Below are the names of writers who are currently active. For others, living and deceased, please type their name into the search box above the masthead on our home page, www.sdjewishworld.com
This book has 30 biographical sketches, which are divided into six sections: 4 Healers; 11 Leaders and Ambassadors; 4 academics; 2 artists; 5 innovators; and 4 philanthropists and entrepreneurs. [Donald H. Harrison]
30 Trailblazing Israeli Women Profiled in ‘Beyond Division’ Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Kemp provided a fascinating historical perspective, revealing that both Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas were KGB agents, each assigned ID numbers and code names. He explained how the concept of ‘Palestinians’ was a Soviet creation, with Russia acting as the mastermind behind the movement. [Miriam Gershenson]
Kemp: Arafat, Abbas Were KGB Agents Read More »
Albert Kreimerman, International, Israel, Jewish History, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim, is a profound exploration of law, ethics, and relationships, offering deep psychological insight into emotional well-being. Through a mental health lens examining this section of the Torah, we can extract valuable lessons about trust, mindfulness, and interpersonal dynamics—critical components of mental health and emotional resilience. [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Mishpatim: ‘We Will Do and We Will Hear’ Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Today, our hearts shatter for the Bibas family. As a nation, we grieve. But we must also remember: this is not the first time such an atrocity has been committed by these same perpetrators. [Miriam Gershenson]
The Bibas Family–Mother and Two Young Children–Slain in Hamas Captivity Read More »
Israel, Miriam Gershenson, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The words of the poet John Milton in his epic poem ‘Samson Agonistes,’ which I studied in my dim and distant schooldays (A level English) came back to me. (Dorothea Shefer-Vanson)
Echoes of the Poet John Milton in Gaza Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Pro-Palestinian voters succeeded in punishing Democrats so gloriously for supporting Israel that Palestinians may soon be able to boast that they are from “the Riviera of the Middle East” in Gaza – even if they can never live there again. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Trump and Pro-Palestinian Voters: Who’s Sorry Now? Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The weekly biblical portion of Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18) contains many common-sense rules demonstrating how the Torah humanized ancient laws in other cultures. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Common Sense Laws in Mishpatim Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Welcome back Melanie Rubin, who was on lengthy hiatus from her volunteer role as San Diego Jewish World’s chief license plate maven. This plate, which she spotted recently, can be interpreted in multiple ways. [SDJW staff]
A little boy has styled himself “the Mitzvah Fairy,” and does six good deeds in a long, rewarding day. He brings chicken soup to his grandmother, who has the sniffles. He waters the plants for his neighbor, Mr. Gordon, whose leg is in a cast. He also fills up Mr. Gordon’s bird feeder. [Donald H. Harrison]
Children’s Literature: A ‘Mitzvah Fairy’ Performs Six Good Deeds in a Single Day Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Jewish Holiday of Tu B’Shvat has come and gone. It was celebrated on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 12 this year. My 12-year-old twins love this holiday since it celebrates the birthday of the trees. [Cailin Acosta]
A Tu B’Shevat Memory Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
As this San Diego premiere of White opens at the Scripps Ranch Theatre, we hear popular buzzwords about diversity and inclusion being derided by Jane (Noelle Caliguri), curator of a trending gallery and Gus (Joey Landwehr) a friend and prolific artist. [Eva Trieger]
Scripps Ranch Theatre Examines Cultural Bias in the World of Arts and Beyond Read More »
Eva Trieger, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Dumisani Washington, founder and chief executive officer of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI), will participate in five Jewish communal events in San Diego County from Friday, Feb. 21, through Sunday, Feb. 23. [SDJW staff report]
Going through her father’s papers, she’s puzzled by a series of “empty rides” he made- so called when the taxi meter is run but the fare is not paid. Those rides end up being paid by the driver, using up a significant amount of his income. As Kisa sets out to understand the expenses, she learns a lot more about the town’s unseen inhabitants. [Sandi Masori]
‘Empty Ride’ at Old Globe Resolves Mystery of Unpaid Cab Fares Read More »
International, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Which of the following was a less memorable Jewish-themed Saturday Night Live sketch? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: SNL 50 Read More »
Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA