Introducing Ki Tov Tuesday

Because we really need a break from all that doom and gloom

Dear Chevralah,

It’s a tough time to be a Jew in the world, and we’ve all been reading more than our fair share of despair. We need to lighten things up a little, and as such, we’re introducing Ki Tov Tuesdays.

What is Ki Tov?

In the book of Genesis [Bereishis/Bereishit 1:9-13], it says that when God created the world, he sealed in each day with the proclamation Ki Tov (כי טוב) It was good/It is good/For it is good.

It was less about self praise and more about celebrating this positive development, or cementing a positive outlook. Some believe it even adds a divine blessing to every single day. Or maybe it’s about gratitude. However you define it (and as Martha Stewart might say) it’s a good thing. But then something interesting happened, on the third day of creation, God said Ki Tov twice:

Genesis 1:10-13 - The Third Day of Creation

In Genesis 1:10-13 (the third day of creation, which corresponds to Tuesday), the phrase "ki tov" appears twice:

First "Ki Tov" (Verse 10):

"And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering of the waters He called Seas; and God saw that it was good (ki tov)."

Second "Ki Tov" (Verse 12):

"The earth brought forth vegetation: seed-bearing plants of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it; and God saw that it was good (ki tov)."

Because of the double dose of goodness, many Jews believe Tuesday to be a good luck day. Some might start new jobs or close business deals on Tuesdays. Some might plan weddings or move house on the third day of the week. As for us? We’re going to try to share good news on Tuesdays.

Good for the Jews

We invite you to join us in celebrating Jewish achievements, tech, culture and traditions and some positive Jewish headlines for a change.

In no particular order:

Israeli cybersecurity dominance: 11 of 30 most promising global startups

We LOVED this feature in the Times of Israel declaring that 11 Israeli companies have been selected among Notable Capital's Rising in Cyber 2025 list of the 30 most promising global cybersecurity firms. The list, compiled with the New York Stock Exchange and Morgan Stanley, was drawn from 275 firms nominated by top cybersecurity investors. Just another example of the way that Israeli innovation continues to set global standards in cybersecurity.

Art Garfunkel challenged The Sound of Silence heard round the world

Half of Simon & Garfunkel, Art Garfunkel, performed at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv in the first visit by a major international artist to Israel since October 7, 2023. He was there are part of Aviv Geffen’s annual Rock Ball concert. Garfunkel (whose Hebrew first name is Aharon, in case you’re wondering!) was accompanied by his son James Garfunkel. The three sang The Sound of Silence together before Garfunkel made a plea for the hostages to be returned and the war to be over. Amen.

Jewish entertainment for June 2025

With our notable chutzpah, J types will be all over screens and stages this summer. First up, a new Barbara Walters documentary highlighting her chutzpah (what else?) will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 12, 2025, and will be available for streaming on Hulu starting June 23, 2025. Mazal tov to her long-time producer and pal of the Kumzits Jen Joseph. Phil Rosenthal returns to Netflix with Somebody Feed Phil, which promises to be delicious. Guests popping up include Donny Osmond, Brad Garrett, and Ray Romano. Congrats to all around mensch Robin Gorman Newman who nabbed another Tony for co-producing the Buena Vista Social Club. Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein (who we remember seeing as Tevye on Broadway many moons ago), received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

NYC's Great Nosh food festival sold out in four days

The Jewish Food Society sold out all 2,000 tickets to its love letter to New York Jewish food culture within four days. The Great Nosh is a celebration of New York and Jewish food culture. If you’re a lucky ticket holder, you’ll get to witness epic chef collabs" like Katz's Deli with Thai Diner, and Russ & Daughters with Morgenstern's.

The NYT hates us, but seems to love our food

While the New York Times seems determined to never write about Jews favorably for the forseeable future, they do like our food. They highlighted Upper West Side mainstay Barney Greengrass, and S&P Lunch in Flatiron in their 2025 Best 100 Restaurants in New York City list.

Incidentally, we’ll always prefer Schwartz Appetizing over all others!

Cheesecake for days

New York's Jewish community celebrated Shavuot in 2025 with incredible diversity and joy - from flower arranging workshops and cheesecake-making classes to all-night learning festivals. All night learning and sunrise prayers were heard throughout the Jewish world. For the less frum, there were rooftop parties with DJs.

Lots of Jewish films premiering at festivals

June 2025 brought an extraordinary showcase of Jewish cinema to New York, with dozens of Jewish and Israeli movies screening across three major festivals. The Tribeca Festival, Israeli Film Center Festival, and Sephardic Jewish Film Festival featured films ranging from comedies to documentaries, humor to deep drama.

The #hadassah18

Hadassah released its 2025 list of 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know, which included advocates for Israel who proudly speak up for Jewish communities. The list includes Emmy-winning actress Patricia Heaton, who founded the October 7th Coalition, sports journalist Emily Austin with over 3 million followers who documents her Israel advocacy. Also on their list is Anila Ali, a Muslim-American activist and Pizza Girl founder Caroline D'Amore. We hope the list reminds people of the actual definition of Zionism and why having a Jewish homeland continues to matter Read the entire list here.

So, what do you think of adding joy to your week? And do you have any ideas for upcoming Ki Tov Tuesdays? Drop us a comment below, or reply to this email with your insights and ideas!

🎗️Bring Them All Home Now🎗️