Austin, Texas, United States

0 Education Politics

Texas creates required reading list that includes Anne Frank and the Bible

JTA · 26 Jun

In a significant and controversial move, the Texas State Board of Education approved a statewide mandatory reading list for K-12 public school students, which includes Anne Frank's diary, Elie Wiesel's "Night," and various Bible passages.

0 Culture Art

Eliya Smith says plot is what happens when you’re busy doing nothing

PJ Grisar in Forward · 22 Jun

Eliya Smith's play "Dad Don't Read This" explores the ennui and existential angst of adolescence through the lens of four high school friends and their interactions with the computer game, The Sims.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Candidate who vowed to imprison 'American Zionists' loses in Texas runoff

Grace Gilson in Forward · 27 May

Johnny Garcia secured the Democratic nomination for Texas' 35th Congressional District, defeating Maureen Galindo, whose campaign was overshadowed by antisemitic remarks.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Garcia defeats Galindo in Texas Democratic runoff shaped by antisemitism allegations

Grace Gilson in JTA · 27 May

In a closely watched Democratic runoff for Texas's 35th Congressional District, sheriff's deputy Johnny Garcia defeated Maureen Galindo, whose campaign was marred by allegations of antisemitic rhetoric.

0 Education Antisemitism

A Spoonful of Reform in Higher Ed

Paul du Quenoy in Tablet · 21 Apr

Paul du Quenoy discusses the controversy surrounding former Harvard University president Claudine Gay and other university leaders' responses to a congressional question about antisemitic speech and its impact on higher education.

0 Politics Communities

Protesting Too Much

Jesse Tisch in Jewish Review of Books · 27 Mar

Jesse Tisch explores the tensions and dynamics of the contemporary Jewish left at a conference in Boston, highlighting the generational and ideological divides over Zionism and Palestinian solidarity.

0 Politics Israel

Gavin Newsom isn’t waffling on Israel — he’s voicing sensible ideas in an era of outrage

Rob Eshman in Forward · 25 Mar

Gavin Newsom's comments regarding Israel and apartheid have been caught in a whirlwind of controversy, reflecting a broader societal tendency to focus on political scoring rather than genuine understanding.

0 Politics Culture

Can James Talarico’s faith-forward politics invigorate the Jewish religious left?

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA · 19 Mar

James Talarico, a Texas State Representative, is making waves with his blend of religious language and progressive politics, positioning himself as a leading figure in the religious left.

0 Antisemitism Communities

After attacks, Jewish security watchdogs warn of ‘most elevated and complex threat environment’ in recent history

Jackie Hajdenberg in Forward · 15 Mar

Following a series of attacks on synagogues in North America and Europe, Jewish security organizations have raised concerns about a highly intensified threat environment.

0 Antisemitism Communities

After attacks, Jewish security watchdogs warn of ‘most elevated and complex threat environment’ in recent history

JTA · 13 Mar

Recent attacks on Jewish institutions in North America and Europe signal an alarming escalation in threat levels, prompting Jewish security organizations to call for heightened security measures.

0 Politics Israel

Iran, Israel and Hitler’s gun are all on the ballot in key primaries in Texas and NC on Tuesday

Andrew Lapin in JTA · 2 Mar

The primary elections in North Carolina and Texas are spotlighting tensions around Israel and Middle East policies.

0 Education Culture

Anne Frank and ‘Night’ may soon be required reading in Texas public schools. Is that good for the Jews?

Andrew Lapin in JTA · 9 Feb

In an effort to standardize education, Texas is considering a legislative move to make key Jewish texts, including Anne Frank's diary and Elie Wiesel's "Night," part of a required reading list for public schools across the state.

0 Communities Culture

13 notable Jewish New Yorkers we lost in 2025

Jackie Hajdenberg in JTA · 29 Dec 2025

As 2025 ends, the New York Jewish Week honors 13 influential Jewish New Yorkers who passed away, each leaving a significant legacy.

0 Sports Culture

He used to think Jewish athletes were a punchline; now, he wants to help them get a proper paycheck

Noah Hirsch-Rechter in Forward · 9 Dec 2025

Jake Retzlaff's journey from comedic jabs about Jewish athletes to influential participant in Tribe NIL illustrates a changing landscape for Jewish collegiate athletes.

0 Education Communities

This is the most important Jewish investment in 50 years.

Adam Hummel in Future of Jewish · 3 Dec 2025

Toronto's Jewish community faces a pressing need for increased day school capacity as demand for Jewish education surges.

0 Leadership Antisemitism

Holding the Jewish center: A call to philanthropic leadership

eJewishPhilanthropy · 6 Nov 2025

In light of the increasing antisemitism and polarization in both the United States and Israel, Phil Siegel calls upon Jewish philanthropists to take a leadership role in fostering unity within the Jewish community.

0 Communities Ethics

When disaster strikes: A model of Jewish philanthropy in action

eJewishPhilanthropy · 6 Nov 2025

When devastating floods struck Central Texas during the July 4 weekend, the Austin Jewish community rapidly mobilized a philanthropic response, raising nearly $850,000 from over 3,000 donors across the continent.

0 Politics Antisemitism

New York City has officially lost its mind.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish · 5 Nov 2025

Joshua Hoffman's piece expresses profound concern over New York City's political shift following the election of Zohran Mamdani, framing it as a move away from its traditional values.

0 Television/Film Politics

Satire on 'Saturday Night Live' used to be a deadly weapon; is it still enough in the Trump era?

Robert Zaretsky in Forward · 10 Oct 2025

Robert Zaretsky explores the enduring impact and evolving role of satire, particularly through the lens of Lorne Michaels and his creation, Saturday Night Live (SNL).

0 Education Antisemitism

Texas school district yanks YA Holocaust novel ‘The Devil’s Arithmetic’ after using AI to detect ‘DEI content’

Andrew Lapin in JTA · 3 Oct 2025

A central Texas school district has controversially removed 'The Devil's Arithmetic,' a Holocaust-themed young adult novel, during a review influenced by a new state law banning DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) content.

0 Communities Politics

New York’s Mass Flight From Reality

Armin Rosen in Tablet · 29 Sep 2025

Armin Rosen's article explores the apparent shift in New Yorkers' mindset and lifestyle towards a more 'normal' American identity, characterized by a surge in chain retailers, car ownership, and golf simulation businesses.

0 Communities Culture

From recreation to renewal: The role of Z3 in the evolution of JCCs as centers for Jewish belonging

eJewishPhilanthropy · 25 Sep 2025

Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) have historically served as community hubs but have often lacked a strong focus on Jewish education and identity.

0 Science Culture

Welcome to Placebo Paradise

Liel Leibovitz in Tablet · 28 Aug 2025

The author's immersive experience at a Biohacking Conference in Austin, Texas, explores the futuristic and often surreal world of biohacking.

0 Communities Culture

Kinky Friedman has been gone a year, but his family's summer camp lives on

Jon Kalish in Forward · 27 Aug 2025

Echo Hill Ranch, founded by Tom and Min Friedman in 1953, served as a pivotal Jewish summer camp in Texas, fostering values of tikkun olam and personal growth in a non-competitive environment.

0 Politics Communities

Zohran Mamdani’s Fantasy Island

Armin Rosen in Tablet · 12 Aug 2025

Zohran Mamdani, a left-wing state assemblyman and mayoral candidate, embodies a challenge to New York City's traditional political spectrum, advocating for policies like a $30 minimum wage and rent freezes.

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