It is estimated that there are now about 6000 Jews in Alaska, mostly in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. What Alaskan landmark is named after a Jewish person? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Alaska Read More »
International, Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
In the collection Landmarks (1909), which became an important event in the history of Russian philosophical thought, Frank published an article The Ethics of Nihilism, where he criticized the “nihilistic moralism” characteristic of the Russian radical intelligentsia and opposed it with a call for “creative, culture-building religious humanism.” [Alex Gordon]
Jewish Biography: Semyon Frank, Religious Philosopher Read More »
Alex Gordon, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Wikipedia
Upon arriving at Buchenwald, the Allied prisoners were not placed in the main camp. They were destined for special treatment. The Nazi Commandant sent them to the “Little Camp,” the Jewish Camp. They slept on the ground for days, no food, clothing – rags like Jewish prisoners. [Jerry Klinger]
American Jewish Group Supports New Zealand Memorial to Airmen Imprisoned at Buchenwald Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
American support of Israel should not be about rubber-stamping the agenda of Netanyahu, just as American patriotism should not be equated with blind devotion to Trump. With strong disapproval of both leaders among a majority of Jewish Americans and Democrats, we need to broaden the definition of what it means to stand with Israel outside the narrow lens of what serves Netanyahu and Trump’s political agendas. [Halie Soifer]
OpEd: On Being a Democrat and a Supporter of Israel Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
We studied Jewish text designed to guide us in thinking through our responsibilities in relation to Israel, what is happening in Gaza, and the rising threats to the Jewish people. [Heidi Gantwerk]
It’s a Jewish Time for Soul-Searching Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
After Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called to “bury the idea of a Palestinian state,” Amb. Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, released the following statement from his office in New York. [Press Release]
International Jewish News: August 15, 2025 Edition Read More »
International, Israel, Press Release, USA
This book is more complex than the typical board book. Instead of telling one story, it has three objectives. [Donald H. Harrison]
Multiple Depictions in a Baby Book of a Jewish Family through the Generations Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Thursday’s UN designation validates the substantial evidence that Hamas used rape and sexual violence systematically as part of a coordinated attack intended to dehumanize and destroy Israelis, both on Oct. 7, 2023, and against hostages thereafter. [Press Release]
AJC Praises U.N. Secretary-General for Blacklisting Hamas for Use of Sexual Violence Read More »
International, Israel, Press Release
If the person is older, I count the years they outlived me and cheer their longevity. I read their obituary avidly for insights, hints, and clues about how they made it to such a long life. Good for them! If they can do it, I “reason,” so can I! [Karen Galatz]
The Matzo Chronicles: By the Numbers Read More »
Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Herzl Rosenblum (August 14, 1903 – February 1, 1991), was an Israeli journalist and politician. A signatory of the Israeli declaration of independence, he worked as editor of Yedioth Ahronoth for more than 35 years. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthay: Herzl Rosenblum Read More »
Israel, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Recently, the Times of San Diego published an opinion piece, (which was republished by San Diego Jewish World) titled “As a Father, Jew and Councilmember, I’m Appalled by Brutality in Gaza” by Sean Elo-Rivera.
While I respect the sincerity behind that essay and the concern it reflects for the lives of all children, it represents a troubling trend in our public discourse: invoking Jewish identity as a moral credential to justify arguments built on ahistorical comparisons and dangerous false moral equivalence. [Mitch Danzig, Times of San Diego]
OpEd: Jewish Values Demand Moral Clarity–Not Equivalence–in Gaza Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, San Diego County, USA
Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, adopted three new policy statements: 1) Strengthening Security to Confront and Protect Against Antisemitic Violence; 2) Championing Pluralism Within the Zionist Movement and 3) America at 250: A Call to Celebrate and Strengthen Our Democracy. [Press Release]
Hadassah Promulgates 3 New Policy Statements Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Press Release, USA
Two Torahs saved from the Holocaust were obtained, one from the Czech Republic; the other from Hungary. A congregant whose hobby is woodworking built the Holy Ark within which to keep them. Another congregant created a rustic chuppah. Jewish books were donated to the congregational library. Temple Sukkat Shalom (Shelter of Peace) is small, yet compact. [Donald H. Harrison]
Alaskan Synagogue Depends on Volunteers Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Do you know the expression: 2 Jews and 3 opinions? Both sides of an argument are valued in Judaism, even to the point of recording the majority and minority viewpoints in the Talmud (the written commentary of the oral Jewish laws describing customs, ethics, and history). [Steve Kramer]