Jewish biography: Marc Bloch, social historian

Bloch transferred Durkheim’s anti-dogmatism to historical science, abandoning the description of “great men” in favor of the analysis of collective thinking. Bloch was deeply influenced by Durkheim, who also believed that links between historians and sociologists were more significant than their differences. (Alex Gordon)

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Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Today’s Jewish birthday: Naomi Shemer

Naomi Shemer (July 13, 1930 – June 26, 2004) was an Israeli songwriter, composer, and performer, widely described as the “first lady of Israeli song”.She became one of the most influential figures in modern Hebrew music, writing numerous songs that became cultural touchstones, most notably “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav” (“Jerusalem of Gold”), which gained prominence after the Six-Day War and is often regarded as a second national anthem. [Wikipedia]

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Israel, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

What did Marilyn Monroe read?

Monroe’s trove is a spellbinder with opportunities for many discoveries about intellectual growth, social connections, political views and the literary milieu between author, publisher, and reader. Monroe, an autodidact, self-directed her education aided by purchases, gifts from authors and friends, and World Literature extension courses at UCLA. She visited Powell Library before it was called the Powell Library. Marilyn did not graduate high school, she wanted to “better” herself. [Oliver Pollak]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Oliver Pollak, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Federation to sponsor trip to Israel with an extension in Hungary

This community trip to Israel hosts an exclusive extension opportunity to Budapest, where stunning beauty, rich Jewish life, and exclusive Federation access create an experience unlike any other. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food

85th anniversary of Poles burning Jews alive commemorated

Eighty-five years ago, on July 10, 1941, more than 300 men, women, and children were burned alive in a barn in the Polish town of Jedwabne. As confirmed by Poland’s own Institute of National Remembrance, this horrific crime was carried out by the victims’ Polish neighbors, incited by the occupying Nazi German forces. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release

Today’s Jewish birthday: Otto Freundlich

Otto Freundlich (July 10, 1878 – March 9, 1943) was a German painter and sculptor of Jewish origin. One of the first generation of abstract artists, Freundlich deeply admired cubism and spent much of his life in France. He was murdered at the Majdanek concentration camp during the Holocaust. [Wikipedia]

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Holocaust, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia