The 24 Most Talked About Essays of 2024
These were the most compelling, provocative, and widely discussed essays that shaped Jewish thought and conversation on our platform this year.
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In a year that felt more like a decade, the Jewish world — and the world at large — found itself navigating unprecedented challenges, deep reflections, and moments of powerful rediscovery.
From personal stories of resilience to bold commentaries on Israel, diaspora life, and the evolving dynamics of identity, 2024 has given us essays that don’t just inform, but spark conversation at Shabbat tables and beyond.
This list isn’t about agreement; it’s about engagement. These essays were shared widely, debated fiercely, and in some cases, became catalysts for action. Whether you’ve read them all or are just catching up, each piece represents a pulse point in our collective journey this year.
Let’s dive into the voices that shaped the discourse in 2024:
Thank you for posting this. I discovered this site just a few months ago and it is awesome and I read everything that comes into my inbox. Having this list helps me decide what to read that I missed before joining.
Josh -
As an early subscriber, I still remember the days of listening to your podcasts interviewing a wide spectrum of Jewish (thought) leaders. I then paid for a subscription to your nascent Negev app. As someone who aptly read the tea leaves and quickly pivoted to respond to new market demands and challenges post October 7th, I have sincerely appreciated all the insightful pieces—both opinion and factual—you have published for your growing audience. I also love how you’ve promoted four local writers from my hometown of Vancouver, Canada. It’s amazing to see voices from such a small Jewish community get amplified. My wish for 2025 is more paying subscribers for this vital Substack! Thank you for validating and educating your loyal readership.