In today’s digital landscape, where anyone can publish with the touch of a keystroke, standing out poses a significant challenge. However, a new digital publication called “Jewdicious” is confident that its 18 Jewish columnists can carve out a distinctive online niche. Its founder, author and journalist Michael Golden, says the team offers fresh perspectives through thoughtful discourse and insightful reflection — all with a unique hook.
“Jewdicious is a ‘Tribe of Scribes’ opining on life’s complexities — but through a Jewish lens. While we write about an incredibly wide range of topics, all of our expression is inspired by the concept of tikkun olam: Doing our part to repair the world.”
In the beginning…
In the summer of 2023, Golden and his Israeli co-author, Joanna Landau, were in Chicago promoting their new book, “Ethical Tribing: Connecting the Next Generation to Israel in the Digital Era.” The conversations Golden was having with folks interested in the book is what sparked the Jewdicious concept.
“I imagined putting together an international team of veteran Jewish opinion writers. Everyone could write about anything they wanted — but what our collective voice would have in common is our Jewish background. There is just no question that growing up Jewish in this world colors the ways in which we perceive it. This is one reason why there have been so many uniquely important Jewish voices since the very beginning. Our people have never been able to afford being silent or passive.”
Golden soon assembled a mosaic of diverse Jewish voices from North America and Israel. This unique blend of perspectives gives the publication its sense of individualism.
“Our mission is simple. We want to write pieces to spark our readers’ minds, touch their hearts or both. And if we get lucky, perhaps our words will make people think anew about an issue, and maybe see a different side of it. Or inspire them to take action on a position that they already agree with,” said Golden.
Golden says members of the “Tribe Scribe” write for the “love of the game.” The writers see Jewdicious as a new kind of opportunity to make a contribution to something much bigger than themselves.
“We’re all doing our own thing in our careers day-to-day, so this is a way for us to come together and bring our varied professional experiences to bear on the questions and challenges facing our world. Both the Jewish world and the world world,” said Golden.
The scribe tribe
Golden is already seeing an evolution in the topics his scribes have been focusing on. He also says that’s the fun part. He loves seeing this diversity reflected through the eclectic nature of Jewdicious content.
Among the notable contributors is Dr. Michael S. Lewis, whose accolades as an orthopedic surgeon are matched only by his experiences on the sidelines of professional sports, including the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox, where he learned profound lessons in humility.
The roster continues with Allison Task, a bestselling author and life coach, and Barry Kluger, a corporate communications executive and columnist. From the worlds of academia, entrepreneurship and entertainment, contributors include Golden’s co-author, Joanna Landau, Laurie Shelton, Andrew Rashkow and Ross Marks.
How to read Jewdicious?
Jewdicious is created and published on the Substack subscription platform and is free to all readers who sign up by the end of 2024. Articles are published 2-3 times per week and subscribers are notified via email. Readers are encouraged to share the platform with friends and family.
“And if the urge strikes you to submit your own commentary, never hesitate to reach out!” said Golden.
Try out these articles from Jewdicious
- Is Adam Sandler Good for the Jews?
- Revisionist History: Owning Mine
- Finding My Judaism: An Oasis of Support
- America! (in one sentence)
