The Arts

The Purim Spiel: An explanation and an example

Beyond the surface-level parody, the Spiel functions as a sophisticated tool for the mastery of terror. By transforming a genocidal antagonist—whether the biblical Haman or his modern iterations—into a buffoonish, pitiable caricature, the community performs a collective “reclamation of power.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

The Purim Spiel: An explanation and an example Read More »

Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

A new standard Jewish Bible or a noble compromise?

This edition presents Sacks’ own modern English translation of the Torah, a compiled commentary drawn primarily from his Covenant & Conversation series, along with books, lectures, and other writings—with the sections for Shemot through Bo newly adapted for this project. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

A new standard Jewish Bible or a noble compromise? Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi

‘Hostage’ is a first-hand account of a hijacking

She boards the plane like anyone else, and suddenly she’s in the middle of a nightmare. Now, as a retired cultural anthropologist and professor emerita from the University of Arizona, she brings this incredible mix of lived experience and scholarly eye to the story. She doesn’t just recount what happened—she digs into how it messed with her head and heart for decades. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

‘Hostage’ is a first-hand account of a hijacking Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Opinion: Three pro-Jewish politicians embarrass themselves

A Jewish state assemblyman from the southwestern edge of Long Island was denied a rare opportunity to question New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani about Jewish fears while a first-term Jewish congressman voiced a preference for dogs over Muslims. Plus, President Trump’s man in Belgium intervened in the country’s health policies as they apply to mohels. [Bruce S. Ticker]

Opinion: Three pro-Jewish politicians embarrass themselves Read More »

Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, News Media, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

The movie ‘Leviathan’ counters the biblical Book of Job

Read through the biblical Book of Job, Leviathan becomes a rigorously anti-consolatory work, approaching nihilism only to expose the conditions that make nihilism plausible. [Sam Ben-Meir]

The movie ‘Leviathan’ counters the biblical Book of Job Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish Religion, Sam Ben-Meir, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Asian Story Theatre tells how the Mongolian stringed instrument morin khuur got to be shaped like a horse

Sponsored by the Chinese Women’s Association and written and produced by Kent Brisby and Gingerlily Lowe of Asian Story Theater, this year’s production is The Great Horse of Mongolia. Every year husband-wife team Brisby and Lowe write a new show for the Chinese New Year based on the animal for that year … [Sandi Masori]

Asian Story Theatre tells how the Mongolian stringed instrument morin khuur got to be shaped like a horse Read More »

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

Tifereth Israel Synagogue celebrates its 120th anniversary in style

The party planning committee of Judy Rosenthal, Seth Krosner, Phil Johnson, and Lisa Berman-Hernandez shared heartfelt words about their love for the community and the importance of celebrating together as a congregational family. [Cailin Acosta]

Tifereth Israel Synagogue celebrates its 120th anniversary in style Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Religious Zionists sacrifice their lives in the IDF well beyond their proportion in Israel’s population

Young men and young women — some not so young — responded

full-heartedly to the military call-ups after October 7. Yet although the

religious Zionist community comprises roughly 20–22% of Israel’s population, its sons account for approximately one-third of the fallen in this war — far beyond their demographic share. [Stephen M. Flatow]

Religious Zionists sacrifice their lives in the IDF well beyond their proportion in Israel’s population Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors