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The Cholent is Seattle's Jewish newsletter, exploring local and global Jewish issues, anti-Semitism, cultural revival, religious freedom, and intercommunity relationships. It addresses contemporary challenges facing the Jewish community, highlights the importance of historical perspectives, and celebrates cultural expressions like music and partnerships.

Jewish Community Issues Anti-Semitism Cultural Revival Intercommunity Relationships Religious Freedom Education and Advocacy

The hottest Substack posts of The Cholent

And their main takeaways

Seattle, We Have a Problem

98 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Legal Lobbying Activism Media
  1. BLM at School in Seattle has embraced anti-Israel ideology, causing concern among parents.
  2. King County Bar Association published an article equating pro-Palestinian stance with terrorism, sparking controversy.
  3. Real Change newspaper rejected a Jewish Rabbi's column about anti-Semitism, showcasing a trend of lack of openness in progressive spaces.
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The Closure of Mutual Fish Opens a Window into Jewish and Japanese Friendship

98 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture History Community Diversity Relationships
  1. The closure of Mutual Fish shop symbolizes the end of a long history of Jewish and Japanese friendship in Seattle.
  2. During World War II, there were instances of Jewish families supporting their Japanese neighbors who were sent to internment camps.
  3. The relationships between the Jewish and Japanese communities in the seafood business led to deep connections and acts of kindness that are remembered even today.

A Klezmer Revival in South Seattle?

39 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Music Culture Community Performance History
  1. The Royal Room in South Seattle has become a hub for local bands embracing their Eastern European musical roots, particularly klezmer music.
  2. Klezmer culture in Seattle has experienced a revival with the efforts of musicians like Mark Lutwak and events like Klezmer Starts Here!
  3. Younger generations are showing an increasing interest in klezmer music, embracing it as roots music and connecting to their Jewish heritage.

Shana tova!

39 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality
  1. The message is wishing a sweet new year (Shana tova!)
  2. The post is for paid subscribers and includes wishes for health, happiness, security, and prosperity
  3. The post thanks supporters of The Cholent and is signed by Emily

What's Going on in Israel?

19 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Israel Democracy Protests Activism Government
  1. Israel's democracy is at risk due to potential changes to the judiciary, leading to protests by Israelis locally and globally.
  2. Activism is growing among Israelis in Seattle to defend democracy in Israel and maintain it as a democratic state.
  3. The situation in Israel is drawing a strong response from the Israeli community, while the American Jewish community appears less engaged, possibly due to challenges of standing up against issues in Israel.

What the Founding Fathers Teach Us About Religious Freedom

19 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religious freedom Enlightenment Anti-Semitism
  1. The Founding Fathers of America intentionally enshrined liberty of conscience into their republic, valuing religious freedom for all.
  2. The Enlightenment era influenced the Founders to advocate for religious freedom, countering the Inquisition's religious intolerance.
  3. The United States, as envisioned by the Founding Fathers, offers a model of religious freedom that is unique in history, emphasizing liberty of conscience for all.

Should Jews Stop Sending Their Kids to College?

19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
  1. Higher education is becoming problematic for Jews, leading to bias and discomfort on college campuses.
  2. The overlap between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism is a tactic used historically, and the discussion around it is deemed a waste of time.
  3. Consider alternative education options like community-based learning to avoid the pitfalls of traditional universities.