Jewish Review of Books
An Unusable Past?
15 Jul 2024
In Rachel Elior's book "The Unknown History of Jewish Women through the Ages," she delves into the exclusion of women from Jewish education and the impact of...
15 Jul 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Swimming through History
15 Jul 2024
Alfred Nakache, a Jewish competitive swimmer born in Algeria in 1915, rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s for his prowess in the pool, representing France at...
15 Jul 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Letters, Summer 2024
15 Jul 2024
In the "Letters, Summer 2024" section, David Lobron praises Maya Arad's novella "The Hebrew Teacher," likening it to Vladimir Nabokov's work and highlighting...
15 Jul 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Legitimacy of Hope
9 Jul 2024
In "Israel/Palestine in World Religions: Whose Palestine?" by S. Ilan Troen, the author delves into the complexities surrounding Israel's legitimacy, discuss...
9 Jul 2024
Jewish Review of Books
A Torah Exchange: Malka Simkovich Responds to Yonatan Adler
24 May 2024
Malka Simkovich responds to Yonatan Adler's work on the origins of Judaism, expressing concerns over Adler's focus on social practices over intellectual idea...
24 May 2024
Jewish Review of Books
On the Origins of Judaism: An Exchange
24 May 2024
Malka Simkovich reviewed Yonatan Adler's book "The Origins of Judaism: An Archeological-Historical Reappraisal" in which Adler argues that Judaism, as we cur...
24 May 2024
Jewish Review of Books
A Torah Exchange: Yonatan Adler Responds to Malka Simkovich
24 May 2024
Yonatan Adler responds to Malka Simkovich's review of his book, "The Origins of Judaism," emphasizing his focus on when ordinary Jews began following Torah a...
24 May 2024
Jewish Review of Books
The Romance and Rage of Rashbi
23 May 2024
Every year on Lag BaOmer, hundreds of thousands of Jews make a pilgrimage to Meron in Northern Israel to celebrate the Hilula de-Rashbi, honoring Rabbi Shimo...
23 May 2024
Jewish Review of Books
What Was That Really About? Antisemitism or Something New?
16 May 2024
Editor Abraham Socher, Jonathan Karp, and Reviel Netz discussed the recent increase in anti-Israel protests globally, questioning whether these demonstration...
16 May 2024
Jewish Review of Books
What’s Going On With Antisemitism?
16 May 2024
The essay discusses the intersection of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment in the aftermath of a significant event, noting a distinction between traditio...
16 May 2024
Jewish Review of Books
More than the Old New Antisemitism
16 May 2024
The text discusses the complexity of contemporary antisemitism, focusing on the relationship between traditional antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment. It e...
16 May 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Kamp Vught: David Koker’s Netherlands
6 May 2024
David Koker, a young poet and translator, arrived with his family at Kamp Vught, a Dutch concentration camp, in 1943 during WWII. His diary, "Diary Written i...
6 May 2024
Jewish Review of Books
You May View the Land from a Distance: Chaim Weizmann, May 1948
26 Apr 2024
In May 1948, Chaim Weizmann, physically and mentally exhausted, learned of the declaration of an independent Jewish state named Israel while in New York. Tho...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Second-Hand Jew: A Self-Portrait in Scenes
26 Apr 2024
A young Jewish writer in Germany reflects on his identity and experiences in the 1980s, delving into encounters with various individuals, including literary ...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
This Great House
26 Apr 2024
"This Great House" delves into the fascinating history of the National Library of Israel, tracing its origins back to a passionate call in 1899 to create a c...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Light and Darkness
26 Apr 2024
In this analysis of Marilynne Robinson's commentary on the book of Genesis, she portrays a complex yet gracious conception of God, drawing on themes of forgi...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Letters, Spring 2024
26 Apr 2024
The text discusses various articles and responses featured in the Spring 2024 edition of the Jewish Review of Books. It includes a range of topics such as re...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Imperial Rabbis
26 Apr 2024
Simcha Gross's book, "Babylonian Jews and Sasanian Imperialism in Late Antiquity," aims to reshape the understanding of the talmudic period by exploring the ...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
What’s Love Got to Do with It?
26 Apr 2024
Shai Held's book, "Judaism Is about Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life," argues that love is a central theme in Judaism, countering historical Christi...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Like a Pharaoh
26 Apr 2024
The text narrates a visit to Biaystok, Poland, by the author, reflecting on their Jewish heritage and interactions during a Yiddish class at a private Jewish...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Shylock at the Barricades
26 Apr 2024
Tracy-Ann Oberman's production of "The Merchant of Venice 1936" brings a modern twist to Shakespeare's play, focusing on Shylock as a female character dealin...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Her Own Creation and Pure Luck
26 Apr 2024
In her memoir "Daughter of History," Susan Rubin Suleiman reflects on her childhood in Hungary during WWII and her family's survival amidst the Holocaust. Th...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Between Antisemites and Zionists: The Path of Alfred Wiener
26 Apr 2024
"Between Antisemites and Zionists: The Path of Alfred Wiener" by Daniel Finkelstein offers a compelling narrative about Alfred Wiener, founder of the Wiener ...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Kaddish for the Maestro
26 Apr 2024
"Kaddish for the Maestro" is a film directed by Bradley Cooper that portrays the legendary musician Leonard Bernstein. Despite Bradley Cooper not winning an ...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Enlightenment and Conspiracy
26 Apr 2024
"Israelism," a documentary by Erin Axelman and Sam Eilertsen, follows the journeys of young American Jews Simone Zimmerman and Eitan from passionate advocate...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Od Tireh, Od Tireh . . .
26 Apr 2024
Maya Arad's collection of novellas, translated by Jessica Cohen, delves into the diasporic experience of Israeli academics and entrepreneurs who have relocat...
26 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Ten Plagues, Three Acronyms, Seven Opinions
19 Apr 2024
Rabbi Judah the Prince proposed the acronym Dtzakh Adash Bachav to summarize the ten plagues in the Haggadah, prompting diverse interpretations through the a...
19 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Homage to Orwell
15 Apr 2024
The text reflects on the enduring relevance of George Orwell's work, particularly his journalistic integrity and clear, urgent writing style which continues ...
15 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Total Eclipse of the Brakha
5 Apr 2024
The text delves into the Jewish perspective on solar eclipses, exploring whether they are viewed as natural phenomena or bad omens. According to the Talmud, ...
5 Apr 2024
Jewish Review of Books
At the Anti-Israel Carnival
19 Mar 2024
The author discusses the dark aspects of anti-Israel protests on university campuses, particularly focusing on Rutgers University, where protesters adopt car...
19 Mar 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Israel’s TikTok Problem
13 Mar 2024
The House of Representatives has passed a bill to potentially ban TikTok in the U.S. due to concerns about Chinese influence and manipulation on the platform...
13 Mar 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Harvard, SNCC, and an Antisemitic Cartoon
6 Mar 2024
Harvard student groups posted an antisemitic cartoon featuring a Star of David, dollar sign, and nooses on Instagram, sparking outrage and apologies for the ...
6 Mar 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Wartime Diary
4 Mar 2024
The text describes a harrowing wartime diary reflecting on the ongoing conflict in Jerusalem since October 7. The author contemplates the loss of home, safet...
4 Mar 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Washington’s Saving Shield
15 Feb 2024
In a prayer composed 240 years ago by Hendla Jochanan van Oettingen of New York’s Congregation Shearith Israel, he prayed for George Washington shortly after...
15 Feb 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Atah Manhig: A Life in Reform Judaism
14 Feb 2024
"Atah Manhig: A Life in Reform Judaism" is a new book by Lance J. Sussman, a recently retired rabbi of a large Reform congregation in Philadelphia. The book ...
14 Feb 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Before & After October 7: A Symposium
23 Jan 2024
This text is a collection of responses from various individuals reflecting on their beliefs before and after October 7, 2023. The first contributor, David Bi...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Stuck in the Middle
23 Jan 2024
In "Stuck in the Middle," Pierre Birnbaum, a prominent Jewish historian, explores the history of right-wing antisemitism in the United States. He argues that...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Origin Stories
23 Jan 2024
Yonatan Adler's book, "The Origins of Judaism: An Archaeological-Historical Reappraisal," challenges the traditional Jewish origin story by arguing that Jews...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Readjusting Sights
23 Jan 2024
"Readjusting Sights" is a comparison between the experiences of two Israeli soldiers, Roi and Haim Sabato, during different wars. Roi, a tank crewman, fights...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Oh Homeland, Don’t You Wonder (Tzion Ha-lo Tishali)
23 Jan 2024
In this poem titled "Oh Homeland, Don't You Wonder (Tzion Ha-lo Tishali)", the speaker expresses deep longing and love for their homeland. They call out to t...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Pogrom
23 Jan 2024
This poem, titled "Pogrom," expresses the fear and anticipation of imminent violence and persecution. The speaker ponders whether the attackers will return t...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Lovers (and Haters) of Zion
23 Jan 2024
In Derek J. Penslar's book "Zionism: An Emotional State," he explores the emotional states underlying the Zionist project and the various reactions to it. He...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Letters, Winter 2024
23 Jan 2024
In a recent article, Ethan Schwartz critiques Edward Feld's book, "The Book of Revolutions: The Battles of Priests, Prophets, and Kings That Birthed the Tora...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Leapsniffing through the Vimveil: Avram Davidson’s Fantastic Fiction
23 Jan 2024
Avram Davidson, a fantasy and sci-fi writer, wrote a story called "Goslin Day" which is set on a day that is believed to be significant in Jewish folklore. T...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Israel’s Iron Lady
23 Jan 2024
Deborah E. Lipstadt's biography of Golda Meir portrays a life marked by accomplishments and guilt for not doing more to save Holocaust victims. Meir, born in...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Facing Faces
23 Jan 2024
In this piece, the author reflects on the power of faces in the context of war and conflict, particularly in Israel. They describe the ritual of looking at t...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Black Hats, Green Fatigues
23 Jan 2024
There is a growing trend of haredi (ultra-Orthodox) young men in Israel volunteering for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Previously, haredi men were exempt ...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
Anti-Israelism
23 Jan 2024
Anti-Israelism is a prejudice against all things Israeli, which should not be confused with hatred of Jews. It is a form of bigotry that attributes negative ...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
An Old-New Bigotry? A Response
23 Jan 2024
The essays by Jonathan Karp and Reviel Netz discuss the rise of anti-Israelism, a new form of bigotry that targets Israel and Israelis rather than Jews and J...
23 Jan 2024
Jewish Review of Books
A Kibbutz and Its Fullness
23 Jan 2024
The author reflects on their childhood in the kibbutz of Kfar Aza, which was recently attacked and left in ruins. They express the pain of remembering their ...
23 Jan 2024