Jay Michaelson
On Airport Security, America Should Take a Lesson from Israel
First step, take a deep breath. Next step, look to the Jewish state’s version of the TSA to see a study in contrast.
Why Is the Left Silent About Gaza Tunnels?
You could hear a pin drop in much of the progressive world when another Hamas tunnel was recently discovered. This silence is a moral and political mistake, Jay Michaelson writes.
How To Listen to Beyonce When You’re a White American Jew
Jay Michaelson has struggled with the question of how to relate to African-American cultural artifacts without exploiting, exoticizing or appropriating them.
A Jewish Tribute to Prince, Holy Unifier of Spirit and Sex
Prince spent decades trying to unite spirituality and sexuality, ethics and eros, in his music.
I’m Seeking Freedom From the Organized Jewish Community This Passover
Refusing to let his Seders be embittered, Jay Michaelson finds himself with an unusual wish as we approach the season of liberation.
Why This Is An Off Year for New Haggadot — and That’s Not a Bad Thing
Jay Michaelson surveys this year’s so-so selection of new Haggadot. And he explains why it might just be a good thing to have a less-than-bumper crop of Passover literature.
Does Donald Trump Respect Women More Than Pro-Lifers Do?
Donald Trump’s comments about abortion cast a harsh spotlight on the pro-life movement’s aim to ‘protect’ women from making their own choices. Jay Michaelson writes that Judaism also once promoted such misogyny — but has thankfully moved on.
In Response to North Carolina’s Law, a Jewish Case for Intersectionality
The right already embraces intersectionality. But the left has often been fragmented. Jay Michaelson explains why, when North Carolina harms LGBT people, it’s everyone’s problem.
Trump Is Not Hitler and He’s Not Haman — He’s Ahasuerus
Many Jews may see Donald Trump as Haman, the genocidal villain of the Purim story. That’s not quite right: He’s a different kind of danger — and a different character, Jay Michaelson writes.
Meet the Evangelical Christians Behind Ted Cruz — They’re Super Jewy
Should Jews feel flattered or creeped out by evangelical Christians like the Assembly of Yahweh? They blow the shofar, observe Passover — and support right-wing Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz.
