International

Biographer of Carole King Lacked Access to Singer/ Songwriter

Author Jane Eisner wasn’t able to secure an interview with the reclusive King, nor with members of her family, so she had to rely on what was already published by other writers or said by King, herself, in her memoir and in preserved broadcast interviews. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Celebrities, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Thanksgiving a Harbinger of Chanukah Tikkun Olam

As I looked on Facebook, I was thrilled to see La Mesa neighbors posting they were gifting plates of Thanksgiving turkey. I am vegan, but I thought it was so generous of neighbors to give to those who do not have a place to go or are struggling to make ends meet. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Travel and Food

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]

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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

‘Julius Katz’ Displays Chanukah Items at California Adventure

From what I’ve gathered, Julius Katz is a fictional Jewish character inspired by Julius the Cat — an early Walt Disney creation that came before Mickey Mouse. Imagine if Julius had become famous instead… we’d all be flocking to a land of cats and dodging “Goofy” dogs! [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

‘Mostly Kosher’ is Such a Nice Band, a Mechayeh!

The band has performed at California Adventure for the past eight seasons. In 2017, I happened to walk past the winery where they were playing and stopped in my tracks, thrilled to hear Yiddish and klezmer jams. Ever since, I’ve made it a point to ensure they’re on the schedule. My teens insist this officially makes me a “groupie.” [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, California, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, 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