the definite article
we're back after a break for the holidays - and not much has happened anyways....
tda 64
https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/vance-sharp-elbowed-theology
I am not surprised by what I hear from some (many) of my interlocutors in America who despite their previously expressed (ahem) reservations about Trump, are appreciative of both his actions during the 12 Day War (as it is called) and his role in bringing home the Israeli hostages as a first step in ending the war with Hamas. Just as prevalent though are the reservations I’ve heard among those who supported Vance as VP, and are now worried that he is leading the country to endorse an official religion. This article explores that aspect of Vance.
Joshua Hoffman believes thet Jews should take the initiative and leave gracefully, of their own free will, before they are forcibly cast out of their positions, status, universities, and homes.
You all know how I love this guy’s writing. This piece is no exception.
https://thelehrhaus.com/timely-thoughts/on-yom-kippur-determinism-and-national-unity/
Maybe a little late, but this article on determinism as expressed in the thoughts of Jewish commentators and philosophers is very interesting.
The fighting is over, but not really. Hamas is stretching out the first phase so that it can “take care of business at home,” i.e., beat, torture, and execute perceived competitors. There are outside operators, however, who have expressed interest in going in to Gaza to make a little order there.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-869593
Yeah, there are Jews who are marching around saying “The Jews are our problem.” Sound familiar. I had a strong exchange of letter with a former student who could not believe that I was not out there protesting against the Israeli government for intentionally starving Gazans. Why does she think that Gazans are starving, why does she think that israeli is purposefully doing that? Even the logic makes no sense - what would Israel have to gain? Why protect Gazans with warnings about leaving battle zones and provide safe passages for evacuation? But even worse - why accuse your own side of atrocities when you have no proof and have done no research to back up your claims? Relying on those pictures inthe NYT and the Guardian? Shame shame shame. Why take the world of serial liars to tar-brush your own people?
This is one you really need to read. No intros necessary. An excellent piece.
The premise here is so transparent that this article hardly needed to be written, except for those who doubt Listen, one has to pity the Gazans because the world is much more concerned about punishing Israel and Jews for existing than actually helping Gaza. And the Jews are just a stand-in for everything these activists hate about America and the West.
https://unherd.com/newsroom/palestine-protesters-disrupt-lse-sexual-violence-event/
Rape is not a crime against women if it is conducted against Israelis. Yes, that is the world we live in.
https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/mamdani-exodus
Interesting article about two Jews who were secure in their respective art fields until October 7 and Mamdani. Now they are trying to figure out if they would begetter off fleeing NYC or staying to fight. A good article.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-870651
Many of the folks I write to in America think that Netanyahu is A menace to the world at large and Israel in particular. A lotto this opinion is shaped by the strong working relationship Bibi has with Trump (not a favorite among many US Jews), repeated coverage of political protests in Israel, and his leadership during the past two years of war. I think it is true that many people are not fond of Bibi, but even many of his detractors are thankful that he was sitting int he PM’s office during these last years fo crisis. This article explains why, after al the bad press he gets, Bibi is still the most popular politician in Israel. I personally hopes he retires before the next elections, but he seems to have no inclination to do so.
https://quillette.com/2025/10/19/they-dont-believe-it-either-israel-gaza-genocide/
Maarten Boudry of Quillete gives a fine analytical takedown of the genocide charge against Israel. If you think there is a difference between antisemitism and antizionism, give this article a good read and then come and talk to me.