Now, because of the Coronavirus, Zooming distance learning education is mandatory. My son teaches reading in the Berkeley school system, a few minutes from his home. Erika, his spouse, teaches first grade in Oakland. All summer they speculated about how school would reopen. Would they teach “live” or online? [Oliver B. Pollak]
Schooling during the COVID-19 era Read More »
Oliver Pollak, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
We reported on Monday that Hillel International had announced a new nationwide initiative to combat antisemitism. Today, we’ve learned that StandWithUs, which has an active chapter in San Diego, has launched a new division called “Rabbis United.” (Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison)
StandWithUs launches ‘Rabbis United’ Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
People are worried about jobs, rallies, protests and yes riots. The real question now is it more important to open up the world than to live.? Is it worth partying on the beach, drinking alcohol in mass at a bar or living for a future time? Young people are dying and many are killing their parents by bringing the virus in their homes. Wake up. It is your life. Do not take it for granted. And this advice applies to those considering High Holy Day services as well. [Rabbi Dr. Bernhard H. Rosenberg]
High Holy Day worship during the pandemic Read More »
Bernhard H. Rosenberg-Rabbi, Jewish Religion, USALast week, we carried the news that Rose Ritch stepped down from her position as student body vice president at the University of Southern California because of the harassment she had to endure for being a supporter of Israel. On Monday, Hillel International announced a new initiative to train campus administrators on how to recognize and deal with antisemitism. [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]
Hillel announces initiative to combat antisemitism Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USAI wonder if I would have survived in college back in the 1960s if the animus on campus toward Jews and Israel were as great as it is today. Two examples of the kind of hatred and bigotry that Jewish students face can be found at the University of Southern California, up in Los Angeles, and across the country at Florida State University in Tallahassee. [Donald H. Harrison]
It’s tough being a Zionist on many campuses Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Shor M. Masori, USA
Three themes dominate this enjoyable and informative memoir by a South African-born author who lived in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States before settling with her husband and three children in Israel. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jodi Samuels’ memoir: ‘Chutzpah, Wisdom and Wine’ Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Travel and Food, USA
A compilation by Laurie Baron, Ph.D., of lectures on a variety of Jewish subjects ranging from music to history to contemporary affairs.
Streaming Jewish Lectures, Aug. 9-13 Read More »
International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lawrence Baron, Lifestyles, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
The rise in terrorism perpetrated by Islamists around the world is blamed on Israel, as are the problems of the Middle East. Even blood libels against Jews are common again, such as Jews having spread the current pandemic to make money. Media personalities – athletes, rappers, actors, and other “celebrities” – make/spread atrocious comments about Jews with little or no backlash. To top it off, younger, Jewish, so-called intellectuals, writers, entertainers, and others have taken to disparaging Israel and undermining their co-religionists for the sake of – what? [Steve Kramer]
The revival of Jew-hatred in the U.S. Read More »
Middle East, Steve Kramer, USA
As the United States embraces improving race-relations, Black culture and heritage become more than just an expression of the Black community, but something that is inherently all-American. As the movement brings light to nationwide change, it may be helpful to consider the methods of Moroccan multiculturalism, where cultural protection is tied to development, limiting socioeconomic divides and welcoming diversity. [Jacqueline Skalski-Fouts]
Morocco a model for U.S. multiculturalism Read More »
International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food, USA
Solomon Jones, a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist and WURD radio host, should thank every Black leader in town who would “tear down our own.” They have sought to clean up the mess created by Rodney Muhammad after he shared a meme depicting an anti-Semitic cartoon next to photos of Black celebrities who were recently accused of anti-Semitism. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Black v. Jewish row continues in ‘City of Brotherly Love’ Read More »
Bruce Ticker, USAStandWithUs, in conjunction with other Jewish groups, reports that the revised recommendations for an Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum (ESMC) improve upon the original version that was rejected by the State Board of Education but still has its flaws. Enumerating, the pro-Israel group listed the perceived improvements and problems with the current version which, like its predecessor, will go before the State Board of Education for approval. [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]
Improvements, flaws in proposed Ethnic Studies Curriculum Read More »
Bernhard H. Rosenberg-Rabbi, Shoshana Bryen, Stephen D. Bryen, USA
Trump’s retaliation included Vindman’s firing from the National Security Council, calling him “insubordinate” and reported efforts to deny Vindman “a routine promotion [to full colonel]…after White House officials dug up dirt on him and passed it along to the Pentagon.” [Dorian de Wind]
Retired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman speaks out Read More »
Dorian de Wind, International, USA
Numerous attempts have been made to make wireless electricity a reality. Finally, I think the technology is not only becoming a reality but will be available to most consumers. Via Zoom, I chatted with Ori Mor, CEO of Wi-Charge, to discuss his company and the new technology that it has created. In essence, Wi-Charge has developed a wireless power source that can be put anywhere in a room and, via an infrared frequency, recharge any electric device that has been fitted with a tiny receiver that is within a direct line of sight. [Shor M. Masori]
Wi-Charge may make charging truly wireless Read More »
Business & Finance, International, Middle East, San Diego County, Shor M. Masori, USA
In his newest book, God and the Pandemic, Rabbi Samuel starts with a historical look at plagues in antiquity, comparing and contrasting leadership skills combating them, praising Marcus Aurelius, a stoic, for guiding his nation through the Antonine Plague in the second century, and condemning Roman emperors in the following century for failing to protect the citizenry during the Plague of Cyprian. [Fred Reiss, Ed.D]
Pandemics through history and the religious response Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Fred Reiss, EdD, International, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, USA