By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — It’s generally assumed that Palestinian leaders have a vested interest in derailing the peace talks with Israel, because any agreement that would pragmatically accept a two-state solution would destroy their cherished myth about if not driving the Jews into the sea then at least wrecking their state. The increase
Are Netanyahu and Abbas colluding to fool U.S.? Read More »
Middle East
By Aryeh Savir Two Katyusha rockets were fired at Northern Israel Sunday morning, Dec. 29. The rockets fell in the hills near Kiryat Shmonah. Fires broke out as a result of the explosions. Another two rockets fell in Lebanese territory. No damage or injuries were reported. IDF guns retaliated by firing several shells at
Rockets fired at Northern Israel Read More »
Middle East
Female (top) and male ducks spotted at Poway Lake on Saturday, Dec. 28 By Donald H. Harrison POWAY, California — On the periphery of a bunch of old coots, I saw a couple keeping more or less to themselves, clearly outsiders. On that Shabbat afternoon, Dec. 28, he wore what looked like a
Water animals and the Jews Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, The World We Share, Yeruchem Eilfort-RabbiBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — Electoral reform has been on the agenda in Israel for a very long time. People abroad, even more than in Israel, argue that the two-party system of the United States, or at least fewer political parties like in Canada or the UK, would make it easier to govern. Though
Would electoral reform in Israel disenfranchise Arabs? Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM–There are lessons to be learned from recent politicking about gays and lesbians, and the Kerry peace process. It’s all about smoke and mirrors, or what you see isn’t there, and is meant to satisfy by deceiving. First on gays and lesbians. There is a Future, Yair Lapid’s new party with a
Political smoke and mirrors on single-sex and peace issues Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
NEW YORK (Press Release) – The International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians (ICJP) is urging US President Barack Obama to commute the sentence of long-imprisoned spy Jonathan Pollard. “We, the members of the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians, write to urge you to use your power of clemency to commute Jonathan Pollard’s prison sentence to time
Jewish parliamentarians seek Pollard’s release Read More »
USA
ENCINITAS, California — The Irish are known for having a special connection to horses and Audrey Reynolds is no exception. She grew up riding and competed successfully for many years in Ireland, England, and the United States. Twenty years ago, she suffered a serious injury which brought a halt to her show jumping and riding.
Saving Horses Inc. allows equines to retire in peace Read More »
Mimi Pollack, The World We ShareBy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California–Hassidic literature teaches that one of the reasons given for Hassidim swaying in prayer is based upon the analogy of the movement that occurs in the act of love making. Prayer is like “making love to the Shekhinah.” The Baal Shem Tov is purported to have taught: Prayer
Davening at Victoria’s Secret Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi
By Donald H. Harrison SANTEE, California –I am still pondering two items that neighbor Bob Lauritzen and I found during a walk around the Santee Lakes. I noticed a card lying face up with Christian iconography on it. The card pictured a man in white robe and green overgarment. He had a halo above his
Finding pictures of a President and a Saint Read More »
Donald H. Harrison
My Bargain with God: The Story of Holocaust Survivor Lou Dunst, by Ben Kamin. Sunbelt Publishing, Inc., El Cajon, California, 2014. By David Strom SAN DIEGO — San Diegan Lou Dunst has had at least three lives. Family love gave Lou the foundation and core of who he is today. Growing up as the youngest
Biography of Lou Dunst tells of his three lives Read More »
Jewish HistoryNEW YORK (Press Release)– Despite many universities and colleges being closed for the holiday/winter break, 55 have already issued statements rejecting the American Studies Association’s call for a boycott of Israeli universities. More are expected in the coming days as they learn of the ASA action. Robert G. Sugarman, Chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice
More rejections for ASA’s academic boycott of Israel Read More »
USA
By Laurie Baron NORTH POLE― Unbeknownst to the public, this Christmas was Santa’s last. The rotund elderly man realizes he can no longer compete with modern technology and world capitalism. He is eager to slow down and collect Social Security and Medicare. The reindeer and sleigh are quaint, but way too slow and small compared
Humoring the Headlines: December 27, 2013 Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & SatireBy Rabbi Dow Mamur JERUSALEM–One of my favorite legends is about the biblical Abraham who on his way to Mount Moriah – believing that God had commanded him to sacrifice his son Isaac there – meets Satan who, of course, always asks very clever questions. This time he says to Abraham: If you carry out
Is the Pew Report worth worrying about? Read More »
USA
By Shoshana Bryen WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 2,000-year-old Jobar Synagogue in Damascus is said to be the site where the prophet Elijah concealed himself from persecution and anointed his successor, Elisha. It was a UNESCO World Heritage Site until last March when someone appeared to have blown it up. The Syrian government and the rebels
Jobar Synagogue treasures belong to the Jewish community Read More »
Middle East, Shoshana Bryen