The Arts

The Talmud has defined the Judaism of today

In tracing the origins and development of the Talmud over the millennia in which it has existed in one form or another (first oral, then written, and eventually printed), Harry Freedman, a historian and expert in Aramaic and Judaic studies, introduces us to the different environments and cultures in which the Talmud emerged and eventually flourished, as well as giving us insights into the various rabbis, interpreters, and scholars who helped to formulate and establish it.

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Jewish History, Jewish Religion

Hounding the Headlines: September 8, 2019

My owner writes parodies of songs and suggested I try my paw at it.  I heard this old Patti Paige record and decided to update it.

How much is that puppy in the window?
The one who is sold at a store.    
Unlike the doggies at the shelters,                                                                                                                   
You know it will cost you much more.               

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Lawrence Baron, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, The World We Share

Rosh Hashanah: the New Year that Wasn’t a New Year

Rosh Hashanah is not a biblical holiday, although it replaced a biblical one, and is notably different from the holiday it replaced. The biblical holiday, Yom Teruah, had a totally different purpose than Rosh Hashanah, which focuses on the onset of a new year, repentance, and commitment to live the next year properly. Yom Teruah concentrated on months and the number seven.

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

‘Schlepping, Schmoozing’ celebrates S.D. Jewish stories

The nice thing about this book is that you can either read it cover to cover or go through the extensive Table of Contents and choose the chapters that catch your eye. The book is in chronological order starting in 1987 and ending in 2019.

I did the latter and there were 18 stories that I was particularly drawn to read, such as his stories on immigrants –“Immigrant Stories Told at the New Americans Museum”- and his stories on Jewish Family Service and how they have served the community for over 100 years-“JFS, Looking Back a Century, Recalls Rose Neumann>” Moreover, I liked his stories on people who converted and intermarried couples- “Christina de Jesus is a Jewish Song Leader” and “Intermarried Couple Honors Each Other’s Beliefs.” His curious nature has served him well in life.

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Mimi Pollack, San Diego County

Sephardic Festival planned Sept. 14-15 at LFJCC

This two-day festival begins Saturday evening at 7 p.m. with community and film, starting with a dessert reception and Sephardic Havdalah, followed by a short documentary that showcases the stories of San Diego’s very own Sephardim in Our San Diego Sephardic Voices. The feature film – Three Mothers, directed by Dina Zvi-Riklis – follows, highlighting the ever-lasting connection of three Sephardic mothers and sisters.

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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food