StandWithUs strongly condemns Assembly Bill 2159 (AB 2159), introduced by CA Assemblymember Robert Garcia. This bill would gut key provisions from AB 715, California’s landmark law aimed at fighting antisemitism in K-12 schools. [Press Release]
Today’s Jewish birthday: Jack Barry
Jack Barry (March 20, 1918 – May 2, 1984) was an American game show host, television personality and executive who made a name for himself in the game show field. [Wikipedia]
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Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaJewish history contest announced for 11th and 12th graders
Entries will be accepted through Friday, May 15. Up to $30,000 in scholarships will be awarded. Winners will be recognized at a JAHM reception in San Diego in May. [Press Release]
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Antisemitism, California, Jewish History, Press Release, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, USAMideast War Report: March 19, 2026
Day 20 of the US/ Israel War with Iran … Iranian missile kills a foreign worker in Israel’s center and three Palestinian women near Hebron. …Israel continues to strike both Iran and Hezbollah…{Jewish Federations of North America}
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Travel and FoodThe Torah concept of ‘ezer kenegdo’ reveals a proper marriage
Many English Bibles translate the words “help meet” or “helper suitable for him.” This translation demeans the wife’s position in the marriage; she is only a helper. The original Hebrew conveys a more profound sense of strength and equality than these translations suggest. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsIn sickness and in health: What really separates us in an interfaith marriage
I had the flu. I mean, I really had the flu. It was so severe that the doctor debated sending me to the hospital. I was dehydrated and depleted and completely not cute! Handsome Hubby pleaded against it, saying he would take care of me and he did yeoman’s work, struggling to keep fluids down me, pulling blankets on me when I was cold, taking them off when I was hot. [Karen Galatz, the Matzo Chronicles]
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Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodToday’s Jewish birthday: Phyllis Newman
Phyllis Newman (March 19, 1933 – September 15, 2019) was an American actress and singer. [Wikipedia]
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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaParsha Vayikra: God’s invitation to draw close
The Torah teaches that although the Divine voice was powerful, it was Moses who truly received it. This is not because he had special ears, but because he cultivated inner humility and spiritual awareness. He made space within himself to listen. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food‘Sacrifice’ in Judaism not transactional; it’s transformational
Whenever I read the Book of Leviticus, I find myself asking: What is the purpose of sacrifices—especially for people living in the 21st century? Leviticus may not have the excitement of Genesis or Exodus, but I do believe there is much we can learn from its lessons and laws. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
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Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined ContributorsMayor Mamdani’s dad participated in a teach-in at an illegal Columbia encampment
The Times article flirts with his negative views of Israel as a Jewish state, but it fell short of quoting some of his more hostile statements that should antagonize any pro-Israel person. {Bruce S. Ticker}
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Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThoughts at the conclusion of a district convention of Women of Reform Judaism
It started with the Playing Together Project, bringing together African American and American Jewish neighbors over Shabbat dinners to heal communal divides, and evolved into pitching a Jewish Solidarity Tent at the local Juneteenth Freedom Festival in San Diego. These moments were my “Small Alephs”—quiet calls to serve. [Barrett Holman Leak]
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Barrett Holman Leak, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsCalendar of Upcoming Jewish Events
Here is a summary of upcoming Jewish community events. Other pending events, previously reported in this column, may be found in our Jewish community calendar. [Cailin Acosta]
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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThe Matzo Chronicles: I be bookish
To accompany these stacks of books, I’ve got reading glasses, highlighters, and lately, in a charming, stylish touch, reading lamps that I plop on my head to illuminate the pages. On the rare occasion I lift my head to engage in conversation, I blind my husband from the glare of the light. [Karen Galatz, The Matzo Chronicles]
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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & SatireS.D. City Council adopts IHRA definition of antisemitism
Because of every call, every email, every form, and every person who showed up, we achieved a resounding victory: an 8–1 vote in favor. [Liat Cohen-Reeis]
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Antisemitism, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA