Donald H. Harrison

B’nai Mitzvah of two 83-year-old men at Wesley Palms

Why have a second Bar Mitzvah at the age of 83?  Psalm 90:10 reads, “The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength.” Thirteen years later, at age 83, a Jew could be considered to be entering adulthood and recommitting his- or herself to Judaism not unlike couples who opt to renew their marriage vows at a landmark anniversary. [Laurie Baron]

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Jewish Religion, Lawrence Baron, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Simon Wiesenthal Center blasts NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani

“Mayor Mamdani did not simply express a personal political opinion. He used the authority, symbolism and credibility of the mayor’s office to issue what amounted to an official public address declaring that the democratically elected leader of the world’s only Jewish state is a ‘war criminal’ who is ‘not welcome in New York City. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, USA

Wasserman Schultz, colleagues, introduce resolution commemorating 32nd anniversary of AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires

…resolution to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires and demanding justice and accountability for those responsible for the attack. (Press Release)

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Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release

‘Creation:’ The story of beginnings by Jonathan Grossman

Grossman, a professor of Bible at Bar-Ilan University, is widely known for demonstrating how careful attention to the structure and wording of the biblical text reveals layers of multiple meaning that are often overlooked. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jonathan Grossman reveals who Jacob was and more

The series emphasizes careful reading of the biblical text, literary structure, recurring themes, character development, biblical dialogue and narrative techniques, theological and ethical lessons, and connections between different parts of the Bible that aid in understanding their significance. (Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin)

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Israel, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish biography: Émile Waldteufel, waltz king of Paris

In 1865, Waldteufel was appointed pianist to Empress Eugénie and soon received the position of conductor and ball manager at the court of Napoleon III. He was also the conductor of the ball orchestra “Bals de l’Opéra” in Paris (1865). [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Democrats vote on aid to Israel not what GOP paints it to be

While it’s easy to try to look at the Massie vote through a binary lens of being “for” or “against” Israel – precisely how Republicans wanted us to see it – the truth is much more complicated, nuanced, and tells a different story. The real story includes Donald Trump’s reckless and at times incoherent policies toward Israel and Iran, and it’s important to understand these complexities before judging anyone solely because of their vote on the Massie amendment. (Halie Soifer)

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Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA