International

JNF-USA Volunteers Help to Rebuild Southern Israel

I see our more than 2,000 volunteers from the U.S. going to Israel, clamoring to get dirty – filthy even – to help build back the southern communities and lend a hand any way they can. People in Israel who were divided over policies before the war are now sitting around the same table, figuring out how to build back their country — together. [Russell F. Robinson, JNF-USA]

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Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Larry Kornit: Cantor in Shul, Social Justice Advocate Outside

Four areas of interest have shaped the life of Cantor Larry Kornit of Congregation Beth Tikvah: Religion, music, politics, and sports. In addition to serving as a spiritual leader of what he described as his Conservative/ Reform/ Eclectic congregation, he also has volunteered as a member of the City of Oceanside’s nine-member Housing Commission.  The commission meets in the City Council chambers the fourth Tuesday of each month. [Donald H. Harrison]

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California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

OpEd: What Do Cults and Terrorists Have in Common?

Legitimate religions encourage honesty, transparency, and critical thinking.
Conversely, cults, and their leaders, condone the use of deception for recruitment and fundraising purposes. They also use manipulation and fear tactics to maintain control of their members. The negative characteristics of deception and manipulation distinguish a cult from a legitimate religion. [Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz]

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Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Jerry Lewis

In 1945, 19-year-old Lewis met Dean Martin, who was eight years his senior, and the two developed a comedy act,  in which Martin was a straight man and Lewis was a zany ad libber.  The duo started with a radio show, moved to television, then to Paramount Pictures where they starred together in 14 movies between 1960 and 1956.  DC Comics published The Adventures of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis from 1952 to 1957.  The team ended the partnership in 1956. [SDJW staff]

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Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA

Biden praises US Senate leader speech criticizing Netanyahu

Published by AFP Washington (AFP) – President Joe Biden praised Friday a speech by the US Senate leader urging new elections in Israel, saying many Americans shared concerns about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza war. The call by Democratic Senate majority chief Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking elected Jewish American in history, was

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International, Israel, Middle East, Nordot, USA

Adopt-A-Family Foundation Aiding Traumatized Israeli Victims of Oct. 7

Since October 7th, Adopt a Family Foundation has been in close contact with our adopted families all over Israel. Most of the families from the South are still displaced. They too – for more than 150 days – have been praying for the return of the hostages and are still mourning the loss of so many of their friends in their Kibbutzim. So many Israelis from the North are also displaced from their homes and live in such uncertainty of what is next. [Carine Chitayat]

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Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘King James’ Uses Sports Metaphor to Explore the Ups and Downs of a Friendship

The dialogue is fast-paced and funny, both because of  Rajiv Joseph’s writing and the animated faces of Foote and Echebiri.  San Diegans can especially appreciate how upset and betrayed Matt and Shawn feel when James moves to the Miami Heat and leaves his hometown.  I saw many in the audience nodding emphatically as Matt and Shawn lament the perceived betrayal, as memories of our own Chargers’ betrayal with their move to LA still feels fresh.  [Sandi Masori]

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Sandi Masori, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

President Bill Clinton nominated Ginsburg to the Supreme Court in 1993, and the Senate confirmed her on a 96-3 vote, thereby filling the seat that had been vacated upon the retirement of Byron White. She was the first Jewish female justice of the Supreme Court, and eventually became the longest-serving Jewish justice.  When Sandra Day O’Connor retired in 2006, Ginsburg temporarily became the only woman on the nine-member court. [SDJW staff]

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California, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA

Lunch and Yiddish Songs Entertain 57 Holocaust Survivors at Congregation Beth El

“We were honored to be able to put together a program of primarily Yiddish music so that we could reach this special audience with songs in the language most of them grew up with.” [Steve Mishek]

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Holocaust, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Netanyahu says Israel will enter Rafah despite international concern

Published by DPA International The Israeli army will enter the city of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip despite international warnings, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said. “There is international pressure to prevent us from entering Rafah and completing the work,” Netanyahu told soldiers on Thursday, according to his office. He said he

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Israel, Middle East, Nordot, USA