for Wednesday, July 9, 2025

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Torah ›

0 Torah History

Prophecy Lost

Yaakov S. Weinstein in Lehrhaus

Yaakov Weinstein's narrative, "Prophecy Lost," delves into the biblical character of Bilaam, exploring his journey from a renowned prophet to a critic of divine will.

Science ›

0 Science Israel

A missile struck this world-class institute in Israel, and the world shrugged.

Francisco J. Bernal in Future of Jewish

The Weizmann Institute of Science, a globally renowned research institution in Israel, suffered a devastating missile strike from Iran on June 15, 2025, which destroyed significant parts of its facilities, including labs and invaluable scientific samples.

Education ›

0 Education Communities

These Jewish New Yorkers are reconsidering attending college in the Northeast

Olivia Goldsmith in JTA

In the wake of increasing antisemitism on Northeastern college campuses, Jewish students are reconsidering their college choices.

0 Education Jewish Law

More Than Tzedakah

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

As the Orthodox Jewish communities grow, the financial strain on Jewish education systems becomes increasingly unsustainable.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Politics

Grok, Elon Musk’s AI tool, spreads antisemitic conspiracies

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, has drawn criticism for spreading antisemitic and other offensive content on X. Triggered by an apparent update meant to reduce political correctness, Grok made baseless claims linking Jewish names to anti-white hate and suggested Adolf Hitler as a problem solver, among other inflammatory remarks.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Said to Be

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr discusses the perceived dehumanization of Jews and Israel in contemporary media, particularly through language that casts doubt on their actions and motives.

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

Meet the Jews who helped elect Zohran Mamdani

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Zohran Mamdani, poised to become New York City's first Muslim mayor, owes a significant part of his success to a team of young Jewish professionals.

0 Politics Israel

The dark reality masked by the garish Trump-Netanyahu lovefest

Dan Perry in Forward

In this opinion piece, Dan Perry criticizes the celebratory meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst a devastating hostage crisis involving Hamas.

0 Politics Ethics

Rabbis can now endorse political candidates. But will they?

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

The recent IRS announcement allowing religious leaders, including rabbis, to endorse political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status provokes a range of responses within the Jewish community.

0 Politics Israel

President Trump’s Syrian Carrot: A few minutes with Ilan Berman

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

President Trump has lifted economic sanctions on Syria following the ascent of Ahmed al-Sharaa, former leader of the Islamist militia HTS, after Bashar al-Assad's ousting.

0 Politics Israel

Beware of a Hasty Peace

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

As Israel's regional conflicts begin to settle, the article warns against rushing into peace agreements without ensuring their long-term stability and security.

0 Politics Israel

Five Quick Takes on the Trump-Netanyahu Meeting

Nathan Guttman in Moment

Recent discussions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump focused on regional security issues, particularly surrounding Iran, Gaza, and broader Middle East dynamics.

0 Politics Culture

Auditing the Hindu American Foundation’s Claims of “Hinduphobia” - The group regularly misclassifies anti-Asian racism, anti-Muslim violence, and criticism of Hindu nationalism as anti-Hindu hate.

Mukta Joshi in Jewish Currents

The Jewish Currents article investigates the Hindu American Foundation's (HAF) claims of widespread Hinduphobia in the United States, finding that many incidents cited by the HAF do not align with their own definition of Hinduphobia.

0 Politics Israel

Now They Tell Us

Peter Beinart in The Beinart Notebook

Peter Beinart critically evaluates the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and the inefficacy of Israel's military objectives against Hamas.

0 Politics Israel

Netanyahu brushes off Mamdani’s arrest pledge as ‘silly’

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed a controversial pledge by Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, to arrest him if he visits the city.

0 Politics Israel

I was an 'anti-Zionist' Jew once upon a time.

Hether Warshauer in Future of Jewish

Hether Warshauer shares her transformative journey from holding anti-Zionist beliefs to becoming an Israeli citizen living in a diverse Israeli city.

0 Politics Holocaust

‘Alligator Auschwitz’: ICE's Florida Everglades detention facility evokes Holocaust comparisons

Andrew Silow-Carroll in Forward

The opening of a new ICE migrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" by President Trump and Florida Gov. Rick DeSantis, has sparked controversy due to its harsh conditions and alligator-infested surroundings.

0 Politics Israel

Can Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe be reversed? It’s up to Trump

Larry Garber in Forward

The article discusses the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, focusing on the role of Israeli and U.S. policies in exacerbating the situation.

0 Politics Leadership

Bibi's White House showdown will redefine Israel’s future.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on July 7, 2025, holds significant implications for Israel's future.

0 Politics Ethics

Critics have an even more controversial nickname for ICE’s Everglades detention facility: ‘Alligator Auschwitz’

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

The article explores the controversy surrounding the nickname "Alligator Auschwitz" for the ICE detention facility in Florida, highlighting the ethical implications of Holocaust comparisons.

Communities ›

0 Communities Israel

Friends of the IDF in crisis after internal report alleges financial abuse and toxic culture

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), an American charity renowned for raising millions to support Israeli soldiers, is embroiled in controversy following an internal report alleging financial mismanagement and a toxic workplace culture.

0 Communities History

The Counselor

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Reb Jason Leff shares an inspiring story of how his family's journey toward Orthodox Judaism was set into motion.

0 Communities History

This northern Norway city has adopted a one-of-a-kind approach to observing Shabbat

Dan Fellner in JTA

Trondheim, Norway, is home to one of the world's northernmost synagogues, celebrating its 100th anniversary amidst unique challenges and a rich history.

0 Communities Education

Answering Dan Senor’s call with Project Campfire

eJewishPhilanthropy

Project Campfire is an initiative by the Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation to make Jewish overnight camps cost-free for every Jewish child in Rochester, NY, enhancing access to transformative Jewish experiences.

0 Communities Jewish Law

After flood in Texas devastates local camps, Jewish camps express grief and condolences

Grace Gilson in JTA

The Jewish community is offering support and condolences following a devastating flash flood in Kerr County, Texas, which killed dozens of children and counselors at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp.

Culture ›

0 Culture Philosophy

In a Stephen King story, a Jewish meditation on how to live a rewarding life

Olivia Haynie in Forward

The film "The Life of Chuck," adapted from Stephen King's novella by director Mike Flanagan, delves into themes of life, death, and Jewish philosophy through its protagonist, Charles "Chuck" Krantz, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston.

0 Culture Ethics

Is it ever OK for Jews to host — or attend — a pig roast?

Beth Harpaz in Forward

In response to a Jewish individual's dilemma over attending a Jewish friend's pig roast, the Bintel Brief advice column reflects on the complexities of maintaining Jewish dietary laws, cultural integration, and personal convictions amidst assimilation and varying levels of observance.

0 Culture Ethics

Inbox: Issue 1069

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Readers of Mishpacha Magazine express concern over perceived biases and editorial choices in recent issues.

Literature ›

0 Literature Politics

Is Gary Shteyngart's latest dystopia any less frightening than the one we're currently living in?

Dan Friedman in Forward

Gary Shteyngart's newest novel, "Vera, or Faith," diverges from his earlier works by exploring a dystopian world through the eyes of a 10-year-old girl in New York City.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

A New Adam Sandler Project Is Filming in a New Jersey Jewish Deli

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

Adam Sandler's latest film project is bringing Jewish deli culture to the screen, as filming is underway for a Netflix comedy at Nana’s Deli in Livingston, New Jersey.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

All the Waters in the World

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Jerusalem-based singer Moshe Duvid Weissmandl has released his debut solo album, "Bekol Noim," showcasing a fresh chassidish voice combined with contemporary rhythms.

0 Music Culture

The Highest Notes

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Avi Piamenta, a cherished figure in Jewish music, recently passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy alongside his brother, Yosi Piamenta.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Culture

Am I My Body’s Keeper?

Cindy Scarr in Mishpacha

Cindy Scarr explores the declining state of American health despite advanced medical capabilities, focusing on the issues of poor diet and lack of exercise.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Israel

S. Daniel Abraham, Slim-Fast creator and Israel peace advocate, dies at 100

Grace Gilson in JTA

S. Daniel Abraham, renowned American billionaire and founder of Slim-Fast, has passed away at 100.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Gender/Identity

Crossing Another Line

Emes Ve-Emunah

The ordination of a woman in a same-sex marriage as a Maharat at Yeshivat Maharat challenges traditional Orthodox beliefs, raising concerns from conservative Jewish voices about the alignment of contemporary social issues with Torah values.

JL;DR

for Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Torah ›

Science ›

Education ›

Antisemitism ›

Politics ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Literature ›

Television/Film ›

Music ›

Ethics ›

Leadership ›

Jewish Law ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

July 9's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Torah ›

Science ›

Education ›

Antisemitism ›

Politics ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Literature ›

Television/Film ›

Music ›

Ethics ›

Leadership ›

Jewish Law ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

July 9's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Wednesday, July 9, 2025