Rabbi Mike Rothbaum
@ravmike.bsky.social
Chutzpah, Torah, Manual Transmission.
Husband of Anthony.
Lions, Mets fan. Loyal or masochist?
he.him
Husband of Anthony.
Lions, Mets fan. Loyal or masochist?
he.him
This summer, the board of Congregation Dor Hadash passed a Land Acknowledgement honoring the history of the Kumeyaay on the land where we study and pray.
For Thanksgiving, JTA shared some of my reflections on the process, as well as history, wandering, and “wokeness.”
www.jta.org/2025/11/25/i...
For Thanksgiving, JTA shared some of my reflections on the process, as well as history, wandering, and “wokeness.”
www.jta.org/2025/11/25/i...
This Thanksgiving, our Jewish gratitude begins with acknowledging the land beneath our feet - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
A rabbi explains how his congregation made Indigenous history part of its spiritual life.
www.jta.org
November 26, 2025 at 6:01 PM
This summer, the board of Congregation Dor Hadash passed a Land Acknowledgement honoring the history of the Kumeyaay on the land where we study and pray.
For Thanksgiving, JTA shared some of my reflections on the process, as well as history, wandering, and “wokeness.”
www.jta.org/2025/11/25/i...
For Thanksgiving, JTA shared some of my reflections on the process, as well as history, wandering, and “wokeness.”
www.jta.org/2025/11/25/i...
Things Jews should worry about:
1) where can I get whitefish salad?
2) nazis in the government
3) will we permanently alienate young Jews by being patronizing turds and dismissing their concerns?
4) they have the chutzpah to call this a bagel?
.
.
.
.
726) some rabbis are queer
727) Zohran Mandani
1) where can I get whitefish salad?
2) nazis in the government
3) will we permanently alienate young Jews by being patronizing turds and dismissing their concerns?
4) they have the chutzpah to call this a bagel?
.
.
.
.
726) some rabbis are queer
727) Zohran Mandani
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Things Jews should worry about:
1) where can I get whitefish salad?
2) nazis in the government
3) will we permanently alienate young Jews by being patronizing turds and dismissing their concerns?
4) they have the chutzpah to call this a bagel?
.
.
.
.
726) some rabbis are queer
727) Zohran Mandani
1) where can I get whitefish salad?
2) nazis in the government
3) will we permanently alienate young Jews by being patronizing turds and dismissing their concerns?
4) they have the chutzpah to call this a bagel?
.
.
.
.
726) some rabbis are queer
727) Zohran Mandani
In case you don't understand how racism and antisemitism work hand-in-hand, the Trump Administration continues to provide daily lessons.
November 20, 2025 at 10:35 PM
In case you don't understand how racism and antisemitism work hand-in-hand, the Trump Administration continues to provide daily lessons.
The “final solution” was the “answer” to the “Jewish Problem.”
I’m really trying to be careful, to identify how this rhetoric is different.
I can’t.
When I learned about the Holocaust as a Hebrew School kid, it was this.
This was how it happened there.
It could happen here.
A “simple answer.”
I’m really trying to be careful, to identify how this rhetoric is different.
I can’t.
When I learned about the Holocaust as a Hebrew School kid, it was this.
This was how it happened there.
It could happen here.
A “simple answer.”
November 20, 2025 at 8:10 PM
The “final solution” was the “answer” to the “Jewish Problem.”
I’m really trying to be careful, to identify how this rhetoric is different.
I can’t.
When I learned about the Holocaust as a Hebrew School kid, it was this.
This was how it happened there.
It could happen here.
A “simple answer.”
I’m really trying to be careful, to identify how this rhetoric is different.
I can’t.
When I learned about the Holocaust as a Hebrew School kid, it was this.
This was how it happened there.
It could happen here.
A “simple answer.”
“Starting in goal for the Flames tonight is their solid backup, Ecclesiastes.”
defector.com/worlds-most-...
defector.com/worlds-most-...
World's Most Normal Goalie: "Nothing Matters, Nobody Cares, We're All Gonna Die" | Defector
When seeking optimism, one wouldn’t typically look to a backup goaltender for the Calgary Flames. The Wet Logs are bringing up the league’s rear, and they’ve contractually and metaphorically hitched t...
defector.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:31 PM
“Starting in goal for the Flames tonight is their solid backup, Ecclesiastes.”
defector.com/worlds-most-...
defector.com/worlds-most-...
Can someone who knows about the press explain this?
I don't know what I'd do if a man called a woman "Piggy" in front of me, but it wouldn't be nothing.
When he pulls sh*t like this, why don't reporters say something? Would they be fined? Kicked out of the press pool?
It can't just be cowardice.
I don't know what I'd do if a man called a woman "Piggy" in front of me, but it wouldn't be nothing.
When he pulls sh*t like this, why don't reporters say something? Would they be fined? Kicked out of the press pool?
It can't just be cowardice.
When asked if there was anything "incriminating" in Epstein's emails, Trump pointed a finger in a female reporter's face and snapped. 'Quiet. Quiet, Piggy.'
people.com/donald-trump...
people.com/donald-trump...
Donald Trump Snaps at Female Reporter Who Asks About Epstein Files: 'Quiet Piggy'
Donald Trump Says 'Quiet Piggy' to Female Reporter Asking About Epstein Files
people.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:59 AM
Can someone who knows about the press explain this?
I don't know what I'd do if a man called a woman "Piggy" in front of me, but it wouldn't be nothing.
When he pulls sh*t like this, why don't reporters say something? Would they be fined? Kicked out of the press pool?
It can't just be cowardice.
I don't know what I'd do if a man called a woman "Piggy" in front of me, but it wouldn't be nothing.
When he pulls sh*t like this, why don't reporters say something? Would they be fined? Kicked out of the press pool?
It can't just be cowardice.
Reposted by Rabbi Mike Rothbaum
Here’s a story for every national news outlet:
In N.C., churchgoers are literally running into the woods as federal agents descend on the property.
“Inside the church, women and children sobbed as they wondered whether their loved ones had been taken.”
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politic...
In N.C., churchgoers are literally running into the woods as federal agents descend on the property.
“Inside the church, women and children sobbed as they wondered whether their loved ones had been taken.”
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politic...
November 16, 2025 at 4:38 AM
Here’s a story for every national news outlet:
In N.C., churchgoers are literally running into the woods as federal agents descend on the property.
“Inside the church, women and children sobbed as they wondered whether their loved ones had been taken.”
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politic...
In N.C., churchgoers are literally running into the woods as federal agents descend on the property.
“Inside the church, women and children sobbed as they wondered whether their loved ones had been taken.”
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politic...
We have a child rapist in the White House. Who could try to defend that? What could they say??
Oh.
Oh.
November 14, 2025 at 2:07 AM
We have a child rapist in the White House. Who could try to defend that? What could they say??
Oh.
Oh.
Yes you have good cause to be mad at the Democrats, but never forget that a political party emerged in this country whose platform included hungry kids, sick kids, and deported kids — and we were all conditioned to act like that was the party of “real America”
And so maybe it is.
And so maybe it is.
November 10, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Yes you have good cause to be mad at the Democrats, but never forget that a political party emerged in this country whose platform included hungry kids, sick kids, and deported kids — and we were all conditioned to act like that was the party of “real America”
And so maybe it is.
And so maybe it is.
Can we afford to live where we do without the ACA subsidies?
Can you?
Can you?
November 10, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Can we afford to live where we do without the ACA subsidies?
Can you?
Can you?
ADL's Greenblatt: "[Mamdani] went to an antizionist synagogue! Which is like going to the black breakout at CPAC and saying you understand African Americans!"
Essentially Greenblatt admits here — the right hates Black folks.
If so, why cozy up to them?
Unless you don't, y'know, care about racism?
Essentially Greenblatt admits here — the right hates Black folks.
If so, why cozy up to them?
Unless you don't, y'know, care about racism?
November 7, 2025 at 11:17 PM
ADL's Greenblatt: "[Mamdani] went to an antizionist synagogue! Which is like going to the black breakout at CPAC and saying you understand African Americans!"
Essentially Greenblatt admits here — the right hates Black folks.
If so, why cozy up to them?
Unless you don't, y'know, care about racism?
Essentially Greenblatt admits here — the right hates Black folks.
If so, why cozy up to them?
Unless you don't, y'know, care about racism?
Reposted by Rabbi Mike Rothbaum
“Pro-life”
The absolute chutzpah of these monsters.
I want candidates who campaign on saving lives, and voters for whom that makes all the difference.
The absolute chutzpah of these monsters.
I want candidates who campaign on saving lives, and voters for whom that makes all the difference.
By this time next week, the estimated deaths due to the illegal destruction of USAID and the shuttering of its aid efforts will breach 400,000.
More than 260,000 will be children.
Source: www.bu.edu/sph/news/art...
More than 260,000 will be children.
Source: www.bu.edu/sph/news/art...
Tracking Anticipated Deaths from USAID Funding Cuts
Brooke Nichols has launched online tracking tools that capture estimated increases in mortality and disease spread for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other diseases as a result of the near-total...
www.bu.edu
November 6, 2025 at 2:04 AM
“Pro-life”
The absolute chutzpah of these monsters.
I want candidates who campaign on saving lives, and voters for whom that makes all the difference.
The absolute chutzpah of these monsters.
I want candidates who campaign on saving lives, and voters for whom that makes all the difference.
Yasher koyach to Agudath Israel for putting out such a mentshlikh statement even about a guy who causes them concern.
(Some other Jewish organizations could learn something from this.)
(Some other Jewish organizations could learn something from this.)
November 5, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Yasher koyach to Agudath Israel for putting out such a mentshlikh statement even about a guy who causes them concern.
(Some other Jewish organizations could learn something from this.)
(Some other Jewish organizations could learn something from this.)
Another desperate plea for irrelevance.
November 5, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Another desperate plea for irrelevance.
The day began with word of the death of a man who exploited 9/11 to engineer the killing of perhaps one million Muslims in Iraq.
The day ended with New York electing a Muslim mayor.
Tectonic shift.
The day ended with New York electing a Muslim mayor.
Tectonic shift.
November 5, 2025 at 8:13 AM
The day began with word of the death of a man who exploited 9/11 to engineer the killing of perhaps one million Muslims in Iraq.
The day ended with New York electing a Muslim mayor.
Tectonic shift.
The day ended with New York electing a Muslim mayor.
Tectonic shift.
Another Mamdani voter who hates the Jews, no doubt.
November 4, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Another Mamdani voter who hates the Jews, no doubt.
Oy enough kvetching about young Jews and their motivations from legacy Jewish leaders:
“Why do young Jews stand up for everyone but themselves??”
Ever since Abe & Sarah opened their tent flaps to migrants, “standing up for others” has been the essence of Judaism.
Stop kvetching. Start listening.
“Why do young Jews stand up for everyone but themselves??”
Ever since Abe & Sarah opened their tent flaps to migrants, “standing up for others” has been the essence of Judaism.
Stop kvetching. Start listening.
November 3, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Oy enough kvetching about young Jews and their motivations from legacy Jewish leaders:
“Why do young Jews stand up for everyone but themselves??”
Ever since Abe & Sarah opened their tent flaps to migrants, “standing up for others” has been the essence of Judaism.
Stop kvetching. Start listening.
“Why do young Jews stand up for everyone but themselves??”
Ever since Abe & Sarah opened their tent flaps to migrants, “standing up for others” has been the essence of Judaism.
Stop kvetching. Start listening.
Rabbis: We've come together to publicly repudiate Jews who support this candidate.
Jews: Gosh, we think you're wrong for doing that.
Rabbis: What happened to unity? Why must you be so divisive?
Jews: Gosh, we think you're wrong for doing that.
Rabbis: What happened to unity? Why must you be so divisive?
November 3, 2025 at 4:49 AM
Rabbis: We've come together to publicly repudiate Jews who support this candidate.
Jews: Gosh, we think you're wrong for doing that.
Rabbis: What happened to unity? Why must you be so divisive?
Jews: Gosh, we think you're wrong for doing that.
Rabbis: What happened to unity? Why must you be so divisive?
I’m heartbroken that my rabbinic colleagues are focused on Mamdani, while Jew-hatred that consumed the lives of synagogue goers has become official GOP — and government — policy.
Thanks to @theradr.bsky.social for encouraging me to submit this to The Forward.
Thanks to @theradr.bsky.social for encouraging me to submit this to The Forward.
Why are we so focused on Mamdani — not Nazi-inspired ideas proliferating on the right?
Jews are concerned about antisemitism amid Zohran Mamdani's mayoral run. They're concentrating on the wrong side of the political spectrum.
forward.com
November 2, 2025 at 3:59 PM
I’m heartbroken that my rabbinic colleagues are focused on Mamdani, while Jew-hatred that consumed the lives of synagogue goers has become official GOP — and government — policy.
Thanks to @theradr.bsky.social for encouraging me to submit this to The Forward.
Thanks to @theradr.bsky.social for encouraging me to submit this to The Forward.
I think the dads should agree to call it a tie and all the boys get pizza and a cup of soda.
November 2, 2025 at 3:58 AM
I think the dads should agree to call it a tie and all the boys get pizza and a cup of soda.
Reposted by Rabbi Mike Rothbaum
There's a whole country on the verge of a heart attack. Thank God we have universal healthcare
November 2, 2025 at 3:35 AM
There's a whole country on the verge of a heart attack. Thank God we have universal healthcare
The timing of this, with people facing actual starvation, is hard to fathom.
It’s like looking up at people hanging out of a burning building and saying, “Is it really smart for them to live up so high?”
It’s like looking up at people hanging out of a burning building and saying, “Is it really smart for them to live up so high?”
Are you people fucking kidding me with this shit @washingtonpost.com www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
October 31, 2025 at 4:03 AM
The timing of this, with people facing actual starvation, is hard to fathom.
It’s like looking up at people hanging out of a burning building and saying, “Is it really smart for them to live up so high?”
It’s like looking up at people hanging out of a burning building and saying, “Is it really smart for them to live up so high?”
The need for whitefish salad and pumpernickel bagels are not political preferences or partisan talking point. These are inseparable strands of my Jewish identity. To ask me to check my need for decent appetizing at the door is offensive – no different than asking me to reject God, Torah, or mitzvot.
October 30, 2025 at 8:55 AM
The need for whitefish salad and pumpernickel bagels are not political preferences or partisan talking point. These are inseparable strands of my Jewish identity. To ask me to check my need for decent appetizing at the door is offensive – no different than asking me to reject God, Torah, or mitzvot.