Seeing Israel through the Momentum lens had me hooked and I became a madricha (guide) in 2022 and 2024. In 2023, I participated in the Momentum Fellowship for Jewish women leaders in Orlando as well as in San Jose in 2024. [Alissa Haroush]
Taking Action for Israel at Home and Abroad Read More »
California, Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Of these with programs, 72% indicated that their programs are required, while others were optional. [David Bocarsly]
Only 26% of California Schools Offer Holocaust and Genocide Education, Survey Finds Read More »
California, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The San Diego International Jewish Film Festival is being held at the Lawrence Family JCC. I love going to the movies but since having twins, those typical date nights with my husband are not very common anymore. [Cailin Acosta]
Taking in the Movies at the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, California, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
These Jewish communities have been extensively impacted. According to the reporting of 27 organizations, we know so far: 446 families (approximately 1,353 individuals) have lost their homes completely. 451 families (approximately 1,514 individuals) have damaged/uninhabitable homes. 47 families have lost their businesses. Approximately 20 professionals who work in the Jewish community have lost their homes. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Update on Southern California Wildfire Relief Efforts Read More »
California, Heidi Gantwerk, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
A former San Diego summer camper was among the first three hostages released by Hamas after being held for more than a year. British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari, 28, was released Jan. 19 and returned home Tuesday … (Kira Caspers, Times of San Diego)
Former Hostage Emily Damari Once Was a Mountain Chai Camper Read More »
California, Israel, San Diego County, USA
This week’s parsha is tailored to the times in which we are living. Fear of the unknown, “uncertainty,” has spun many into anxiety, depression, and self-destruction. Many have so weakened their sense of hopefulness, that they live with exhaustion, believing nothing can, or will, improve. The devastating, shocking, overwhelming loss in Los Angeles has led many to beat themselves down. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Va’eira: An Antidote to Shortness of Breath Read More »
California, Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
As part of the settlement, Harvard has agreed to implement a series of steps, building on measures that Harvard has undertaken over the past year as a part of its commitment to combating anti-Semitism. Harvard and the Brandeis Center look forward to working together in these efforts. [Press Release}
Fight Against Campus Antisemitism Makes Gains Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Israel, Press Release, USA
Something ignited when Debbie Mishek, M.D., traveled to Congregation Beth Am in Los Angeles to attend a presentation about Kol Tefillah (The Voice of Prayer) a few years ago. The program was about “reimagining Jewish prayer and making it more relevant and more inspiring,” the developmental pediatrician recalled. “There is something about music and prayer that is so spiritual. I access my spirituality through music.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Kol Tefillah Band Specializes in Music for Praying and Reflecting Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined ContributorsWhat can’t be replaced are pictures and any family heirlooms like a menorah or Shabbat candle holders that have been passed down from generation to generation. [Cailin Acosta]
What Would You Grab If You Had Minutes to Evacuate? Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
May He who blessed our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and our foremothers, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, bless and protect all the emergency response forces in Los Angeles who are risking their lives to extinguish the great fire. … {Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander]
A Prayer for L.A.’s First Responders Read More »
California, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
As we enter Shabbat, our hearts and minds are heavy with the loss and devastation in Los Angeles. We are praying diligently for all those who are affected by the wildfires, and those who are working so hard to keep people, animals, and homes safe. [Eileen Levinson]
A Shabbat Prayer for Los Angeles Read More »
California, International, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAIt has been devastating to turn on the news or check social media to see the homes lost and evacuations of homeowners and animals due to the wildfires in Los Angeles. San Diego congregations are aiding some of the victims. [Cailin Acosta]
San Diego Congregations Helping Southern California Fire Victims Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
While this fire follows a string of others that have ravaged large swaths of America’s west coast, we need not let this become “the new normal.” We are not powerless to confront this reality. We can demand changes that will reverse the trend toward more frequent and extreme climate disasters. [Rabbi Jennie Rosenn]
OpEd: Los Angeles Fires Result from Dependence on Fossil Fuels Read More »
California, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAAs December unfolds, the spirit of giving glows warmly around us. This is a time to embody the word hineni – “here I am” – and to bring light and safety to our community. [Jewish Federation of San Diego]