It’s sadly predictable that on this day of all days, we’re once again debating anti-choice bills on the House floor brought by MAGA Republicans — bills designed to make pregnancy more dangerous, more expensive, and more terrifying for millions. [Sara Jacobs]
This book explores the biographies of eight remarkable women who gave thousands of innocent children caught in the horrors of World War II a chance to live. They did not act for fame or glory, but simply because it was the right thing to do. [Cailin Acosta]
Female rescuers of children from the Holocaust profiled Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors
What sets Christian Zionism 101 apart is its vitality: short, punchy chapters, bold headings, scripture sidebars, and over 200 footnotes for depth. At 206 pages, it’s ideal for individuals, study groups, or newcomers. Early feedback, including Amazon’s 4.5-star average, praises its humble, bridge-building tone. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
10 Reasons for Christians to be Zionists Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Lisa Berman Hernandez, president of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, shed some light on what led up to her congregation’s American-Israeli Rabbi Hanan Leberman being disinvited to deliver the benediction at an “All Peoples” breakfast on Monday honoring the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the News: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, News Media, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, USA
The Rebbe replied: This plague was not darkness in the eyes alone. It was a deeper darkness—a numbness of the heart where no one cared for their neighbor. No one felt the pain of another. No one rose to help the hopeless or answer cries of despair. In that profound apathy, society descended into terrifying isolation. That is the terror of such darkness. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Parsha Bo: Awakening the heart amid modern darkness Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Deborah Lipstadt, a former special envoy to counter antisemitism in Joe Biden’s administration, and Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, were offended by reports that Kamala Harris’ vetting team for her potential vice presidential running mates asked Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro if he had ever been a double agent for Israel. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the News: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Read More »
Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAThe reason cited—”concerns over potential disruption related to Zionism”—was a direct strike at Rabbi Leberman’s lifelong identity. As a man who has studied, served, and raised a family in Israel, his very presence was deemed a liability. This was no minor logistical adjustment; it was a deliberate choice that erased the presence of Jewish clergy from an event meant to embody Dr. King’s “Beloved Community.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
The disrupted dream: A fractured fellowship in San Diego Read More »
Israel, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
In case of doubt, I am only teasing when I confess that the Jewish people contribute to an Israeli conspiracy. There could well be readers who take this admission seriously. Let me be plain: As far as I am aware, Josh Shapiro is no agent for Israel. I was merely, ahem, joshing. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Satire: License to kvetch Read More »
Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, Israel, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
“By sharing our expertise with U.S. agencies, we help investigators across the United States to better understand the unique customs surrounding Jewish fatalities,” said ZAKA U.S. Executive Director Moshe Rozenberg. “We showcase how Israel has integrated these customs into its emergency and investigative practices and discuss what can be adapted in their own jurisdictions.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the news: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2026 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
I met the most wonderful girl in San Diego. We were married in June 1968. Together we decided our home would be kept Kosher. Being strictly kosher wasn’t a realistic option on a US Navy ship. Some of you know that I was talking with Madeline and said “We will live in Israel after I leave the Navy. Oh, and by the way, Will you marry me?” She agreed. When she was asked, later, about what brought her to Israel, her reply was always “Not what, but who.” [Aryeh Wetherhorn]
Tale of an oleh: A satisfying life in two countries Read More »
Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Muslim immigrants living in the West are engaged in a complex, but not hopeless, endeavor – turning the West into the East. More and more districts in Western cities are falling under the control of people from the East. [Alex Gordon]
Opinion: Europe accommodates Islam but not vice versa Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
When Rabbi Leberman asked whether another rabbi might step in to offer the benediction in his place, that request too was denied. With the exclusion of Rabbi Leberman, so too came the elimination of any Jewish clergy from the All People’s Celebration. [Rabbi Jason Nevarez]
Open Letter from the San Diego Board of Rabbis and Cantors Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAAmerican-Israeli Rabbi Hanan Leberman of Tifereth Israel Synagogue was disinvited from delivering a closing message at the All People’s Breakfast in Balboa Park that will honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday, Jan. 19, causing shock, outrage, and protest from San Diego’s Jewish community. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the news: Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
The fact that excellent musicians are prepared to come to Israel at a time when each day brings some new crisis or threat provides us with wonderful music as well as serving to raise our spirits and give us renewed hope that the world is not a completely hostile place. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Musicians from afar lessen Israelis’ sense of isolation Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors