Jewish Week

Jewish Week
Title	Jewish Week
Type	Weekly newspaper
Format	Print and online
Owner	Schneps Media
Founder	Jay H. Harris
Founded	1975
Language	English
Headquarters	New York City

Jewish Week

The Jewish Week is a New York–based weekly newspaper and digital publication focused on Jewish life, culture, institutions, and politics in the United States and internationally. It covers local news in the New York metropolitan area, national developments involving major organizations such as American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, and Jewish Federations of North America, and international affairs including reporting on Israel, Palestine, United Nations, and diaspora communities. The publication serves as a platform for reporting by staff journalists and commentary from figures associated with Council on Foreign Relations, Columbia University, Yeshiva University, and other academic, religious, and civic institutions.

Overview

The newspaper provides news, opinion, arts, and community reporting with emphasis on issues affecting Jewish populations in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond. Coverage spans municipal developments intersecting with Jewish institutions such as The Jewish Theological Seminary, Hebrew Union College, and Reconstructionist Rabbinical College; cultural coverage of venues like Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and festivals including Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade when relevant; and analysis of geopolitical events involving actors like Prime Minister of Israel, Knesset, United States Congress, and diplomatic entities including United States Department of State. The publication maintains an online presence alongside print distribution and is part of a media group that includes outlets covering metropolitan news and ethnic press.

History

Founded in 1975 by journalist Jay H. Harris and community leaders, the paper emerged during a period of consolidation and activism within American Jewish institutions following events such as the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War and shifts in American politics under Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. Early editorial focus included local community organizing around synagogues like Congregation Shearith Israel and advocacy groups such as B'nai B'rith and American Jewish Committee. Over the decades the publication chronicled major episodes including the Eichmann trial legacy discussions, responses to terrorism after September 11 attacks, and policy debates over Camp David Accords-era diplomacy. Ownership and format evolved, with acquisition phases involving regional media groups and eventual integration into a larger publishing family alongside outlets with metro and ethnic focus.

Editorial Content and Coverage

Reporting includes investigative pieces on municipal zoning disputes affecting institutions such as Yeshiva University facilities and school expansions tied to networks like Chabad Lubavitch; coverage of legal matters in courts such as United States District Court for the Southern District of New York; and profiles of leaders from organizations such as Anti-Defamation League, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and philanthropists connected to Jim Joseph Foundation and other funders. Cultural pages review performances at venues like Brooklyn Academy of Music, exhibitions at Jewish Museum (Manhattan), and books from publishers including Schocken Books and Random House by authors affiliated with Harvard University and Yale University. Opinion pages have featured columnists from think tanks like Brookings Institution and conferences such as AIPAC-adjacent forums.

Distribution and Readership

The print edition circulated primarily in the New York metropolitan area, with mailed subscriptions and street distribution in neighborhoods such as Upper West Side, Brooklyn Heights, and Great Neck. Digital readership extends nationally and internationally, attracting audiences in cities with large Jewish populations including Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Toronto. The publication targets community leaders, clergy from institutions like Union for Reform Judaism and Orthodox Union, educators at schools connected to Yeshiva University High School for Boys, and professionals involved with institutions such as Mount Sinai Hospital (New York City). Advertising historically came from local businesses, cultural institutions, and national organizations staging campaigns through outlets like Times Square advertising.

Staff and Contributors

Over the years the masthead has included reporters and editors with backgrounds at outlets such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and wire services like Associated Press. Contributors have ranged from clergy and academics at Jewish Theological Seminary of America and Princeton University to commentators affiliated with Zionist Organization of America and liberal groups like J Street. Regular columnists and guest writers have included playwrights, scholars, and former diplomats who have held posts at United States Embassy (Israel) or participated in delegations to forums such as United Nations General Assembly. Freelance arts critics and culture writers often come from conservatories and institutions like Juilliard School.

Controversies and Criticism

The publication has faced disputes over editorial decisions, balancing perspectives on Israeli policies involving administrations from leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and critiques from progressive groups including IfNotNow. Coverage of internal community controversies—such as allegations involving institutions like certain day schools or community leaders—has provoked complaints and legal threats pursued in venues like New York State Supreme Court. Debates have arisen over letters and op-eds endorsing positions linked to advocacy organizations including AIPAC and Jewish Voice for Peace, prompting discussions about editorial standards, fact-checking, and community representation. Changes in ownership and staff layoffs have also generated criticism from media watchdogs and press freedom advocates.

Awards and Recognition

Journalists associated with the paper have received awards from regional press organizations and professional bodies such as the New York Press Association and journalism foundations honoring coverage of ethnic communities. Reporting on civil rights issues and antisemitism has been cited by academic centers at Columbia University and nonprofit monitors like Center for the Study of Anti-Semitism in lectures and symposiums. Cultural reporting has been referenced in programs at institutions including Lincoln Center Education and museum retrospectives, and individual writers have advanced to positions at national outlets including NPR and ProPublica.

Category:Newspapers published in New York City