for Sunday, June 14, 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 »

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Prayer

How To Cleanse A Sanctuary

Michael Bernstein in Lehrhaus

Michael Bernstein explores the controversial presence of national flags, particularly American and Israeli, in synagogue sanctuaries, arguing they can be seen as modern idols distracting from prayer.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy Jewish Law

The Most Important Jewish Idea I've Heard Since October 7th

Rabbi Steven Abraham in Future of Jewish

Rabbi Steven Abraham reflects on the concept of 'tragic optimism,' introduced by Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, as a meaningful response to profound grief and suffering.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

Western leaders failed — and they're trying to sell us victory.

Vanessa Berg in Future of Jewish

Vanessa Berg critiques Western leadership's handling of the Iranian nuclear threat, arguing that Western leaders prioritize perceived diplomatic victories over true security achievements.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Crying and crying and crying and crying...

The Cholent in The Cholent

The Washington State Human Rights Commission's recent meeting recordings have sparked controversy due to comments by Commissioner Luc Jasmin, who downplayed anti-Semitism by depicting Jews as overly concerned with their historical trauma compared to other groups.

0 Politics Israel

Destroying Iran's nuclear facilities isn't enough.

General Yoav Gallant in Future of Jewish

General Yoav Gallant emphasizes that merely damaging Iran's nuclear facilities will not suffice to dismantle its nuclear weapons capability.

0 Politics Ethics

Aristotle, Jewish ethics and the vexing case of Graham Platner

Robert Zaretsky in Forward

In the 2026 Democratic Senate primary in Maine, Graham Platner emerged victorious, raising concerns due to his checkered past, including controversies and a questionable tattoo.

Culture ›

0 Culture Politics

Cultural boycotts of Israel just reached peak absurdity

A.J. Goldmann in Forward

Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid's exclusion from FID Marseille highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding cultural boycotts of Israel.

Sports ›

0 Sports Communities

Long before he built the Knicks’ roster, Leon Rose coached at a JCC in South Jersey

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Leon Rose, a Jewish team president on the verge of securing an NBA title with the New York Knicks, has long been a key figure in both professional and Jewish community basketball.

Literature ›

0 Literature Holocaust

Jane Yolen, children’s book author whose ‘The Devil’s Arithmetic’ became a Holocaust classic, dies at 87

Penny Schwartz in JTA

Renowned author Jane Yolen, who recently passed away at 87, leaves behind a rich legacy in children's literature, most famously through her young adult novel, "The Devil's Arithmetic."

Art ›

0 Art Culture

The Jewish friendship that let David Hockney experience 'dangerous perfection'

Talya Zax in Forward

David Hockney, the renowned British painter who passed away at 88, is celebrated for his vibrant use of color, yet one of his most moving pieces is a black-and-white drawing featuring his close Jewish friend, artist R.B. Kitaj.

Editors' Note

Welcome to JL;DR!
by Matt Sienkiewicz

June 14's Short Reads

Forward The 2026 J. I. Segal Award for Yiddish literature is now accepting submissions

Recent podcast episodes

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