the definite article 53
politics and culture! sorry for missing last week!
https://unherd.com/newsroom/alasdair-macintyre-the-original-post-liberal-philosopher/
A short piece on the passing of Alasdair MacIntyre, one of the most insightful and influential moral philosophers of the second half of the 20th century. His book After Virtue I know had an impact on me, but since that was 45 years ago, it has been assimilated into whatever else I know - or thought I know.
A new voice for me on Substack, but what a voice. First of all, he’s into art history and philosophy, is a lover of classical music, and has a clear very strong voice on Israel. This is one article you really must read, as well as his follow-ups to it.
You know how I feel about Douglas Murray. He just came out with a new book which I’ve not yet ordered, but probably will.
https://spectator.org/palestinian-support-for-hamas-remains-high/
Another poll of Palestinians conducted by Palestinians, which either gives it an aura of authenticity or makes one wonder if this, like all information coming gout of their institutions, has been well massaged before publication. But it’s worth looking at, because it will either reinforce your preconceived notions or not.
One of the most positive articles this week - the Eurovision song contest proved without a doubt 2 things: the folks who run the contest and their governments are really frighteningly antisemitic, but the people of Europe - as evidenced by the overwhelming support they gave to the Israeli performer - are not, and the are strong enough to stand up to the ham-fisted manipulations of their own governments. That is good news.
https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/community/articles/sinners-hoodoo-religious-consultant
I put out a movie review of Sinners by Liel Leibowitz last week, and this is another take on it.
https://www.commentary.org/articles/meir-soloveichik/john-fetterman-israel-sanity/
Rabbi Meir Soloveichik notes the Fetterman was beloved by the Democratic party until he because voicing criticism of Hamas and support for Israel’s war against the invasion of its land and capture of its citizens as hostages. Suddenly, Fetterman must be sick in the head. Gevalt. The good news is that voters n Pennsylvania still seem to like him.
https://www.commentary.org/seth-mandel/the-jews-are-jerusalems-only-hope/
Seth Mandel wonders how we got to the place where the idea that Jews praying on the Temple Mount is unusual instead of simply illegal. What I mean is - it should be natural and protected under law and not illegal. Certain Knesset members who have easily earned the tag as “extremists” are leading the fight to normalize Jewish prayer at the one place on earth that Jews call holy.
This is a controversial piece, and I solicit your responses. I referenced it in last week’s Torah study and it raised some eyebrows. Marilyn Simon talks bout relationships and romantic relationships from a perspective I’ve never encountered before, and I think is possible to read her approach on to other texts as well. She reads it onto Shakespeare, which is her oeuvre.
https://quillette.com/2024/07/18/an-interrupted-genocide-7-october-gaza-israel/
A stunning piece by the scholar Jeffrey Herf on the genocidal aspects of the October 7 attack.
Thank you for the warm words and for sharing my page! Glad you find value in it. Make sure to listen to Mahler!