That Jewish News Show

Talking the Supreme Court's blockbuster church-state case with law professor Michael A. Helfand

Episode Summary

On the May 11 episode of “That Jewish News Show,” Laura E. Adkins and Benyamin Cohen of the Forward discuss the indictment of George Santos, the death of 25 year-old Herschel Siegel, and a Supreme Court case that could make it easier for Jewish Americans — and other Sabbath-observers — to receive religious accommodations from their employers. The hosts were joined by Michael A. Helfand, an expert in religious law and liberty, to discuss Groff v. DeJoy. We want to hear from you! Leave a review below and email thatjewishnewsshow@forward.com with your questions and comments. You can also text or call us at (201) 228-0412.

Episode Notes

0:00 Introduction

0:40 The indictment of Rep. George Santos

2:55 The Orthodox community confronts a young suicide  

9:30 Interview with Michael Helfand

25:45 - 29:00 Recommendations and closing 

On the May 11 episode of “That Jewish News Show,” Laura E. Adkins and Benyamin Cohen of the Forward discuss the indictment of George Santos, the death of 25 year-old Herschel Siegel, and a Supreme Court case that could make it easier for Jewish Americans — and other Sabbath-observers — to receive religious accommodations from their employers. The hosts were joined by Michael A. Helfand, an expert in religious law and liberty, to discuss Groff v. DeJoy

We want to hear from you! Leave a review below and email thatjewishnewsshow@forward.com with your questions and comments. You can also text or call us at (201) 228-0412.

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Referenced articles, books and music:

George Santos’ Indictment:

Congressman-elect George Santos lied about grandparents fleeing anti-Jewish persecution during WWII” by Andrew Silverstein in the Forward

The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos” by Mark Chiusano

“‘He needs to go’: Long Island Jews react to George Santos’ indictment” by Jacob Kornbluh in the Forward

The Death of Herschel Siegel: 

"A young gay Orthodox man died by suicide. We must confront how Jewish teachings harmed him” by Mordechai Levovitz in the Forward

Letter: “Herschel Siegel was embraced by our Atlanta Orthodox community” by Jennifer Marks in the Forward

Letter: “I knew Herschel Siegel for his entire life. Don’t exploit his death for an agenda” by David Schoen in the Forward

Yeshiva University is left in mourning after a beloved gay alum dies by suicide” by Jacob Henry in the New York Jewish Week

My friend Herschel Siegel died by suicide. Politicizing his death doesn’t help gay Jews” by Simon Italiaander in the Forward

NY appeals court agrees Yeshiva University must recognize LGBTQ club” by Louis Keene in the Forward

Interview with Michael Helfand on Groff v. DeJoy:

A new case before the Supreme Court could make Shabbat observance easier” by Michael A. Helfand in the Forward

Must your employer accommodate your Shabbat observance? That’s up to the Supreme Court” by Michael A. Helfand in the Forward

AFL-CIO amicus brief in Groff v. DeJoy

Recommendations: 

Laura: The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” and the sneak peek in Vogue

Benyamin: A new song, “The World to Come,” by Zusha

“That Jewish News Show” is a thoughtful look at the week in Jewish news from journalists at the Forward, which has been driving the American Jewish conversation since 1897. In each episode, hosts Laura E. Adkins, the opinion editor, and Benyamin Cohen, the news director, bring you beyond the headlines and interview the newsmakers behind those stories.