How do you keep up with the news of the Jewish world?
Sometimes it can seem as if “the Jewish world” consists of my own little Jewish community plus whatever is in the news about Israel. In the summer of 2014, if you believed the television, the only things going on anywhere were war in Gaza and a terrifying rise in anti-Semitism in Europe.
Granted, it was not a happy summer for Jews, but if you were tuned in to Jewish news sources, you (1) had a more complete picture of the bad things and (2) knew what other things were happening with Jews globally.
My favorite Jewish news source is JTA.org. The long form of its name will give you a clue how long it has been serving the community: Jewish Telegraphic Agency. One of the things I love about the JTA is the depth of its archive: they will give you the current story, then background on the issue. For instance, today there is an article about the history of tension around the Temple Mount. Less savvy news services might give you the idea that trouble at the Temple Mount is a current development, but the JTA article gives you the background. Sometimes stories read a little differently when you know the history.
You can sign up for daily news from the service. Sometimes I only have time to skim that email, but it gives me the headlines for the Jewish world.
I know that JTA.org is not the only source for Jewish news: do you have a favorite? Tell us about it in the comments!
I like the Times of Israel. I find it has up-to-the minute breaking news, interesting blogs and general interest stories. The format is easy to read. The Jerusalem Post is good, but a distant second.
Thanks, Sue! I like Times of Israel too. Jerusalem Post is also good for Israeli news.
I read Haaretz but since it is behind a paywall I don’t bring it up as a choice for beginners.