Arik Einstein (January 3, 1939 – 26 November 2013) was an Israeli singer, songwriter, actor, comedian and screenwriter. He was a pioneer of Israeli rock music and was named “the voice of Israel.” [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Arik Einstein Read More »
Israel, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
Alas, the best-laid plans of mice, men, and holiday hostesses often go awry! This I recently learned. We were scheduled to host eight Algerian exchange visitors for a “traditional” Thanksgiving meal. The group was in town for a few days as part of a multi-state tourism education program sponsored by the U.S. State Department. [Karen Galatz]
Matzo Chronicles: Halal and Back Read More »
Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
Last year, forensic expert Miguel Lorente said a test of the bones on view at Seville Cathedral indicated that Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe. But what of another cache of bones also said to be those of the controversial 15th century explorer that are kept in a mausoleum at the Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic? [Donald H. Harrison]
Could There Have Been Two Columbuses? One Italian and One Jewish? Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
The story, intended for children between the ages of 4 and 9, teaches several lessons. Author Kierzenblat’s main message reinforces the ethical concept of being kind to animals. Another is the fact that Jews lived throughout the Diaspora, incorporating into their daily lives the customs of the people around them. [Donald H. Harrison]
Children’s Book Teaches Kindness to Animals in an Exotic Jewish Locale Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share
It is crucial to influence the public about Jews and Israel. Americans and other people worldwide have regularly bashed Israel, and that must be changed to diminish antisemitic actions. However, the Jewish people face steep obstacles to this end. I can run down a series of steps along different tracks that can help us, but no amount of money is going to boost Israel’s standing so long as the present government remains in power. [Bruce S. Ticker]
OpEd: Israel’s New PR Effort Hampered by Fact Netanyahu is Still PM Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Israel, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
After the kids took some rides, we made it to the Menorah Candle Lighting Ceremony with Elmo at Big Bird’s Wave Pool Lawn. Courtney Adams, Assistant Supervisor of Talent Operations, sang the brachot and since Oscar the Grouch was not invited to the lighting, he unplugged the menorah. A quick fix from the crew, the menorah was lit for the sixth night celebration. [Cailin Acosta]
Elmo and Friends Celebrate Chanukah at Sesame Place Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
Judah steps forward in the biblical portion of Vayyiggash, Genesis 44:18-47:31, which means “steps forward.” Judah stepped forward near Joseph to defend his younger brother Benjamin, whom Joseph was threatening. The Torah likes Judah, as do most Jews and some Christians today. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Judah Personified What Jews Should Be Read More »
Israel, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Last week President Biden signed legislation designating the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. Intent on undoing everything President Biden has done, Trump plans to rescind this legislation and pick a national bird that better symbolizes his vision for America. He also doesn’t like the bald eagle because it obviously hasn’t figured out that it can cover baldness with a comb-over. [Laurie Baron]
Satire: Flipping the National Bird Read More »
Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
What did President Carter bring to Menachem Begin in his cabin at Camp David, which led Begin to agree to remain and finalize the Camp David Accords? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Jimmy Carter Read More »
Israel, Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
When it comes to the UN, anti-Israel resolutions not only are the most popular agenda items in the General Assembly and the Security Council, but resolutions against Israel often fill the calendars of the UN’s constituent agencies. [Steve Kramer]
OpEd: United Nations and its Agencies Thoroughly Biased against Israel Read More »
International, Israel, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, USA
In 1976, Jagoda coached former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter for his presidential debates against incumbent U.S. President Gerald Ford. Later, Carter became the 39th U.S. president. Carter won the popular vote (40,831,881 to Ford’s 39,148,634) and garnered 297 electoral votes to Ford’s 240. [Rick Griffin, Times of San Diego]
La Jollan Jagoda Coached Jimmy Carter for Debate with Gerald Ford Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, USA
The exhibition displays about 25 of Hirsch’s works in pen and wash (he worked using only shades of grey) presenting his unique and insightful way of seeing the world, whether depicting sitting or reclining models, still lifes or fantastical creatures and images. It is difficult to categorize his work, which seems to lie on the cusp between surrealism and German expressionism. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Israel Museum Exhibits Art of Joseph Hirsch, a Cousin Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
He was engaged in the organization of espionage and sabotage operations, among which stand out the assassination of the leader of North China and Manchuria Zhang Zolin (1928), the kidnapping of prominent members of the White movement, Generals Alexander Kutepov (1930) and Eugene Miller (1937) in France, and an unsuccessful attempt and then the murder of Lev Trotsky in Mexico (1940). [Alex Gordon]
The Eitingon Saga, Part 2: Nahum Eitingon, Soviet Assassin Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
A week ago, I donated another pint of my O negative blood as my eight weeks had passed which made me eligible. I like to post it on my Facebook page to remind me when I donated and all those that I am friends with know I have their backs if they ever need me to save their lives. Or to also remind them to be extra nice to me as I recover and rest and hydrate. Sometimes the effects can last one to two days after. [Cailin Acosta]
The Mitzvah of Donating Blood Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire