PA minister denies Jewish history of Western Wall and all of Jerusalem (JNS.org) The Palestinian Authority (PA) recently said that all of Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, has never been used as a place of worship throughout history by anyone besides Muslims “until the ominous Balfour Declaration was issued in 1917.” This directly contradicts a […]
JNS news briefs: January 15, 2013 Read More »
InternationalBy Rabbi Ben Kamin ENCINITAS, California — Martin Luther King Jr. was born 84 years ago today, January 15, 1929. He was 39 years old when shot down at the Lorraine Motel, Memphis, 6:01 PM, Thursday, April 4, 1968. In his short lifetime, King collected a cadre of loyal and fervent friends and colleagues.
King’s Jewish advisor Levison all but forgotten Read More »
USABy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — I first met Israeli-born Rabbi Aryeh Azriel in 1983, shortly before he was ordained by the Hebrew Union College. Over the years we’ve encountered each other many times at conferences and on his frequent visits to Israel. For the last quarter-of-a-century he has been the spiritual leader of Temple
Here are some pro-Hagel Jewish voices Read More »
USASAN DIEGO (Press Release)– The energy of volunteerism and spirit of generosity were contagious at OPTIONS 2013. Nearly 1,000 San Diego Jewish women of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront on Sunday, January 13, for an incredible evening of philanthropy, community and sharing. Mothers and daughters, sisters, and friends
Federation women emphasize philanthropy in S.D. and abroad Read More »
Travel and FoodSAN DIEGO (Press Release)– The premise behind a February 11 “Striking A Chord” Benefit Concert was conceived by local Carmel Valley Middle School student, 12-year old Megan Spector, whose Aunt Marjie Block was diagnosed with ALS about three years ago. Currently there is no cure, and the life expectancy of ALS patients is tragically short, 2-5
San Diego family organizes concert to fight ALS Read More »
San Diego CountyBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — There is news about another chapter in the Crusade of Western democracies against what they refuse to label as a problem of Islam. The French have taken on the task of attacking–from the air and with ground troops–a northern Mali “army” of assorted Islamic groups that have threatened to overtake
‘Politically correct’ West turns eyes from Islam’s excesses Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — Much of the Palestinian-Israeli Oslo “peace process” mythology is grounded in the idea that if “the Palestinians” were treated as a single, responsible partner, they would behave like one. If “the Palestinians” got enough foreign aid, they would spend it to alleviate the poverty of their people. If “the
Hamas sentences a Fatah bombmaker Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana BryenTEL AVIV (Press Release) — Parkinson’s experts across the world have been reporting a remarkable phenomenon — many patients treated with drugs to increase the activity of dopamine in the brain as a therapy for motor symptoms such as tremors and muscle rigidity are developing new creative talents, including painting, sculpting, writing, and more. Prof.
Researcher finds link between dopamine and creativity Read More »
Science, Medicine, & EducationPalestinian exodus from Syria feared (JNS.org) The recent fighting in Damascus has led to fears of a mass Palestinian exodus from Syria to neighboring Lebanon and Jordan, generating concern amongst officials in those countries. Palestinian officials say more than 90 percent of the 180,000 Palestinians they call refugees in the Yarmouk camp near Damascus have
JNS news briefs: January 14, 2013 Read More »
International
Aliza Auerbach, Survivors, Gefen Publishing House, Jerusalem (c) 2012, ISBN 978-965-229-586-6, 208 pages, cover price not listed. By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO — This coffee-table book was a bit formulaic for my taste, but it does make in photographs the Talmudic point that to save one life is as if to save the world.
Photo book shows Survivor families – 2 and 3 generations later Read More »
Donald H. HarrisonBy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Here is a question I received from one my students in our synagogue Introduction to Judaism class. There seems to be a tension between the Jewish mitzvah (commandment) concerning marriage (and subsequently being fruitful), and the concept of love (specifically romantic love, as defined in terms
What does Judaism have to say about love and marriage? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-RabbiBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — One of the most interesting young thinkers in Israel today is Dr Micha Goodman. His books (in Hebrew) on Maimonides’ Guide for the Perplexed and, recently, on Yehuda Halevi’s Kuzari – the two most important Jewish philosophic works of the Middle Ages, perhaps of all time – are still
Universalist or particularist? That’s the debate in Israel Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Israel’s election is a bit more than a week away. Some pundits are sure it will produce more of the same, while others are either pleased or fearful about changes they anticipate. Most certain is that Netanyahu will continue as Prime Minister, and most likely with his core of support being
As election nears, likelihood of change recedes Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Dorothea Shefer-Vanson JERUSALEM — A recital by world-famous pianist, Stephen Kovacevich (formerly Bishop) was an event not to be missed, especially since the programme contained Schubert’s divine posthumous Sonata, Deutsch no. 960. So we bought our tickets and eagerly awaited the appointed date. The evening’s programme was set to start with Beethoven’s Bagatelles, opus
Concert pianist needed to warm up — literally Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson