International

Blessings and Pats on Their Heads

Not only humans gathered around computer screens, but animals too, for Internet Shabbat services Friday night conducted by Rabbi/ Cantor Cheri Weiss of the San Diego Outreach Synagogue.  This Shabbat, Jews around the world read Parshat Noach — the story of Noah’s Ark — and the rabbi figured it would be the perfect occasion to recite a “Blessing of the Animals” composed by Rabbi Jonathan Aaron of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, California. [Donald H. Harrison]

Blessings and Pats on Their Heads Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, The World We Share, USA

Biden likens North Korea to pre-war Nazi Germany

Former Vice President Joe Biden compared the U.S. relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un today to America’s “good relationship with Hitler before he, in fact, invaded Europe — the rest of Europe.”

The comparison came during one of many sharp exchanges Thursday night between Biden, the Democratic nominee for President, and  President Donald J. Trump, the Republican,  in their second and last debate before the Nov. 3 election.  [Donald H. Harrison)

Biden likens North Korea to pre-war Nazi Germany Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

My New Life in Switzerland, 1965

I wanted to use my newly minted social work skills and found a job teaching the principles of case work, which had never been taught in the local school of social work. It was a professional school not affiliated with the university. Students stood up whenever I entered the classroom, and they were to be called by their last names preceded by mademoiselle or monsieur. I translated all my class notes from Columbia into French. Case work is the presentation of a problem which students need to find the best way to help the client to resolve. It was challenging to teach this method, which included starting where the client is and including him or her in finding a solution. Swiss students were raised in a more authoritarian culture [Natasha Josefowitz, Ph.D, ACSW]

My New Life in Switzerland, 1965 Read More »

International, Lifestyles, Natasha Josefowitz, Science, Medicine, & Education

Studies in Horrific Election Rhetoric

The disgusting advertisement jumps out at you from page 9 of The Jewish Journal covering south Florida: “If You’re Jewish WHY are you Still Voting Democrat?” The ad goes downhill from there. A Jewish Orlando, Fla., woman posts on Facebook: “If you’re JEWISH and Haven’t Voted Yet: PLEASE STOP and THINK! How Can A JEWISH Person Vote For Hitler!” [Bruce S. Ticker]

Studies in Horrific Election Rhetoric Read More »

Bruce Ticker, Middle East, USA

Erdogan’s Calamitous Authoritarianism

Turkey’s President Erdogan is becoming ever more dangerous as he continues to ravage his own country and destabilize scores of states in the Middle East, the Balkans, and North Africa, while cozying up to the West’s foremost adversaries. Sadly, there seems to be no appetite for most EU member states to challenge Erdogan and put him on notice that he can no longer pursue his authoritarianism at home and his adventurous meddling abroad with impunity. [Alon Ben-Meir, PhD]

Erdogan’s Calamitous Authoritarianism Read More »

Alon Ben-Meir, International, Middle East, USA

Ancient Flood Stories and The Tower of Babel

There are over 500 collected non-Biblical flood stories from around the globe. The most famous is contained within the epic legend of Gilgamesh. He may have actually been a historical person, a wise Sumerian king on an adventure to win fame. He encountered Utnapishtim, the actual flood figure, who survived in a vessel, a Great Deluge that destroyed mankind. Gilgamesh learned the details from Utnapishtim. [Irv Jacobs, MD]

Ancient Flood Stories and The Tower of Babel Read More »

International, Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Travel and Food

March of the Living plans worldwide Kristallnacht remembrance

The March of the Living organization has called upon Jewish communities and their friends around the world to keep their lights on at synagogues, Jewish institutions, and at homes in solemn remembrance of the night known as Kristallnacht on Nov. 9, 1938, when Nazis burned more than 1,400 synagogues and Jewish institutions in Germany. [Donald H. Harrison, Our Shtetl San Diego County]

March of the Living plans worldwide Kristallnacht remembrance Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, San Diego County, Travel and Food, USA

Comprehensive list of SDJW endorsements

Following is a list of positions San Diego Jewish World has taken on candidates and propositions appearing on ballots in San Diego County.  In some cases, we have made no endorsement, either because we felt we didn’t have enough information to do so, or because we could not bring ourselves to back either candidate.  Each endorsement in the list below is  linked to the original editorial, so that you can see if you agree with our reasons. [Donald H. Harrison]

Comprehensive list of SDJW endorsements Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, San Diego County, USA

Jewish Nobel Prize Winners; Does It Matter?

The capabilities of Jews in countless areas are no secret and if we were to award the highest prizes and recognitions based on accomplishments in all fields, Jews would receive even more awards than we already do. However, I do not think getting medals or trophies should be a reason for Jewish pride. I do not spend time counting the number of awards because it is not what we need to stand out for. We need to be prominent for fulfilling the role that the world truly expects from us. [Michael Laitman, Ph.D]

Jewish Nobel Prize Winners; Does It Matter? Read More »

International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Sports & Competitions, USA

It Could Have Been A Jewelry Heist

The proprietors of the establishment were an elderly man and his wife. He unlocked the display case and his wife reached inside and lovingly brought out an exquisite diamond necklace fabricated with thirty-two large emerald cut diamonds that she proudly placed on the glass counter. The sparkling piece of jewelry laid magnificently on its bed of royal purple velvet cloth. The price quoted by the proprietors to the customers was a mere $95,000, a steal for such an exquisite piece, in their estimation. The dazzling ornament radiated more brilliantly in elegant arrogance when the price was announced. [Ira Spector]

It Could Have Been A Jewelry Heist Read More »

Lifestyles, USA

No on State Prop. 24; Yes on S.D. Measure E

Proponents and opponents of Proposition 24 both say that the other side will weaken consumer’s privacy protection, not strengthen it. It’s possible, but not likely, that they are both right. According to the independent legislative analyst, current law requires businesses serving more than 50,000 customers to follow state consumer data privacy standards. This law would exempt companies that serve less than 100,000 customers. That doesn’t sound like increased consumer privacy protection at all. [Donald H. Harrison]

No on State Prop. 24; Yes on S.D. Measure E Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, San Diego County, USA

Viewing the U.S. 30 years after making aliyah

Today, it’s a totally different story in the US and probably everywhere in the West. People who still watch television news expect to hear opinions which are in line which they share – the echo chamber effect. There’s much opinion and subjective (slanted) reporting with very little objective reporting. It’s the same whether on TV, cable, or social networks. The news is no longer something that is subject to debate. It’s this or it’s that, and never shall the twain meet. There is no doubt about the facts. The fact is absolutely this to one group, and it is absolutely that to the opposing group. Therefore, there’s nothing which allows a differing opinion. Put another way, anyone with a differing opinion doesn’t know the facts. [Steve Kramer]

Viewing the U.S. 30 years after making aliyah Read More »

Middle East, Steve Kramer, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Coronavirus, Haredi demands on Netanyahu roil Israel

In one respect the news is good. The recent closures have reduced daily infections below 2,000 and even below 1,000. However, we’re still plagued with questions. In short, the Haredim, or ultra-Orthodox. Unknown numbers of them decline to be tested. Many of them say that the concern with Coronavirus is exaggerated. They go their own way with respect to opening schools and gathering for weddings, funerals, and other occurrences. [Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D]

Coronavirus, Haredi demands on Netanyahu roil Israel Read More »

Ira Sharkansky, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education