for Friday, May 15, 2026

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Culture ›

0 Culture History

Jerusalem Day: The Swifts of the Western Wall

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

In his article, Natan Slifkin explores the extraordinary phenomenon of bird migration, focusing on swifts that nest at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

0 Culture Music

Pnina Rosenblum’s Blond Ambition

Dana Kessler in Tablet

Pnina Rosenblum, an iconic Israeli figure known for her flamboyant style and entrepreneurial spirit, has reinvented herself yet again as a wartime chanteuse amidst the Oct. 7 conflicts.

0 Culture Communities

These Are the Fastest Rising Jewish Baby Names

Daci Platt in Kveller

The latest list of the most popular baby names from the Social Security Administration reveals some emerging trends in Jewish baby names for 2025.

0 Culture Philosophy

A former Lubavitcher became a scholar of ex-Orthodox Jews. Now he’s telling his own story.

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Zalman Newfield's memoir "Brooklyn Odyssey: My Journey Out of Hasidism" offers a nuanced account of leaving the Lubavitch Hasidic community, contrasting many other ex-Orthodox narratives which often highlight complete familial and communal cut-off.

0 Culture Torah

The Bracha of Two Births and Two Promises

Aliza Bulow in 18forty

Aliza Bulow explores the symbolism within Jewish rituals and narratives, notably the custom of eating eggs at the Seder as a reflection of dual births: the Jewish people's initial birth from Egypt and their ongoing cultural rebirth at Sinai.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

1912 Yiddish operetta tackles class conflict and women’s rights

Jon Kalish in Forward

"Khantshe in Amerike," a landmark 1912 Yiddish operetta, returns to the stage, exploring themes such as class conflict, women's rights, and gender fluidity through its protagonist, who defies societal norms by working as a male chauffeur.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

After the Ayatollah

Jason Greenblatt in Tablet

Jason Greenblatt explores significant changes in the Iran nuclear negotiations landscape, highlighting the shift in military dynamics and the extensive leverage built by the Trump administration.

0 Politics Communities

At Jewish Democrats summit, rising Senate candidate Graham Platner divides the room

Joseph Strauss in JTA

The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) summit in Washington saw a division among attendees over Graham Platner, a rising star in the Democratic Party and Senate candidate from Maine.

0 Politics Israel

‘Death to Arabs’ chanted at Jerusalem march after Ben-Gvir displays Israeli flag on Temple Mount

Theia Chatelle in JTA

Tensions flared in Jerusalem during the controversial annual Dance of the Flags march, which marks the anniversary of the city's reunification in 1967.

0 Politics Communities

Why do some people think Mike Lawler is Jewish?

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Rep. Mike Lawler, a non-Jewish Republican from New York, has been mistaken for Jewish due to his close ties with Jewish communities and vocal support for Israel.

0 Politics Communities

Inside Hadassah’s Day of Impact on Capitol Hill

Libby Barnea in Hadassah

Hadassah organized a significant advocacy event, "Hadassah on the Hill: A Day of Impact", from March 8 to 10 in Washington, D.C., gathering nearly 200 members to support pro-Israel and women's health initiatives.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Israel and the Jewish People: Beyond the Precipice

Jewdicious

Michael Oren's article, published on his Substack 'CLARITY', addresses the challenges Israel and the Jewish people face in light of rising anti-Zionism, which he equates with antisemitism.

0 Politics Communities

The conversation we avoid but need to have

eJewishPhilanthropy

Shanie Reichman discusses the challenges and strategies for American Jews engaging in productive conversations about Israel amid declining U.S. support and polarized discourse.

0 Politics Culture

The Stakes of the Trump-Xi Summit. Have We Passed ‘Peak Human’? Plus. . .

The Free Press in The Free Press

Amid significant geopolitical stakes, the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing focuses on key issues like Taiwan and trade, highlighting the complex US-China relationship.

0 Politics History

This is what's actually happening in Iran.

Zineb Riboua in Future of Jewish

Zineb Riboua, a research fellow at the Hudson Institute, explores Iran's deteriorating economic situation amidst its conflict with the U.S. and Israel.

0 Politics Israel

The largest generational divide in American politics is about Israel

eJewishPhilanthropy

Generational shifts in U.S. political views have led to a significant decline in pro-Israel sentiment, mainly among younger Americans.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Kristof column alleging Israeli abuse of Palestinian prisoners sparks outrage, scrutiny and debate among Jews

Grace Gilson in Forward

The New York Times published a controversial column by Nicholas Kristof detailing alleged sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli guards, sparking intense debate and condemnation from various Jewish groups and leaders.

0 Politics Antisemitism

From Rutgers speaker to Kristof column, disputed dog rape claim against Israel goes mainstream

JTA

A controversial claim that Israeli authorities train dogs to sexually assault Palestinian prisoners gained significant traction after appearing in a New York Times column by Nicholas Kristof.

0 Politics Culture

Last Knights

Harrison Kass in Tablet

The article by Harrison Kass examines the declining role and mythos of the fighter pilot in modern warfare, particularly in light of the increasing reliance on drones and automated systems.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Communities

Judge bars Kars4Kids from advertising in California, saying it misled donors about Orthodox Jewish mission

Grace Gilson in JTA

A California judge has ruled against the car-donation charity Kars4Kids, mandating that it cease its radio ads in the state unless they disclose the funds' exclusive support for Orthodox Jewish programs primarily in New York, New Jersey, and Israel.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

A medieval anti-Jewish conspiracy just became prestige journalism.

Adam Hummel in Future of Jewish

Adam Hummel's essay draws parallels between the historical creation of blood libel and an explosive modern accusation against Israel presented by The New York Times.

0 Antisemitism Culture

They posted about Jewish American Heritage Month. Then the antisemitic comments poured in.

Grace Gilson in JTA

During Jewish American Heritage Month, content creators faced an onslaught of antisemitic comments across social media platforms.

0 Antisemitism Politics

From Rutgers speaker to Kristof column, disputed dog rape claim against Israel goes mainstream

Philissa Cramer, Grace Gilson in Forward

A recent controversy has emerged from claims that Israel trains dogs to sexually assault Palestinian prisoners, an allegation initially dismissed as implausible but which gained traction after being cited by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Rand Paul’s son apologizes after reportedly making antisemitic attack on Rep. Mike Lawler

Jackie Hajdenberg in Forward

Senator Rand Paul's son, William Paul, issued an apology and sought help for his drinking after making antisemitic remarks during an altercation with Rep. Mike Lawler at a Washington, D.C. bar.

Education ›

0 Education Israel

I run The Jewish Theological Seminary. Here's the real story about President Isaac Herzog speaking at our commencement

Shuly Rubin Schwartz in Forward

Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz of The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) clarifies misconceptions about Israeli President Isaac Herzog's role as their commencement speaker.

0 Education Culture

Gap year in Israel programs credit rebound to teens seeking Jewish connections

Dalia Arch-Andorsky in JTA

Participation in gap year programs in Israel is rebounding after a dip last year, with over 3,000 Jewish teens enrolling, equaling pre-Oct.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Politics

Outrage over Nicholas Kristof's op-ed on sexual assault of Palestinians is missing the point

Emily Tamkin in Forward

Emily Tamkin addresses the heated backlash over Nicholas Kristof's New York Times op-ed alleging widespread sexual violence by Israeli forces against Palestinians, as well as a report on Hamas's sexual crimes.

Art ›

0 Art Politics

At the Venice Biennale, protests, self-mutilation and rage against Israel and Russia. Is anyone left to talk about the art?

A.J. Goldmann in Forward

The 2026 Venice Biennale sees unprecedented controversy, with the Art Not Genocide Alliance protesting the participation of Israel and Russia amid a wider climate of geopolitical antagonism overshadowing the art itself.

Music ›

0 Music Politics

Everything You Need To Know About Israel in Eurovision 2026

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

With Israel's involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest making headlines, its participation in 2026 is argued to be one of the most controversial yet, especially following recent geopolitical tensions.

0 Music Politics

Israeli singer says he is tuning out 'stop the genocide' chants as he heads into Eurovision final

Deborah Danan in Forward

Noam Bettan, Israel's representative at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, remains buoyant despite protests during his semi-final performance.

0 Music Politics

Noam Bettan says he is tuning out ‘stop the genocide’ chants as he heads into Eurovision final

Deborah Danan in JTA

Israeli Eurovision contestant Noam Bettan faced protests chanting "stop the genocide" during his performance amid growing controversy over Israel's participation in the contest.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Antisemitism

Alex Soros commits $30 million to organizations fighting antisemitism — and its weaponization

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Alex Soros, son of Jewish financier George Soros and head of the Open Society Foundations, announced a $30 million donation to organizations countering antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Politics

On Israel’s eighth front, rabbis should be on the front line

eJewishPhilanthropy

Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt emphasizes the urgent need for rabbis to lead in combating the negative portrayal of Israel in the global "eighth front"—the court of public opinion.

History ›

0 History Torah

Did R. Akiva’s Students Die in the Bar Kokhba Revolt?

Chaim Katz in Lehrhaus

Chaim Katz examines the historical narrative surrounding the death of Rabbi Akiva's students, traditionally attributed to a lack of respect among themselves during the period between Passover and Shavuot.

Communities ›

0 Communities Politics

Long Island school district pays $125K to settle lawsuit over erased pro-Palestinian student art

Grace Gilson in Forward

A lawsuit against Half Hollow Hills High School West was settled for $125,000 after a Muslim-American student sued the school district for painting over her pro-Palestinian artwork in a campus parking lot.

JL;DR

for Friday, May 15, 2026

Culture ›

Politics ›

Jewish Law ›

Antisemitism ›

Education ›

Ethics ›

Art ›

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Philosophy ›

Leadership ›

History ›

Communities ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

May 15's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Culture ›

Politics ›

Jewish Law ›

Antisemitism ›

Education ›

Ethics ›

Art ›

Music ›

Philosophy ›

Leadership ›

History ›

Communities ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

May 15's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Friday, May 15, 2026