Tag: Jewish Identity

Hank Lazer, a Jewish poet and Buddhist residing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, delves into the intersection of his identities, spiritual experiences, and poetic expressions.
In the book "#IsraeliJudaism: A Portrait of a Cultural Revolution," authors Shmuel Rosner and Camil Fuchs discuss the evolution of Jewish identity in Israel, highlighting a new category they call "Jewsraelis," comprising 55% of the Israeli Jewish population.
The text describes the author's deep connection to New York City, particularly his father's stories of Jewish Brooklyn and its gangster legends.
Shakespeare's character Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice" has sparked scholarly debate about his identity and symbolism.
A recent study comparing Canadian Jews to their American counterparts reveals that Canadian Jews are thriving due to lower intermarriage rates, higher participation in Jewish institutions, stronger religious identities, and deeper connections with Israel.
The article discusses the rise of Israel Apartheid Week (IAW) on college campuses, where events often promote BDS and target Jewish students, creating fear, intimidation, and anxiety among them.
The text delves into the challenges facing the American Jewish community, emphasizing the growing trend of political homelessness among American Jews as they find it increasingly difficult to align with either major political party, particularly due to shifts in support for Israel.
Horace Kallen, a prolific writer known primarily for his concept of cultural pluralism, is the focus of Matthew Kaufman's book "Horace Kallen Confronts America: Jewish Identity, Science, and Secularism."
"A Letter to Mama" by Isaac Bashevis Singer tells the story of Sam Metzger, who immigrated to America, built a successful life, but neglected to write to his widowed mother in Poland, feeling guilty as he aged.
After the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, a reflection on H. Leyvik's Yiddish poem "The Wolf," written in 1920, becomes hauntingly relevant.
Sholem Asch, a prominent Yiddish writer, stirred controversy with his Christian-themed novels, namely "The Nazarene" and "The Apostle," followed by "Mary."
This reflection captures a Jewish individual's childhood experiences living next to a neighbor with elaborate Christmas decorations, including a display of Santa and his reindeer.
In a humorous reflection on being Jewish during Christmas in Texas, the writer explores the contrasts and interactions between Jewish culture and the festive Texas atmosphere, highlighting the feelings of unease and acceptance intertwined in the experience.
Doron Rabinovici, an Israeli author living in Vienna, explores the complexities of Jewish identity in postwar Austria through his novels, essays, and political activism.
Melanie Phillips' memoir "Guardian Angel" delves into her upbringing in postwar Britain, depicting a complex family dynamic where a strong but frail mother and a passive father shape her worldview.
The author reflects on the act of shaving and its cultural significance, particularly in the Jewish and gentile communities.
In 1958, David Ben-Gurion, Israel's prime minister, asked 51 Jewish scholars for input on defining Jewish identity, particularly in cases of mixed marriages where the mother is not Jewish and the child wants to be registered as Jewish.
The text discusses the theme of navigating cultural identities and historical allegiances, highlighting the story of the York Massacre in 1190 and the poetry of Marion and Celia Moss from mid-19th-century England.
In the discussion of "Of Were-Owls and Wandering Jews," the text explores different works of literature with Jewish themes or characters.
The article discusses the rise of anti-Semitism as a racist conspiracy theory, distinct from other forms of bigotry, leading to the violent events such as the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.
Frida Kahlo's unique wardrobe, filled with sumptuous fabrics and intricate accessories, served as a powerful form of self-expression and a way to confront her physical and emotional pain throughout her tumultuous life in Mexico.
The author reflects on an encounter in Hollywood where he pitched a screenplay about George Catlin, a painter who documented Native American life in the 19th century.
The author discusses the avocation of hunting, claiming it to be a non-Jewish activity, and reflects on the Jewish perspective on hunting.
During the 1960s, a Jewish graduate student at the University of Michigan encountered ambivalence towards Jewish identity among his peers and faculty members while pushing for a Jewish studies program.
There has been a noticeable decline in the number of Jewish students at Ivy League universities in recent years, with significant drops in Jewish representation at schools like the University of Pennsylvania, Yale, and Harvard.