Jewish wedding ceremonies are filled with symbolism. The fundamental elements of a wedding are the chuppah (the wedding canopy), the statement made by the groom to his bride, in which he declares his intention to take her as his wife, and her acceptance of him. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
The Origin of the Jewish Wedding Ceremony Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThe Jewish leadership reacted to the mass conversions after 1391 by attempting to convince their lost brethren to return to Judaism, pointing out what they considered to be the illogical elements of Christian belief. One of the attempts was a short book written by Hasdai Crescas in 1398, The Refutation of the Christian Principles. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
A Jewish Philosophy with Unintentional Christian Beliefs Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Harold Bloom (July 11, 1930 – October 14, 2019) was an American literary critic and the Sterling Professor of humanities at Yale University. In 2017, Bloom was called “probably the most famous literary critic in the English-speaking world”. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Harold Bloom Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia
The love story set in the hills of Hakone, Japan, revolves around Miyuki and her family, who have lived in this area for generations and are steeped in ancient customs. [Cailin Acosta]
Israeli Author Spins Japanese Love Story Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, International, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Alexander Kimel, who survived the Holocaust, initially wrote a memoir brimming with anecdotes. To this work, his son, Martin Kimel, appended extensive annotations compiled from histories, oral testimonies, and contemporary memoirs. The result is a grander work that has academic rigor and a personal touch. [Donald H. Harrison]
Holocaust Memoir a Cut Above Others Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Beautifully illustrated, Chutzpah Girls tells the stories of remarkable Jewish women from biblical times through the present with six continents represented. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Women Around the World Have Demonstrated ‘Chutzpah’ for Millennia Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The goal of this exhibition is to stand for creative freedom, the right to read, and the power of art to challenge and inspire. Being a feminist bothered by the repression felt in the workplace, in society, and from the current presidential administration, this exhibit spoke to me. [Cailin Acosta]
Banned Books Celebrated at San Diego’s Central Library Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, International, Jewish Fiction, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
June is recognized as Men’s Health Month, and it is essential to establish a connection with a primary care physician and undergo a physical examination. [Cailin Acosta]
Some Advice for Men Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
As soon as Heine appeared at the threshold of his office, I recited in Hebrew a phrase from Ibn Ezra, known to all Talmudists […]: “I came into your house, found the door open, but as soon as I entered – your wife became angry.” […] It was also a trap. I wanted to know if Heine, who was raised as a Jew until the age of thirteen, remembered the language he was taught. {Alex Gordon, quoting Alexander Weill}
Jewish Biography: Alexander Weill, Alsatian Writer Read More »
Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined ContributorsAdon Olam is one of the dearest songs sung during synagogue services. It is recited or sung at different times in different countries, usually at the end of the Shabbat and holiday morning service. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
History and Translations of ‘Adon Olam’ Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThe two versions of Maimonides’ principles, Ani Ma’amin and Yigdal, were composed after Maimonides wrote the principles. Yigdal has many melodies. In 1950, Leonard Bernstein set the hymn to music. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Yigdal and Maimonides’ 13 Principles Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Judith Kerr (June 14, 1923 – May 22, 2019) was a German-born British writer and illustrator whose books sold more than 10 million copies around the world. She created both enduring picture books such as the Mog series and The Tiger Who Came to Tea and acclaimed novels for older children such as the semi-autobiographical When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, which gave a child’s-eye view of escaping Hitler’s persecution in the Second World War. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Judith Kerr Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Today's Jewish Birthday, WikipediaIt is important to stay present, aware, and engaged. Many protests are scheduled this weekend, and I hope they stay peaceful. I am reminded of the La Mesa riots that occurred five years ago and the destruction that happened to many establishments I frequented. There are so many issues that demand our involvement and support. [Cailin Acosta]
Anger Seems to be Evident Everywhere Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Three teens – two of them Jewish, one of them Christian – so enjoy each other’s company that they promise they shall always be friends, no matter what. [Donald H. Harrison]
Novel Tells WWII Fates of Three Friends Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish Fiction, Staff and Bylined Contributors