By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — The New Year of Trees (Tu Bish’vat) has been part of the Jewish calendar since Rabbinic times and has been celebrated in different countries ever since. But it has gained special significance in modern Israel where forestation has been part of the challenge of reclaiming the land and making […]
Tu B’Shevat project: planting tolerance in Israel Read More »
Jewish ReligionTEL AVIV (WJC)–Sonia Peres, wife of Israel’s President Shimon Peres, died in Tel Aviv on Thursday morning at the age of 87. Sonia Gelman was born in Poland in 1923 and went to Palestine with her parents in 1927. There, she met her future husband at school. In 1942, she enlisted in the British Army,
Israel’s First Lady, Sonia Peres, dies at 87 Read More »
Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The IDF is the central icon of Israeli culture. It stands for security and dedication to nationhood, personal sacrifice, and morality. It often makes room for handicapped individuals who do not meet its physical demands, but wish to serve in order to affiliate with the popular ethos. Individuals who evade
Tarnishing icons in Israel Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — Following the introduction of a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlement expansion, J Street released a new policy statement: J Street shares the growing global frustration at the lack of progress toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and at the Israeli government’s continued expansion of settlements beyond the Green Line.
J Street opposes U.S. veto of U.N. resolution on Israel settlements Read More »
Middle EastNEW YORK (Press Release)–Faruq Khalil Muhammad ‘Isa, also known as “Faruk Khalil Muhammad ‘Isa,” “Sayfildin Tahir Sharif,” and “Tahir Sharif Sayfildin,” was arrested in Canada on Wednesday pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest warrant, based on a complaint in the United States charging him with conspiring to kill Americans abroad and with providing material support to that
Alleged Tunisian jihadist arrested in Canada, accused of five U.S. deaths in Iraq Read More »
Travel and FoodWASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives, under new Republican leadership, voted along party lines to repeal the Health Care law crafted by the last Congress, which was controlled by Democrats. But the repeal will have difficulty in the U.S. Senate, where Democrats still are in control. The repeal prompted criticism from Democrats and also
Health care controversy continues to rage following House vote for repeal Read More »
USA
By Rabbi Baruch Lederman SAN DIEGO — In Parshas Yisro, we read of the most significant event in human history – the giving and receiving of the Torah. The Children of Israel, agreed to follow the mitzvos (commandments) of the Torah sight unseen. They understood the deep love that Hashem (G-d) had for them, and
The Torah has meaning for readers of every age Read More »
Jewish Religion
SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Over 750 members of San Diego’s Jewish community came together last Saturday night at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront to celebrate community, peoplehood and the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County. “Celebrate Seventy-Five” focused on honoring Federation’s past, celebrating the present and strengthening the future. The
Ten supporters for every one of Jewish Federation’s 75 years attend anniversary banquet Read More »
San Diego Calendar, San Diego CountyNEW YORK (Press Release) – Out of nearly 170 applicants, 20 Reform congregations in North America were selected to receive a URJ Incubator Grant of up to $5,000 from the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) to implement new programs to further engage current members and attract new members. The grantees include URJ-member congregations of varied
20 innovative congregations receive grants from Union for Reform Judaism Read More »
Travel and FoodWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — After Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Connecticut) announced on Tuesday that his current Senate term would be his last, Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matthew Brooks responded by lauding the Senator’s accomplishments and expressing gratitude for friendship across the political aisle. “Senator Lieberman is a true mensch and a great American.
Lieberman, on announcement of retirement, wins plaudits from across the aisle Read More »
USASAN DIEGO, Calif. (Press Release)– Celebrating honorable acts of peacemaking, the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) will host its annual Peacemaker Awards on Thursday, March 10, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. The inspiring event recognizes individuals and organizations for their creative and effective solutions to conflict. Honorary Chairs for the event are Murray and
Morris Casuto to receive lifetime achievement award from Peacemakers Read More »
San Diego Calendar, San Diego County
By Barry Rubin HERZLIYA, Israel — Some short takes on the Middle East: 1. Undeterred by international pressures and internal opposition, the Iranian government is cutting subsidies to essential goods that have cost a lot and eaten up capital that might have been used for investment and development. Remarks: So President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seems to
Some short takes on the Middle East Read More »
Middle East, USANEW YORK (WJC)–The prominent US Republican politician Sarah Palin has defended her reference to “blood libel” that aroused controversy last week when she used the term to condemn links between her fiery rhetoric and the deadly Arizona shootings. “Blood libel obviously means being falsely accused of having blood on your hands. In this case, that’s
Palin defends her use of ‘blood libel’ in Tucson shooting reaction Read More »
USAPERTH, Australia (WJC) — The trial of a man who posted a video on the internet accusing Judaism of being a “religion of racism, hate, homicide and ethnic cleansing” has begun. Brendon Lee O’Connell, 38, who is defending himself, described the proceedings at the Perth District Court as a “kangaroo court” and told Judge Henry Wisbey he
Man accused of vilifying Jews goes on trial in Perth Read More »
Travel and Food