Perhaps its most powerful feature is that we don’t say, “For the sin I committed.” We say, Al chet shechatanu, “For the sin WE committed.” We share responsibility for the kind of community we create. Inspired by that idea, I wrote a version of the Al Chet for our JCC community. (Betzy Lynch)
Al Chets for the JCC (and any large organization) Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Kremlev, who has close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reportedly will be funding the divorce of First Lady Melania Trump, with negotiations and possible litigation beginning January 21, 2029. (Bruce Lowitt)
Satire: Russian oligarch financed simchas of Trump relatives Read More »
Bruce F. Lowitt, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
For decades, American Jewry succumbed to a seductive illusion: that we could champion universalism while abandoning particularism; that if we only aligned ourselves with every fashionable political dogma, the world would grant us a permanent pass. We imagined our progressive credentials and refined assimilation would serve as an impenetrable shield. (Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel)
Where do you stand after the Oct. 7 massacre? Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Obituaries & memorials, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shanda File, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
“All the prayers and rallies will not help unless we Jews arm ourselves to the teeth. We need to walk and travel in pairs or groups. Avoid the Ivy League schools where there are both professors and students who wish to destroy us. …” {SDJW staff report}
The fight against terrorism and antisemitism: September 19, 2026 Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, News Media, Press Release, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Rabbi Joseph Ber Soloveitchik (1903–1993), widely known as “the Rav,” is considered one of the most influential Orthodox Jewish thinkers and teachers of the twentieth century. Born into a famous rabbinic family – my father, Rabbi Dr. Nathan Drazin, studied under his father – he inherited the rigorous analytical approach to Talmud associated with his grandfather, Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk. He also studied philosophy at the University of Berlin, earning his doctorate, and brought Western philosophical learning into conversation with traditional Jewish thought. He became the rosh yeshiva (rabbinic head) of Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary at Yeshiva University in 1941. For decades, he taught Talmud and Jewish philosophy and trained approximately 2,000 rabbis.
(Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin)
New Translation and Commentary of Psalms Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism commented on an interview Axios aired today with Hasan Piker, a streamer and political commentator who has long stoked controversy with his comments about American Jews. [SDJW staff report]
The fight against terrorism and antisemitism: September 18, 2026 Read More »
Travel and Food
A new study conducted jointly by the Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT) and Shaare Zedek Medical Center offers encouraging findings, showing that advanced diabetes technologies may enable many people with type 1 diabetes to fast safely. (Press Release)
As women, so much of our lives can be spent caring for others. We remember birthdays, answer messages, make plans, offer support, and notice what everyone else needs. We often carry more than anyone realizes. [Cailin Acosta]
A message for women on Yom Kippur Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
When they reached
the foot of Moriah,
the father could no longer
bear to look his son
in the eyes— … [Sam Ben-Meir]
Descent from the Mountain Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Sam Ben-Meir, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The sukkah also recalls the Israelites’ years in the desert, where they lived in temporary shelters and relied upon Hashem for protection. Its temporary nature provides a physical reminder that security does not come exclusively from walls and roofs. (Cailin Acosta)
A good neshama is key to true teshuvah Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
He believes that hormone deficiency in older marines, sailors, and soldiers accounts for why Iran was not beaten into total submission in four to five weeks as President Trump initially predicted. (Laurie Baron)
Satire: Masculinizing the US military Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USAToxic faith feeds on certainty, alienates the seeker, and destroys personal conscience. It builds walls of “Us versus Them,” viewing anyone on the other side not as a fellow bearer of the divine image, but as a blasphemer to be corrected, conquered, or erased. (Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel)
Parsha Ha’Azinu: Good religion impacts humanity as a gentle rain Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
After accepting the basic premise that the book is written from the viewpoint of Death, who turns out to be an individual with ideas, emotions and principles, we are told about a train journey somewhere in Germany on a cold winter’s day. (Dorothea Shefer-Vanson)
‘The Book Thief’ exonerates some Germans during Holocaust Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Holocaust, International, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Bottom line, it’s a feel-good show worth seeing, fun for the whole family. Even people who don’t usually like musicals reported enjoying this one. (Sandi Masori)
‘Begin Again’ a feel-good musical at the Old Globe Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast