JPlate: RUACH LV
Roni Breite spotted this one in Fallbrook. “Ruach” is the Hebrew word for spirit. “LV” is anyone’s guess. The driver’s initials? Las Vegas? Love?
California
Anti-Israel protester stickered matzah box at grocery store
A small square sticker had been placed in the center of the box: “ZIONISM IS FACISM.”
My mind started to spin, my arms moved in slow motion as I tapped my card and walked out of the store. After sitting outside for a few minutes, I went back in, still holding the box, now damp from my tears. I found the manager, a young woman wearing a large gold cross around her neck. I didn’t know exactly what to say, so I just showed her. She gasped and was immediately apologetic …” [Karen Klein]
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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAPacific Beach has ‘rising star’ in Mission Bagel – an award-winning sandwich too
Is it possible for a sandwich to be “sinus and soul clearing”? The meal in question, a gefilte fish bagel sandwich from Pacific Beach’s Mission Bagel, earned that high praise at BagelFest West as one of the standouts at the Los Angeles competition to crown the best bagel makers “west of the Rockies.” [Noah Perkins]
Pacific Beach has ‘rising star’ in Mission Bagel – an award-winning sandwich too Read More »
Business & Finance, California, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USASeeing the Iranian struggle in the Passover story
For 2,500 years, Jews lived in Iran, long before the rise of Islam. There were periods of relative stability, even prosperity, but they were never truly equal. At best, they were second-class citizens. At worst, they were targets. There were times when Jews were forced to mark themselves as Jews, when false accusations spread easily, and when they were reminded that no matter how long they had lived there, they did not fully belong. [Chloe Levian]
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Antisemitism, California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAFinding beauty in nature at the Cardiff Library
Cali notes that his photographs are meant to be lived with. They are not asking for interpretation or explanation. Instead, they offer a space to slow your breath, rest your eyes, and feel a sense of connection. In searching for beauty, he is really seeking moments that feel honest and true. [Cailin Acosta]
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Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAAntisemitic statements rattle Jews in two states; goof in advertisement draws adverse comments in a third
Georgia legislative candidate Nathalie Kanani risked offending Atlanta-area Jews when she took out a Passover ad that featured a loaf of challah which was decidedly leavened. In Connecticut’s Fairfield County, a bunch of spoiled rich Catholic high school students proclaimed “at least we are not Jews.” [Bruce Ticker}
Documentary memorializes Hillel Slovak of the Red-Hot Chili Peppers
The film focuses on the formative years of the Los Angeles-based rock/funk/alternative band Red Hot Chili Peppers and highlights the lasting impact of their original guitarist, Hillel Slovak, who tragically passed away in 1988 at just 26 years old. [Cailin Acosta]
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Cailin Acosta, California, Israel, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined ContributorsMoving from matzah back to chametz
Crunch, crunch, crunch. Most people are looking forward to returning to eating chametz and saying goodbye to the matzah. [Cailin Acosta]
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Cailin Acosta, California, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USAS.F. City College backs Jewish professor’s claim of antisemitic harassment
Professor Abigail Bornstein is a Jewish faculty member at CCSF who became the target of repeated, public, and highly personalized attacks rooted in anti-Semitic tropes and threats. [Press Release]
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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USAFive bills to pass and one to defeat: Jewish California’s priorities
Jewish California is sponsoring an ambitious five bills in 2026. These bills protect our institutions, affirm who we are, and ensure that Jewish Californians and members of all minority faith communities can participate fully in public life. [Press Release]
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Antisemitism, California, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Press ReleaseBill introduced to create 100-foot ‘bubbles’ around places of worship
Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan on Friday introduced AB 2664, our new “Safe Worship Zone” legislation to ensure that every Californian can enter a house of worship freely – without intimidation, harassment, or obstruction. [Press Release]
Bill introduced to create 100-foot ‘bubbles’ around places of worship Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Jewish Religion, Press ReleaseStandWithUs condemns effort to gut legislation protecting against antisemitism in schools
StandWithUs strongly condemns Assembly Bill 2159 (AB 2159), introduced by CA Assemblymember Robert Garcia. This bill would gut key provisions from AB 715, California’s landmark law aimed at fighting antisemitism in K-12 schools. [Press Release]
Jewish history contest announced for 11th and 12th graders
Entries will be accepted through Friday, May 15. Up to $30,000 in scholarships will be awarded. Winners will be recognized at a JAHM reception in San Diego in May. [Press Release]
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Antisemitism, California, Jewish History, Press Release, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, USAThoughts at the conclusion of a district convention of Women of Reform Judaism
It started with the Playing Together Project, bringing together African American and American Jewish neighbors over Shabbat dinners to heal communal divides, and evolved into pitching a Jewish Solidarity Tent at the local Juneteenth Freedom Festival in San Diego. These moments were my “Small Alephs”—quiet calls to serve. [Barrett Holman Leak]
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Barrett Holman Leak, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors