Much like New Year’s resolutions in January, our spiritual intentions often fade by the time reality sets in. This doesn’t mean we’re hypocrites. It means we’re fallible humans. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.}
Parsha Vayeilech: Returning to Wholeness Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Our license plate maven Melanie Rubin obtained from a friend this photo of the license plate on an electric car. Delek, in Hebrew, means “gas” or “fuel” so this plate’s meaning is “no gas.” The driver obviously doesn’t want to spew pollutants into the atmosphere. [SDJW]
During the Cold War, people wanted to develop their talents so they could emigrate from Russia and lead a better life. Yevgeny’s father writes poetry, his mother is obsessed with ballet, especially Mikhail Baryshnikov, and his brother Victor was a talented ice skater. The story focuses on finding a talent that Yevgeny can focus on so he can live a better life. [Cailin Acosta]
Russian Boy Keeps a Secret under the Table Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, International, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This moment has been our shofar blast, sounding before Rosh Hashanah itself. For many American Jews, raised in the comfort of the “goldene medina,” antisemitism felt like a relic—something for history books or distant shores. But October 7 shattered that illusion. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Aha Moment for Rosh Hashanah 2025 Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Ten years ago, Ana Galicot, the dynamic leader of the Mexican-Jewish Community in Mexico City, Tijuana and San Diego, recruited Elisheva Edelson to form a choir at Ohr Shalom Synagogue. To mark that anniversary, the choir, under Elisheva’s direction, presented a concert Monday evening, September 15, in Ohr Shalom’s Social Hall to honor their beloved founder. [Eileen Wingard]
Ohr Shalom Concert Honors Ana Galicot Read More »
Eileen Wingard, International, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Parents worry about their wayward teens, elderly parents are denying their physical limitations, and the “sandwich generation” is trying to figure out how to navigate the amorphous unchartered landscape between these two bookends. [Eva Trieger]
Poway Community Theatre Reveals the Insecurity in ‘Social Security’ Read More »
Eva Trieger, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
We want to wish all of our readers and the wider Jewish community a year of health, prosperity, peace, and happiness. [Nancy and Donald Harrison]
Our Best Wishes for a Healthy, Peaceful, Prosperous & Happy 5786 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur wrote, “We are in a time of mashber. It’s a time of anger and hope, death and life. It’s the birthing of something new and no one knows what that’s going to be.” [Heidi Gantwerk]
Crises Spawn Creativity; Let it Be So in This Period of Crisis for the Jewish People Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
In its meetings with presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers and other senior officials, B’nai B’rith will again underscore the threat posed by illicit Iranian nuclear activity, missile production and sponsorship of terrorism. [Press Release]
B’nai B’rith International Meets with World Leaders in Defense of Israel Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release
The Fistel case is striking because it has the potential to intensify the already frightening environment that Jews worldwide must endure. He allegedly wrote or called in possible death threats to Mamdani. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Alleged Threatening Emails and Phone Calls by Fistel Did Jews a Disservice Read More »
Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, International, Israel, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Ludwig gained significant fame from his biographical novels Goethe (1920), Bismarck (1921–1926), Napoleon (1924), about Jesus Christ, Der Menschensohn History of a Prophet (1928), Lincoln (1930), Michelangelo (1930), Schliemann (1932), Roosevelt (1938), Beethoven (1943). [Alex Gordon]
Biography of a Jewish Biographer: Emil Ludwig Read More »
Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Each flower is in memory of a child; a child whose name is unknown. Each name is known by God. [Jerry Klinger]
Daffodil Gardens Honor Children Killed in the Holocaust Read More »
Holocaust, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
When we hear the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, it reminds us that G-d created the world, and He is our King. Additionally, when we hear the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, it reminds us to reflect on our past mistakes and return to G-d. [Cailin Acosta]
The Meaning of the Shofar Blasts Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Travel and Food
Venezuelan documentary film maker Jonatan Jakubowicz made the 108-minute Soul of a Nation with a decided point of view. He had witnessed the transformation of Venezuela from a democracy to an authoritarian state in league with narco-terrorists. The Jewish Jakubowicz feared that polarization in Israel similarly might lead to that country’s dissolution. [Donald H. Harrison]
Documentary: Israel’s Polarization Led to Massacre by Gazans on 10/7 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA