On Truth Social, Trump called upon Israel to “maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous state.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Middle East, News Media, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Author Jane Eisner wasn’t able to secure an interview with the reclusive King, nor with members of her family, so she had to rely on what was already published by other writers or said by King, herself, in her memoir and in preserved broadcast interviews. [Donald H. Harrison]
Biographer of Carole King Lacked Access to Singer/ Songwriter Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Today, for the first time in Jewish history, we have two strong, thriving centers of Jewish life: Israel and the Diaspora, especially North America. We enrich and depend on each other in new ways. Our relationship must evolve accordingly. [Betzy Lynch]
We are Entering Zionism 3.0 Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
From what I’ve gathered, Julius Katz is a fictional Jewish character inspired by Julius the Cat — an early Walt Disney creation that came before Mickey Mouse. Imagine if Julius had become famous instead… we’d all be flocking to a land of cats and dodging “Goofy” dogs! [Cailin Acosta]
‘Julius Katz’ Displays Chanukah Items at California Adventure Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
The band has performed at California Adventure for the past eight seasons. In 2017, I happened to walk past the winery where they were playing and stopped in my tracks, thrilled to hear Yiddish and klezmer jams. Ever since, I’ve made it a point to ensure they’re on the schedule. My teens insist this officially makes me a “groupie.” [Cailin Acosta]
‘Mostly Kosher’ is Such a Nice Band, a Mechayeh! Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAZAKA’s CEO, Dubi Weissenstern, commented “Tonight is more than a milestone; it is a living testament to the holy work our volunteers do every day. Our teams run toward pain so others can find comfort. They bring dignity and light where there is chaos and loss. Our concert honor their courage and the supporters who make it possible.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
When the show included a nod to Chanukah—dreidels spinning across the mist before a glowing menorah appeared—fireworks burst in perfect time with the music. [Cailin Acosta]
Chanukah Highlighted in Disney’s Fireworks Show Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
From November through January, California Adventures transforms into a full-blown celebration of the winter holidays. Not just Christmas, but Diwali, Chanukah, and Navidad as well. The Festival of Holidays brings live performances, specialty food booths, and seasonal drinks. Guests can purchase a Sip and Savor Pass to sample a variety of offerings or buy items à la carte. [Cailin Acosta]
California Adventures Celebrates Chanukah with Tchotchkes, Clothing and Food Read More »
Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
In 1960, Walt Disney hired them to create scores at the Walt Disney Studios. They created the song “It’s a Small World (After All)” for the New York World’s Fair and has become one of the most performed songs of all time. {Cailin Acosta]
Disneyland Pays Tribute to Jewish Composers of ‘It’s a Small World (After All)” Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThe U.S. Coast Guard appeared to be making a quick turnaround on its previously reported decision to no longer classify swastikas, nooses, and Confederate flags as “hate symbols” but instead to label them as “potentially divisive.” {Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shanda File, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAPresident Trump on Wednesday night signed into law the bill requiring the Department of Justice to release its Epstein files, setting into motion a 30-day time limit for compliance. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: November 19, 2025 Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Middle East, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAIn an anticlimax, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure by a vote of 427-1 to force the Justice Department to release all materials related to the investigation of the late convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and his partner Ghislaine Maxwell. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: November 18, 2025 Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Hebrew Free Loans of San Diego’s Executive Director, Mindi Frankel, attended the International Association of Jewish Free Loans conference. She connected with 29 other free loan agencies. [Cailin Acosta]
Survey: American Jews Feel Financially Vulnerable Read More »
Antisemitism, Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Many years ago Teddy Kollek, then mayor of Jerusalem, was inspired by the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles to initiate the construction of a similar one in Jerusalem. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
A Visit to Israel’s Museum of Tolerance Read More »
California, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, Travel and Food, USA