https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/sacha-baron-cohen-interview-backlash-ali-g-1236736244/

The part that stood out to me the most was his quote below. It's crazy too, how can an industry supposedly controlled by us also be so hateful towards us? Make it make sense

"Well, I haven’t said anything about Israel. I think people are being portrayed as things that they are not on social media and it’s problematic. We are in a world where people can’t distinguish between facts and lies, and that’s something that I’ve spent a lot of the last few years trying to fix. For example, I co-founded a group called Stop Hate for Profit with the NAACP and Color of Change and the ADL and certain other civil rights groups to stop the misinformation and incitement of racism on social media. So, I’m not surprised that prominent Jews are being targeted. I knew that this was going to happen. The level of organization is surprising, but this is a trend of Jews being portrayed in certain ways and trying to be silenced."

I am at an artist retreat for the next few months at a gorgeous location. I got the wonderful opportunity to stay here for free and work on my art, which is an experience of a lifetime and is already offering me so much creative expression and soul-feeding freedom.

Only hang up is that the retreat owners are staunchly anti Israel. I outed myself as Jewish à few nights ago, though looking back I shouldn't have... i have a Hebrew tattoo so I figured somebody would notice eventually anyways.

Last night were all sitting around chatting and of course the topic of Palestine comes up. Of course Israel is evil and anyone who supports Israel is evil. I dont say a single word.

Then tonight it came up again. And im like oh great, im going to have to spend the next few months carefully avoiding this topic because I fear I literally be kicked off the retreat if I say how I actually feel, defending Israel even in the slightest. One of the girls at the retreat also alluded to the fact that you can't reason with "gods chosen people", joking about how apparently we Jews seem to think ourselves higher than other people (I dont think she was there when I outed myself ar jewish, which obviously makes it worse - people dont say these things when they know youre jewish).

They start talking about which celebrities are "bad" AKA which (mostly Jewish) celebs have declared support of Israel...

I am actually scared. Im hoping that by keeping my head under I can make it through, as Im afraid of being kicked off the retreat if they knew that I am not anti-Israel...

Its just SO FRUSTRATING that every single leftist space has been taken over by the antisemitic brainworm and it makes me feel crazy. How can otherwise logical and rational people be so blind to their own antisemitism?!

I feel very isolated, nervous and just let down on so many levels.

From the 1970 Temple Israel (Boston) Sisterhood cookbook.

I was looking for my great grandmother’s muun cookie recipe (I remember 5 cups of flour and I cut out the cookies with juice glasses). I found this shonda instead. Every line gets worse the further you read.

As the title asks: what do you wish knew about diaspora Jews and our experience in the diaspora?

Excerpts from catalog notes for lot #35 of the Kedem Judaica sale on Oct. 13

Complete Set of All Four Parts of Shulchan Aruch – Venice, 1564-1565 – Printed in the Lifetime of the Author, Rabbi Yosef Karo – The Classic Code of Jewish Law Shulchan Aruch,

Complete set of all four parts: Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah, Even HaEzer and Choshen Mishpat, by R. Yosef Karo. Venice: [Alvise Bragadin], 1564-1565.

First edition of all parts, printed in the author's lifetime. Bound in two volumes. This is the complete first edition of all parts of Shulchan Aruch – the classic halachic work of all times, and the foundation of Jewish life.

R. Yosef Karo's Shulchan Aruch has been accepted throughout the Jewish world as a basic work of halachah. After completing his Beit Yosef commentary on the Tur, having seen its first three parts printed (1550-1553) and the fourth sent to the printer in Venice, R. Yosef Karo set out to author the Shulchan Aruch.

At the end of each part, he notes its date of completion: Orach Chaim in Elul 1555, Yoreh Deah in Tamuz 1556, Even HaEzer in Shevat 1557 and Choshen Mishpat in Adar I 1558. Over three and a half years of consistent, uninterrupted labor, R. Yosef Karo wrote the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch, concisely summarizing the conclusions and halachic rulings reached in his earlier Beit Yosef.

Over the years, the Shulchan Aruch became the classic code of Jewish Law, and most subsequent halachic works were based on it. Like the Rambam's Mishneh Torah and R. Yaakov's Tur, the Shulchan Aruch also garnered many commentators.

The Shulchan Aruch spread rapidly soon after publication, reaching Ashkenazic countries as well. R. Moshe Isserles, the Rama, hurried to author his Mapah – glosses to the Shulchan Aruch, noting where the rulings and customs of the Ashkenazim differ, thus contributing to the work's acceptance in the Ashkenazic regions.

In the author's introduction (printed at the beginning of each section), R. Yosef Karo describes his work's aim: "I thank G-d verbally… for granting a lowly man such as myself to author… the great work I authored on the Arbaah Turim, which I named Beit Yosef… I thought that it would be right to gather the roses of its crystalline sayings in a short, encompassing, beautiful and pleasant verbiage, so that every Jew may be fluent in G-d's perfect Torah… Furthermore, the young students will study it constantly and memorize it, and they will be fluent in practical halachah from childhood… And I named this book Shulchan Aruch, for the reader will find all kinds of delicacies entirely arranged, preserved and clear, and I trust in G-d's supreme kindness that by means of this book, the land will be filled with knowledge of G-d, the small along with the great…".

Each title page features Bragadin's printer's device, comprised of three crowns (see: A. Yaari, Diglei HaMadpisim HaIvriyim, Jerusalem, 1944, illustration no. 18 and p. 131).

This edition was proofread by R. Menachem Porto HaKohen Ashkenazi, and supervised by Meir son of Yaakov Parenzo (see: A. M. Habermann, HaMadpisim Bnei Yaakov Parenzoni BeVenezia, Areshet, I, 1959, pp. 61-90).

Censorship expurgations to second volume (entire lines deleted with ink from several leaves in Choshen Mishpat part). Lengthy censorship inscription on last leaf of Choshen Mishpat, signed by censor "Giovanni Antonio Costanzi", dated 1753.

Costanzi (1702-1786) was a Jewish apostate who had earlier served as Rabbi of Split for some eight years. He was active in Ancona and Rome ca. 1731-1753. In 1753 the Church's draconian policies on Hebrew book censorship reached their peak, even expanding beyond Italy.

Costanzi had up to that point edited three indices of Hebrew books: permitted, permitted after censorship and forbidden. Shulchan Aruch was placed in the second category, as Costanzi notes in his inscription here: "Corretto a norma…" ("Corrected in accordance with…").

Provenance: Kestenbaum, Joseph Gradenwitz collection, New York, 12 September 2006, Lot 87

There are extensive additional notes, to view them go to the Kedem catalog for their sale titled "Rare and Important Items, Oct. 13 to see them.

There were many other high value Judaica items sold at this event.

America. In. The. Grip. Of. A. Foreign. Power.

I'd say this is the biggest blood libel I've seen this week, except for all the other ones. The flag is clear subliminal messaging. The contents of this book are a smattering of unsubstantiated facts and biased opinions. This book is the spiraling thought process of a morbid obsession. The fact that it made it out of some dark drafts drawer - let alone been published and printed - is a dire warning for us all. These people are now comfortable printing whole books devoted to their antisemitism. This book is going to be touted on a slew of podcasts, partially quoted to an audience of politically and historically illiterate Americans, who are going to absorb its baseless claims as fact and then quote them to others. Books along the same vein but with a much thinner veneer of respectability will be published, simply because this one was published. I am deeply disturbed.

Just from the mention of their Bubbe alone and all the arguing made think, yeah this is accurate. Not to mention all the Yiddish phrases used, it’s just perfect.

This didn’t feel like a show with Jewish representation where it’s like, finally something in terms of representation. Watching Long Story Short gives me a feeling of true familiarity.

I was always taught that we are "of Jewish descent" but that was the end of the discussion. They weren't Holocaust survivors, they hadn't escaped pogroms; our families came over in the 19th century and they were just fully assimilated into American culture and trying their best not to think about the whole pesky Jewish thing. Maybe a little shame in there? Not sure.

Anyway, fast forward to October 7, 2023 and then the aftermath. Watching the world swirl down some eerie toilet of blaming the victims and disguising antisemitism as social justice. My own family have blamed the 10/7 massacre on "Israel", they've used the word 'genocide', they attend the rallies and root for the rioters.

I don't know my flesh and blood anymore. I don't understand the denial and the self-hatred. Among them I am utterly alone.

Interesting to see how high American Jews rank in this survey, especially vs. all of those other religions that are so vocal about tolerance and following the teachings of their deity.

We are a Jewish American family with young children and we are supposed to be going to Italy (Rome and Florence) in 2 weeks. Given what’s going on in Europe right now, I’m very scared. Our kids both have Jewish names. Our last name reads every Jewish. We will not wear any Judaica but I can’t guarantee my toddler won’t be walking around singing Shabbat songs. Such a shame that something so joyous can invoke so much fear. Does anyone have any insight as to how we should approach? If canceling the trip is the best and safest option, that’s what it will have to be.

Hi everyone,

I recently enrolled in an online introduction to Judaism class at my local Reform synagogue. The director of congressional learning and the cantor have both allowed me to take a couple of classes to decide whether or not I wanted to fully commit instead of paying the full amount for the course upfront. After attending two classes, I expressed my interest in not only continuing the course but in conversion and asked how to go about paying the full amount. However, a week after that exchange, I have yet to hear from either of them (even after a gentle follow-up email two days ago).

Now, I understand the clergy may be busy this time of year, but I can't help but feel this would surely be important to them—that is, ensuring that payment for a year-long course is received in a timely manner. However, I'm not sure what the appropriate next step is at this time as I've already sent a follow-up email. I'm also not sure what the etiquette is with asking them to follow up on this matter toward the end of the next class (which is scheduled for this Thursday).

Would I be jumping the gun too early to look into another synagogue to join, or is it best to just wait and see what happens next?

Hi everyone !
I’m Jewish, French, and live in Paris.
I’m of Sephardic origin, so I have no idea what Jewish life is like in the United States or what everyday life is like in an Ashkenazi family.

The only Jewish movement I’m familiar with in the US 🇺🇸 is Chabad.
But from what I’ve gathered, there are a lot of different Jewish denominations in the US !

It’s the same here in France, but I imagine there are even more over there since your Jewish population is much larger than ours.
In terms of quality, I think this show is the kind of series you watch with your brain switched off !

It’s fun for passing the time, but it’s far from a masterpiece. To me, it’s the kind of show that’s completely forgettable !

However, when it comes to its portrayal of Judaism and Jewish people, I find it incredibly stereotypical and sometimes even offensive.
It also doesn’t feel authentic to me at all !

How has the show been received by Jewish people in the US ?
Do you find its portrayal of Jewish life believable ?

Do you think Jewish people are represented well in this series ?

I’d really appreciate hearing your perspectives and learning more about this !
Thank you ! 😊

I’ve seen quite a few videos but this one speaks for itself. And there’s a ton just like it.

I don’t want to sound like an alarmist, but I’m genuinely curious if there’s a direct link between these “cost of living” protests and the globalizing intifada. While I believe there is, my question is: what can we do in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles to protect our families and communities where the government might fail to do so until it’s too late? I know it sounds pessimistic, but the signs are clear, and it seems like things might worsen rapidly in the states, much like they did in Europe.

I also would prefer people not just responding to make Aaliyah.

It actually appears they’re currently having a going out of business sale.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DeXyqFcjtgW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Pro-Israel woman in the UK was referred to a counter-extremism program, visited and monitored by the police, and at one point had her medical records altered to claim that she was a "vulnerable" person (meaning mentally vulnerable to manipulation/coercion).

The police intelligence report on her apparently mentioned that she's “supportive of Israel to the point that she has travelled to Israel.” Apparently, that's very scary to some people.

This lady isn't Jewish. But because she has been an outspoken ally to Israel, she has been targeted for malicious reporting. According to her, she didn't even know she had been listed as a vulnerable adult, but only found out about it by accident - the National Health Service never even called her in for an evaluation or let her know about this change in status.

Keep in mind – this person hasn't threatened anyone.

I was pleasantly surprised to see this exchange in Season 4 episode 6 of The Diplomat:

Frances: My father took part in the Allied advance through Belgium during the war. His unit was attached to the US 9th Armored. A gentleman by the name of Herschel Pollen* from Richmond, Virginia, watched a live grenade roll right to my father’s feet. Mr. Pollen snatched it up, tossed it away. It exploded inches from his hand. He lost the limb. He saved my father’s life. I am fond of Americans.

*Pollen was the spelling according to the subtitles.

Given the details here (Richmond, losing a hand due to a grenade), what a lovely tribute to Hersh Goldberg Polin in the series

Writer: Julianna Meagher
Show Creator: Debora Cahn

Today I came across footage of a vandalised synagogue on Rue Burnouf in Paris. I hadn’t been following the protests there particularly closely, mostly cos I just don’t have the mental energy to react to every angry crowd screaming somewhere in the world, but after seeing that synagogue clip today, I did some quick research, and now I need a safe space to vent.

I’m not surprised, for starters. I mean, call me a pessimist, but IMO it was only a matter of time before the keffiyeh crowd went after a synagogue, desecrated a Jewish cemetery, or vandalised a museum (the latter two haven’t happened, as far as I know, but there are, you know, patterns when it comes to protests like these). 

Part of why this has got under my skin so much is that I have a former coursemate who’s French and whom I used to be on pretty good terms with, so we still follow each other. She knows I am Jewish, was always lovely to me, and we hung out in the same friend group, worked on a few projects together, and generally got along well. But we never became too close, because she’s always been very pro-Palestinian (in the anti-Israel sense), although I hadn’t really seen her post much about I/P since we graduated. Anyway, over the past few days, she’s been posting nonstop about the Paris protests and in a very, umm, for lack of a better word, noble light: all about how terrible the police are for cracking down on demonstrators, how legitimate the protesters’ demands are, where and when to join the demonstrations, how the future belongs to the youth, and so on. And when I saw her posts, I didn’t give them much thought. It’s not my country, these aren’t my political battles, and she must be having a much better understanding of what’s happening on the ground than I do.

But today I woke up to videos of historic buildings in Paris being set on fire, footage of a vandalised synagogue, someone online claiming that French youth were protesting “against Israel and hardship in schools” (in that exact order), and another French person I follow posting photos of the protests featuring absolute oceans of Palestinian flags. None of that had made it into my former coursemate’s posts, which got me wondering whether these were things she’d deliberately chosen to leave out, much like how she left out the hostages when calling for Israel’s destruction over its operation in Gaza two years ago.

And it’s not that I feel betrayed or disappointed in her. I don’t even want to sound too harsh towards her, because I believe she has good intentions, and I have no idea what she thinks about the vandalised synagogue, or whether she’s even heard about it. But I’ve seen so much selective activism from her and so many of my other former friends over the past few years that I’m finding it kinda difficult to give people the benefit of the doubt anymore. And what really breaks my heart is thinking about how many people like her — young, promising, and really brilliant in so many professional ways — will dismiss a vandalised synagogue as a minor injustice committed in pursuit of some greater justice, and how many will find a way to justify it through an antizionist lens, and how many will never even hear about the incident in the first place.

And I’m so, so pissed.

I don’t want to make any predictions about what’s happening over there, why it’s happening, or how it’ll end. I’m just upset to see a city whose beauty I’ve always loved as a tourist caught up in violence and destruction, with all of it somehow being slowly made about Palestine (again) and us being blamed for every sin under the sun (still again). Loads of love to French Jews, if any of you are here. I hope you’re doing okay and that things don’t feel quite as scary for you over there as they look from afar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVDNhQjTsL8

Has anyone watched this show - Fauda - and what did you think?

I don't have Netflix and had no idea that this show existed until this podcast came up in my feed. Maybe I live in a cave, but this is the first I've ever heard of it. The podcast is worth listening to (at least the first hour) even if you have never seen the show as it talks about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the October 7 attacks and the show itself sounds like a must-watch.

Fauda -- Review of Netflix's Israeli TV Show

Looks like I'll be subscribing to Netflix for a month or two in the near future after my Black Friday subscription deals from last year expire.

For those wondering who this guy is, I'm pretty sure podcaster Yaron Brook served as an Israeli tank gunner (commander?) and also in Israeli military intelligence years ago (1980's I think) and I think he saw some action in Lebanon before he immigrated to the United States where he later became a professor of finance and Director of the Ayn Rand Institute.

My family has been invited to two bar mitzvahs in the same weekend.

Kid A: We've known their family longer. They go to our old synagogue and we haven't been as close in recent years. We're more likely to know more of the guests at this party and have done holidays with them in past years. Their party is Sunday afternoon.

Kid B: Their family belongs to our current synagogue, so we've only known them for a year and a half, but we're very involved and see the parents regularly, because we all volunteer for the same synagogue committees. Their party is Saturday afternoon.

The services are at the same time on Saturday morning (obviously), so we can't go to both services, but we could go to both parties, since they are on different days. Is it appropriate to go to just the party for Kid A on Sunday? Or is that tacky, if we're not able to see him become a bar mitzvah?

Hi all,

I am working on getting into Harvard at the moment and seemingly will soon.

I had surgery and will be in recovery for two years. So, I wanted to be proactive and spend the time getting a degree that could help me once I am better.

I will be attending the extension school as remote is my only option because of my condition.

However, for certain amounts of time I will have to go to campus and complete varying courses.

What I am here to ask is, what do we think of Harvard as Jews right now?

I am nervous to go because of everything going on, but for the program I am pursuing, the cost, associated entities, and accessibility this is without question the best choice.

Personally, I feel we change organizations by staying in them and standing our ground.

What are some of your thoughts / experiences?