California

Jewish Political Briefing: Monday, Dec. 8, 2025

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: Since I’ve been a member of Congress, we’ve had several resolutions that constantly denounce antisemitism. I’ve already voted denouncing antisemitism many times before. It becomes an exercise that they force on Congress, and I simply got tired of it. [Answering Lesley Stahl on ’60 Minutes.’

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Antisemitism, California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Political Briefing: Saturday Evening, Dec. 6, 2025

More than 200 cultural and public figures have signed a petition urging Israel to release convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti from prison.  Among Jews signing the petition are singer Paul Simon and journalist Peter Beinart. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing: Saturday Evening, Dec. 6, 2025 Read More »

California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

When Memory Becomes Action

Moshe teaches us that greatness doesn’t come from good intentions alone- it comes from turning compassion into concrete action. A true leader, and a true member of Klal Yisrael, is someone who shows up, who takes responsibility and asks: “What can I do to help?” Every one of us has daily opportunities to be a “do-er”- to step in, support others, and make a difference. Even small actions, when done with sincerity and courage, can have an everlasting effect. [Ilanit Zakowski]

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California, Ilanit Zakowski, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Biographer of Carole King Lacked Access to Singer/ Songwriter

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]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘Julius Katz’ Displays Chanukah Items at California Adventure

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]

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Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

‘Mostly Kosher’ is Such a Nice Band, a Mechayeh!

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]

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Cailin Acosta, California, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025

ZAKA’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]

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California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

California Adventures Celebrates Chanukah with Tchotchkes, Clothing and Food

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]

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Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Disneyland Pays Tribute to Jewish Composers of ‘It’s a Small World (After All)”

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]

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Cailin Acosta, California, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Political Briefing: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025

The 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, USA