Byliners

Haftorah Reading for September 25, 2021

Except for an opening prose sentence of introduction, this haftorah is entirely classical ancient Hebrew poetry/song. Nominally, it is David’s closing hymn of victory and thanksgiving to God who had ‘saved’ him from all enemies, particularly Saul. With minor textual variations, the whole hymn is also found in Psalm 18. [1] Historically we don’t know which text came first. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]

Haftorah Reading for September 25, 2021 Read More »

Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion

Good News from Israel (September 19, 2021)

NETANYA, Israel — In the Sept. 19, 2021 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include: 
–3 million Israelis have had their Covid antibodies boosted tenfold.
–Israeli surgeons successfully separate twins conjoined by their heads.
–Israel’s first female Muslim IDF Major.
–An Israeli startup converts text into video read by an animated narrator.
–The value of Israel’s trade with Arab states in 2021 is triple that of 2020.
–Israeli pianist wins international record contract.
–The Land of Israel reveals more Jewish history. [Michael Ordman]

Good News from Israel (September 19, 2021) Read More »

Business & Finance, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Ordman, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA

S.D. International Film Festival Features Flics For Every Palate

If you’re a fan of the silver screen, you are in for a treat! Block off your calendars for October 14th through the 24th for the 20th anniversary of the San Diego International Film Festival. This extravaganza of films contains a vast array of genres including narrative films, documentary films and short films. With great sensitivity to the pandemic and public safety the SDIFF is offering many of the films virtually, while other films will be presented all around San Diego’s beautiful and iconic backdrops including Balboa Park, the USS Midway and the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, paying homage to America’s Finest City. [Eva Trieger]

S.D. International Film Festival Features Flics For Every Palate Read More »

Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Burlington, Vermont, Grapples with Israel-Palestinian Conflict

Twas two nights before Yom Kippur, when all through Burlington City Hall, a half-mile from Lake Champlain’s eastern shore, many a creature of sorts was stirring…stirring up unrest for Jewish Vermonters, 5,400 miles from the land that inspired a City Council resolution urging “justice and (a) peaceful end to (the) Palestine and Israel conflict.” [Bruce S. Ticker]

Burlington, Vermont, Grapples with Israel-Palestinian Conflict Read More »

Bruce Ticker, Middle East, USA

‘A Boy in Winter’ Brings Privation, Fear, Horror of Holocaust Graphically to Life

A Boy in Winter by Rachel Seiffert; Virago UK, 2020; ISBN: 9781844-089963; 256 pages; £8.99 ($12.37). By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — A Boy in Winter appears initially to be an firsthand account, told from the viewpoints of the various individuals involved – both directly and indirectly – in the roundup and murder of

‘A Boy in Winter’ Brings Privation, Fear, Horror of Holocaust Graphically to Life Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson

Comparing Events in the Bible with Those in Former Ancient Documents

By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — It should surprise no one that there are multiple examples of similar events in the Bible and former ancient documents, such as an early tale of the flood written long before the story of Noah, because as Solomon wrote, “There is nothing new under the sun,”

Comparing Events in the Bible with Those in Former Ancient Documents Read More »

Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion

‘Our American Sons’ Rises to the Occasion

By Eric George Tauber CINCINNATI, Ohio — It is said that during the plague of 1606, when all public theatres were closed, Shakespeare wrote both Macbeth and King Lear. Producing theatre that is workable via Zoom has been the challenge of thespians in 2020-21. Playwright/Director Josh Ravetch of the Delaware Theatre Company has risen to

‘Our American Sons’ Rises to the Occasion Read More »

Eric George Tauber, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

A Clear, Readable, Engaging Guide to Maimonides

Maimonides’ Hidden Torah Commentary — Exodus 22-40 by Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel; First Edition Design Publishing 2021; ‎ISBN: 9781506-904610; 386 pages; $24.95. By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — “Maimonides’ Hidden Torah Commentary — Exodus 22-40″ is a very informative book. Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel, spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula

A Clear, Readable, Engaging Guide to Maimonides Read More »

Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion