By Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM– “Ultra-Orthodox (or haredi) Judaism – it can never be stressed too often – is not Judaism as it was practiced in centuries past. Traditional Judaism was fluid, diverse and accommodated itself to the practical requirements of the day. Ultra-Orthodox Judaism, by contrast, is a modern creation, born out of terror and […]
Confusing haredi mysogyny with other issues Read More »
Middle EastBy Travis Rumans WASHINGTON, D.C. (JINSA) — Breaking news that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey will travel to Israel next month for talks on halting Iran’s nuclear program, coupled with last week’s report that the Islamic Republic threatened to close the Persian Gulf if new, tougher sanctions are imposed on it have
Three ways to impede Iran’s growing nuclearization Read More »
Travel and FoodBy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Like a bad penny, the problem will not go away. It doesn’t seem to matter what people say or do to prevent it. Beth Shemesh is a lot like a train-wreck waiting to happen; actually, it has already happened, but the extent of the damage and
The Sikrikim threaten Haredi and other Jews alike Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle EastBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — Lots of news. Less clarity. It’s worth thinking about the details, and whether they amount to a watershed inviting a heroic decision. Khaled Mashaal, the senior leader of Hamas, has ordered his forces to cease attacks on Israeli targets. Mashaal’s expression of non-violence has something to do
Hopeful and discouraging signs on Israel’s domestic and foreign fronts Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle EastBy Daniel Halper WASHINGTON — In a speech earlier this month, President Barack Obama made a definitive declaration about his record in regard to Israel. “In fact, I am proud to say that no U.S. administration has done more in support of Israel’s security than ours,” he told the convention center crowd in Washington. “None. Don’t let anybody else
Examining President Obama’s claim of support for Israel Read More »
USA
By Rabbi Ben Kamin JERUSALEM–The so-called prime minister of Hamas—a terror syndicate banned from recognition by the United States and the European Union—is campaigning in European capitals against Israel’s practice of making Jerusalem too Jewish. Here is the verbal equivalent of Hamas’s launching of 10,000 killer missiles into Israeli towns and villages in the past
Jerusalem too Jewish? Is Washington too American? Read More »
Middle EastORANIT, Israel (Press Release) — Below is a letter written by Rivka Sandomirsky who mentored a child who was very, very sick with cancer. Through the course of her illness, the child became totally paralyzed and then gradually faded away. She was five years old when she died in July. In the beginning she was
A mentor’s thoughts in a pediatric cancer ward Read More »
Science, Medicine, & Education
By David Amos SAN DIEGO — As an active member of the Jewish community, I am exposed, as many of you are, to programs, films, television specials, lectures, and books on the Holocaust. Most of us know and have spoken to Holocaust survivors, and have heard directly from them the horrific times they suffered in
Commemorating the Holocaust musically Read More »
Travel and FoodCompiled by San Diego Jewish World staff Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood Slates 2nd Edition of “Follies of ’56” Southwestern Jewish Press, October 5, 1956, Page 8 “Fund-raising” and “fun raising” tell the story of the Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood’s “Follies of ’56” which will have show time and dates of Nov. 3 and 4, Saturday
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, Oct. 5, 1956, Part 5 Read More »
Adventures in SD History
By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — Jewish legal tradition, better known as “Halachah,” teaches that silence is “tantamount to admission.” The moral implications ought to be clear enough for anyone to readily grasp. When somebody is attempting to do something wrong and illegal, one cannot dissociate oneself from the situation and
The guilty silence of some Haredi rabbis Read More »
Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle EastBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM–One simple yet helpful way of describing the public discourse in and about contemporary Israel is to view it as a struggle between security (sometimes coupled with the quest for survival) and values (often equated with morality and prophetic justice). I heard Steven Cohen, the American-Israeli sociologist, suggest in a talk
Armenian genocide question divides Israel between values and security Read More »
Middle East
SAN DIEGO — What’s a Jew to do on Dec. 25th. At Beth Jacob Congregation, there was a Chanukah festival, complete with dreidel games, Magen David balloons, latkes and a talent show. On hand to photograph the fun were Nancy Harrison and Sam Zeiden.
Chanukah festival at Beth Jacob Read More »
San Diego Calendar
By Sheryl Rowling SAN DIEGO –In spite of the uncertain and ever-changing tax laws, there are some significant financial benefits to be obtained by considering tax incentives and opportunities. Below is your handy checklist! Be sure to consult with your financial advisor and CPA for help. Retirement Planning Certain plans, such as 401(k) and Keogh
Money Maven: Using tax strategies in your financial plan Read More »
Sheryl RowlingBy Ira Sharkansky JERUSALEM — The Municipality of Beit Shemesh removed the signs indicating which sidewalk was to be used by women and girls. Haredim began replacing them 10 minutes later. One of the prominent spitters was jailed and released after a short time. It sounds like the treatment given Religious Zionist (Orthodox)
Secular versus religious laws in Israel Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East