JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Friday, May 1, 2026

Education ›

0 Education Politics

Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s selection as JTS commencement speaker roils graduating class

Louis Keene in Forward

Controversy has arisen at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) as a group of students and alumni petition to disinvite Israeli President Isaac Herzog from delivering the commencement address and receiving an honorary degree.

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

‘Don’t give up on us now’: Israel peace summit convenes thousands to aim for elusive progress

Rachel Fink in Forward

The third annual People's Peace Summit convened in Tel Aviv during a brief pause in Israel's prolonged conflict, drawing thousands from across societal divides under the theme "It must be. It can be. It will be."

0 Politics Antisemitism

NH lawmaker reprimanded for ‘final solution’ joke aimed at Jewish colleague

Andrew Lapin in Forward

New Hampshire GOP state Rep. Travis Corcoran faces disciplinary action for a tweet referencing the Nazi 'final solution,' targeting Jewish Democratic colleague Rep. Jessica Grill.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Analysis: As Democrats unite behind Platner, Schumer’s future as leader faces tests

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

As Democrats rally behind Graham Platner, a progressive candidate with controversial views regarding Israel and a past Nazi-linked tattoo, concerns arise among Jewish Democrats about his impact on party unity, particularly under Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

0 Politics History

REVIEW: ‘A Call at 4 AM’

Martin J. Raffel in Hadassah

Amit Segal, a respected Israeli journalist, delves into Israel's intricate political landscape with his book "A Call at 4 AM: Thirteen Prime Ministers and the Crucial Decisions that Shaped Israel."

0 Politics Antisemitism

As Supreme Court dilutes Voting Rights Act, Tennessee’s first Jewish congressman could lose his seat

Hannah Feuer in Forward

The weakening of the Voting Rights Act by the Supreme Court may jeopardize the seat of Steve Cohen, Tennessee's first Jewish congressman.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Graham Platner, whose Maine Senate run has concerned Jews, becomes presumptive Democratic nominee

Andrew Lapin in Forward

Graham Platner, a political newcomer seeking to unseat U.S. Senator Susan Collins in Maine, has become the Democratic nominee, raising concerns among Jewish groups due to his controversial past.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Graham Platner, whose Maine Senate run has concerned Jews, becomes presumptive Dem nominee after Janet Mills suspends campaign

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Graham Platner, a surprising choice for many, is set to become the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine after opponent Janet Mills suspended her campaign.

0 Politics Leadership

He was president of his synagogue. Now he wants to be LA’s next mayor.

Louis Keene in Forward

Adam Miller, a businessman and former synagogue president, is running for mayor of Los Angeles.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Who’s Responsible?

Lee Smith in Tablet

Lee Smith's article explores the complexities of political violence in America, particularly threats against Donald Trump, and the intricate web of conspiracy theories that exacerbate these tensions.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Education

A GOP lawmaker tried to put a Holocaust denier on New Hampshire’s Holocaust education board

Andrew Lapin in Forward

In a concerning development within the New Hampshire legislative process, GOP state Rep. Matt Sabourin dit Choinire attempted to embed Holocaust denial rhetoric into public education guidelines by proposing Germar Rudolf, a German Holocaust denier, to testify before the state's Holocaust education commission.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Prime Minister Starmer, British Jews deserve better.

Hen Mazzig in Future of Jewish

Hen Mazzig, an Israeli writer based in the UK, addresses British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging stronger action against rising antisemitism in Britain.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Keir Starmer Has Failed Britain’s Jews. Plus. . .

The Free Press in The Free Press

British Jews are increasingly frustrated with political leaders like Keir Starmer, whom they feel have inadequately addressed the rise in antisemitic attacks, the latest being a stabbing incident in London.

0 Antisemitism Communities

This is what Jews really need right now.

Melissa Brodsky in Future of Jewish

In her guest essay, Melissa Brodsky addresses the alarming rise in antisemitism, urging non-Jewish allies to better understand and combat this pervasive issue.

History ›

0 History Philosophy

Welcome to the End of the World

Sergey Maidukov in Tablet

Reflecting on decades of geopolitical turmoil and personal crises, Sergey Maidukov draws a parallel between past apocalyptic fears during the USSR's decline and the contemporary global unease he perceives amidst wars, pandemics, and political upheaval.

Torah ›

0 Torah Philosophy

Clarity and Confusion

Dovid Bashevkin in Tablet

Dovid Bashevkin's article delves into Tractate Menachot from the Talmud, highlighting its focus on vegetarian offerings and its deeper philosophical implications.

0 Torah Leadership

5 Standards the Torah Sets for Religious Leaders

18Forty Staff in 18forty

Parshat Emor illustrates the Torah's expectations for religious leaders, emphasizing both their privileged and demanding roles.

0 Torah Israel

Holiness, the land and the resilience of the nation

eJewishPhilanthropy

Echoing teachings from the double parsha Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, the article reflects on the resilience of the Jewish nation amidst historical adversity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of land, moral, and social cores.

Culture ›

0 Culture Education

We want a widely celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month. But should we?

Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath in JTA

Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath explores the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month in fostering Jewish pride and whether such designated times are necessary or sufficient.

0 Culture History

This Jewish Name Has Been in the Top 25 Baby Names For More Than Two Decades

Daci Platt in Kveller

The name Ethan, derived from Hebrew, has been a staple in the top 25 most popular baby names for over two decades in the United States, peaking at number 2 in 2009 and 2010.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust History

REVIEW: ‘A Force for Good’

Stewart Kampel in Hadassah

"A Force for Good" is an insightful biography of Gisela Warburg Wyzanski, crafted by her daughter Anita Wyzanski Robboy, highlighting Wyzanski's pivotal role in Jewish child rescue during the pre-Israel era.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

Monitored phone calls and fear of arrest: What life looks like for Iran’s Jews now

Simone Saidmehr in Forward

Iran's Jewish community, estimated at 10,000 people, navigates a complex and dangerous landscape amid ongoing tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel.

0 Communities Education

Jewish Theological Seminary ‘breaks mold’ in naming campus innovator Rabbi Mike Uram as next chancellor

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Rabbi Mike Uram has been named the new chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), signaling a significant shift for the institution traditionally led by academics.

0 Communities Leadership

American Jewish leaders, where were you?

eJewishPhilanthropy

Haggai Segal provoked a stir among American Jews by questioning their allegiance to Israel in an article condemning their assumed indifference to aliyah and the messianic significance of returning to Israel.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

New book details the long and winding road trod by the Beatles and Bob Dylan

Seth Rogovoy in Forward

The relationship between the Beatles and Bob Dylan is explored in depth in Jim Windolf's new book, "Where the Music Had to Go."

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Culture

This Jewish Mindfulness Practice is So Helpful in Our Chaotic World

Leah Grisham in Kveller

In today's frenetic world, the ancient Jewish concept of yishuv ha-daat, or settled awareness, offers a path to mindfulness amid chaos.

Art ›

0 Art Jewish Law

This Jewish feminist has been the NYC’s sanitation department’s official artist for 50 years. A new movie tells her story.

Jackie Hajdenberg in Forward

Mierle Laderman Ukeles, a pioneering Jewish feminist and New York City's Sanitation Department artist-in-residence for nearly 50 years, is the subject of the new documentary, "Maintenance Artist."