25% of Americans say attacks on Jews ‘understandable’

 These headlines are presented as a snapshot of what our Jewish neighbors are thinking and feeling and to provide data as you pray about these issues. CMJ USA does not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed in these articles.

😲1 in 4 Americans believe recent attacks on Jews were ‘understandable,’ ADL survey finds (JTA)

Even more believe attacks on American Jews will end if Israel stops its war in Gaza, according to the survey.

Excerpt: The survey of 1,000 American adults, taken on June 10, also found that some excused or endorsed the violence against Jews. About 24% of respondents said they believed the attacks were “understandable,” and the same percentage said they believed the attacks were staged to gain sympathy for Israel. …

About 15% of respondents said that the violence was “necessary” and 13% said it was “justified.”

Editor’s note: Attacking Jews for the perceived sins of the State of Israel is antisemitism. Period.

😢Boulder firebombing victim Karen Diamond, 82, dies of her injuries (JTA)

The suspect in the firebombing attack, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, will now face two counts of murder as a result of Diamond’s death.

🌊For the Jewish community in central Texas, deadly flooding hits close to home (Forward)

One Jewish family sent three generations to Camp Mystic

The Jewish American community has a strong summer-camp tradition, so the tragedy in Texas has touched many of our Jewish neighbors deeply. In a story by the Jewish Telegraph, the interim CEO of Foundations for Jewish Camps said: “In the Jewish community, we know the power of camp. We know it as a sacred space where children find their voice, counselors discover their purpose, and lifelong friendships are formed under starry skies. We know it as a refuge where values are lived, joy is abundant, and community is built in song, sweat, and spirit. That’s why our hearts are broken alongside the camps in Texas who are grieving unimaginable loss after this week’s devastating flood.”

🎩The Fourth of July and ‘Four Score’ (Jewish Journal)

This July Fourth, members of the Jewish faith can take particular pride in one of their rabbis likely inspiring America’s most beloved president’s famous phrase.

📜Lessons from America’s first Jews (Jewish Chronicle)

Perhaps the greatest legacy of America’s first Jews, however, was their faith in their power to effect change.

📢Instead of Shouting “America Hates Jews,” Let’s Shout Something Smarter (Jewish Journal)

It’s painful to admit, but every time we go on about the alarming spread of Jew-hatred, we unwittingly contribute to spreading the poison.

This op-ed resonates with the work of CMJ USA. We want more Christians to love their Jewish neighbors, to learn from them, to stand by them.

📝Interest in Alfred Dreyfus is surging. His antisemitic affair has vital lessons for Jews today (JTA)

American Jewish historians abroad in Paris say an exhibit there about the falsely accused Jewish army captain feels especially urgent.

⛪What a synagogue, a church and a train car taught me about humanity (Jewish Chronicle)

And how to teach it

📚Why Jews bury books like they bury the dead (Forward)

Every year, a rabbi gathers with his congregation to bury torn prayer books and worn-out Torah scrolls. It’s a quiet ritual — but one that carries the full weight of Jewish reverence for the sacred

📺What a Jewish view of repentance reveals about Jimmy Swaggart’s tearful confession (Forward)

His televised ‘I have sinned’ speech became a cultural touchstone, but in Judaism, repentance isn’t a performance — it’s a process

Editor’s note: This article may be hard for some of us to read. It is a Jewish critique on a Christian historical moment. It’s worth reading, though, because the author points us back to the biblical concept of t’shuva. Repentance is a process of turning around and should continue way after confession.

Trump says he didn’t know antisemitic history of ‘Shylock’ when he criticized bankers using the term (JTA)

“We expect more from the President of the United States,” the ADL said in a statement.

Editor’s note: I include this headline because perhaps there are others who do not know about Shylock. For a discussion of Shylock and the Merchant of Venice as a whole, see “Commuting with Shylock,” chapter 11 of Dara Horn’s book People Love Dead Jews (which I reviewed). The chapter tells the story of the author listening to the Merchant of Venice with her 10-year-old son during their drives. Her son had insisted on listening to the play because the phrase “a pound of flesh” had caught his ear. He listened intently to the whole play, asking questions and showing his understanding and growing ill-ease. By the end of it, her son says, “I never want to hear that again.”

👰🏻In a first for Conservative Judaism, synagogue allows clergy to participate in interfaith weddings (JTA)

The policy change at Adath Jeshurun Congregation, a large synagogue in suburban Minneapolis, goes against rules set by the Conservative movement.

🥸As Mel Brooks turns 99, his wisdom matters more than ever (Forward)

And its greatest outlet might be ‘The 2000 Year Old Man’ 

Happy birthday, Mel! Praying for you. Thank you for all the laughs.