Israel

Celebrating a Centenarian: Meir ‘Frank’ Loewenberg

In a brief speech he admitted that he did not know what ‘the secret of longevity’ was despite having been asked many times, but obviously his mental capacity and maintenance of physical activity have contributed. Mainly, I would say, it is his indomitable spirit and open-mindedness that has kept him alert and active in so many spheres for so long. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

Celebrating a Centenarian: Meir ‘Frank’ Loewenberg Read More »

Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Political Briefing: Thursday (Thanksgiving), Nov. 27, 2025

ABC television news reported that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has questioned Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s legitimacy to hold office as Ukraine’s President.  In which case, it would be pointless to sign a peace agreement with him, Putin said. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing: Thursday (Thanksgiving), Nov. 27, 2025 Read More »

Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, News Media, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025

ZAKA’s CEO, Dubi Weissenstern, commented “Tonight is more than a milestone; it is a living testament to the holy work our volunteers do every day.  Our teams run toward pain so others can find comfort. They bring dignity and light where there is chaos and loss. Our concert honor their courage and the supporters who make it possible.” [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 Read More »

California, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Political Briefing: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025

The Defense Department’s probe into Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) for making a video with five other members of Congress reminding military and intelligence employees it’s their duty to refuse illegal orders drew a rebuke from Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York). He said President Trump was “attempting to use the Pentagon as his personal attack dog.” [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 Read More »

Antisemitism, Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, News Media, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Rededicating Ourselves to Judaism in Time for Hanukkah

Although it’s considered a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish calendar, it is widely observed, even by Jews who identify more culturally than religiously. Perhaps that’s because there’s no requirement to attend synagogue for Hanukkah. The irony is delicious: a holiday celebrating the rededication of the Temple does not require you to step foot in one. [Betzy Lynch]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

An Israeli Afternoon at the Opera

The local pensioners’ club, Magash, which runs a wide range of activities for seniors living in Mevasseret Zion, introduced something new, namely, a bus laid on to take members to and from Friday afternoon performances of operas. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

An Israeli Afternoon at the Opera Read More »

Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Israel, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food

Jewish Political Briefing: Saturday Evening, Nov. 22, 2025

What Greene will do after her resignation takes effect is a matter of speculation. Earlier this year, she ruled out running in statewide contests for Georgia governor and for the U.S. Senate seat occupied by Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. Some believe she plans to seek MAGA support to run for the presidency. [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing: Saturday Evening, Nov. 22, 2025 Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Political Briefing: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025

The U.S. Coast Guard appeared to be making a quick turnaround on its previously reported decision to no longer classify swastikas, nooses, and Confederate flags as “hate symbols” but instead to label them as “potentially divisive.” {Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 Read More »

California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shanda File, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Emphasis of Thanksgiving Should be Giving

When we look closely at the word Thanksgiving, we see that gratitude in America is not only about inviting family and friends to share a meal, but also about giving to those in need and counting our blessings. [Cailin Acosta]

Emphasis of Thanksgiving Should be Giving Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Jewish Political Briefing: November 18, 2025

In an anticlimax, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure by a vote of 427-1 to force the Justice Department to release all materials related to the investigation of the late convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and his partner Ghislaine Maxwell.  [Donald H. Harrison]

Jewish Political Briefing: November 18, 2025 Read More »

California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA