Donald H. Harrison

Recorded Performances of 12 Great Jewish Violinists to Be Heard

Great Jewish Violinists: the first of this coming season’s “Treasures from the Music Collection of the Astor Judaica Library” presentations, will take place Thursday, Sept. 4, 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the library of the Lawrence Family JCC. I will be introducing the twelve artists who will be heard in recorded selections from the violin repertoire. [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, International, Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

An Interview with Judy Collins: 86 Years Young and an Incredibly Talented Songstress

Some conversations feel like pure magic, illuminating, warm, and timeless. Sitting with Judy Collins, the iconic folk legend, is exactly that. She has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a steadfast commitment to social activism. [Michael Adam Cohen]

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Michael Adam Cohen, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Prayer as a Catalyst: Responding to the Annunciation Tragedy

The tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where 23-year-old Robin Westman allegedly killed two children and injured 17 others during a Mass, has sparked intense debate about the role of prayer in responding to such tragedies. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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

ADL San Diego Pledges to Help Create ‘Inclusive and Safe Learning Environments’

The loss of two students and the injury of many others has deeply impacted another faith community and it reminds us why it’s so important to continue showing up against hate with compassion and clarity. We encourage you to check in on your Catholic neighbors, attend local gatherings if you’re able, and help ensure no community faces tragedy in isolation. Read more in ADL’s analysis here. [Fabienne Perlov]

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Antisemitism, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

A Foundation for Nature Lovers in San Diego

We learned that bats are very good for the environment as they devour insects. Some bats can eat up to half their size. Nectar slurping bats also pollinate. Finally, bats disperse seeds that facilitate plant growth. We learned that every bat species has a unique story and value, but sadly, many bat species are endangered. [Mimi Pollack]

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Mimi Pollack, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share

Parsha Shoftim: Bash Less, Bless More

Shoftim opens with the words: Shoftim v’shotrim titein lecha, “Appoint judges and officers for yourself.” The word lecha, “for yourself,” points to something deeply personal. Beyond society’s courts, each of us must establish an inner system of judgment. Elul calls us to engage in cheshbon hanefesh, soul-accounting: weighing our choices, acknowledging our strengths, and facing our shortcomings with honesty. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Historic Marker Celebrates Colorado Governor who Protested WWII Internment of Japanese-Americans

In time, the Roosevelt administration compelled Carr to bend to its orders.  Carr reluctantly complied but never stopped protesting the injustice and gross violation of the Constitution. [Jerry Klinger]

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California, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Elul is Here; Numerous Jewish Offerings Before the High Holidays

The month of Elul is upon us and marks the period of soul-searching leading up to the High Holidays. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Jewish Solar Challenge Plans to Award $300,000 to Institutions Installing Solar

The imminent end to solar tax credits forces organizations to install panels on a shorter timeline or risk losing incentives if they can’t move quickly enough. By offering direct financial support, Jewish Solar Challenge helps keep the transition to clean energy within reach for organizations committed to sustainability and long-term savings. [Press Release]

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California, Press Release, Technology, The World We Share, USA

How Catalyst Fellows Are Transforming Jewish Service

“The key factor that makes programs like The Catalyst successful is the cohort-based model,” says Wendy McCreary, Community Program Manager at the Jewish Federation of San Diego. “It allows colleagues from across the country to share best practices, learn together, and support each other.” [Press Release]

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International, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Living as a Split Personality

The government is in thrall to uncaring politicians whose main concern seems to be to channel funds to their supporters and pursue a policy that involves imposing their ideas of territorial expansion on us all, no matter what the cost. In essence, this comes at the expense of the lives and livelihoods of the general populace, soldiers and civilians alike, both in Israel and in Gaza. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Final Summerfest 2025 Concert Featured Works by Montgomery, Mendelssohn and Brahms

Opening the concert was Starburst, a short, glistening work by Jessie Montgomery, the festival’s composer-in-residence. Next on the program was the Concerto for Violin and Piano, a rarely programmed composition by 14-year-old Felix Mendelssohn, and concluding the evening was Brahms’ glorious Serenade in D major for Orchestra in its original nonet version. [Eileen Wingard]

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Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

ZOA: Massachusetts Teachers Association Discriminates Against Jews

The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has filed a 26-page complaint with Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell alleging that the 117,000-member Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) has created and fostered a hostile and discriminatory environment toward Jewish members in violation of their civil rights. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

OpEd: ADL’s Greenblatt Risked His Organization’s Credibility with Incorrect Criticism of Mamdani

Mamdani attended Shabbat services in Park Slope in Brooklyn last February, visited the offices of the UJA Federation for a town hall co-hosted with the Jewish Community Relations Council last May, and participated in two candidate forums at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in Manhattan the following month. [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA