The Arts

Streaming Jewish Programs (January 17-23, 2021) 

SAN DIEGO – Following are Jewish-interest programs intended for academic and lay audiences that may be accessed via the Internet All times are Pacific Standard Time. [Laurie Baron, Ph.D]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lawrence Baron, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA

Book Review: Esther in America

The biblical book Esther made a significant impact upon Americans, Jews and non-Jews, as seen in the new book Esther in America.

As I described in detail in my book Ruth, Esther, and Judith, the biblical book Esther is in no way similar to what many think the book contains. Most noteworthy is that it contains no mention of God and no indication that the Judeans observed any biblical command. Even when the Judeans fasted when prompted by Esther’s request, no mention is made that they prayed for divine aid. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion

Can a Robot be Jewish-Jewish-Jewish?

Beginning in 2005, Nadine Epstein, current editor of Moment Magazine, a well-respected Jewish publication since its founding in 1975 by the late Elie Wiesel and Leonard Fein, initiated an “Ask the Rabbi” column, distinguishing itself from other similar columns by asking not one, but many rabbis to respond. “Ask the Rabbi” column seeks advice from rabbis across the full spectrum of Jewish thought and theology – including, Humanist and Independent Judaism on the left, through Reform and Conservative, and on to Orthodox, Sephardic, and Chabad on the right. [Fred Reiss, Ed.D]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Fred Reiss, EdD

U.S. Attorney in San Diego investigating local connections to Capitol riot

U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer has announced his office in San Diego “will work closely with our law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Attorney’s office in the District of Columbia, to ensue that any individuals from San Diego or Imperial Counties who were involved in criminal activity at the U.S. Capitol are brought to justice.  If we determine that federal charges should be brought in this District, we will aggressively prosecute all such matters.” [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, USA

Good News from Israel (January 10, 2021)

NETANYA, Israel — In the January 10, 2021 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:

Groundbreaking Israeli hi-tech innovations for brain, lung and knee surgery.
Israeli air purifiers protect UK bus passengers from the coronavirus.
An Israeli company recycles disposable personal protection equipment.
Israeli companies are helping reduce pollution and car accidents in Japan.
Beer making has returned to the Golan Heights after a 6,000-year absence.
Some remarkable coincidences helped an Israeli paramedic save a man’s life. [Michael Ordman, San Diego Jewish World]

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International, Michael Ordman, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, The World We Share, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA

An Ancient Still-Relevant Play about War’s Ravages

The Trojan Women is a superb translation and adaptation of a splendid play by Euripides (about 480 to about 406 BCE) who wrote tragedies in ancient Athens. Scholars estimate that he wrote over 90 plays, most of which have been lost during the past 2,500 years. Only about a dozen and a half survived. The Trojan Women was first performed in 415 BCE. It is based in large part upon the classic Iliad by Homer which describes the war between the Greeks and Trojans. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Streaming Jewish Programs (January 10-16, 2021)

Following are streaming Jewish programs of academic and lay interest that may be accessed via the Internet.  All times Are Pacific Standard Time. [Laurie Baron, Ph.D]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lawrence Baron, Lifestyles, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA

Commentary: I loved Roald Dahl’s books as a kid. And he was anti-Semitic. I am teaching my kids how to deal with a complicated legacy

As a mother of two young children, I’m in that season of life when the prospect of enjoying a rich novel or scintillating memoir seems remote. Empty nesters warn that the joy of reading will return sooner than I may want. Instead of embracing the thrill of Erik Larson’s narrative nonfiction, I’ll find myself wallowing

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories

Former ‘Bond girl’ Tanya Roberts dies of infection aged 65

Los Angeles (AFP) – Former Bond actress and “That ’70s Show” star Tanya Roberts has died from a urinary tract infection at a Los Angeles hospital, her publicist said Tuesday, a day after premature reports of her passing were retracted. Roberts, 65, was best known for her role as geologist Stacey Sutton in the James

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Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Good News from Israel (January 3, 2021)

NETANYA, Israel — In the January 3, 2021 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:

Israeli surgeons used Augmented Reality to repair a patient’s eye socket.
An Israeli NGO brought water and light to 200 African villages in 2020.
Israeli prize-winning technology for hydrogen production.
An Israeli startup is developing floating video phones to keep seniors safe.
The UAE-Israel Business Council now has over 3,000 members .
Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman 1984 is the most successful new release in the pandemic.
Despite the pandemic, more than 20,000 people made Aliyah in 2020. [Michael Ordman]

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International, Michael Ordman, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Theatre, Film & Broadcast