George Gershwin (September 26, 1898 – July 11, 1937) was an American composer and pianist whose compositions spanned jazz, popular and classical music. Among his best-known works are the songs “Swanee” (1919) and “Fascinating Rhythm” (1924), the orchestral compositions Rhapsody in Blue (1924) and An American in Paris (1928). [Wikipedia]
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Each marker is Jewish in theme, and in an American way, universal, interreligious. Yet each tells the story of a unique world shaped by antisemitism that gave America and all Americans gifts that continue to enrich all today. [Jerry Klinger]
Roadside markers revive a piece of American Jewish history Read More »
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Newsweek has named Israel’s Hadassah Medical Organization a global leader in cardiology, oncology and cardiac surgery in the media company’s “World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2027.” (Press Release)
Newsweek rates Hadassah Hospital world leader in 3 medical disciplines Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education
Shel Silverstein (September 25, 1930 – May 10, 1999) was an American writer, cartoonist, songwriter, and musician. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Silverstein briefly attended college before being drafted into the United States Army. [Wikipedia]
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I first heard the story of Jonah in the library at Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School from our librarian, the late Nomi Levy. The kids’ version got the main beats but took out much of the punch. I knew Jonah didn’t want to deliver a message. I thought it was neat that he got swallowed by a big fish, like Pinocchio. But I never questioned why he’d refuse when God was directly telling him to go. Now I can appreciate the philosophical struggle: a prophet sent to help his enemies atone who can’t allow himself to forgive them. (Shor M. Masori)
Jonah and the possibility of forgiveness Read More »
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If Macklemore wants to continue calling the situation in Gaza a genocide and turning music concerts into political rallies, he’s free to do so. But Kraft, who is a proud Jew, does not have to give him the platform. (Pearce Alexander)
Macklemore’s free speech was never the issue. His Israel rhetoric was Read More »
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Linda McCartney (September 24, 1941 – April 17, 1998) was an American photographer, musician, cookbook author, and activist. She was the keyboardist and harmony vocalist in the band Wings, which she had formed with her husband Paul McCartney of the Beatles. [Wikipedia]
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Jason Alexander (September 23, 1959) is an American actor and comedian. Over the course of his career, he has received an Emmy Award and a Tony Award as well as nominations for four Golden Globe Awards. He gained stardom for his role as George Costanza in the NBC sitcom Seinfeld (1989–1998). [Wikipedia]
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Ethan Coen (September 21, 1957) is an American filmmaker. Working alongside his brother Joel, he has directed, written, edited and produced many feature films, the most acclaimed of which include Blood Simple (1984), Raising Arizona (1987), Miller’s Crossing (1990), Barton Fink (1991), Fargo (1996), The Big Lebowski (1998). [Wikipedia]
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Rabbis across Michigan will devote part of their sermons to five “non-negotiables” that they hope Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed will honor. (SDJW staff roundup)
The fight against terrorism and antisemitism: September 20, 2026 Read More »
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Maimonides teaches his readers to distinguish between the biblical attribution of an event to God and its immediate physical cause. In other words, biblical language saying that “God did” or said something does not necessarily mean God directly intervened in nature the way a human being might. God was the ultimate cause of the event because God created the laws of nature, but the act happened according to those laws. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Why ‘Jonah’ is appropriate to read Yom Kippur afternoon Read More »
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“All the prayers and rallies will not help unless we Jews arm ourselves to the teeth. We need to walk and travel in pairs or groups. Avoid the Ivy League schools where there are both professors and students who wish to destroy us. …” {SDJW staff report}
The fight against terrorism and antisemitism: September 19, 2026 Read More »
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Ellen Naomi Cohen (September 19, 1941 – July 29, 1974), known professionally by the stage name Cass Elliot, was an American singer-songwriter, actress, comedian, and television personality. A member of the singing group The Mamas & the Papas (1965–1968), she was also known as “Mama Cass”, a name she stated she disliked. [Wikipedia]
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Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
When they reached
the foot of Moriah,
the father could no longer
bear to look his son
in the eyes— … [Sam Ben-Meir]
Descent from the Mountain Read More »
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