The Arts

Women Who Led Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Profiled in New Book

The narrative is gripping and intense—a true “wild ride.” With so many names and situations to follow, it demands the reader’s full attention, yet it’s nearly impossible to put down. For anyone interested in World War II history, this is a must-read. [Sandra Scheller]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Sandra Scheller, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘The Stamp Thief’ Documentary Screened at Temple Adat Shalom

As I watched the audience, I noticed that no one moved—everyone was completely captivated. The film evoked every emotion imaginable: sadness, anticipation, and yes, even laughter—something rarely experienced when viewing stories connected to the Holocaust. [Sandra Scheller]

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Holocaust, International, Jewish History, San Diego County, Sandra Scheller, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

LFJCC Programs Recordings and Anecdotes about Great Jewish Cellists

On Thursday, Oct. 30, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Astor Judaica Library of the Lawrence Family JCC, I will present “Great Jewish Cellists,” a program of recorded music featuring 13 of the greatest performers on that instrument… {Eileen Wingard]

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

A Creative Way to Celebrate Chanukah with Children

A family vacations for several days at the beach at the start of Chanukah, but in their haste they forgot to pack a menorah. They have, however, packed the Chanukah candles. So they improvise each night of their vacation. The first night, they stick the shamash and another candle into the soft flesh of a banana. The second night they put candles into a bowl of granola. The third, into shiny foil. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

What if Shakespeare’s Juliet Didn’t Die?

In this whimsical jukebox musical, Will Shakespeare (CJ Eldred) and his wife Anne Hathaway (Crystal Kellogg) try to write a new play together.  Shakespeare wants to stay with the star-crossed lovers tragedy, while Anne wants more of a female empowerment storyline. Shakespeare maintains that without conflict there’s no story, and Anne wants harmony. [Sandi Masori]

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

Jewish Cuban Practice of ‘Lo Que Sea’ Highlighted in Children’s Book

– Romi has outgrown her childhood dress. Her arbuelita (grandmother) , the town seamstress in Santiago de Cuba practices a philosophy of waste not, want not. Materially poor, spiritually rich Jewish Cubans make do with what they have to create what they need, a practice encapsulated by the Spanish idiomatic expression lo que sea. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

A Jewish War that Lasted Two Centuries

The two centuries were marked by Judean hatred toward Rome due to its conquest and control of Judea in 63 BCE. There were three pivotal violent rebellions against Rome: the Great Revolt of 66 to 74 CE, which resulted, among other calamities, in the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE; the Diaspora Revolt of 116 CE; and the Bar Kokhba Revolt of 132 to 136 CE. There were also many more minor battles before and sandwiched within these three. In each struggle between Judeans and Rome, thousands of Judeans fought alongside the Romans against their brothers. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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

Documentarians Probe Mystery of Missing Stamp Collection During Holocaust

Hollywood screenwriter Gary Gilbert heard a story from David Weisberg about the missing stamp collection. Weisberg said it was told to his father, psychiatrist Paul Weisberg, by a firefighter patient whose wife was the daughter of an SS officer. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Israel Mesmerized by Videos of Hostages Returning to Their Families

And so a whole nation, and possibly a whole world, watched with bated breath and swelling hearts as returning hostages ran into the arms of their waiting mothers and fathers, embracing siblings, friends, and even in some exceptional cases their own young children. It was impossible not to be moved at the sight, and not to share in the joy and relief of all concerned. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

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Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USA