Jeffrey Salkin
Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin is an activist for Jewish ideas. A columnist, popular lecturer, and thought leader in the American rabbinate, he is the author of numerous books on Jewish spirituality and ethics. His new book on the future of liberal Judaism in America will be published in early 2024. His accompanying podcast, Martini Judaism, is available on Google, Apple and other sites.
All Stories by Jeffrey Salkin
That SuperJew poster from the 1960s
By Jeffrey Salkin — January 23, 2024
(RNS) — A memory of a poster from the 1960s made me think, deeply, about Israel.
Converts are Jewish. Period.
By Jeffrey Salkin — January 18, 2024
We are experiencing the greatest surge in antisemitism in recent memory. And, still, people want to become Jewish.
The Jews stand accused: From deicide to genocide
By Jeffrey Salkin — January 16, 2024
(RNS) — The accusation is genocide. But its roots are ancient. And ugly.
Are American Jews in crisis? A conversation with Professor Jonathan Sarna
By Jeffrey Salkin — January 11, 2024
American Jewish weather report: increased chill in the air. A conversation with historian Professor Jonathan Sarna.
Why I am obsessed with an ancient story about giant frogs
By Jeffrey Salkin — January 9, 2024
(RNS) — Yes, they are a metaphor for the challenges of our time.
Welcome to the ‘tribe,’ Alanis Morissette
By Jeffrey Salkin — January 5, 2024
(RNS) — Now that the singer is publicly Jewish, I have a job for her.
The world must confront the sexual violence of Oct. 7
By Jeffrey Salkin — January 3, 2024
(RNS) — The essay I wrote with shaking hands. I did not want to do it. I had to do it.
Why Israel matters: A conversation about the National Library of Israel with Rachel Ukeles
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 28, 2023
When people tell me that they are ‘culturally Jewish,’ I can now say: ‘Welcome to your culture.’
Why I miss Tommy Smothers
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 28, 2023
(RNS) — The Smothers Brothers were funny. More than that: They were profoundly human and kind.
The spiritual lessons of ‘The Crown’
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 26, 2023
(RNS) — The history isn’t always right but ‘The Crown’ is always a good family story. And there are lessons for the soul in the telling.
We must confront radical evil
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 21, 2023
(RNS) — Is Hamas a form of mythic, cosmic evil? Think about it.
The secret ritual for the end of Hanukkah
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 18, 2023
(RNS) — Time to scrape the wax off the menorah. Yes, this is a metaphor.
My conversation with a Palestinian-American
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 15, 2023
(RNS) — She was a hotel manager. By the time our conversation was over, we had learned that peace happens piece by piece.
Rabbi David Ellenson was one in a generation
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 13, 2023
(RNS) — David Ellenson’s heart was as large as his mind. That is saying a lot.
There is no ‘context’ for Jew hatred
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 11, 2023
(RNS) — The testimony from those college presidents reveals a deep crisis in American education. It is far deeper than merely antisemitism.
