How to Be a Jew …. Who is Starting a Print Magazine, with Alana Newhouse

·24 min·2 clips

A dentist in Cleveland told Tablet's editor she must tell him what to think about the Iran deal.

The episode begins with hosts Courtney Hazlitt, Rabbi Diana Fersko, and Josh Cross introducing guest Alana Newhouse, editor-in-chief of Tablet Magazine, to discuss the magazine's new print edition. Newhouse explains that the move to print is driven by a need to establish trust in an era where AI blurs the line between human and machine-generated content. She recounts a pivotal story about a dentist in Cleveland who challenged her to provide clear analysis on complex issues like the Iran deal, which became a guiding principle for Tablet's editorial standards. Newhouse argues that this responsibility extends to the form of delivery, not just the content. The conversation shifts to the Jewish context, with Newhouse explaining that Jews must engage with societal flux both defensively and innovatively, making print a forward-thinking medium. She addresses the shift to a paid model, comparing free online content to alcoholism and emphasizing that investment fosters reader responsibility and better mental nourishment. Newhouse cites neurological studies showing print improves memory retention and comprehension compared to screens. Rabbi Fersko reflects on the religious undertones of the endeavor, linking it to Jewish creativity born from crisis. Newhouse then reveals the magazine's structure: ten sections inspired by the Ten Commandments, including Esoterica, No Other Gods, and sections on family, sex, crime, money, culture, and lifestyle. The hosts express excitement about the magazine, and the episode concludes with personal reflections on the show's journey and plans for the summer break.

As heard by us

Tablet's print revival becomes a sharp Jewish media conversation about attention, value, and what readers choose to invest in.

Tablet's return to print opens into a thoughtful conversation about attention, value, and the role of Jewish media in an online world where information feels endlessly available.

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Want to know why Tablet is putting a magazine back in your hands?

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