Books, Poetry & Short Stories

A Jewish Philosophy with Unintentional Christian Beliefs

The Jewish leadership reacted to the mass conversions after 1391 by attempting to convince their lost brethren to return to Judaism, pointing out what they considered to be the illogical elements of Christian belief. One of the attempts was a short book written by Hasdai Crescas in 1398, The Refutation of the Christian Principles. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

A Jewish Philosophy with Unintentional Christian Beliefs Read More »

Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Holocaust Memoir a Cut Above Others

Alexander Kimel, who survived the Holocaust, initially wrote a memoir brimming with anecdotes.  To this work, his son, Martin Kimel, appended extensive annotations compiled from histories, oral testimonies, and contemporary memoirs.  The result is a grander work that has academic rigor and a personal touch. [Donald H. Harrison]

Holocaust Memoir a Cut Above Others Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Women Around the World Have Demonstrated ‘Chutzpah’ for Millennia

Beautifully illustrated, Chutzpah Girls tells the stories of remarkable Jewish women from biblical times through the present with six continents represented. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Women Around the World Have Demonstrated ‘Chutzpah’ for Millennia Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Banned Books Celebrated at San Diego’s Central Library

The goal of this exhibition is to stand for creative freedom, the right to read, and the power of art to challenge and inspire. Being a feminist bothered by the repression felt in the workplace, in society, and from the current presidential administration, this exhibit spoke to me. [Cailin Acosta]

Banned Books Celebrated at San Diego’s Central Library Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, International, Jewish Fiction, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Biography: Alexander Weill, Alsatian Writer

As soon as Heine appeared at the threshold of his office, I recited in Hebrew a phrase from Ibn Ezra, known to all Talmudists […]: “I came into your house, found the door open, but as soon as I entered – your wife became angry.” […] It was also a trap. I wanted to know if Heine, who was raised as a Jew until the age of thirteen, remembered the language he was taught. {Alex Gordon, quoting Alexander Weill}

Jewish Biography: Alexander Weill, Alsatian Writer Read More »

Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Judith Kerr

Judith Kerr (June 14, 1923 – May 22, 2019) was a German-born British writer and illustrator whose books sold more than 10 million copies around the world. She created both enduring picture books such as the Mog series and The Tiger Who Came to Tea and acclaimed novels for older children such as the semi-autobiographical When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, which gave a child’s-eye view of escaping Hitler’s persecution in the Second World War. [Wikipedia]

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Judith Kerr Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Anger Seems to be Evident Everywhere

It is important to stay present, aware, and engaged. Many protests are scheduled this weekend, and I hope they stay peaceful. I am reminded of the La Mesa riots that occurred five years ago and the destruction that happened to many establishments I frequented. There are so many issues that demand our involvement and support. [Cailin Acosta]

Anger Seems to be Evident Everywhere Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

A Political Conservative’s View of Israel vs. the Palestinians

He blames Democratic Presidents Carter, Clinton, Obama and Biden, the New York Times, non-governmental agencies such as Amnesty International, and political liberals generally for forcing upon Israel a policy of accommodation for the Palestinians prior to Oct. 7, 2023. [Donald H. Harrison]

A Political Conservative’s View of Israel vs. the Palestinians Read More »

Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA