JL;DR

Daily Podcasts Video Research

for Tuesday, April 1, 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 »

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Ethics

A Halakhic Guide to Dealing with Mental Illness

Meir Ekstein in Lehrhaus

Rabbi Yoni Rosenzweig and Dr. Samuel Harris's book, "Nafshi BiSheelati: The Halakhot of Mental Health," translated into English, provides an unprecedented Halakhic framework for addressing mental health issues.

Culture ›

0 Culture Antisemitism

Popcorn and Jihadist Paragliders

Adam Hummel in Future of Jewish

In his guest essay, Adam Hummel reflects on the profound discomfort he experienced while attending a screening of "October 8," a documentary by Wendy Sachs that focuses on the impact and ongoing challenges faced by Jewish communities after the October 7th attacks in Israel.

0 Culture Politics

The White House Seder started in a Pennsylvania basement. Its legacy lives on.

Olivia Haynie in Forward

The tradition of the White House Seder began serendipitously in 2008 when three Jewish staffers from Barack Obama's presidential campaign hosted a make-shift Passover Seder in a Pennsylvania hotel basement.

Politics ›

0 Politics Communities

Could Randy Fine lose? In deep-red Florida, the Jewish Trump favorite faces an unexpectedly close race

Andrew Lapin in JTA

Randy Fine, a Jewish Republican state senator in Florida, faces an unexpectedly close race against Democrat Josh Weil, a Muslim candidate, for a congressional seat in a traditionally conservative district.

0 Politics Holocaust

Yarden Bibas Begs on ’60 Minutes’: ‘Stop the War, Bring All the Hostages Back’

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

In an emotional interview on '60 Minutes,' Yarden Bibas, a recently released hostage, made a heartfelt plea to President Trump, who he credits for his release, to intervene and stop the war, ensuring the return of all hostages still held by Hamas.

0 Politics Ethics

Doing What's Necessary

Emes Ve-Emunah

In this impassioned opinion piece, the author calls for decisive and aggressive action against Hamas to secure the release of hostages, influenced by the haunting 60 Minutes segment featuring Yarden Bibas, a victim of Hamas brutality.

0 Politics Culture

Jenner Stands Firm

Peter Beinart in The Beinart Notebook

Peter Beinart discusses his ongoing book tour for "Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza," while emphasizing the importance of supporting Palestinian authors and providing aid to individuals in Gaza, like the Alzweidi family, affected by the conflict.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Trump’s War on Big Law. Plus. . .

River Page in The Free Press

Yale constitutional law professor Jed Rubenfeld delves into Donald Trump's actions against major law firms in response to perceived legal criticisms, an issue raising concerns about constitutional boundaries.

0 Politics Israel

The Endless Sacrifice

Natan Slifkin in Rationalist Judaism

In "The Endless Sacrifice," Natan Slifkin addresses the profound individual and societal impacts of the ongoing reserve duty demands on Israeli soldiers since October 7, 2023.

0 Politics Israel

Yarden Bibas says ‘I am here because of Trump’ and pleads with him to stop the Gaza war

Ben Sales in JTA

In an emotional plea on CBS's 60 Minutes, Yarden Bibas, a former hostage, called on former President Donald Trump to intervene in the ongoing Gaza conflict and facilitate the return of hostages still held by Hamas.

0 Politics Antisemitism

McCormick emerges as vocal advocate for Jewish voters in the Senate

Emily Jacobs in Jewish Insider

Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), recently elected to the U.S. Senate, has quickly positioned himself as a passionate advocate for Jewish voters and a staunch supporter of Israel.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Palestinian 'activism' is actually domestic terrorism.

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman critiques the extremist tactics of Palestine Action, which he argues are more akin to domestic terrorism than traditional activism.

Food ›

0 Food Communities

You can fill up on kosher cholent at this NJ gas station

Joseph Strauss in JTA

Snaxit, a unique gas station convenience store located on Route 4 in Englewood, New Jersey, offers more than just fuel and snacks—it provides travelers with kosher Ashkenazi dishes such as cholent, kugel, and knishes.

Literature ›

0 Literature Culture

Wisdom Project | Judith Viorst, 94, on ‘Making the Best of What’s Left’

Pam Janis in Moment

Judith Viorst, celebrated author of beloved children and adult books, shares insights on embracing life's later stages in an interview for Moment's Wisdom Project.

History ›

0 History Politics

The Lies That Made Zionists the Villains of Their Own Story

Dr. Rae in Future of Jewish

Dr. Rae critically examines how historical Zionist efforts and ideologies have been misinterpreted and distorted by revisionist narratives, which unfairly paint Zionists as villains in the discourse surrounding Israel's formation.

Israel ›

0 Israel Leadership

‘Rebuilding better’: A provocation and a guide to building the Israel we envision — not recreating what was

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article highlights the challenges and opportunities in rebuilding Israel following the crises observed since October 2023.

Leadership ›

0 Leadership Israel

We’re the Israelis who ‘get it’

eJewishPhilanthropy

The concept of Jewish peoplehood, often considered a distinct identity beyond religion, culture, or nationality, is highlighted as a crucial aspect of both fostering unity within Israel and strengthening ties with the global Jewish diaspora.

Communities ›

0 Communities Jewish Law

Finding nourishment for the body and soul with the Jews of Uganda

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article explores Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg's transformative experience visiting the Abayudaya, the Jewish community in Uganda, who uniquely blend their spirituality and subsistence lifestyle.

Philosophy ›

0 Philosophy History

The Body of Israel

Shmuel Chaim Naiman in Lehrhaus

Shmuel Chaim Naiman's exploration of the connection between the People and the Land of Israel underscores how integral this relationship is to Jewish identity and history.