for Friday, May 2, 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 »

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Communities

Ireland's prime minister gave condolences for Hitler's death — here's why that's a contemporary problem

Simon Lewis in Forward

The article explores the complex historical and contemporary relationship between Ireland and its Jewish community, focusing on the controversy surrounding the 1945 condolences sent by Irish Prime Minister Éamon de Valera to Germany upon Adolf Hitler's death.

0 Antisemitism Politics

Arson terrorism against Israel reveals the Palestinian goal once again.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

As devastating wildfires swept across Israel, coinciding with Israeli Independence Day, the Palestinian extremist online community celebrated the chaos, showcasing their destructive aims against the Jewish state.

0 Antisemitism Ethics

More than a billion people hate Jews. Here’s what that does to us.

Liah Greenfeld in Future of Jewish

Liah Greenfeld's essay examines the psychological impact of pervasive antisemitism on Jews worldwide, highlighting the massive scale of antisemitic sentiment—exceeding a billion individuals according to estimates—and its profound effects on Jewish identity and mental health.

Holocaust ›

0 Holocaust History

The Liberators of Mauthausen

David K. Sherman in Moment

The article highlights the vital roles played by three American Jewish soldiers—Major Eugene Cohen, Jack Nowitz, and Benjamin Ferencz—in liberating and documenting Nazi concentration camps, particularly Mauthausen, at the end of World War II.

Politics ›

0 Politics Israel

The fires in Israel are under control — but debate is raging over their cause

Ben Sales in Forward

In the aftermath of the wildfires that ravaged areas outside Jerusalem during Israel's Independence Day celebrations, a heated debate has erupted over their cause.

0 Politics Communities

Betar USA founder banned from World Zionist Congress over feud with Israeli firebrand Shai Davidai

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Ronn Torossian, founder of the militant Zionist group Betar USA, has been barred from running as a delegate at the World Zionist Congress elections in the U.S. due to derogatory conduct during the campaign.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Why Europe’s Lights Went Out. Plus. . .

The Free Press in The Free Press

The article provides a broad overview of news topics, touching on American economic policy, international affairs, and antisemitism.

0 Politics Education

As Supreme Court considers religious charter schools, Justice Kagan speculates about publicly funded yeshivas

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan raised concerns during a hearing on a case regarding the establishment of the first religious public charter school in Oklahoma, questioning whether this could lead states like New York to fully fund yeshivas that lack secular education in subjects like English and math.

0 Politics Ethics

Witkoff’s zeal for deals faces geopolitical reality

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer with a reputation for making deals, was appointed as a Middle East envoy by the Trump administration despite lacking diplomatic experience.

0 Politics Communities

A Jewish city attorney is going after pro-Palestinian protesters. Her Oct. 7 tweets are making it complicated.

Louis Keene in Forward

Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto faces a legal and ideological challenge as she pursues charges against members of IfNotNow, a Jewish group advocating for a ceasefire in the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Senate committee approves amendment to Antisemitism Awareness Act stating criticism of Israeli government isn’t antisemitic

Grace Gilson in JTA

A Senate committee approved an amendment to the Antisemitism Awareness Act clarifying that criticizing the Israeli government is not antisemitic.

History ›

0 History Holocaust

Argentina declassifies more than 1,800 files on Nazi escape via ‘rat-lines’ to South America

Grace Gilson in Forward

Argentina has made public nearly 1,850 documents detailing how Nazi fugitives used rat-lines to escape to South America after World War II.

0 History Antisemitism

Alfred Dreyfus was not the man you think he was — and the history of Jews in France is a little different too

Mervyn Rothstein in Forward

The exhibition "Alfred Dreyfus: Truth and Justice" at the Museum of the Art and History of Judaism in Paris offers a revised narrative of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a French Jewish officer wrongfully convicted of treason in the late 19th century.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film History

Seymour Weiner, Jewish WWII vet and Mets folk hero, dies at 98

Jacob Gurvis in JTA

Seymour Weiner, a Jewish WWII veteran and dedicated New York Mets fan, passed away at age 98.

Israel ›

0 Israel Communities

How Released Israeli Hostages Spent the Country’s Independence Day and Memorial Day

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

On Israel's recent Independence Day and Memorial Day, released Israeli hostages found poignant ways to observe the holidays, while reflecting on those still in captivity.

0 Israel Politics

Lies Spreading Like Wildfire

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin addresses the misinformation surrounding the major wildfires in Israel, debunking myths circulated about their causes.

0 Israel Philosophy

Reishit Tzmichat Geulateinu?

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

Natan Slifkin reflects on the prayer's description of the State of Israel as "reishit tzmichat geulateinu," or the "first sprouting of our redemption."

0 Israel Politics

Israel at 77: Cause For Alarm — And Optimism

Gary Rosenblatt in Between The Lines

As Israel marks its 77th Independence Day, it finds itself at a crossroads, facing both significant external and internal challenges while also celebrating remarkable achievements.

0 Israel Jewish Law

Is it too Premature to Sing? The Song at the Sea and the Modern-Day Miracle of Medinat Yisrael

Shimshon HaKohen Nadel in Lehrhaus

Shimshon HaKohen Nadel explores the appropriate time to celebrate the establishment of the State of Israel in light of Jewish tradition, particularly focusing on the recitation of Hallel on Yom Ha'atzmaut.

Communities ›

0 Communities Jewish Law

School Israel trip turns ‘terrifying’ for LA students attacked by Israeli teens

Louis Keene in Forward

A school trip from Los Angeles' Milken Community School experienced a distressing incident in Tiberias during Israel's Independence Day celebrations when local Israeli teens attacked the students with pepper spray.

0 Communities Antisemitism

A subreddit notorious for Holocaust denial is back online — now as a memorial

Mira Fox in Forward

The subreddit r/holocaust, formerly used for Holocaust denial and antisemitic content by white nationalists, has been reclaimed as a place for education and remembrance by committed Jewish moderators.

0 Communities History

Nationhood, Nurturing, Jewish Ethics and Repeat

Carol Ann Schwartz in Hadassah

Carol Ann Schwartz explores the intertwined significance of Israel’s Independence Day and Mother's Day, analyzing how both national sovereignty and motherhood are pivotal in Jewish life and history.

Music ›

0 Music Culture

Netta Barzilai Performs a Moving Cover of ‘Chai’ for Israel’s Independence Day

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

On Israel's 77th Independence Day, Netta Barzilai, the Eurovision 2018 winner, delivered a poignant cover of "Chai," originally performed by Ofra Haza at Eurovision 1983.

0 Music Culture

10 duets Barbra Streisand and Bob Dylan should have chosen for her upcoming album

Seth Rogovoy in Forward

Seth Rogovoy imagines a dream playlist for Barbra Streisand's upcoming album, which features duets with notable artists including Bob Dylan.

0 Music Antisemitism

Kehlani responds to Cornell concert cancellation: ‘I am not antisemitic’

Grace Gilson in Forward

R&B artist Kehlani addressed accusations of antisemitism following the cancellation of her Cornell concert due to her pro-Palestinian activism.

Education ›

0 Education Politics

Will Religious Schools Finally be Given a Fair Shake?

Emes Ve-Emunah

A potentially pivotal Supreme Court case regarding the establishment of religious charter schools could significantly impact Jewish education in America.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Politics

Reconstructionist leader to step down as head of movement riven by tension over anti-Zionism

Andrew Silow-Carroll in JTA

Rabbi Deborah Waxman, head of the Reconstructionist Judaism movement, announced her retirement in 2026 amidst ongoing tensions within the movement regarding Israel and Zionism.

Culture ›

0 Culture Holocaust

This synagogue “gets” why you need Yiddish on Yom Hashoah

Rukhl Schaechter in Forward

The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale conducts a unique Yom Hashoah Seder that deeply integrates Yiddish language and culture, honoring the memory of the 85% of Holocaust victims who were Yiddish speakers.

0 Culture Ethics

Idina Menzel Dishes on ‘Redwood’ and Jewish Ethics

Curt Schleier in Hadassah

Idina Menzel stars in the Broadway musical Redwood, which integrates Jewish ethical principles and personal healing through its narrative.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Communities

Chesed Breeds Tzedek

Rabbi Shira Stutman in Hadassah

Rabbi Shira Stutman shares the inspirational story of Rachel, a young woman in foster care, to illustrate how small acts of chesed (loving-kindness) can transform lives and drive systemic change.

Prayer ›

0 Prayer Communities

Gratitude in grieving

eJewishPhilanthropy

Rabbi Aviva Richman reflects on the complex coexistence of gratitude and grief through her experiences with the Hallel prayer, particularly in the context of personal joy and public mourning.

Food ›

0 Food Culture

Meet Canada’s Jewish Female Culinary Stars

Adeena Sussman in Hadassah

Canada's food culture showcases prominent Jewish female leaders who intertwine their culinary arts with Jewish traditions.

JL;DR

for Friday, May 2, 2025

Antisemitism ›

Holocaust ›

Politics ›

History ›

Television/Film ›

Israel ›

Communities ›

Music ›

Education ›

Leadership ›

Culture ›

Ethics ›

Prayer ›

Food ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

May 2's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Antisemitism ›

Holocaust ›

Politics ›

History ›

Television/Film ›

Israel ›

Communities ›

Music ›

Education ›

Leadership ›

Culture ›

Ethics ›

Prayer ›

Food ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

May 2's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Friday, May 2, 2025