for Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

The Language of the Soul: Judaism for the Deaf-Blind

Yitzchok Landa in Jewish Action

Yitzchok Landa discusses the unique challenges and transformative experiences of Jewish inclusion for the deaf-blind community, focusing on a recent Israel trip organized by Yael Zelinger and others dedicated to curating multisensory Jewish experiences.

0 Communities History

Celebrating 250 Years of America: The Orthodox Jewish Experience

JA Staff in Jewish Action

As America approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Orthodox Jewish experience uniquely highlights gratitude for the country's acceptance and the ensuing religious and cultural flourishing.

0 Communities Politics

America and the Problem of Opportunity

JA Staff in Jewish Action

The interview with Rabbi Yaakov Glasser by Nechama Carmel explores the complexities of the American Jewish experience, emphasizing the opportunities and challenges that freedom presents.

0 Communities Education

Rebecca Gratz (1781–1869)—A Life of Giving

Dr. Melissa R. Klapper in Jewish Action

Rebecca Gratz was a pioneering figure in early American Jewish philanthropy and education.

0 Communities Culture

On the legs that fled Nova, I marched in New York with pride

eJewishPhilanthropy

Maayan Dee, a survivor of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on the Nova music festival in Israel, shares her emotional journey of healing and resilience as she joins a solidarity march in New York City.

0 Communities Leadership

So many synagogues are losing modern Jews. Here's the fix.

Vanessa Berg in Future of Jewish

Vanessa Berg addresses the challenge many synagogues face in retaining and attracting modern Jews, as traditional membership models no longer align with contemporary expectations.

0 Communities Education

These schools build Druze Israeli identity, one student at a time

Elana Sztokman in JTA

Amal high schools, such as those in Yanuh Jat and Kisra Samia, play a crucial role in strengthening Druze identity while integrating students into Israel's democratic society.

0 Communities Politics

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani missed the Israel Day Parade. Many who went didn’t miss him.

Grace Gilson in Forward

New York City's Israel Day Parade saw its largest turnout ever, celebrated along Fifth Avenue with significant participation from Jewish nonprofits, schools, synagogues, and political figures, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

History ›

0 History Communities

Reflections on Orthodox Jewish Life in America

Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter in Jewish Action

Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter reflects on the historical challenges and evolution of Orthodox Judaism in America, emphasizing the tension between embracing American ideals of freedom and maintaining Jewish tradition.

0 History Communities

Why American Jewish History Matters: The Orthodox Experience

Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff in Jewish Action

American Jewish history continues to be a pivotal field of study, especially for Orthodox Jews grappling with their place in American society.

0 History Jewish Law

Moses Seixas (1744–1809)—The Promise of Liberty

Dr. Jeanne Abrams in Jewish Action

Moses Seixas played a pivotal role in advocating for religious liberty for Jews in the newly formed United States.

0 History Communities

Aaron Lopez (1731–1782)—Faith Before Fortune: Jewish Life in Colonial America

Saul Jay Singer in Jewish Action

Aaron Lopez, a Portuguese Jewish émigré originally named Duarte Lopez, settled in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1752.

0 History Jewish Law

Isaac Leeser (1806–1868)—Champion of Orthodoxy

Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff in Jewish Action

Isaac Leeser was a pivotal figure in 19th-century American Judaism, dedicated to strengthening Orthodox Judaism amidst the rise of Reform Judaism.

0 History Jewish Law

Rabbi Abraham Joseph Rice (1802–1862)—In Complete Isolation: The Struggle for Torah in America

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Rakeffet-Rothkoff in Jewish Action

Rabbi Abraham Joseph Rice, born in 1802 in Bavaria, was the first traditionally ordained rabbi to settle in the United States, arriving in 1840.

0 History Leadership

Rabbi Jacob Joseph (1840–1902)—The Tragic Tale of New York’s Only Chief Rabbi

Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff in Jewish Action

Rabbi Jacob Joseph's tenure as New York's Chief Rabbi underscores the complexities of establishing religious authority in America's secular landscape.

0 History Leadership

Rabbi Herbert S. Goldstein (1890–1970)—The Maverick Rabbi

Rabbi Aaron I. Reichel in Jewish Action

Rabbi Herbert S. Goldstein was a transformative figure in American Orthodoxy, notable for bridging traditional Judaism with American culture in the early 20th century.

0 History Communities

Faith on the Frontier: Orthodox Women of the Wild West

Dr. Jeanne Abrams in Jewish Action

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Jewish women played a crucial role in maintaining Jewish life on the American frontier, particularly in the Wild West.

0 History Philosophy

Retracing the epic journey of the world’s oldest Jew

David Lipset in Forward

Yair Mintzker's book, "I, Wandering Jew," explores the historical evolution of the Wandering Jew motif through reverse chronological narratives, from post-independence Israel to its 16th-century origins.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law History

The American Story in the Responsa: She’eilos from the New World

Rabbi Moshe Taub in Jewish Action

Rabbi Moshe Taub explores the literary world of She'eilos U'Teshuvos (rabbinic responsa) as an important historical source that chronicles the Jewish experience in America.

0 Jewish Law Communities

The Last Kindness: A Conversation with Yael Davidowitz

Merri Ukraincik in Jewish Action

Yael Davidowitz, the outreach director for Project Last Kindness, confronts the growing trend of cremation among American Jews, which she describes as having reached crisis levels.

0 Jewish Law Food

What’s the Truth about . . . the Kashrut of New World Birds?

Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky in Jewish Action

Rabbi Dr. Ari Z. Zivotofsky explores the complex halachic discourse surrounding the kashrut status of New World birds such as the turkey and Muscovy duck.

0 Jewish Law Culture

Abled: Living With a Disability, A Torah View

Reviewed by Rachelly Eisenberger in Jewish Action

Michal Horowitz's book, "Abled: Living With a Disability, A Torah View," deeply explores the Torah's teachings on disability and human worth.

0 Jewish Law History

Reviews in Brief – Summer 2026

Rabbi Gil Student in Jewish Action

In "One Day in October: Forty Heroes, Forty Stories," authors Yair Agmon and Oriya Mevorach present narratives of extraordinary valor from the traumatic events of October 7, 2023, when an attack on Israel left deep scars on the Jewish psyche.

0 Jewish Law Leadership

New From OU Press – Summer 2026

JA Staff in Jewish Action

Mesorat Menachem is a two-volume tribute to Rabbi Menachem Genack, honoring his over forty years of influence in Jewish scholarship and communal leadership, particularly through his work with OU Kosher.

0 Jewish Law Education

The Divinity Is in the Details

Chaim Trachtman in Lehrhaus

Chaim Trachtman highlights the pedagogical approach of Christine Hayes, a retired Yale professor known for her engaging lectures on the Old Testament.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Jewish Law

How to Speak to a Loved One About Cremation

Yael Davidowitz in Jewish Action

Yael Davidowitz offers guidance on how to thoughtfully approach conversations about cremation with loved ones, emphasizing the importance of Jewish burial.

0 Ethics Philosophy

Five Minutes a Day: Lessons from a Life Approaching Seventy

Efraim Jaffe in Jewish Action

Efraim Jaffe reflects on approaching his seventieth birthday, comparing it to biblical milestones and his earlier expectations of aging.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

An All-American Barbecue

Naomi Ross in Jewish Action

Naomi Ross explores the unique fusion of American and Jewish culinary traditions through the lens of an all-American barbecue.

Literature ›

0 Literature Torah

Amos: The Genius of Prophetic Rhetoric

Reviewed By Sarah Rindner in Jewish Action

Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom's book, "Amos: The Genius of Prophetic Rhetoric," provides an in-depth analysis of the Book of Amos, emphasizing the prophet's literary and rhetorical mastery.

Torah ›

0 Torah Jewish Law

The Koren Shalem Humash

Reviewed by Rabbi Allen Schwartz in Jewish Action

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks' new "Koren Shalem Humash," published by Koren Publishers, offers a fresh translation and commentary on the Torah, setting itself apart with unique insights and a wealth of philosophical and historical references.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

Canada 'is failing Jewish Canadians,' prime minister says as he unveils effort to address antisemitism

Shira Li Bartov in Forward

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the formation of a new government body, the Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality, and Inclusion, to tackle racism, with a priority on addressing antisemitism amid a surge of hate crimes against Jewish Canadians.

0 Politics Israel

Trump says Netanyahu ‘turned his Troops around’ after he asked Israel not to bomb Beirut

Philissa Cramer in Forward

In a recent development in Middle Eastern geopolitics, former U.S. President Donald Trump claims to have mediated a truce between Hezbollah and Israel amidst ongoing tensions in Lebanon.

0 Politics Communities

Smotrich’s surprise appearance at Israel Day Parade sparks backlash from NY and Jewish leaders

Grace Gilson in Forward

At the recent Israel Day Parade in New York, far-right Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich's unexpected participation sparked significant backlash from local political and Jewish community leaders.

0 Politics Communities

Scott Wiener, Spencer Pratt and Eric Swalwell’s replacement: 5 primaries Jews are watching in California

Andrew Lapin in Forward

With California primaries looming, several key races are drawing significant interest from Jewish communities due to candidates' varied positions on Israel.

0 Politics Communities

Khanna’s hostile turn towards Israel divides Silicon Valley Jews

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) has become a divisive figure within the Jewish community of his Silicon Valley district due to his critical stance on Israel, which some view as aligning with antisemitic rhetoric.

0 Politics Communities

Pro-Israel challenger gains support from Silicon Valley Jews in bid to unseat Ro Khanna

Emma Goss in JTA

Ethan Agarwal, a pro-Israel tech entrepreneur, is gaining traction among Jewish and Israeli-American voters in his bid to unseat incumbent Congressman Ro Khanna in California's 17th District.

0 Politics Antisemitism

At Republican Jewish gala, NY gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman casts race as a fight against Mamdani

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Bruce Blakeman, a Republican gubernatorial candidate in New York, focused his criticism on Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic politician, rather than current Governor Kathy Hochul, during a Republican Jewish Coalition event.

0 Politics Israel

New York's Israel Day parade was a shanda — but not because of Mamdani

Joel Swanson in Forward

Mayor Zohran Mamdani's decision to skip New York City's annual Israel Day Parade amidst controversy over the attendance of far-right Israeli officials highlights the complex dynamics within American Jewry regarding support for Israel.

0 Politics Culture

Is Israel Worse than Hamas?

Emes Ve-Emunah

Jonathan Rosenblum critiques how the media, particularly through Nicholas Kristof's New York Times piece, has amplified unsubstantiated allegations of Israeli misconduct against Palestinians.

0 Politics Communities

A Glimpse into The Horror in Gaza

Ken Silverman in The Beinart Notebook

Ken Silverman's piece offers a critical view of the situation in Gaza, contextualized by a forthcoming Zoom discussion featuring Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

0 Politics Communities

After the Israel Day on Fifth parade: The precarious future of Jewish-Mamdani relations

eJewishPhilanthropy

The relationship between New York City's Jewish community and its Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, remains fraught with tension following the Israel Day Parade on Fifth Avenue.

0 Politics Israel

The Left is imploding because of its anti-Israel obsession.

Bob Goldberg in Future of Jewish

Bob Goldberg's essay critiques how left-wing parties and movements excessively target Israel in their political narratives, blaming the Jewish state for Palestinian violence while dismissing its right to self-defense.

0 Politics Communities

Wide-open Los Angeles mayoral race could hinge on support from Jewish voters

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

The Los Angeles mayoral race is heating up with significant focus on the potential impact of Jewish voters.

0 Politics Communities

The mayor missed the Israel Day Parade. Many who went didn’t miss him.

Grace Gilson in JTA

The recent Israel Day Parade in New York City set a record high in attendance despite being marked by political tensions and the absence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the first mayor in decades to skip the event.

0 Politics Israel

The Gaza debate is dominated by people who don’t understand it.

Future of Jewish

Martin L. Yarmush discusses the complexities of the Gaza conflict, highlighting the oversimplified narratives that dominate media coverage.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Jewish Law

E Pluribus Unum—Managing Unity Without Uniformity

Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph in Jewish Action

Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph reflects on the importance of unity without uniformity as both a national and a Jewish ideal.

Culture ›

0 Culture Education

Letters – Summer 2026

JA Staff in Jewish Action

The collection of letters in the Summer 2026 issue addresses various facets of contemporary Jewish life—from financial stress in modern Orthodox and Charedi communities to changes within Jewish education over the past four decades.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

Marilyn Monroe would be 100 today. Are we making too much of her conversion?

PJ Grisar in Forward

Marilyn Monroe's conversion to Judaism for her marriage to Arthur Miller in 1956 continues to intrigue, though its significance may be overstated.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

‘Canada’s civic compact is failing Jewish Canadians,’ Carney says as he unveils effort to address antisemitism

Shira Li Bartov in JTA

In response to a spike in antisemitic hate crimes in Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the creation of a government body aimed at combating racism, with an initial focus on antisemitism.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Hasan Piker blames Israel after UK bars him from entry, citing ‘potential risk’

Kelly Hartog in JTA

Influential anti-Israel online personality Hasan Piker and his uncle Cenk Uygur have been barred from entering the UK, following pressure from British Jewish groups who cited concerns about their antisemitic rhetoric and potential risk to public order.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

‘Couples Therapy’ Star Orna Guralnik Is the Jewish TV Healer We Need Right Now

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Orna Guralnik, the Israeli American therapist starring in Showtime's 'Couples Therapy,' has become a pivotal figure in modern television's portrayal of therapeutic healing.

0 Television/Film Culture

The God of ‘Euphoria’

Adam Lehrer in Tablet

Revisiting the impact of the HBO series "Euphoria," this article examines its creator Sam Levinson's personal connections to the show, its cultural significance, and the way it navigates complex themes surrounding Gen Z. With the death of Rue Bennett, partly an avatar of Levinson's own battles with addiction, the series confronts issues of spiritual and emotional abandonment among American youth.

Sports ›

0 Sports Culture

Jokes About Jewish Athletes Got to Me. Then My Son Proved Them Wrong.

Jackie Goldschneider in Kveller

The article by Jackie Goldschneider reflects on the stereotype that Jewish people are not successful in sports, a notion she grew up with due to jokes and cultural beliefs.

Education ›

0 Education Philosophy

Can Nature Teach Torah? R. Yerucham Levovitz Thought So.

Dovid Campbell in 18forty

In an insightful article, Dovid Campbell explores the integration of nature study within Jewish learning, highlighting the teachings of Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz.

JL;DR

for Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Communities ›

History ›

Jewish Law ›

Ethics ›

Food ›

Literature ›

Torah ›

Politics ›

Leadership ›

Culture ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Sports ›

Education ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

June 2's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Communities ›

History ›

Jewish Law ›

Ethics ›

Food ›

Literature ›

Torah ›

Politics ›

Leadership ›

Culture ›

Antisemitism ›

Television/Film ›

Sports ›

Education ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

June 2's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Tuesday, June 2, 2026