Jeffrey Salkin

Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin is an activist for Jewish ideas. A columnist, popular lecturer, and thought leader in the American rabbinate, he is the author of numerous books on Jewish spirituality and ethics. His new book on the future of liberal Judaism in America will be published in early 2024. His accompanying podcast, Martini Judaism, is available on Google, Apple and other sites.

All Stories by Jeffrey Salkin

The secret ritual for the end of Hanukkah

By Jeffrey Salkin — December 18, 2023
(RNS) — Time to scrape the wax off the menorah. Yes, this is a metaphor.

My conversation with a Palestinian-American

By Jeffrey Salkin — December 15, 2023
(RNS) — She was a hotel manager. By the time our conversation was over, we had learned that peace happens piece by piece.

Rabbi David Ellenson was one in a generation

By Jeffrey Salkin — December 13, 2023
(RNS) — David Ellenson’s heart was as large as his mind. That is saying a lot.

There is no ‘context’ for Jew hatred

By Jeffrey Salkin — December 11, 2023
(RNS) — The testimony from those college presidents reveals a deep crisis in American education. It is far deeper than merely antisemitism.

Why I miss Norman Lear

By Jeffrey Salkin — December 7, 2023
(RNS) — A television producer, director, cultural hero — and a religious thinker.

Display your Hanukkah menorah!

By Jeffrey Salkin — December 5, 2023
(RNS) — More than ever before. It’s that important.

A Jewish rock star reflects on Oct. 7

By Jeffrey Salkin — December 5, 2023
(RNS) — Peter Himmelman — rock star, creative genius and observant Jew — sings his truth. And ours. A new podcast.

From radical chic to Jew-hatred chic

By Jeffrey Salkin — December 1, 2023
(RNS) — Leonard and Felicia Bernstein threw one of the most famous parties in New York social history. It still reverberates today.

How should Jews think about war?

By Jeffrey Salkin — November 28, 2023
(RNS) — As the old rock song put it: ‘War — what is it good for?’ It is a very old question and it is not easy to answer.

The secret recipe for Thanksgiving leftovers

By Jeffrey Salkin — November 24, 2023
(RNS) — May you know when to eat the leftovers, and when to make the compost pile, and may God give you the wisdom to know the difference.

How to talk about the Israel-Hamas conflict at Thanksgiving

By Jeffrey Salkin — November 22, 2023
(RNS) — How to avoid toxic conversations at Thanksgiving. Here is a prayer that you can use.

Why the Israel rally in DC mattered

By Jeffrey Salkin — November 15, 2023
(RNS) — A historic day and its placards tell a very big Jewish story.

Oct. 7 reveals the flaws in Jewish education

By Jeffrey Salkin — November 14, 2023
(RNS) — Can young Jews respond to the anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses?

What’s your story? A new podcast reveals the depth of the Jewish narrative

By Jeffrey Salkin — November 10, 2023
To those who think that Jewish culture is only happening in North America and Israel: You're wrong.

What Oct. 7 has taught American Jews

By Jeffrey Salkin — November 8, 2023
(RNS) — Thirty days later, there are sobering lessons, wake-up calls — and perhaps, hope.
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