Donald H. Harrison

Chanukah Receives Exposure in La Mesa Village’s Annual Celebration

I was pleasantly surprised to discover a booth sponsored by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in front of Swami’s Café. Staffed by AJC board members and youth leaders, the booth offered hands-on education about Chanukah, including lessons on how to play dreidel. Regional Director Sara Brown shared that La Mesa Vice Mayor Lauren Cazares personally invited AJC to participate and even stopped by the booth to celebrate with them. [Cailin Acosta]

Chanukah Receives Exposure in La Mesa Village’s Annual Celebration Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Heather Marianna: True to the Spirit of Chanukkah

Chanukkah teaches us that authenticity is not negotiable. The miracle did not come from excess, but from purity. That principle lives at the heart of Marianna’s work with Beauty Kitchen. In an industry often driven by trends and shortcuts, she made the difficult decision to turn down a massive opportunity because the formulation did not align with her non-toxic standards. [Michael Adam Cohen]

Heather Marianna: True to the Spirit of Chanukkah Read More »

Business & Finance, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) reported on Wednesday that it and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism sent a team that arrived in Sydney on Tuesday that included “Israeli experts in trauma response, mass-casualty events, and community recovery, with extensive experience supporting communities following extreme incidents and in developing long-term resilience strategies. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025 Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, News Media, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Political Briefing:  Tuesday, Dec. 16

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said Tuesday that Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of the slain Hollywood actor and director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner will be charged with their murder.  He said, “Their loss is beyond tragic and we will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice.” [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing:  Tuesday, Dec. 16 Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County, USA

Jewish Political Briefing: Monday, Dec. 15, 2025

Actor/ Director Rob Reiner. 78, and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were stabbed to death on Sunday in their Brentwood, California home.  Police booked his son Nick Reiner, 32, on suspicion of murder. Nick, who has struggled with drug addiction, was held without the possibility of bail. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing: Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Prepping to Lobby Senators and Representatives on Issues Important to Reform Judaism

Weaving humor with serious comments, he told us that we need to focus on doing what is right and be vocal about our Jewish values. He closed with answers to a lightning round of Hanukkah questions in which we learned that 1) his favorite Hanukkah gift is not a pair of socks but a copy of the U.S. Constitution 2) his favorite Hanukkah song is Adam Sandler’s “The Chanukkah Song” and 3) when it comes to latkes, he prefers applesauce over sour cream! We differ there. [Barrett Holman Leak]

Prepping to Lobby Senators and Representatives on Issues Important to Reform Judaism Read More »

Barrett Holman Leak, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Science in a French City, Which I Shall Not Name

It has a beautiful historic center with typical old European streets and an impressive number of museums. It is a delightful area of narrow cobbled streets, small charming squares, and beautiful old buildings. It is a very old city—more than 2,000 years old. It is a green city with many parks. There are 14 churches and cathedrals in this city, although over the years it has become less Christian and more Muslim. [Alex Gordon]

Science in a French City, Which I Shall Not Name Read More »

Alex Gordon, International, Travel and Food

Law Enforcement Officials Pledge Protection for S.D. Chanukah Events

I say once again: Jews around the world, and right here in San Diego, have the absolute right to feel safe and to be safe. We should not have to hide our joy, move our celebrations indoors, or “tone it down” to avoid attracting any unwanted attention. [Heidi Gantwerk]

Law Enforcement Officials Pledge Protection for S.D. Chanukah Events Read More »

Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: The Blood on Canberra’s Hands: Why Australia Must Be Held Accountable for the Bondi Massacre

And yet, as the world watches in horror, one question burns brighter than any menorah: How could this happen in a nation that prides itself on solidarity, fairness, and freedom? The answer is devastatingly clear—the Australian government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, bears direct responsibility. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

OpEd: The Blood on Canberra’s Hands: Why Australia Must Be Held Accountable for the Bondi Massacre Read More »

International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Political Briefing: Chanukah Massacre in Australia, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025

Two gunmen with automatic weapons opened fire, killing at least 11 people and wounding at least 29 others at a celebration of the first night of Chanukah at the beach in the Bondi neighborhood of Sydney, Australia. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing: Chanukah Massacre in Australia, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA