Jewish Content Week (April 18 — May 2)

#EAJConline introduces a new section: "Jewish Content Week." We compile the most compelling materials from the Jewish internet in one place.

Determining Jewish identity through the Torah versus DNA testing, combating stereotypes, a synagogue designed in the shape of a book, the eight-year blockade of the Suez Canal, Roman and Soviet tyrants—this and more in our latest review of Jewish content.

In honor of International DNA Day, YAHAD spoke with Rabbi Israel Berenbaum regarding whether Jewish identity can be proven via DNA testing, whether such results are recognized by the State of Israel, and if it is possible to determine affiliation with one of the Twelve Tribes.

As part of the review of the weekly Torah portion Emor, Rabbi Yosef Khersonsky of the Jewish Point community explained the biblical event in which matrilineal descent is first mentioned and how it relates to the concept of "one of us, yet an outsider."

lechaim.ru reviewed all the procurators of Judea, examining why the Roman governorship system, which lasted for over a century, failed to bring peace to the people of Israel and instead hastened centuries of exile.

In an interview with jewishmagazine.ru, Nati Kantorovich discussed whether the personal attitudes of Soviet leaders toward Jews influenced policy regarding Israel, and how the newly established State of Israel sought to advocate for the rights of Soviet Jews without causing them harm.

An article has been published on jewish.ru regarding the 14 ships stranded in the Suez Canal for eight years following the Six-Day War. Author Mikhail Blokov details the football matches and Olympic Games held on deck, the custom stamps of the "Great Bitter Lake Association," and the volume of alcohol consumed by the sailors during their two-year confinement.

The Telegram channel "Fifth Point" published a letter from a Soviet serviceman to Golda Meir, which subsequently caused diplomatic complications between the Israeli Ambassador to the USSR and the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Yahad released a "dictionary of respectful communication," offering alternative phrasing addressing the most common myths and stereotypes surrounding Jewish people.

The "Jewish Channel" reported on a new synagogue constructed in the shape of a book—a project by architect Manuel Herz in Babyn Yar.

The ANU Museum of the Jewish People, in collaboration with guide Boris Brestovitsky, conducted an online tour of the historical museum exhibition "Jewish Humor."

The KEDEM Jewish Cultural Center released informational cards answering the most frequent questions about Lag BaOmer, while the World Jewish Congress group features a video presenting key facts about the holiday by the EAJC. Chag Sameach!