Attending a performance of Verdi’s opera Nabucco in Tel Aviv last week I was struck by the apparent reference to contemporary developments. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
‘Nabucco’ strikes contemporary themes that resonate in Israel Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
In a society where army service forges a common Israeli identity and shared destiny, this divide breeds resentment, deepens polarization, and—most tragically—brings chillul Hashem. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Parshiot Matot-Masei: Fist, fellowship, and frailty of unity Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
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]
85th anniversary of Poles burning Jews alive commemorated Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release
We were stuck in Athens due to the war and very limited flights to Israel, only returning only after 10 days. Since then we’ve limited ourselves to mini-vacations: Tel Aviv, Herzliya Pituach, and Jerusalem. [Steve Kramer]
Traveling domestically in Israel Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food
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]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Otto Freundlich Read More »
Holocaust, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Although stone faced, the heads of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt were visibly upset by Trump. They all vomited up some pebbles as Trump talked. Unable to move their lips, seismographs recorded their thoughts. [Laurie Baron]
Satire: A rocky reception on Mt. Rushmore Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
The states covered are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Texas runs 72 pages; Wyoming a mere 4. California, divided into southern, central, and northern sections, runs over 40 pages with the City of San Diego allocated portions of 5 pages. (Donald H. Harrison)
Historic Jewish places dot North America Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The musical begins with a young prince (Fergie L. Philippe) living in a grand castle. When he cruelly turns away an elderly woman (Kate Wessler) seeking shelter, she offers him a rose and reveals herself to be an enchantress. As punishment for his lack of compassion, she transforms him into a beast and places a spell on the castle. [Cailin Acosta]
Beauty (within) and the Beast (without) now at Civic Theatre Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
SACRAMENTO, California (Press Release) — Jewish California, the nation’s largest statewide coalition of Jewish organizations, announced that California’s final three-party budget deal – passed by the Assembly and Senate, and signed by the Governor – includes six priorities Jewish California fought for this year – totaling $363 million. Together, these investments strengthen the safety, dignity,
Newsom’s signed budget includes 6 priorities of Jewish California Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Press Release
Bernstein joins B’nai B’rith after serving as the inaugural vice president of Community Relations at the Jewish Federations of North America. A respected leader in Jewish communal service, his career is defined by success in strategic planning, public affairs and philanthropic growth. He previously served as the first CEO and national director of Community Security Service (CSS), where he significantly expanded the organization’s national footprint and formalized volunteer security training protocols. (Press Release
Evan Bernstein to take reins of B’nai B’rith International Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, USA
Lesley’s impact on Beth Israel is immeasurable. She has guided our congregation through periods of growth and change with professionalism, compassion, and deep devotion to our mission and values. Whether supporting our clergy, staff, lay leaders, congregants, or the many families who call Beth Israel home, Lesley has consistently led with heart, integrity, and a profound love for this community. Few individuals have shaped Beth Israel as greatly as Lesley, and her legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come. {Rabbi Jason Nevarez and Robyn Spiegel]
Lesley Mills to retire next year as executive director of CBI Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Graham Platner’s world collapsed at 6:30 Monday night once CNN host Jake Tapper heard Platner’s former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, accuse the Maine U.S. Senate candidate of raping her five years his current run to oust five-term Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins. (Bruce S. Ticker)
The Graham Platner implosion Read More »
Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Progress in what we build is not necessarily progress in who we become. We can become more connected while feeling increasingly isolated. More informed while becoming less wise. More productive while losing sight of what truly matters. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parshiot Matos-Masei: Becoming before arriving Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Oliver Sacks (July 9, 1933 – August 30, 2015) was a British neurologist, naturalist, historian of science, and writer. Born in London, Sacks received his medical degree in 1958 from The Queen’s College, Oxford, before moving to the United States, where he spent most of his career. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Oliver Sacks Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Science, Medicine, & Education, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia