Israel

The Purim Spiel: An explanation and an example

Beyond the surface-level parody, the Spiel functions as a sophisticated tool for the mastery of terror. By transforming a genocidal antagonist—whether the biblical Haman or his modern iterations—into a buffoonish, pitiable caricature, the community performs a collective “reclamation of power.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Jewish Federation urges ‘situational awareness’ at Purim events

While there is no local threat, global events can have ripple effects. As Purim celebrations and other gatherings approach, we encourage you to participate fully, and to practice heightened situational awareness and adherence to all security protocols. [Press Release)

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Press Release, San Diego County, USA

Reactions to joint Israel-U.S. bombing of Iran, killing of the ayatollah

Here, alphabetized by sender, are some of the Jewish reactions sent to San Diego Jewish World following the bombing of Iran and the killing of its top leaders by the United States and Israel: [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘Hostage’ is a first-hand account of a hijacking

She boards the plane like anyone else, and suddenly she’s in the middle of a nightmare. Now, as a retired cultural anthropologist and professor emerita from the University of Arizona, she brings this incredible mix of lived experience and scholarly eye to the story. She doesn’t just recount what happened—she digs into how it messed with her head and heart for decades. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Suit filed against California and its agencies for not protecting K-12 students from antisemitism

The State of California, the California State Board of Education, the State Department of Education, and Superintendent Tony Thurmond are being sued on behalf of Jewish parents whose children have been, and continue to be, the subjects of cruel, persistent, and pervasive antisemitism in their California public schools. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Knesset Caucus for Israel-U.S. Relations convenes with dignitaries from both nations as onlookers

Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation, said: “The relationship between Israel and the United States goes far beyond a strategic alliance. It is a deep partnership rooted in shared democratic values, and that partnership is a cornerstone of Israel’s security and national resilience …”

Knesset Caucus for Israel-U.S. Relations convenes with dignitaries from both nations as onlookers Read More »

Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, USA

Conservative Jews urge protests against eliminating egalitarian prayer from the Kotel

The Conservative/Masorti Movement has stood with Israel for generations, and especially since October 7. We have answered the Prime Minister’s call to “fight” for Israel’s future. Now we must insist that Israel stand for us — and for the religious freedom of all Jews. [Press Release]

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International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Press Release, USA

Jewish Public Affairs Committee renames itself ‘Jewish California’

With the tagline Our Voice in Sacramento, the new name and brand reflect the organization’s evolution into the nation’s largest statewide coalition of Jewish organizations and reaffirms its mission: to amplify Jewish voices through strategic statewide advocacy and coalition-building to better the lives of Jews and all Californians. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Press Release, USA

Hadassah reports lung cancer treatment progress

P-Cure’s compact proton therapy system, which delivers a beam of radiation that precisely targets tumors, thereby preventing damage to nearby organs and healthy tissue, grew out of a two-year collaboration with oncologists, physicists, and physicians at Hadassah. [Cailin Acosta]

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

Pro-Israel Democrats endorse SD City Councilwoman Marni von Wilpert for Congress

DMFI PAC’s Majority Project is the only effort focused on electing Democrats who stand with Israel as a democratic ally, are committed to confronting antisemitism and extremism, and recognize the U.S.-Israel relationship as a vital national security partnership — while remaining squarely focused on winning back the House. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Press Release, USA

Religious Zionists sacrifice their lives in the IDF well beyond their proportion in Israel’s population

Young men and young women — some not so young — responded

full-heartedly to the military call-ups after October 7. Yet although the

religious Zionist community comprises roughly 20–22% of Israel’s population, its sons account for approximately one-third of the fallen in this war — far beyond their demographic share. [Stephen M. Flatow]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors