“The reality is that we are witnessing the complete and total unraveling of the disastrous foreign policy that began under Obama and was picked up again by Biden, the perverse effect of which was to strengthen both Iran and Russia.” – Niall Ferguson
SHABBAT READING:
Marat Kila’s Notes on Esau in a Supercommentary on Rashi: Dr. Rabbi Wendy Love Anderson, The Torah.com, Oct. 10, 2023 — When Rebecca gives birth to Jacob and Esau, who are destined to become two different nations, there is no obvious negative judgment of Esau.[1] Esau and Jacob grow up to be opposites in later life, but in ways that each attract the favor of a different parent, and their preferences are complementary: Esau prefers the outdoors and Jacob the indoors (Gen 25:27–28). Over several shared and thematically linked chapters of Genesis (25–27 and 32–33),[2] Jacob and Esau continue to act as narrative foils for one another, with Esau marrying a cousin from their father’s side and Jacob two cousins from their mother’s side. But Jacob also deceives Esau repeatedly.
DRAMATIC CHANGES
WATCH: The Old World Is Not Coming Back: Bari Weiss, The Free Press, Nov. 22, 2024 — When did you know? Looking back, now that we are on the far side, I wonder: When did you realize that things had changed?
The Vibe Shift Goes Global: Niall Ferguson, The Free Press, Dec. 12, 2024
How the Incoming Administration Can Restore Jewish Civil Rights: Tal Fortgang, Mosaic Magazine, Dec. 2, 2024
Kafka’s Jewishness ‘Can’t Be Extricated from His Work’: Vita Fellig, JNS, Dec. 5, 2024
His Barbed Behind: Mr. Sammler’s Planet and Its Critics: Adam Bellow, Sapir, Nov. 18, 2024
For Further Reference:
Creating a Jewish Consciousness: Lessons from Black Consciousness as a Framework for Empowerment: Charles Asher Small, Fathom Journal, December 2024 — Antisemitic notions of Judaism and Jewish identity have often been shaped—and even imposed—by external forces through persecution, marginalisation, segregation, and, at times, assimilation.
Notre Dame’s Surprising Jewish Treasures: Dr. Yvette Alt Miller, Aish, no date — The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has reopened its doors, marking a historic milestone in its restoration following the devastating 2019 fire. The reconstruction effort meticulously preserved its Gothic architecture, including significant Jewish-related artwork, while incorporating modern techniques.
LISTEN: The Haskalah Reconsidered | Dr. Olga Litvak: The Podcast of Jewish Ideas — .J. and Dr. Olga Litvak take the express from Berlin to Eastern Europe in search of the real Jewish enlightenment.
WATCH: Donald Trump Interview With Rona Barrett 1980: YouTube, Dec. 13, 2017 — In 1980, Hollywood interviewer Rona Barrett talked with Donald Trump and asked him pointedly whether he would ever consider running for president and he tells her no. This unaired clip is from a much longer hour-long interview.
