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Halachic Left
@halachicleft.org
680 followers 63 following 82 posts
Halachic Left is changing the conversation about Israel/Palestine in traditionally observant Jewish communities
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halachicleft.org
A Mamdani canvassing volunteer writes of their experiences in
the YU Commentator: “Mamdani’s election has been portrayed as a symbol of a changing political landscape and city. My experiences put me in touch with many who pushed these changes…”
yucommentator.org/2025/11/canv...
Canvassing for Mamdani: What I Learned and What it Means - The Commentator
Editor’s Note: Although generally we do not publish anonymous pieces, we have decided to publish this piece anonymously for the author’s privacy.  A much-discussed part of the Zohran Mamdani victory t...
yucommentator.org
November 11, 2025 at 9:02 PM
halachicleft.org
Rabbi Jamie Weisbach in our dvar Torah for Lech Lecha this week: “The Malbim points out that the text emphasizes that Avraham went to save Lot, not his property, and was only motivated by the direct threat to Lot’s very life. Avraham’s motivations to go to war were good and even noble..."
October 31, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Reposted by Halachic Left
jstreetdotorg.bsky.social
Israeli authorities just issued demolition orders for 13 buildings in the Palestinian village of Umm al-Khair – including family homes and the community center.

✍️ Congress must speak out: Stop the demolitions and pressure the Trump Administration to act.
Stop Demolitions in Umm al-Khair
None
act.jstreet.org
October 29, 2025 at 8:55 PM
halachicleft.org
Whole podcast is worth listening to -- and thank you to
@peterbeinart.bsky.social for giving our High Holiday reader a shout-out around 29 minutes in!
(You can find links to our yamim noraim reader and all of our Torah publications here: halachicleft.org/torah)
October 30, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Reposted by Halachic Left
jewishcurrents.bsky.social
An anti-Mamdani rabbis' letter was organized by The Jewish Majority, which is led by an AIPAC alum. But the letter was also signed by liberal rabbis, revealing how some are leaning when confronted with a choice between their progressivism and their Zionism. jewishcurrents.org/anti-mamdani...
Anti-Mamdani Letter Draws Support from Liberal Rabbinate
The letter revealed a split between liberal rabbis backing the mayoral nominee and those opposing him over his positions on Israel.
jewishcurrents.org
October 30, 2025 at 8:17 PM
halachicleft.org
"Two American Jewish women are facing deportation from Israel after joining interfaith groups for the olive harvest in the West Bank on Wednesday."

www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Two U.S. Jewish women face deportation from Israel after joining West Bank olive harvest
The Two Are Part of a Four-month Program Run by the Achvat Amim Educational Group, Which Organizes Jewish-Palestinian Solidarity Programs. After Joining Palestinians for the West Bank Olive Harvest, I...
www.haaretz.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Reposted by Halachic Left
motownrabbi.bsky.social
My Halakhic argument against the starvation of Gaza:

thelehrhaus.com/timely-thoug...
The Starvation of Gaza: A Halakhic Argument | The Lehrhaus
David Polsky explores a passage in the Sifrei that is key to articulating a Halakahic position on withholding food as a military tactic.
thelehrhaus.com
October 20, 2025 at 12:51 PM
halachicleft.org
Scenes from an intensely joyful and painful Hoshanah Rabbah...
1/
Tweet @AlonLeeGreen: Einav won! Matan returned! Her struggle won! What an exciting moment we've all been waiting for. Unbelievable. [Photo of released hostage Matan Zangauker embracing his mother Einav] Tweet: @RamAbdu: This grieving man, Hitham Salem — Israel killed all his children and his wife weeks before his release. He made a gift for his daughter, whose birthday is in a few days. Look at the anguish consuming him. [Video still of Hitham Salem, anguished at the news of his family's death] Tweet @JohnLyndon_: Had privilege of spending time with Nimrod's Dad- Yehuda, pictured here- while in NY at UNGA & in meeting with @EmmanuelMacron. Where he not only advocated for Nimrod's release, but for Palestinian rights, statehood & lasting I/P peace. I hope I'm half the Dad/human being he is. Quoted tweet: @LucBernard: Nimrod is back 😭 [photo of released Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen with his family, sitting together and smiling] Tweet @HowidyHamza: It's worth noting that hundreds of Gazans have been arrested by Israeli forces since October 7 under what’s called the “unlawful combatant” law, a legal framework that allows indefinite detention without charge or trial. Most of them are civilians taken from evacuation zones, hospitals, or shelters, with no evidence presented against them. Quoted tweet: @gazanotice "BREAKING: Freed Palestinian abductee embraces his son in an emotional reunion in Khan Younis Southern Gaza Strip, following his release as part of the exchange deal." [Video of a crowd of people welcoming a Palestinian released from Israeli custody, with different people embracing him as he walks through the crowd]
October 13, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Reposted by Halachic Left
eladn.bsky.social
Seeing such familiar names now being released seems utterly surreal. Just an incredible moment
Kaitlan Collins @kaitlancollins • 6m Omri Miran was one of the seven living hostages just handed over to the Red Cross. Kaitlan Collins Y @kaitlancolli... •11h I first spoke with Moshe Lavi in November 2023, one month after his brother-in-law was kidnapped by Hamas. He told me then how his sister would take their daughters out to look at the stars at night and wish goodnight to dad - something she continued for two years. Omri Miran H Haaretz 18 minutes ago Father of hostage Guy Gilboa Dalal: Guy handed over to Red Cross, will be handed over to IDF in 15 minutes Ilan Dalal, father of Israeli hostage Guy Gilboa Dalal, said that his son "was handed over to the Red Cross, and in fifteen minutes he is expected to be handed over to the IDF, and then he will arrive here." He added, "This is a dream come true, we are euphoric, very excited and dying to hug him."
October 13, 2025 at 5:50 AM
Reposted by Halachic Left
rimaanabtawi.bsky.social
Lishay’s last post before putting the girls to bed:

“For two years now, every night we go out under the moon and say, "Good night, Daddy Omri," hoping he hears, hoping he feels.
Today, for the last time.

Tomorrow, Roni and Alma will say it to Daddy himself 🎗️ “

Credit: Ofir Berman
October 13, 2025 at 6:06 AM
halachicleft.org
ברוך מתיר אסורים!
unxeptable.bsky.social unxeptable.bsky.social @unxeptable.bsky.social · Oct 13
Einav's first call with Matan after two years
Unbelievable
October 13, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Reposted by Halachic Left
unxeptable.bsky.social
Einav's first call with Matan after two years
Unbelievable
October 13, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Reposted by Halachic Left
nytimes.com
Breaking News: Israel said the Red Cross had custody of some of the hostages in Gaza who were to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Israel Says First Hostages Have Been Released in Swap: Live Updates
The Israeli military said the Red Cross has custody of seven of the first hostages who are to be released as part of an exchange for Palestinian prisoners. President Trump was scheduled to land in Israel and address Parliament.
nyti.ms
October 13, 2025 at 6:03 AM
halachicleft.org
Came out of Yom Kippur to this terrible news -- our hearts are with the UK Jewish community 💔❤️‍🩹
naamoduk.bsky.social Na'amod @naamoduk.bsky.social · Oct 2
Our hearts are with the victims and their families at this terrible time.
We are heartbroken to emerge from Yom Kippur into news of the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester. No one should face violence for attending synagogue services and our hearts are with the victims and their families at this terrible time. For many in our community, this news may only just be reaching you after a day spent in prayer, reflection, and fasting. To be confronted with such awfulness in this moment is particularly painful: please know that you are not alone. In moments like this, it is vital that our communities - Jewish and non-Jewish alike hold one another close. Our safety and liberation depend on solidarity between all those who are marginalised and targeted, and we must not allow those who seek to divide us to succeed. Every person deserves to live, gather, and worship in safety and dignity. We condemn this act of violence unequivocally, and restate our commitment to building a world where this kind of horror is no longer possible.
October 3, 2025 at 4:57 AM
halachicleft.org
Ahead of Yom Kippur, we're sharing our Suggested Tzedakah page from our Yamim Noraim reader. We encourage you to donate to any of the following initiatives:

Gaza Soup Kitchen: bit.ly/gaza-sk
Umm Al-Kheir: bit.ly/umm-al-kheir
Palestine Children's Relief Fund: bit.ly/pcrf-gaza
Suggested Tzedakah ותשובה ותפילה וצדקה מעבירין את רוע הגזרה "But repentance, prayer, and charity avert the evil decree." We encourage you to donate to the initiatives in both Gaza and the West Bank below: Gaza Soup Kitchen: https://bit.ly/gaza-sk "The initiative began by feeding 150 families a day in April 2024 and quickly grew to serving 3,000 people daily. Operating amidst unimaginable scarcity and risk, our team works tirelessly to prepare and serve hot, nourishing meals. We are not an outside aid group; we are the people of Gaza, serving our own community. Currently, across 10 active kitchen sites, the team prepares simple vegetarian meals-like rice, pasta, and khubeza (a wild foraged green) — often with severely limited supplies." Palestine Children's Relief Fund: https://bit.ly/pcrf-gaza "Gaza is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis — families are struggling to survive amid destruction, severe shortages of medical care, food, and clean water, and a collapsed healthcare system. PCRF is on the ground, providing urgent medical aid, food, and life-saving treatment to those in desperate need, including orphans and amputees. We are also deploying international medical teams, evacuating injured children for specialized care, and rebuilding healthcare facilities to restore critical services. "Your support brings hope, healing, and a path to recovery for Gaza’s most vulnerable." Umm Al Kheir: https://bit.ly/umm-al-kheir "This fundraiser is to support the community of Umm Al Khair, those most impacted by the devastating loss and brutal murder of community and human rights activist Awdah Hathaleen, and to continue projects and dreams that he had for his community. Awdah was dear friend of so many all over the world, a loving husband and father of three children...Please join us in supporting the community and his family... All funds raised will be distributed in the community in coordination with his family and the village council."
October 1, 2025 at 2:27 PM
halachicleft.org
You can now download a half-page version of the pdf to print yourself a folded booklet.

Duplex (two-sided) printers: drive.google.com/file/d/1kfHN...
Non-duplex printers: drive.google.com/file/d/146Ot...
halachicleft.org Halachic Left @halachicleft.org · Sep 21
✨ "Ya'aleh Zikhroneinu," our essay collection for the High Holidays, is now live!
Download and print it out to read over the chagim here: bit.ly/hl-reader-5786 ✨
יעלה זכרוננו Essays for the Yamim Noraim Published by Halachic Left, 5786/2025 Contributors: Rana Bickel • Jonathan Boyarin • Rabbi Caleb Brommer • Rabbi Vincent Calabrese • Rabbi Aryeh Cohen • Rabbi William Friedman • Avi Garelick • Rabbi Avigayil Halpern • Lexi Kohanski • Raphael Magarik • Zev Mishell • Ya’aqov Shenkin • Laynie Soloman • Rabbi Leead Staller • Rabbi Lauren Tuchman Edited by Rabbi Lexie Botzum, Max Buchdahl, Caroline Morganti, Eliana Padwa, and Noam Weinreich [Cover image: a watercolor background of clouds in the sky near either sunset or sunrise]
September 26, 2025 at 4:42 AM
Reposted by Halachic Left
halachicleft.org
✨ "Ya'aleh Zikhroneinu," our essay collection for the High Holidays, is now live!
Download and print it out to read over the chagim here: bit.ly/hl-reader-5786 ✨
יעלה זכרוננו Essays for the Yamim Noraim Published by Halachic Left, 5786/2025 Contributors: Rana Bickel • Jonathan Boyarin • Rabbi Caleb Brommer • Rabbi Vincent Calabrese • Rabbi Aryeh Cohen • Rabbi William Friedman • Avi Garelick • Rabbi Avigayil Halpern • Lexi Kohanski • Raphael Magarik • Zev Mishell • Ya’aqov Shenkin • Laynie Soloman • Rabbi Leead Staller • Rabbi Lauren Tuchman Edited by Rabbi Lexie Botzum, Max Buchdahl, Caroline Morganti, Eliana Padwa, and Noam Weinreich [Cover image: a watercolor background of clouds in the sky near either sunset or sunrise]
September 21, 2025 at 4:35 AM
halachicleft.org
✨ "Ya'aleh Zikhroneinu," our essay collection for the High Holidays, is now live!
Download and print it out to read over the chagim here: bit.ly/hl-reader-5786 ✨
יעלה זכרוננו Essays for the Yamim Noraim Published by Halachic Left, 5786/2025 Contributors: Rana Bickel • Jonathan Boyarin • Rabbi Caleb Brommer • Rabbi Vincent Calabrese • Rabbi Aryeh Cohen • Rabbi William Friedman • Avi Garelick • Rabbi Avigayil Halpern • Lexi Kohanski • Raphael Magarik • Zev Mishell • Ya’aqov Shenkin • Laynie Soloman • Rabbi Leead Staller • Rabbi Lauren Tuchman Edited by Rabbi Lexie Botzum, Max Buchdahl, Caroline Morganti, Eliana Padwa, and Noam Weinreich [Cover image: a watercolor background of clouds in the sky near either sunset or sunrise]
September 21, 2025 at 4:35 AM
Reposted by Halachic Left
peterbeinart.bsky.social
@khalilsayegh.bsky.social 's father died from lack of medical attention in December 2023 while taking shelter in a church in Gaza. If he can still retain his humanity--and insist upon the incalculable preciousness of all life--so can we
September 9, 2025 at 4:13 AM
halachicleft.org
‼️ When the author of the book shows up to the Halachic Left Book Club meeting...!

Thank you to Prof. Avi Shlaim for his surprise appearance at our Zoom discussion of his book "Three Worlds: Memoirs of an Arab-Jew," and for graciously answering all of our questions!
HL's Aaron and Prof. Avi Shlaim on the Zoom meeting for the Halachic Left book club
September 9, 2025 at 12:41 AM
halachicleft.org
"Yes, you don’t trust Hamas, but Israel doesn’t allow reporters in...Every bit of information that I’ve been able to ascertain, and I read different things, and I listen to reports from doctors, is that it’s a [humanitarian] crisis [in Gaza]." - R' Yosef Blau
www.jta.org/2025/08/28/i...
Yosef Blau, author of an Orthodox rabbis’ letter calling out Israel, responds to his critics - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The longtime student adviser at Yeshiva University says Israel, and Orthodoxy, are strengthened by dissenting voices.
www.jta.org
August 29, 2025 at 5:11 PM
halachicleft.org
Didn't get to make our Tisha B'Av zoom programming last week? Watch Rabbi Leead Staller's shiur "Why Do We Fast on Tisha B'Av?" here!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtK0...
"Why Do We Fast On Tisha B'Av?" shiur with Rabbi Leead Staller
YouTube video by Halachic Left
www.youtube.com
August 10, 2025 at 5:20 PM
halachicleft.org
Gazan Palestinian @motazazaiza.bsky.social: “my grandmother is starving in Gaza… my neighbor was killed by a sniper when trying to get flour.”
#JewsSayNoMore
Motaz Azaiza speaks at the "Jews Say No More" rally in Columbus Circle, NYC
August 5, 2025 at 2:47 AM
halachicleft.org
“We are called on to stop this chillul Hashem! We are called on to say ‘Eicha!’” — @bradlander.bsky.social

#JewsSayNoMore
Brad Lander speaking at the "Jews Say No More" rally in New York City
August 5, 2025 at 2:45 AM
halachicleft.org
Thank you to everyone who joined our Tisha B'Av Zoom programming!
Special thank you to Dr. Rivka Press Schwartz @rps.bsky.social and Rabbi Leead Staller for teaching!
Dr. Rivka Press Schwartz, wearing glasses with light green frames and a black, white, and light green tichel, gives a shiur over Zoom Rabbi Leead Staller, with dark hair, a beard, and glasses and wearing a navy shirt with white polka dots, gives a shiur over Zoom
August 4, 2025 at 3:33 PM