International

Zooming into Calabria, Italy’s Jewish History

So many Italian names have Jewish meanings, links or describe Jewish occupations. Her website has a section devoted to this study.  For just a small sampling, Bonanno means good year, Shana Tova. Ferrari was the name given to the Jewish craftsmen who were skilled wrought iron workers from Spain. The names were useful in making shidduchim, and served as a sort of “Jewish Geography.” [Eva Trieger]

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Eva Trieger, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Laszlo Moholy-Nagy

Courtesy of Wikipedia László Moholy-Nagy (July 20, 1895 – November 24, 1946) was a Hungarian painter, photographer, and professor in the Bauhaus school. He was highly influenced by constructivism and a strong advocate of integrating technology and industry into the arts. The art critic Peter Schjeldahl called him “relentlessly experimental” because of his pioneering work in painting, drawing, photography, collage,

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International, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

New Zealand Salmon and Other Delights at Tunaville

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a tuna and salmon sashimi tasting event.  Owner Tommy Gomes, who you may recognize as The Fishmonger from TV if you watch the Outdoor channel, partnered with Sieko sushi and Sushi on a Roll to bring some great tasting fish bites to the harbor.  [Sandi Masori]

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California, International, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Woman Who Stickered House of Israel Assigned to a Diversion Program

Under the program’s terms, defendant Parnia Vafaei was required to violate no laws, perform 24 hours community service, stay 300 yards away from all international Houses in Balboa Park, have no contact with any representative of the House of Israel, and pay restitution to the City of San Diego for the cost of cleaning up the vandalism. [SDJW staff]

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Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Educators May Turn Their Students’ Challenges into Strengths

For Jewish educators, this parsha serves as a reminder of the resilience and potential within every student. Just as Balaam’s curses were transformed into blessings, in order for educators to bring out the best in their students, they are called to help their students turn challenges into opportunities and strengths. [Rabbi Simcha Weiser]

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Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

San Diego: A Place for Shell-Shocked Israelis to Unwind

Over the past few weeks, we hosted two delegations from our sister region of Sha’ar HaNegev, offering the opportunity for processing and respite. It was a chance to take a moment, with their San Diego family, to come back to themselves and breathe. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

An Israeli-American Perspective: The Military’s Impact on Society

about leadership, resilience, and the importance of unity. The military in Israel is existential. Surrounded by countries that are often hostile, our military is essential for our survival. This creates a society that is always alert and deeply connected through shared experiences of service. In contrast, military service in the United States is voluntary, unless there’s a mandatory draft due to war. [Shahar Masori]

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Israel, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Satire: The Political All-Star Game

The second day of the Republican National Convention coincided with baseball’s All-Star Game.  Worried that most viewers would watch the game rather than the convention, Donald Trump challenged Joe Biden’s team to a one inning game of baseball pitting the Milwaukee MAGAs against Biden’s team which Trump dubbed the Washington National Insiders.  Here are some highlights. [Satire by Laurie Baron]

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Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

OpEd: The Folly of Academic Boycotts Against Israel

That research is important in the quest for cures for Alzheimer’s Disease, Cancer, Schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s Disease. The research helps physiologists calculate the length of a person’s step; makes strides toward thought-activated speech; and utilizes mathematics for defining medical issues. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USA

OpEd: The Black Community and Its Zionist Heritage

His overall point was that the Black community in America, which descends from Africa, knows that: Zion is Jerusalem and that since ancient times Zion has been spoken of and written about; that African/Black Americans have always sung about Zion; and that Zion was culturally embedded in Black American culture centuries before the modern state of Israel. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, International, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Parsha Balak: A Call for a Unified, not Uniform, Jewish Community

Here, we share fences with Conservative, Reform and Orthodox congregations and yet we remain judgmental and distant. How can we bridge these schisms and find harmony? Can we express our beliefs without descending into conflict? Can we maintain love for one another despite passionate disagreements? [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]

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Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA