JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Tuesday, January 21, 2025

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 »

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy History

To Be a Stiff-Necked People

Zach Truboff in Lehrhaus

Renowned author Rabbi Zachary Truboff explores the concept of being a "stiff-necked people," drawing insights from the teachings of the Piaseczner Rebbe, Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, amidst the backdrop of crisis and suffering.

Politics ›

0 Politics Antisemitism

Elon Musk’s straight-armed gesture at inauguration event ignites comparisons to Nazi salute

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Elon Musk's straight-armed salute at Donald Trump's inauguration ignited controversy, with comparisons made to the infamous Nazi salute.

0 Politics Culture

Trump, Netanyahu and Ta-Nehisi Coates want us to believe the world is simple — it isn't

Aviya Kushner in Forward

Aviya Kushner discusses the complex emotions following political and global events, framed around the second inauguration of Donald Trump.

0 Politics Israel

Hostage deal must only be mid-point of the Gaza war.

Nachum Kaplan in Future of Jewish

The article by Nachum Kaplan critiques the recent ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing that while the release of Israeli hostages is a positive outcome, the agreement leaves Hamas's power intact in Gaza, posing future security threats.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Elon Musk appears to do Nazi salute at Trump inauguration rally

Mira Fox in Forward

Elon Musk, speaking at Trump's inauguration rally, sparked controversy by making a gesture interpreted by some as a Nazi salute.

0 Politics History

As a new Trump administration begins, I'm looking to this Soviet Jewish dissident for guidance

Emily Tamkin in Forward

Amid President Donald Trump's initiatives that challenge established constitutional rights, Emily Tamkin draws lessons from the Soviet Jewish dissident Alexander Esenin-Volpin.

0 Politics Israel

In inaugural address, Trump hails return of ‘the hostages in the Middle East’

Ben Sales in JTA

President Donald Trump, in his second inaugural address, emphasized his role as a peacemaker, highlighting the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza as a significant achievement.

0 Politics Leadership

Mike Johnson Plans to Unite the GOP’s Warring Factions

Bari Weiss in The Free Press

The article delves into the political challenges faced by Republican House leader Mike Johnson, who has managed to unite various factions within the GOP, ranging from moderates to the more extreme ideologies represented by figures like Lauren Boebert.

0 Politics Israel

Inauguration 2025: ‘My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker,' Trump says

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

Following his second inauguration as President of the United States, Donald Trump proclaimed himself a peacemaker, citing the recent release of Israeli hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza.

0 Politics Philosophy

For a Moment, Joy

Peter Beinart in The Beinart Notebook

Peter Beinart reflects on the release of three Israeli hostages, Romi, Emily, and Doron, and urges fellow Jews to briefly set aside criticisms of Israel to celebrate this moment of joy.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Joe Biden entered the White House pledging to fight antisemitism. He leaves with it at historic levels.

Ron Kampeas in JTA

Joe Biden began his presidency with a commitment to combat antisemitism, a key campaign pledge influenced by the Charlottesville march and Trump's response.

0 Politics Israel

The picture of Hamas surrounding the hostages says everything

Jewish Chronicle

A stark photograph capturing Hamas militants surrounding recently released hostages encapsulates multiple narratives.

0 Politics Ethics

The Cruel Math of Palestinian Prisoners for Israeli Hostages

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Israel repeatedly faces a moral and strategic dilemma as it is pressured to release large numbers of Palestinian prisoners, including convicted terrorists, in exchange for the return of a few Israeli hostages.

0 Politics Israel

Opinion | A Second Act for Trump and Israel

Shmuel Rosner in Moment

In this opinion piece, Shmuel Rosner discusses the potential impact of a second Trump presidency on Israel, focusing on Trump's instincts, policies, and opportunities.

0 Politics Israel

Opinion | Are the Abraham Accords Coming Back to Life?

Ilan Berman in Moment

The piece by Ilan Berman explores the resurgence of the Abraham Accords after Israel's challenging conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah.

0 Politics Leadership

Outgoing Israeli ambassador urges successor to continue his approach: ‘Talk to everybody across the aisle’

Gabby Deutch in Jewish Insider

Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, is concluding his tenure while emphasizing the importance of bipartisan engagement to his successor, Yechiel Leiter.

0 Politics Culture

While We Waited for Your Return

Gavriella Zahtz in Future of Jewish

Gavriella Zahtz's poignant guest essay, "While We Waited for Your Return," explores the deep, multifaceted emotional landscape experienced by Israelis during a hostage crisis and the subsequent release of captives by Hamas.

0 Politics Israel

In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, Hamas looms large even as tension turns to celebration

Deborah Danan in Forward

In Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, the community gathered to celebrate the release of three Israeli hostages by Hamas, following a ceasefire agreement.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Communities

For Universal Conversion Standards

Emes Ve-Emunah

Rabbi Adam Mintz's Project Ruth Orthodox Conversion Program has sparked debate within Orthodox Judaism regarding the standards for conversion.

History ›

0 History Politics

These are all the rabbis who have spoken at US presidential inaugurations

JTA Staff in JTA

The article offers a historical overview of the rabbis who have participated in U.S. presidential inaugurations, beginning with Rabbi Samuel Thurman in 1949 at President Truman's ceremony.

Culture ›

0 Culture Gender/Identity

The Widow Mandelbaum Dreams

Eric Rozenman in Lehrhaus

Goldie Mandelbaum, a widow living in the small Jewish community of Khmelnytsky, experiences life-altering dreams of her late husband, Moshe, who advises her against remarrying suitors Hymie Perkofsky and Reuven Sonenschien.

Literature ›

0 Literature History

Visual Moment | All Eyes on Kafka

Frances Brent in Moment

Franz Kafka's legacy is explored through major exhibitions worldwide, giving insight into the life of the famous Jewish-Czech writer, known for his dark, existential tales.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Politics

On ‘SNL,’ Dave Chappelle recalls uproar over Jimmy Carter’s book ‘Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid’

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Dave Chappelle, hosting Saturday Night Live, touched on sensitive geopolitical topics during a monologue that included an anecdote about former President Jimmy Carter's 2006 visit to the Middle East.

Communities ›

0 Communities Israel

The Moving Stories of the Three Israeli Hostages Reunited With Their Families

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

The article narrates the emotional reunions of three Israeli women—Romi Gonen, Emily Damaris, and Doron Steinbercher—held hostage by Hamas in Gaza for over a year.

0 Communities Politics

A Hostage Mom Who Wouldn’t Give Up

Lisa Hostein in Hadassah

Mandy Damari, an Israeli-British citizen, never gave up hope during the 11 harrowing days she waited for confirmation on her daughter Emily's fate following her abduction by Hamas from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

50 years later, Bob Dylan's 'Blood on the Tracks' remains the standard by which all albums are measured

Seth Rogovoy in Forward

Released in January 1975, Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" endures as a quintessential album, hailed for its raw exploration of personal anguish and creative brilliance.