The issues faced by Jewish Americans in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, and their assessment of the New Left, are no less crucial to us now in 2025, having witnessed the failure of neoliberalism and the rise of right-wing populism.
A Yiddish-to-English translation, and new musical rendition, of the classic Bundist anthem Di Shvue (The Oath).
Project Esther exemplifies the efforts to position Jews in opposition to “the progressive left's obsession with LGBTQ+ and all other minorities” and exposes the right’s attempt to wield Jewishness for its Christian Nationalist ends.
Translator’s Introduction: דורות בונדיסטן [Doyres Bundistn] was edited by the Bundist Jacob Sholem Hertz, who published many books about the history of the General Jewish Labor Bund. These three volumes contain over 500 short biographical entries about rank-and-file Bundists by various authors. The Bundist term for an activist, “tuer”
If Bundists are known in local Jewish communities as radicals hated by the establishment, but respected for their strength and inspiring in their message by a significant part of the general Jewish population, we will be in a fantastic position.
Peter Beinart's new book employs Jewish scripture and tribalism in an attempt to win over Zionists. But can such arguments ever convince the blind?
Resolution 1a. Whereas we have lived long enough in the world of our elders, as laid out in Appendix A, the book of Ungodly Psalms; whereas, moreover, we have grown tired of reading and living the fire and floods, the ruin, wandering, exile, ash and mud, etc.; be it here
April 25, 2023, was a typical spring Tuesday outside the California State Capitol: thermostats across Sacramento climbing well into the eighties by noon, harried staffers’ and lobbyists’ hair and makeup wilting in the heat as they ducked out to grab to-go salads from one of the many nondescript lunch cafés
It is fatal that citizens become de facto exiles in their own country. It is this internal exile that must be reclaimed today, transforming it from a passively suffered condition into a chosen and actively pursued way of life.
You think the enemy is writhing in pangs of death, but those are birth travails
"Zionism has all along been a Siamese twin of anti- Semitism and every kind of nationalist chauvinism."
In the past several months, Bundists around the world have been actively organizing grassroots educational and cultural events as well as solidarity actions in their respective areas.
Poetry
Editor's note: this is the third poem in the series "Ungodly Psalms" by Joe Grim Feinberg. Don't miss the previous parts in this series, "Report from the Cowardly Scouts on the Condition of the Land" and "Ten Insubordinations." Our god
Personal Essay
A case for rebuilding the International Jewish Labor Bund in 2025 -- beyond admiration for its historical legacy.
Poetry
This is the second part in a series of poems by Joe Grim Feinberg titled "Ungodly Psalms." Click here for the first part in the series. Lord General! The land up there is fine but deadly. Its valleys may be moist and soft and sweet. Milk indeed flows
News
The Cafe Bund library is seeking contributions of books, pamphlets, zines, and periodicals.
Poetry
The Tanakh is a patchwork of many texts. Why not add another?
News
The first update from the International Jewish Labor Bund's Provisional Steering Committee laying.
History
Contrary to popular belief, the Bund was not only active within the borders of European Yiddishland. Whether in Melbourne, Buenos Aires or London, the history of ‘diaspora Bundists’ can teach us about the successes and shortcomings of the movement and its continued relevance and necessity today.
Personal Essay
This is a reprint of the introduction to a longer series, called "The Soviet Jew," currently being published on Yasha Levine's Substack, "Weaponized Immigrant." We encourage you to continue reading and support Yasha's work. Intro It was the morning of November 9,
Interview
Director Sarah Ema Friedland discusses imagining a future of collective liberation in Palestine through speculative fiction.
Personal Essay
When Hashem, the Name, the Life of the Worlds, cries out to us: "Ayeka (where are you)?" We respond with: "Hineni (I am here)!" I am here to hold the line.
Personal Essay
“So my parents met in a hippie cult in the 70s. I’m only half Jewish. I’m not sure I should be here.” I say it with such dryness that you might be tricked into thinking I’m completely normal. The rabbi corrects me and says that I am
Music
Yiddish techno “Kleztronica” pioneer Chaia samples Yiddish song to recreate her grandmother’s childhood in new single “Borough Park.”