I knew a little Shmendrik
He thought he was so bright,
Despite the vicious hatred, he thought it was all right … [J. Barry Gurdin]
Dedicated to all the political ‘schmendriks’ Read More »
California, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
For more than 50 years, I’ve sat with thousands of men and women who describe themselves with a kind of quiet shame:
–“I’m too stubborn.”
–“I dig in.”
–“I don’t let things go.
–“I’ve always been this way.” — [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.}
Parsha Ki Sisa: The spiritual power of being stiff-necked Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The IDF continues to carry out extensive waves of attacks against Iranian regime targets in Tehran and elsewhere in Iran. One set of airstrikes carried out in Tehran yesterday hit dozens of command centers belonging to Iran’s Basij paramilitary force and internal security services. {Special Report]
Mideast War Roundup: March 4, 2026 Read More »
International, Israel, Middle East, Press Release, Technology, USA
Moses climbed the mountain to receive the tablets. He carries no provisions, no visible sign of return. Day after day the people wait. No Moses. No voice from the peak. Only silence and the smoldering summit. In their minds the unthinkable takes shape: the man who brought them out of Egypt, who split the sea, who spoke face to face with God—he is gone. Perhaps swallowed by the fire. Perhaps dead. [Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel]
Ki Tissa: The Golden Calf and the ache of separation Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
It was Trump who urged Iranians to take back their nation, though he neglected to mention they could be gunned down by Iran’s troops. There is little evidence that Iranian protesters are capable of seizing control. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Air war in Iran not effective if regime change is the goal Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Middle East, USA
Following are statements and analyses submitted to San Diego Jewish World by recognizable Jewish individuals and institutions about the Middle East War: [Donald H. Harrison]
The Jewish community and the Mideast war: March 4, 2026 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
ust today, Israelis in the center of the country had to walk or run to safe rooms four or five times (I can’t keep track). Also today in the supermarket, we had to crowd into a safety area not once but twice. Nearly all Israelis are staying at home or close to it. [Steve Kramer]
Purim story recalled in Israeli-U.S. fight against Iran Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA
Richard Dickson, President and CEO, Gap Inc., will receive the Courage Against Hate Award at the ADL 2026 Never Is Now Summit. [Press Release]
Dickson, corporate leader of the Gap, to receive ADL award for anti-hate initiatives Read More »
Antisemitism, Business & Finance, Lifestyles, Press Release, USA
As a high school student in Florida, I spent much of my time challenging administrators and founding my school’s Gay Straight Alliance. Safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students and allies were few and far between then, and they are far from guaranteed now. [Jaimie H. Krass]
B’nai B’rith has invited college students to share their experiences of antisemitism at their school by entering its 2026 “None Shall Be Afraid” Essay Contest. Winners will earn scholarships as well as the opportunity to have their essays published. [Press Release]
Student essays on antisemitism have chance to win $2,500 scholarship Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, USA
Since they started in October 1999, they have performed over 7000 shows in that theater at 3717 India Street. A regular cast member stays with the show for an average of 12 years, so they must be doing something right. [Sandi Masori]
A serious interview about the National Comedy Theatre in San Diego Read More »
San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Jewish Federation of San Diego invites the community to join Jewish Federations of North America for its webinar “Briefing: Israel and the United States at War with Iran” at noon, Wednesday, March 4. [Cailin Acosta]
A full schedule of events Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, California, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USAThis column will round up statements and analyses of the current Middle East from within the divided Jewish community. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish statements, analyses of the Middle East war Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
And so, we spent the day hovering between our chilly basement shelter and our comfortable sitting-room as alarms rang out from our phones, radios and TV sets, as well as outside in the public arena. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Thoughts of an Israeli retiree as the war with Iran intensifies Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA