What is important? Important to whom? In terms of what? In terms of people’s philosophy of life? In terms of one’s needs? In terms of one’s strengths? In terms of policy? Or in terms of one’s mental health? [Natasha Josefowitz, ACSW, Ph.D]
Discovering What Is Truly Important Read More »
Lifestyles, Natasha Josefowitz
In the context of the Middle East, to which they traveled by way of a tortuous, yet exhilarating bike safari through Europe, the Jewish Michael Tobin and his Lebanese-Christian girlfriend Deborah were problematic candidates for a lasting romance. Religion, nationalism, and past romantic attachments seemed to militate against their permanence as a couple However, these two American psychologists were open to new experiences and to each other, and their time on the road meeting people for intensive discussions about life, love, and loss, impacted each of them differently and profoundly. [Donald H. Harrison]
‘Riding the Edge’ Is a Memoir of Self-Discovery Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Travel and Food
These extracted Grade B (to me) mixed ‘poetic’ and prose passages, from the Book of Isaiah, are attributed to Isaiah II. Though strong on dramatic images, they are scarce in metaphor and other literary devices. They are also heavily ambiguous in messaging. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]
Haftorah Reading for August 14, 2021 Read More »
Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion
By Bruce S. Ticker PHILADELPHIA — Cori Bush, after serving seven months in Congress, now rates comparison to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. What follows is no compliment. When Walter F. George campaigned for his fourth full term in the U.S. Senate, Roosevelt journeyed to Georgia in 1938 to stump for one of George’s rivals in the
What Do Cori Bush and FDR Have in Common? Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Middle East, USA
By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — In 1953, the brilliant scholar Dr. Theodor H. Gaster published Festivals of the Jewish Year: A Modern Interpretation and Guide. It was updated in 1961. It is about the Jewish festivals and the Sabbath, their description, origin, and comparison to other ancient festivals. In six chapters
A Modern Approach to the Understanding of Judaism Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — “You’re very brave to travel abroad in these times,” we were told by various friends and acquaintances, both at home and abroad, when referring to our recent trip to France. The underlying message was that we were being foolish to risk our health by boarding a plane and
By Shayna Kaufmann, PhD SAN DIEGO — Four years ago, my now 20-year-old daughter Tara declared (not asked) that she was postponing college to do a gap year in Europe. She intended to work as an au pair in France in order to speak French, expand her horizons and have a culturally immersive experience. I
Embracing Your Heart’s Yearnings…Before It’s Too Late Read More »
Lifestyles, Shayna Kaufmann
By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. This parasha may be an environmentalist’s dream. It says, “When you besiege a city for an extended period, to make war against it to capture it, do not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them; for you may eat from them, and you shall not cut them down;
Parashat Shoftim: An Environmentalist’s Dream Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
Those who forget their history are condemned to ignore race as a factor in it.” George Santayana … “The great questions of the day will not be settled by means of speeches and majority decisions but by blocking anything political rivals propose with filibusters.” Otto Von Bismarck [Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
Satire: Updating Famous Quotations Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Trivia, Humor & Satire
An email came a week ago from Australia. It was not a question so much as the sender wanted us to know about Tibor Herz. Tibor was the writer’s father. Tibor had passed away a few years earlier, quietly. For the most part, Tibor is forgotten by all except his family. [Jerry Klinger]
Honoring Jews Who Risked Their Lives to Save Other Jews Read More »
International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History
Let those who are hungry for live performance come and dine at the table of Word Up! These events are part improvised performance, part workshop and part conversation. They are held periodically at the Copley Plaza at the Old Globe in Balboa Park. Feeling homesick and needing to tie up some loose ends, I made aliyah back to my favorite city from Cincinnati and was fortunate enough to catch one performance last Friday. [Eric George Tauber]
‘Word Up’ Brings People Together Read More »
Eric George Tauber, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
In 1993, Janell Cannon published a children’s book, Stellaluna, about a baby fruit bat who was inadvertently separated from her mother, and subsequently raised by birds. Stellaluna adapted to her new environs, but through happenstance, found herself back with her natal family, and was overjoyed to learn that her ineptitude as a bird isn’t cause for disappointment or frustration. The young fruit bat gains an understanding that she is unique and can adapt to new situations while retaining her own true identity. It is with this in mind that two brilliant and compassionate teachers created a neurodiverse theater group at New Village Arts. [Eva Trieger]
Neurotypical and neurodiverse performers team in ‘Stellaluna’ Read More »
Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Iran has never caused more trouble than it does today. It has successfully completed its “crescent” road eastward to the Mediterranean through Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. It’s proxy militias, most notably Hezbollah, can be stronger than national armies, as Hezbollah is in Lebanon. It is so powerful there that Hezbollah is in a standoff position with the IDF, which is generally considered one of the world’s strongest armies. This is due to Hezbollah’s arsenal of approximately 150,000 rockets (random) and missiles (targeted). Iran controls Lebanon, plays a big role in Syria, is the major power in Iraq, and is successfully confronting Saudi Arabia in Yemen. [Steve Kramer]
Might Iran Implode? Read More »
Middle East, Steve Kramer
I started contributing to San Diego Jewish World in November 2017. About 100,000 words later this is my 102nd story. The ingredients are facts, imagination, inspiration, rigor, memory and the compulsion to write. Wife Karen and editor Don are faithful and critical readers. [Oliver B. Pollak, Ph.D]
Thoughts on Organizing: Letter to a Younger Scholar Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Lifestyles, Oliver Pollak, Science, Medicine, & Education