• The United Nations Security Council has decided to terminate its observer mission in Syria as peace-keeping efforts are paralyzed. [NYT]
• Despite sustained calls in South Africa to avoid visiting Israel, King Goodwill Zwelithini of Zulu has accepted an invitation to visit Israel early next year. [Forward]
• The United Church of Canada–the largest Protestant denomination in Canada–approved a boycott on Israeli settlements. [JTA]
• Shimon Peres celebrated his 89th birthday at a ceremony in Yeruham. Asked what his wish was, he said peace. [Times of Israel]
• David Meir Grossman has a stellar essay on why he gave up religion, but still keeps kosher. [Jewcy]
Adam Chandler was previously a staff writer at Tablet. His work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, Slate, Esquire, New York, and elsewhere. He tweets @allmychandler.