at 96, leaving behind a legacy of deeply insightful films examining social institutions.

0 Television/Film Culture

Forever curious, never daunted, Frederick Wiseman sought to repair the world through film

Dan Friedman in Forward

Frederick Wiseman, whose passing at 96 marks the end of an era in documentary filmmaking, was a luminary who dedicated his life to holding a mirror to American society through his 45 films.

Art ›

0 Art Communities

How the Jewish Museum brought Black film history to new audiences

Olivia Haynie in Forward

In the midst of tense Black-Jewish relations during the 1970s, the Jewish Museum under Karl Katz's direction, sought to bridge communities by showcasing race films—movies made from the early 20th century specifically for Black audiences.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust Culture

At this Jerusalem museum, everyday objects tell the story of the Holocaust in a unique way

Larry Luxner in JTA

The "Living Memory" exhibit at Jerusalem's Yad Vashem presents a poignant collection of personal artifacts from Holocaust victims, exploring the concept of memory and its transmission across generations.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Education

The Mother Myth

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr's article challenges the pervasive myth that mothers are solely to blame for their children's problems, using the story of Mimi, a mother whose six sons suffered from schizophrenia, as a case study.

0 Ethics Torah

How to Respond to Insults

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Rabbi Moshe Walter offers guidance on dealing with personal affronts through three distinctive Jewish perspectives.

Sports ›

0 Sports Culture

Fitness IQ: Rethinking the Bike

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Indoor cycling can invigorate a fitness routine, offering various health benefits such as low-impact exercise, strength building, cardiovascular improvements, mood lifting, and cross-training potential.

0 Sports Antisemitism

Swiss broadcaster removes footage of host criticizing Israeli bobsled team during its first Milan runs

Philissa Cramer in JTA

During the Israeli bobsled team's historic first appearance at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, a Swiss sportscaster's critical commentary sparked controversy.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Jewish Law

My Rabbi Is a Jew

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

As the title "rabbi" has evolved, its significance and requirements have varied, leading to a contemporary debate over rabbinic qualifications.

0 Leadership Ethics

When people share in the outcome, purpose becomes real

eJewishPhilanthropy

Delta Air Lines' decision to share $1.3 billion in profits with employees highlights a critical leadership principle: acknowledging the human element in value creation.

Food ›

0 Food Holidays

French Onion Hamantaschen

Leah Koenig in Jewish Table

As Purim approaches, Leah Koenig introduces a creative twist on traditional hamantaschen with a recipe inspired by French onion soup.

Israel ›

0 Israel Sports

Israel’s New Global Strategy

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Deni Avdija's selection as an NBA All-Star marks a significant cultural milestone for Israel, extending beyond the traditional landscape of political discourse.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Prayer ›

Literature ›

Education ›

Communities ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Art ›

Holocaust ›

Ethics ›

Sports ›

Leadership ›

Food ›

Israel ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

February 18's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

navigate_before navigate_next for Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Prayer ›

Literature ›

Education ›

Communities ›

Politics ›

Culture ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Art ›

Holocaust ›

Ethics ›

Sports ›

Leadership ›

Food ›

Israel ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

February 18's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, February 18, 2026