JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Thursday, February 26, 2026

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

Pro-Israel and anti-Zionist Jews clash at NYC Council hearing on protest ‘buffer zones’

Joseph Strauss in JTA

In a heated New York City Council hearing, pro-Israel and anti-Zionist Jews clashed over a proposed buffer zone legislation aimed at regulating protests near synagogues and educational institutions.

0 Politics Antisemitism

NYC synagogue protest bill tasks police with developing a protection plan. Mamdani still hasn’t committed to sign

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Amidst rising antisemitic protests targeting houses of worship in New York City, the City Council has revised its proposal to implement a up to 100-foot buffer zone around synagogues, following concerns over First Amendment rights.

0 Politics Gender/Identity

Hadassah Steps Up For Women’s Reproductive Rights

Sue Fishkoff in Hadassah

Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, has significantly increased its advocacy efforts for women's reproductive rights in response to the 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade.

0 Politics History

The Need for Regime Change in Iran

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article discusses Iran's dramatic transformation from a pro-Western monarchy under the Shah to the radical Islamist regime established after the 1979 revolution, under Ayatollah Khomeini.

0 Politics Israel

Trump highlights last year’s Iran strikes in State of the Union delivered as US forces prep for possible new ones

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

During his State of the Union address, President Trump focused on international conflicts, particularly regarding Iran and Gaza, which are of significant interest to Jewish communities.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Bill that would effectively bar egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall advances in Israel’s Knesset

Philissa Cramer in JTA

The Israeli Knesset has advanced a controversial bill that would enhance the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate's control over the Western Wall, potentially criminalizing egalitarian prayer with penalties up to seven years in prison.

0 Politics Israel

How Christian Zionism explains Mike Huckabee’s expansive view of Israel’s borders

Simone Saidmehr in Forward

Mike Huckabee, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, recently sparked controversy by expressing a Christian Zionist perspective that Israel has biblical rights to an expansive Middle Eastern territory.

0 Politics Israel

A two-hour State of the Union with zero vision for Gaza or Iran

Rob Eshman in Forward

In his State of the Union address, President Trump offered little clarity on U.S. policy towards the Middle East, particularly concerning Gaza and Iran.

0 Politics Education

Israeli Brain Gain

Sapir

Israel is witnessing a growing brain drain, with highly educated professionals and academics leaving the country for opportunities abroad, threatening the country's economic and innovative edge.

0 Politics Israel

The Silicon Dome

Sapir

Israel is poised for what could be its third "founding moment," akin to its statehood in 1948 and economic stabilization in 1985, as it faces geopolitical and domestic challenges.

0 Politics Gender/Identity

Queers for Zion

Sapir

"Queers for Zion" presents a provocative exploration of the relationship between the LGBTQ community and pro-Palestinian movements, particularly in the context of Israel's political landscape.

0 Politics Israel

Democrat John Cappello brings military experience in Israel to race against Mike Lawler

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

John Cappello, a Democratic candidate and Air Force veteran, leverages his extensive military experience in Israel as he enters the race against Rep. Mike Lawler in New York's 17th Congressional District.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Laura Loomer and other Jewish conservatives sound alarm over Tucker Carlson’s White House access

Andrew Lapin in Forward

Jewish conservatives like Laura Loomer and Mark Levin are voicing alarm over Tucker Carlson's cozy access to the Trump White House in light of his recent antisemitic comments and criticisms of Israel.

0 Politics Israel

The (Obvious) Reasons Israel and America Should Eliminate Iran's Regime

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman argues that the United States and Israel have compelling reasons to pursue regime change in Iran.

0 Politics Sports

Yaron Lischinsky’s brother, Jewish hockey stars Jack and Quinn Hughes among guests at Trump’s State of the Union

Grace Gilson in JTA

At President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address, Hanan Lischinsky, brother of an Israeli embassy staffer killed in a violent act of antisemitism, was invited as a guest to honor his advocacy against extremism.

Communities ›

0 Communities Leadership

Jewish civil society: From fragmentation to integration

eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish civil society is facing a critical need for integration rather than maintaining the false dichotomy between security and community engagement, as highlighted by leaders like Bret Stephens and Jonathan Greenblatt.

0 Communities Education

Beyond symbolic gestures: Three key elements for Black-Jewish partnership

eJewishPhilanthropy

Reflecting on efforts to foster Black-Jewish partnerships during Black History Month, Aarinii Parms-Green, a co-founder of the initiative Still We R.O.S.E., emphasizes the importance of sustained dialogue, educational initiatives, and the arts.

0 Communities History

Our Soviet Jewry Moment: Bring Them Home — Now

Sapir

The rally described in the article, held at the National Mall, marks a pivotal moment likened to the Soviet Jewry movement of the past, mobilizing support for the immediate and safe release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7.

0 Communities History

The Future is Sephardic

Sapir

As American Jews reflect on what some call their "Golden Age," there's a growing divergence between Ashkenazi and Sephardic visions of the future.

0 Communities Politics

Sapir

"Editor's Note" in Sapir reflects on the evolving nature of Jewish aspiration following the crises faced since October 7.

0 Communities Ethics

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Rabbi Cindy Scarr recounts the story of siblings Sorah and Larry grappling with their late father's private diary, which explicitly instructed that family members should not read it.

Gender/Identity ›

0 Gender/Identity Jewish Law

Jewish Women Mobilize For Reproductive Rights

Sue Fishkoff in Hadassah

Jewish women in Alabama are organizing to confront the impact of restrictive reproductive laws that complicate IVF treatments and broader reproductive health care.

0 Gender/Identity Culture

Boyz II Mensches

Sapir

This detailed exploration of modern masculinity, anchored in Jewish teachings and traditions, critiques the pervasive crisis of male disengagement in American and Jewish communities.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

After Minneapolis, a Youtuber comes for Jewish 'welfare queens'

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

In his Forward article, Arno Rosenfeld examines a troubling trend of online influencers spreading antisemitic rhetoric, highlighting YouTuber Tyler Oliveira's focus on Orthodox Jewish communities in Kiryas Joel and Lakewood.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Defeating Antizionism

Sapir

The article examines the contemporary issue of antizionism, tracing its origins to past pseudoscience and examining its current manifestation in academia.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Trump administration files lawsuit against UCLA, saying it failed to protect Jewish and Israeli employees

Asaf Elia-Shalev in Forward

The Department of Justice has filed a federal lawsuit against UCLA, alleging the university allowed an antisemitic workplace on campus following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Language ›

0 Language Culture

This Yiddish Word Helps Me Channel My Rage

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Lior Zaltzman explores the cultural resonance and personal significance of the Yiddish word "dreck," popularized in part by André Leon Talley on "America's Next Top Model" as "dreckitude."

Culture ›

0 Culture Antisemitism

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival apologizes for selecting anti-Zionist juror

Jackie Hajdenberg in Forward

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival has issued an apology after the Israeli consulate withdrew its support in response to the selection of a student juror known for sharing anti-Zionist content.

0 Culture Politics

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival apologizes for selecting anti-Zionist juror to judge human rights films

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival faced backlash and lost support from the Israeli consulate after a controversial juror with anti-Zionist views was revealed.

0 Culture Television/Film

How a new generation of comics is changing the face of Jewish comedy — and Judaism itself

Mira Fox in Forward

A new generation of Jewish comedians, including Modi Rosenfeld, Adam Friedland, Raanan Hershberg, and Alex Edelman, are reshaping Jewish comedy by embracing digital platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

0 Culture Politics

What Purim teaches us about surviving — and even thriving — under authoritarianism

JTA

Purim, traditionally seen as a celebration of Jewish survival, is recast as a political manual against authoritarianism in this analysis.

0 Culture Language

Dreams for Living Jews

Sapir

The article reflects on a conference attended by the Wampanoag Nation representatives seeking inspiration from the successful Hebrew language revival.

0 Culture Education

Tech 2040: Are Jews Ready?

Sapir

As we visualize a future where technology permeates every aspect of daily life by 2040, the Jewish community must prepare for both the opportunities and challenges that this rapid technological evolution presents.

0 Culture Education

A Judaism of Doing

Sapir

In an era defined by digital convenience, Judaism faces the risk of losing its active, embodied traditions.

0 Culture Leadership

What Makes a Moonshot?

Sapir

In an insightful conversation, Chanan Weissman of the Sapir Institute engages with author Joshua Foer and philanthropic advisor William Foster about the concept of 'moonshots' in Jewish philanthropy.

Education ›

0 Education Antisemitism

A frontline response to antisemitism: Jewish education through a counter-extremism lens

eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish education is increasingly crucial in the fight against antisemitism and extremism, argues Sheryl Saperia, CEO of Secure Canada.

0 Education Leadership

Amid rising challenges, Jewish day schools nationwide must invest in local collaboration

eJewishPhilanthropy

Jewish day schools face multifaceted challenges in 2026, from economic strain to rising antisemitism and a national teacher shortage.

0 Education Israel

An Education System Worthy of the Jewish State

Sapir

Israel's education system, once a cornerstone of its national strength, faces a significant crisis.

0 Education Antisemitism

How to Teach the Jewish Story

Sapir

Dara Horn reflects on her journey toward addressing antisemitism through education, after the publication of her book "People Love Dead Jews."

Music ›

0 Music Culture

A Gantz Yohr Freilach

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Humor and whimsy can often mask profound messages in Jewish music today, as demonstrated by artists like Joey Newcomb, 8th Day, Country Yossi, and the TYH Chevra.

Israel ›

0 Israel Culture

The Word That Diaspora Jews Are Afraid to Claim

Rabbi Steven Abraham in Future of Jewish

Rabbi Steven Abraham discusses the hesitancy among American Jews to identify as Zionists, despite 88% affirming the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state.

0 Israel Education

Israel Studies Can Redeem Academia

Sapir

The keynote address for the launch of Stanford University's Israel studies program critiques certain prevalent academic and media narratives about Israel, arguing that many of these critiques are "not even wrong" due to their fundamental departures from logic, fact, and context.

History ›

0 History Culture

‘A Swinging Bunch of People’ No Longer

Sapir

Sammy Davis Jr., a prominent entertainer and one of America's most famous converts to Judaism, exemplified a time when Jewish culture was seen as 'cool' in postwar America.

Literature ›

0 Literature Culture

Jewish Masterpiece: The Foundation Trilogy

Sapir

Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" trilogy, though not overtly Jewish, can be viewed as a "Jewish masterpiece" due to its themes resonating with Jewish intellectual traditions and historical narratives.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Politics

An Israeli Constitution

Sapir

Israel, unique among democracies, still lacks a formal constitution, despite its founding in 1948.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Communities

Attracting Top Talent

Sapir

Jewish communal organizations have a unique opportunity to attract top-tier talent by creating an appealing and competitive work environment.

Sports ›

0 Sports Politics

Israeli bobsled captain on Olympics exit: ‘Holy endeavor’ slammed into rigid rule

Louis Keene in Forward

AJ Edelman, captain of Israel's bobsled team, defended the team's ejection from the Winter Olympics due to a controversial athlete swap, suggesting the move was a commonplace workaround in bobsled competitions, though it violated Olympic rules.

Food ›

0 Food Holidays

All the Hamantaschen Hacks You Need

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

With Purim approaching on March 2, Jewish bakers often face the challenge of creating perfectly shaped hamantaschen cookies without them exploding.