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The Korach rebellion: Power versus influence

The Korach rebellion was an unholy alliance of individuals and groups united by their grievances with Moses’ leadership. •There was Korach himself, a member of the tribe of Levi, angry … more

By Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks z"tl | 6/17/26

Here is one word we can’t do without: Boker

I was pounding on the keys angrily as I composed an email to my 12th grade teacher. It was clear to me that there was a double standard. Both another student and I had handed in the same answer to a … more

By Rabbi Benny Berlin, Jewish Star columnist, BACH Long Beach | 6/17/26

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on June 15.

Deal leaves Israel to face old dangers alone

Israel is now trying to find a new balance in the uncomfortable world into which President Donald Trump has pushed it — a world that Vice President JD Vance described … more

By Fiamma Nirenstein | 6/17/26

Melinda Strauss prepares “Nora’s Broccoli” with her daughter Nora.

New cookbook showcases Jewish traditions

Every week, thousands of viewers watch Melinda Strauss prepare Shabbos meals in her kitchen — sharing kosher recipes … more

By Nechama Bluth, The Jewish Star | 6/17/26

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers remarks at the Bronx Economic Development Summit, June 4, 2026.

Paper-hunting journalist sues over Mamdani stall

A veteran investigative reporter and one of New York City’s best-known lawyers are taking Mayor Zohran Mamdani to court, accusing his administration of dragging its feet on requests for records … more

By The Jewish Star, from JNS and other sources | 6/17/26

From left, outside the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale on Sunday night: City Councilman Eric Dinowitz, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Rep. Ritchie Torres. The senior Dinowitz and Torres are both on the ballot in next Tuesday’s Democratic primary.

The toast of Riverdale

Three Riverdale electeds cheered the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale (affectionately known as The Bayit) at its 50th annual dinner on Sunday night. They’re pictured outside the Modern Orthodox shul on … more

6/17/26

A bride prays at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Summer weddings and Jerusalem’s centrality

The HuffPost website recently featured a young Jewish writer explaining what she wanted for her wedding: “I want Jewish traditions … more

By Moshe Phillips | 6/17/26

Rep. Dan Goldman, facing a primary challenge in his Brooklyn-Lower Manhattan district next Tuesday from antizionist Brad Lander, at a campaign event in Manhattan on Jan. 6.

Goldman won’t join Lander in ‘genocide’ charge

Rep. Dan Goldman drew on the recent New York Knicks NBA finals win in his opening statement during his second televised debate with former city comptroller Brad Lander, who is running to unseat him … more

By Debra Nussbaum Cohen, JNS | 6/17/26

Mayor Zohran Mamdani briefs the media about security for the Israel Day Parade alongside Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, on May 28.

‘Staggering rise’ in anti-Jewish hate in NYC

The New York City Police Department said that anti-Jewish hate crimes were up 70.8% in the city last month compared to May 2025. If it compared statistics from the months in a broader way, the … more

By Menachem Wecker, JNS | 6/17/26

Queen Esther pleads her people’s case before King Achaschveiros.

An Esther message to US Jews: ‘Do not imagine you will escape’

When word reached Esther that her people stood condemned, she hesitated. She was, after all, inside the palace. She had proximity to power, status, access, and the illusion of insulation. Mordechai … more

By Steven Abraham, Beth El, Omaha | 6/17/26