The Koren Sukkot Maḥzor; Introduction, Translation, and Commentary by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Koren Publishers, Jerusalem, © 2015, ISBN 978-965-301-659-0, p. 1465, $24.95 By Fred Reiss, Ed.D. WINCHESTER, California – When a knowledgeable Jew hears the Hebrew word maḥzor, more than likely an image appears of a sanctuary filled with Jews praying during the High Holidays, […]
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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Fred Reiss, EdD, Jewish Religion
Devil Out of Texas by Roger Raffee, 2016; Amazon Publications; 456 pages; now on Kindle. By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO – Author Roger Raffee, a fellow San Diegan, has written a novel—and I’ll repeat that word “novel”—purportedly about a great-great grandfather who was a sure-shooting, fast-drawing Texas Ranger who could snuff out a
Tales of a Jewish lawman in the Old West Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, USA“Supergirl” is an intriguing coming-of-age film about Naomi Kutin, an Orthodox Jewish girl who broke a world record in the sport of powerlifting. In many ways, Kutin’s story is just like everyone else’s: She’s trying to find her way as she transitions into adolescence. But what makes Kutin extraordinary is her dedication to the sport
‘Supergirl’: A Film About Orthodox Jewish Powerlifter Naomi Kutin Read More »
Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USABy Mimi Pollack LA MESA, California — Many of us lead very busy lives, and there are many self help books out there to help people find ways to cope. However, it is nice to find one that gives concise advice on ways to make your life less stressful, healthy and even lighten your footprint
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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Mimi Pollack“I didn’t sing the anthem during international games. Unless there will be a change in the words of the anthem not everybody can sing. The words “Jewish soul craving” do not fit the Arab sector. If I would sing the anthem it would be a lie.” Thus said the former captain of the Benei Sakhnin
Arab soccer players refuse to sing national anthem Read More »
Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Sports & CompetitionsProtesting the National Anthem has been a focus on this year’s football season, but at the first game of World Series baseball game Tuesday night, the scene was different. Singer Rachel Platten, famous for her song “Fight Song,” sang the opening National Anthem, and all players appeared to stand during the ceremony. RELATED: National anthem
Here’s what happened during the National Anthem at the first World Series baseball game Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Sports & Competitions, USARussia’s anti-Kremlin band Pussy Riot has released its latest song, a feminist riposte to Donald Trump’s boasts that he could “grab” women by the genitals because of his fame. The band’s new song “Straight Outta Vagina” takes on the U.S. presidential candidate, declaring that “pussy is the new dick.” “Don’t play stupid, don’t play dumb,
Pussy Riot Vows to ‘Grab Back’ At Trump With New Song Read More »
International, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, USAWhere the Jews Aren’t: The Sad and Absurd Story of Birobidzhan, Russia’s Jewish Autonomous Region by Masha Gessen, Nextbooks, Schocken, New York ©2016, ISBN 978-0-8052-4246-1, p. 147, plus notes, published sources, and index, $25.00 By Fred Reiss, Ed.D. WINCHESTER, California – In 1908, about a decade after the first Zionist Congress, the British government offered territory
A history of the Soviet Union’s failed Jewish republic Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish HistoryBy Eileen Wingard ENCINITAS, California — The Israeli duo, violinist Asi Matathias and pianist Victor Stanislavsky, shone in their recent recital at the Encinitas Library, under the auspices of Virtuosi USA, a concert series sponsored by the Friends of Musical Arts, under the direction of Michael Tseitlin. Matathias and Stanislavsky have performed in San Diego
Recital by Matathias and Stanislavsky enthuses S.D. audience Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego CountyPro-Israeli Jewish actress Scarlett Johansson, who aroused the wrath of the BDS organization in the past when she advertised Israeli company SodaStream, opened a popcorn chain last week in an upscale area of Paris. Johansson attended the opening of the first branch of the chain in the Marais quarter of Paris and even served popcorn
Scarlett Johansson opens popcorn chain in Paris Read More »
International, Middle East, Theatre, Film & BroadcastBy Eric George Tauber SAN DIEGO — “Truth’s a game. It’s the lies that are deadly serious.” Imagine that your country is invaded and your king takes refuge in your house. The invading soldiers knock on your door and ask if you know the whereabouts of your king. You must now choose between your duty
Equivocation provokes deep questions Read More »
Eric George Tauber, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & BroadcastCHICAGO — Chicago radio legend Herb Kent, the longest-running DJ in the history of radio and a fixture on local airwaves for more than 70 years, died Saturday. He was 88. Kent’s death was announced Sunday by executives at V103, where Kent worked for the past three decades. Also known as “The Cool Gent,” “King
Herb Kent, legendary Chicago radio personality, dies at 88 Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, USAMINNEAPOLIS — Pop idol Bobby Vee, the boyish, grinning 1960s singer whose career was born when he took a Midwestern stage as a teenager to fill in after the 1959 plane crash that killed rock ‘n’ roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, has died. He was 73. Vee, whose
Fans are mourning the loss of one of the most beloved pop stars of the early ’60s Read More »
Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, USA
Dreidels on the Brain by Joel Ben Izzy; Penguin Young Readers Group; © 2016; 318 pages, $17.99. By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO – With Chanukah soon approaching, this is an enjoyable school boy’s story about Jewish holidays, magic performances, not knowing that a girl you like reciprocates your crush, an ailing father, and a
Novel mixes modern story into ancient Chanukah tale Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison