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]
Henna is seen to ward off the evil eye and increase fertility. In recent generations, more Jews with Sephardic roots are incorporating this practice into their nuptials. [Cailin Acosta]
Henna Rituals Growing in Popularity Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Substantial work remains to effectively fight antisemitism on campus. However, cutting vital federal research funding or imposing a billion-dollar penalty would instead harm students, disrupt life-saving research, threaten economic growth, and undermine one of the nation’s most respected public university systems. [Press Release]
JPAC Opposes Penalizing UCLA $1 Billion for Failing to Protect Jewish Students Read More »
California, Israel, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
This landmark legislation positions Highland Park as the first city in Illinois to enshrine this definition through an ordinance rather than a resolution. The ordinance requires the city manager to incorporate the IHRA working definition and its eleven contemporary examples when implementing employment and anti-discrimination policies. [Press Release]
Illinois City Makes IHRA Definition of Antisemitism an Ordinance Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, Jewish History, Press Release, USA
Having experienced the fear of persecution by executioners, he became the epitome of courage and bravery. Having learned what absolute evil was, he became an absolutely good man. [Alex Gordon]
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) announced on Monday, August 11, the approval of a special rehabilitation budget of NIS 750 million to restore and develop communities in northern Israel and the western Negev severely affected by the “Iron Swords” war. [Press Release]
NIS 750 Million Budget Authorized by KKL-JNF to Rebuild War-Torn Communities in Israel Read More »
Israel, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release