With tensions over Israel’s war in Gaza, Roanoke’s Jewish community fights its own war of words

As Israel and Hamas negotiate for peace half a world away, a war of words rages in Roanoke over Jewish safety and Palestinian freedom.

Nov 28 • 

G. Samantha Rosenthal

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Poor David

On David Foster Wallace's Losing Battle with Postmodernity

Nov 21 • 

G. Samantha Rosenthal

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No Phone November

On mobile devices—and living without them

Nov 14 • 

G. Samantha Rosenthal

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October 2025

The Liberal Arts College Death Spiral

Early reflections on the downfall of Roanoke College

Oct 31 • 

G. Samantha Rosenthal

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My Life as a Public Speaker

From piano recitals to keynote addresses, a career 'on stage' that has taken twists and turns

Oct 24 • 

G. Samantha Rosenthal

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On Jewish Journalism

At this inflection point in the history of American Jewish life, we need stories that reveal the complexity and nuances of our faith

Oct 10 • 

G. Samantha Rosenthal

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September 2025

On Pogroms

From Jews to transgender people, scapegoating political violence on an entire minority population is extremely dangerous

Sep 26 • 

G. Samantha Rosenthal

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Writing on Music

Is putting sound into words an act of transcription, interpretation, or improvisation?

Sep 12 • 

G. Samantha Rosenthal

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August 2025

What Really Happened at Roanoke College

On anti-transgender speech, sex-based discrimination, and 'hot dog' t-shirts

Aug 29 • 

G. Samantha Rosenthal

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Move Over, Sydney Sweeney

Rather than blue jeans, we should be talking about the policing and forced removal of houseless people

Aug 22 • 

G. Samantha Rosenthal

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The Fantasy and Necessity of Safety

On trauma, triggers, and living with constant fear

Aug 15 • 

G. Samantha Rosenthal

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July 2025

I was Hired as an Expert in Transgender History—Then Fired for it

My year at Washington & Lee University

Jul 18 • 

G. Samantha Rosenthal

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