Martini Judaism

Converts are Jewish. Period.

By Jeffrey Salkin — January 18, 2024
We are experiencing the greatest surge in antisemitism in recent memory. And, still, people want to become Jewish.

The Jews stand accused: From deicide to genocide

By Jeffrey Salkin — January 16, 2024
(RNS) — The accusation is genocide. But its roots are ancient. And ugly.

Are American Jews in crisis? A conversation with Professor Jonathan Sarna

By Jeffrey Salkin — January 11, 2024
American Jewish weather report: increased chill in the air. A conversation with historian Professor Jonathan Sarna.

Why I am obsessed with an ancient story about giant frogs

By Jeffrey Salkin — January 9, 2024
(RNS) — Yes, they are a metaphor for the challenges of our time.

Welcome to the ‘tribe,’ Alanis Morissette

By Jeffrey Salkin — January 5, 2024
(RNS) — Now that the singer is publicly Jewish, I have a job for her.

The world must confront the sexual violence of Oct. 7

By Jeffrey Salkin — January 3, 2024
(RNS) — The essay I wrote with shaking hands. I did not want to do it. I had to do it.

Why I miss Tommy Smothers

By Jeffrey Salkin — December 28, 2023
(RNS) — The Smothers Brothers were funny. More than that: They were profoundly human and kind.

The spiritual lessons of ‘The Crown’

By Jeffrey Salkin — December 26, 2023
(RNS) — The history isn’t always right but ‘The Crown’ is always a good family story. And there are lessons for the soul in the telling.

We must confront radical evil

By Jeffrey Salkin — December 21, 2023
(RNS) — Is Hamas a form of mythic, cosmic evil? Think about it.

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.
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