Daniel Treiman

For Rep. Moran, Truth Is a Defense

The New Republic’s John B. Judis defends Rep. Jim Moran from charges of antisemitism over remarks he made to Tikkun magazine about Aipac, American Jewry and the Iraq War: Moran has certainly made his share of reckless and ill-founded statements–some of which have been directed at Jews. Four years ago, Moran said that “if it…

In Other Jewish Newspapers: Non-Orthodox M.I.A., ‘Extreme’ Sukkah, ‘Challah Superstar’

FRIENDS OR FOES?: Boston Jews are split on whether or not they should welcome the new Boston Palestine Film Festival, the Jewish advocate reports. Organizers of the festival are reaching out to area Jews. “I think Jews that want Israel to survive and Palestinians that want to be heard have a lot in common,” Salma…

Leo’s Love on Dodging Draft: ‘Celebrities Have Other Needs’

Israeli model and Leonardo DiCaprio girlfriend Bar Refaeli thinks Israel’s not worth all the trouble. She spoke with the Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharanot about skipping army duty and moving to L.A.: In her interview, the Israeli model said she was not against army service, even though she never enlisted, having married an acquaintance to evade…

Yid Vid: Andy Samberg Hearts Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Of course, Andy Samberg is just joking. Others are more serious in their infatuation with Ahmadinejad. For instance, “sallykohn” recently wrote a diary entry on Daily Kos titled “Why I Have A Little Crush on Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.” She wrote: I want to be very clear. There are certainly many things about Ahmadinejad that I abhor…

Crocs Invade Shuls

My friend and former boss Ami Eden has identified the following sea-change in American Jewish life: From secular beachgoers in Tel Aviv to right-wing Orthodox settlers in Hebron, Crocs – the bulbous-toed, open-back, rubber summer shoe – already were ubiquitous in Israel. Now, reports from several synagogues across America suggest, Crocs have surpassed Chuck Taylors,…

Yid Vid: Shake It (Like a Lulav)