Jewish Things on My Mind Right Now
Mostly politics and a mini d'var
Hi friends,
To quote Larry David, it’s a little late for the Happy New Year, but I’m going to wish you one anyway!
There are a few things buzzing around my mind, some not Jewish (like how not getting the flu shot out of pure laziness was my biggest regret of 2025), and some Jewish. This week’s Drop is pretty political, but hey, there’s a lot going on in the world right now. If you want something more upbeat, scroll to the end. Yalla!
1. The Protests in Iran
It’s been inspiring to see the nationwide protests from the past week: young women with their hair flowing in the wind (at least, I assume there’s wind, it sounds more poetic that way), people tearing down gates to government buildings, and flags and banners of the Islamic Republic burning in the streets.
Why is this Jewish? The Iranian regime has been funding proxy networks like Hamas and Hezbollah throughout the Middle East, causing terror, war, and economic hardships for its citizens. I haven’t been much of an optimist when it comes to the end of the 46-year-regime in Iran, but with what seems like a constantly changing Middle East, you never know what could happen. The end of the regime could be the start of a new Middle East.
→ For a personal history on Iran’s Mashhadi Jews, check out my friend’s Drop!
2. Holocaust Comparisons
I wrote the following before this week’s horrific shooting of Renee Nicole Good. My anger about that outweighs my anger about what I’m about to share with you, but I kept it in this week’s post due to its Jewish relevance.
Earlier this week, I was listening to one of my (now former) favorite podcasts, when out of the blue, the host compared the Holocaust to today’s ICE raids. I respectfully commented that while ICE raids are a serious issue, the Holocaust was a separate moment in history and shouldn’t be used to compare. I also noted the rising antisemitism worldwide, including the recent massacre in Sydney, because it seemed weird to talk about learning from the Holocaust without mentioning today’s antisemitism. And, much to Larry David’s dismay, I ended the comment with a “happy new year,” to be polite.
Surprisingly, the host responded, and I thought her comment was inappropriate, defensive, and frankly a little antisemitic as she made the following points:
Her Jewish friend made the Holocaust comparison (tokenizing)
People in her neighborhood have been abducted for protesting against the genocide in Gaza (still not a Holocaust and uses libel that’s just wrong)
These are not separate issues (I mean… just objectively, factually wrong)
Ending in “Free Palestine” (shutting down the conversation even though I said nothing about Israel)
You’d never guess it, but this podcaster recently posted an episode on critical thinking. Also, who talks to their fans this way?! After I responded and educated, she removed all comments from her Spotify, so I’m guessing she realized the error of her ways.
It made me think of how there’s an increasing and alarming lack of knowledge among young Americans when it comes to the Holocaust. And now we can’t even let the Holocaust be a Jewish event in history. Or speak up about it without getting “Free Palestine” thrown in our faces to shut us down. I know it was one instance, but I could see this happening to many of us, especially when interacting with Gen Z.
FYI: Jews generally really don’t like Holocaust inversion or comparison. As I told this podcast host in my comment, we can hold mental space for both of these issues. At least I can.
3. Not Caring as Much About Being “Politically Homeless”
Like many liberal-minded Jews, I felt betrayed by the Left after 10/7.
A group that so often speaks out against oppression, sexual assault, and violence either ignored, celebrated, or denied the atrocities that happened to not just Israelis, but to Arabs, Americans, Thais, and others.
I’d go through periods of anger and confusion amidst the grief. It wasn’t until I came across the video below by this influencer with nice nails that I realized I stopped caring.
In this video she made in response to the U.S. attack on Venezuela this week (wow a lot happened this week - I hope you’re taking care of yourselves!), she talks about her political homelessness, how she stopped caring, and is instead actively choosing to think through an issue before jumping to conclusions. Also… it’s nice to know we’re the majority!
4. Mayor Mamdani Protecting Jewish New Yorkers
Sike! Made you look. Okay, I’m not trying to let this guy take up too much brain space, but I wanted to point out an example of misinformation that spread this week. It occurred on Mamdani’s first day as mayor, when the news claimed he explicitly rolled back the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
Zionist social media reacted with alarmist, angry posts (mine included), claiming he’s intentionally making New York less safe for Jews. They failed to mention, though, that Mamdani revoked Mayor Adams’s executive orders, one of which included IHRA (which, by the way, totally says that criticizing the Israeli government is not antisemitic).
This does not negate the fact that much of his ideology is antizionist and I do believe his policies will make the city less safe for Jews (still waiting for his response to yesterday’s pro-Hamas chants outside a synagogue in Queens). But to support point #3, let’s make fully exploring the details before reacting our 2026 New Year’s resolution! And let’s hope Mamdani decides to practice what he preaches by restoring the IHRA definition of antisemitism, if he really supports Jews.
5. My Impromptu D’var Torah from Last Week
Upbeat time! This Simchat Torah, I made a goal to learn parsha every week, and shofar so good! I learn in different settings: weekly classes at work, at synagogue, and from my buddy’s amazing Substack, Torah Goes Hollywood, your perfect blend of Torah and cinema.
Last week, while visiting my brother and his family, I felt like enhancing our Shabbos meal with some unsolicited Torah. Luckily, I had just read this old TGH ‘stack, comparing Parsha Vayechi to the 2008 Joaquin Phoenix film “Two Lovers.”
I’m not going to talk about a film I’ve never seen; you can read TGH for that! But the post taught me about a moment in last week’s parsha I’ve never heard of before: When Jacob is on his death bed and blesses Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Menashe, he crosses his hands so the younger Ephraim gets the right hand, the better blessing.
We’ve seen this theme before in Genesis, of the younger brother stealing the blessing. Jacob did the very same thing to Esau, and here he is now, bestowing the blessing to Ephraim.
I explained this to my older brother, a proud smile plastered on my face (or maybe it was all the wine I was guzzling before the oncoming Dry January). I concluded that clearly, the younger sibling, the superior sibling, wins every time. L’chaim. 🍷
In actuality, this theme teaches us that chosenness doesn’t always equal status, and is frequently bestowed upon the vulnerable, the underdog, or someone who needs to go through a struggle to develop character (me, I guess?).
After my d’var, I bet my brother was about to sell me to Midianite traders! I share this cheeky story and slight brag with you because I feel my Torah literacy growing each week, and it tickles my Jewish soul. And now we’ve just entered Exodus. I’m so pumped!
What’s on your Jewish mind this week? LMK.
Shabbos,
Great takes.
Ahhh love the last bit about youngest sibling - yes what you said defines you