animals

Parsha Noach: Build your right ark

We cannot control every storm, but we can decide what we build to help us weather it. For some of us, that ark may be Shabbat, prayer, or a family dinner that creates space for connection. For others, it may be a friendship that offers honesty rather than flattery, a community that reinforces our values, or a daily commitment to kindness when kindness seems to be in short supply. (Michael Mantell, Ph.D)

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animals, Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Do Jews believe in angels?

Do Jews believe in angels? The Hebrew word for angel, mal’ach, means “messenger,” and in biblical sources, angels deliver specific information or carry out particular functions. In the Torah, an angel prevents Abraham from slaughtering his son Isaac. An angel appears to Moses in the burning bush and gives direction to the Israelites during the desert sojourn following the liberation from Egypt. Angels are associated with visions and prophecies. [Cailin Acosta]

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animals, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

Satire: Pets at the polls

The Golden Deceiver claims he is a Golden Retriever, but he behaves like a rabid pit bull. He instituted a deportation program for dog breeds which didn’t originate in Europe and the United States. Chihuahuas, Afghan Hounds, Pekingese, among other breeds, live in terror of being picked up by roving dog catchers. Although he claims they will be relocated to their homelands, there are rumors that they get sent to countries where the humans eat dogs. [Elona Baron/ Laurie Baron]

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animals, Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Birdwatcher’s advice ignored when it comes to humans

Ruth, who most wanted to see a Black-billed Cuckoo misses it and determines that she will spend the night in the park and not leave until she sees one. Her outrage seems out of place and exaggerated until the audience learns what and why it means so much to her. [Sandi Masori]

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animals, Sandi Masori, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Antisemitism still an issue around the world and here in San Diego County

Unfortunately, antisemitism is still an issue around the world and is upsetting to read about in our own San Diego County. The No Place for Hate response is that if you hear something, say something; do not be a bystander, but stand up when hate is encountered. We should support each other. (Cailin Acosta)

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animals, Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Judaism, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Parsha Ki Tetse: The Torah forbids cruelty to animals

The companion law is equally revealing: “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain” (Deut. 25:4). The animal that labors is entitled to taste the fruit of its labor. The rabbis long ago noted the human parallel: a person capable of muzzling an ox is only a short step from muzzling his workers. History confirmed their suspicion. In Italy, vineyard owners once forced migrant laborers to wear muzzles so they could not eat the grapes they harvested. The Torah saw the danger centuries earlier. Cruelty, it turns out, is a transferable skill. (Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel)

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

Teshuvah is one skill that separates humans from animals

Rosh Hashanah is traditionally associated with the creation of Adam, the first human being, on the sixth day of creation. Humanity was created immediately before Shabbat, and according to the Torah’s account, Adam’s first mistake came almost immediately. In that sense, the need for teshuvah is nearly as old as humanity itself. But what distinguishes a human being from an animal or from an angel? (Cailin Acosta)

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animals, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Tony-nominated musical ‘Water for Elephants’ at the San Diego Civic Theatre

The characters’ motivations are clear and performed by a sterling cast; what stood out most for me was the storyline woven into the music, at times lively yet appropriately moving in the more emotional moments.  As some of the storyline’s important details relayed through music lyrics early in the show may be missed while accompanied by a full orchestra, I recommend reading a synopsis of the play prior to seeing it. [Douglas Friedman]

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animals, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

AJC unveils guidebook for confronting antisemitism in the schools

With school back in session from Kinder to College, the American Jewish Committee shares key resources and guidance designed specifically for schools, students, and parents to create learning environments that are inclusive of all identities, including Jewish identity, and safe from harassment and fear. [Cailin Acosta]

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animals, Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Introducing Shahar Masori and his children’s books

I persuaded him to write a column for San Diego Jewish World to offer an Israeli-American perspective on the news.  As he did so, the writing bug must have bitten him.  He poured himself into writing some books for children, and now books for adults are in the works. [Donald H. Harrison]

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animals, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, Sandi Masori, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA