for Friday, March 14, 2025

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Politics ›

0 Politics Torah

Monarchy is Idolatry: The Revolution of Revelation and the Real Project Esther

Aryeh Bernstein in Jewschool

Aryeh Bernstein explores the political and theological implications of monarchy through the lens of Megillat Esther and the Torah portion Yitro.

0 Politics Education

'Nobody can protect you,' Columbia dean warns foreign students after Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest

Arno Rosenfeld in Forward

The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student, has sparked significant controversy and concern among international students at the university.

0 Politics Israel

Is Israel about to make peace with Lebanon?

Ben Sales in Forward

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are underway to resolve longstanding border disputes and potentially reach a peace agreement after decades of hostile relations marked by conflict with Hezbollah.

0 Politics Culture

I'm a liberal Jew. Count me out of the Tesla boycott

Rob Eshman in Forward

Rob Eshman confronts calls to boycott Tesla due to its CEO Elon Musk's political affiliations and controversial actions.

0 Politics Israel

Is Israel about to make peace with Lebanon? Unprecedented overtures are underway.

Ben Sales in JTA

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the U.S. and France, are underway to resolve longstanding border disputes, aiming to pave the way for a historic peace treaty.

0 Politics Jewish Law

The Jewish guide to New York City's mayoral election

Jacob Kornbluh in Forward

New York City's upcoming mayoral election presents a crowded field of candidates, including notable Jewish officials and allies, amid contentious debates influenced by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Breaking with recent consensus, Trump makes ‘anti-Semitism’ hyphenated again

Asaf Elia-Shalev in JTA

Following a general consensus to drop the hyphen in antisemitism, former President Donald Trump has reverted to the hyphenated form, anti-Semitism, in official government communications.

0 Politics Communities

Urging Charedim to Vote Mizrachi - Not Eretz HaKodesh

Emes Ve-Emunah

The article discusses the push by the Agudah for Charedi Jews to vote for Eretz HaKodesh in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections, a party aligned with Charedi values which seeks funds to support their institutions.

0 Politics Ethics

The Bible could become law in West Virginia, but what would that mean?

Benyamin Cohen in Forward

Legislation introduced in West Virginia proposes elevating the Bible, including both the Old and New Testaments, as foundational legal documents, reflecting a rise in Christian nationalism.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Syria’s New Rulers Tortured Me. Now They Are Targeting My Friends. Plus. . .

River Page in The Free Press

As Syria experiences another wave of violence under the rule of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), concerns grow for the safety of religious minorities, particularly the Alawites, in the northwest region.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Pittsburgh’s mayor struggles politically amid lack of support from city’s Jewish community

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey is facing political challenges primarily due to a controversial statement he made regarding the anniversary of the Hamas attacks.

0 Politics Communities

A Jewish guide to the 2025 NYC mayoral candidates

Joseph Strauss in JTA

The 2025 NYC mayoral election is pivotal for the Jewish community amid rising antisemitism and political divisions exacerbated by recent conflicts and national politics.

0 Politics Israel

The Biggest Lie About Israel That Too Many People Believe

Joshua Hoffman in Future of Jewish

Joshua Hoffman challenges the widespread slogan that suggests peace on Israel's so-called "stolen land" is impossible, arguing that it is based on a flawed understanding of history and sovereignty.

0 Politics Culture

How to navigate the Court of Trump? Esther’s pragmatism vs. Vashti’s principles

Elliot Cosgrove in Forward

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove explores the contrasting models of leadership embodied by Queen Vashti and Queen Esther from the Purim story.

Education ›

0 Education Politics

Trump wants campuses to fight antisemitism. Here's how they should actually do it

David N. Myers in Forward

David N. Myers critiques the Trump administration's approach to handling antisemitism on college campuses, particularly in relation to punitive measures taken against pro-Palestinian activism.

0 Education Communities

Investing in Jewish educators: The paradigm shift needed to achieve excellence

eJewishPhilanthropy

The article emphasizes the importance of investing in the professional development of Jewish educators and challenges existing perceptions that equate ongoing training with inadequacy.

Ethics ›

0 Ethics Antisemitism

Jews who don’t fight back don’t survive.

EKB in Future of Jewish

The essay reflects on the enduring antisemitism confronting Jews today and draws parallels with historical narratives such as the story of Purim.

Communities ›

0 Communities Culture

At a Jerusalem Purim party for children with disabilities, costumes are inclusive by design

Deborah Danan in JTA

A recent Purim party at the official residence of Israel's president showcased an inspiring initiative that has been ongoing for 10 years, where custom costumes are created for children with disabilities.

0 Communities Holidays

Children in Israel and beyond are dressing as Batman for Purim to honor the slain Bibas brothers

Philissa Cramer in JTA

Following the deaths of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, young children who were held captive in Gaza, families globally are honoring them by dressing as Batman for Purim.

Culture ›

0 Culture Communities

This Purim, Entire Classes of Israeli Children Dressed Up Like Batman in a Moving Tribute to Ariel Bibas

Lior Zaltzman in Kveller

During Purim 2025, Israeli children honored Ariel Bibas, a 4-year-old killed alongside his family during a Gaza kidnapping, by donning Batman costumes, a nod to his favorite superhero.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

TikTok’s Murray Hill Boy lovingly parodies frat boys, finance bros and their Jewish moms

Julia Gergely in JTA

Max Cohen, known to his 200,000 TikTok followers as Murray Hill Boy, is gaining internet fame for his humorous depictions of Jewish culture, particularly through his parodies of New York City's Murray Hill scene, a hub for recent Jewish college graduates.

0 Culture Education

One people, many voices: How Jewish unity thrives on difference

eJewishPhilanthropy

Oded Revivi, CEO of the Anu Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, explores the essence of Jewish unity amidst diversity, drawing parallels to the American experiment of religious coexistence.

0 Culture Communities

Looking Back 50 Years (Gulp), Purim Spoofs Tell A Tale

Gary Rosenblatt in Between The Lines

Gary Rosenblatt reflects on his long history of crafting Purim Spoofs, nostalgic yet aware of the challenges in contemporary satire amidst current global and Jewish crises.

Holidays ›

0 Holidays Ethics

I'm a rabbi. Here's why I'm boycotting the megillah reading for Purim this year

Elizheva Hurvich in Forward

Rabbi Elizheva Hurvich expresses her decision to boycott the traditional reading of the Megillah for Purim due to its problematic themes.

0 Holidays History

How well do you know Purim? Test your knowledge with this diabolical quiz

Forward Staff in Forward

Test your knowledge of the Jewish holiday of Purim with this challenging quiz designed by the Forward staff.

0 Holidays Culture

What the holiday of Purim can teach us about Jewish pride

eJewishPhilanthropy

Purim, beyond its festive celebration, serves as a profound lesson in Jewish unity and resilience, especially relevant to today's Diaspora experience of antisemitism and identity concealment.

0 Holidays Food

Stuffed dried Turkish eggplant is the perfect Purim food

Rob Eshman in Forward

Rob Eshman offers a culinary and philosophical exploration of Purim, a holiday often seen as a children's event due to its playful customs.

Art ›

0 Art History

The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt

Frances Brent in Moment

Exploring the iconic story of Esther, The Jewish Museum in New York features an exhibition titled "The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt," which runs until August 10.

0 Art History

Purim Illuminated

Jenna Weissman Joselit in Jewish Review of Books

The exhibition "The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt" at the Jewish Museum offers a captivating exploration of Queen Esther's influence on 17th-century Dutch art and society.

Television/Film ›

0 Television/Film Culture

She was teenage runaway, a German rock star and Berlin leading lady — now she’s playing Leonard Bernstein

PJ Grisar in Forward

Helen Schneider, an American-born, German-based artist, is portraying Leonard Bernstein in Peter Danish's new play "Last Call," premiering Off-Broadway.

0 Television/Film Gender/Identity

A "dreadfully Jewish" new play tells the story of a Grindr hookup gone awry

Samuel Eli Shepherd in Forward

"As Time Goes By," a new off-Broadway play by Danny Brown, explores the complexities of modern gay male dating against a backdrop of Manhattan and Jewish cultural references.

Jewish Law ›

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

Reading Hard Texts in Hard Times: Retribution and Self-Defense in Megillat Esther

Tzvi Sinensky in Lehrhaus

Tzvi Sinensky explores the complex ethical framework in Megillat Esther, focusing on the tension between self-defense and retribution as enacted by the Jews against their enemies.

Antisemitism ›

0 Antisemitism Television/Film

Anthony Cumia, right-wing shock jock with history of antisemitism, gets nationally syndicated show

Ben Sales in JTA

Anthony Cumia, a controversial radio broadcaster with a history of antisemitic and racist remarks, has received a national syndication deal for his show on New York’s conservative talk radio station 77 WABC.

0 Antisemitism Culture

Cardinal Dolan: The Evils of Antisemitism

Timothy Cardinal Dolan in The Free Press

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, articulates a strong condemnation of antisemitism, emphasizing it as a grave sin in contradiction to Christian values.

JL;DR

for Friday, March 14, 2025

Politics ›

Education ›

Ethics ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Holidays ›

Art ›

Television/Film ›

Jewish Law ›

Antisemitism ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 14's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

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Politics ›

Education ›

Ethics ›

Communities ›

Culture ›

Holidays ›

Art ›

Television/Film ›

Jewish Law ›

Antisemitism ›

Editors' Note

Top Topics in Jewish Media

March 14's Short Reads

Recent podcast episodes

for Friday, March 14, 2025