By Leah R. Singer SAN DIEGO — It may come as a surprise that Jews and Arabs both call Kentucky home. Even more of a shock, however, is the women of these two very different immigrants groups are actually quite similar as each struggle with negotiating their identities. Growing up in Kentucky as [...]
By Leah R. Singer SAN DIEGO — The 19th Annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival is now in full swing at the Lyceum Space, North Coast Repertory Theatre, and various other North County locations. While this year’s festival offers class Jewish performance and Klezmer fare, it also offers different performances that are sure [...]
By Leah R. Singer SAN DIEGO –The 19th Annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival kicked off last week with a host of different productions. This year’s festival, which runs through June 7, features everything from baseball to Klezmer to Spanish language performances. Todd Salovey, who has been the Jewish Arts artistic director [...]
By Leah Singer SAN DIEGO — We young Jews have quite a dilemma these days. I’m not talking about the economic crisis or whether to buy an iPad now or wait until later. I’m talking about – quite simply – how we honor our Jewish heritage with the name. Ever since I became engaged ten [...]
By Leah Singer SAN DIEGO – When our family lost our beloved Yia Yia (Greek for “grandmother”), it was tough. Although we knew Yia Yia was suffering from cancer, saying goodbye to a family member is always difficult. The day before Yia Yia passed away, Bryan (my husband), our daughter Sophie and I gathered by Yia [...]
By Leah Singer SAN DIEGO — I was reading Sunrise, Sunset to my daughter, Sophie. Sunrise, Sunset is a story using the words of the famous Fiddler on the Roof song. As I was reading the story, Sophie interrupted and asked, “Mommy, why is that man wearing a scarf?” I told Sophie it’s called a [...]
By Leah Singer SAN DIEGO — Many of you have heard of the December Dilemma — the conflicts that arise when interfaith families need to chose how to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas. But few talk about what I’m calling the Spring Dilemma — Passover and Easter. I hesitate even mentioning them in the same sentence [...]
By Leah R. Singer SAN DIEGO –When Dr. Frank Kretzer heard about the Congregation Beth Israel Torah Project, he knew this was the perfect opportunity to participate in an historic moment, honor his Jewish roots, and most importantly, create a lasting memory for his grandson. Dr. Kretzer, a 67-year-old doctor and teacher at Baylor College [...]