USA

Two defense bills sponsored by Jewish California advance in state Senate

Two priority bills led by Jewish California — the nation’s largest statewide coalition of Jewish organizations — cleared key Senate committees Tuesday, marking major steps toward protecting Californians of all faiths from harassment at their places of worship and preventing hate from being distributed under the seal of the State of California. [Press Release]

Two defense bills sponsored by Jewish California advance in state Senate Read More »

Antisemitism, California, Jewish Religion, Press Release, USA

Anti-Israel protesters demand that Colorado release firebomber

The contempt that some Israel-bashers hold for America’s laws never ceases to surprise. Their accomplices in Boulder, Colorado, eclipsed them all on June 1, the first anniversary of Karen Diamond’s murder in a firebombing on Boulder’s Pearl Street. They are demanding the release of her convicted killer, Mohamed Soliman, who was sentenced to life plus 2,178 years in prison last month after pleading guilty to 101 charges in the attack. He injured 13 others. (Bruce S. Ticker)

Anti-Israel protesters demand that Colorado release firebomber Read More »

Bruce Ticker, Israel, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Trump may imagine himself as Monty Hall of ‘Let’s Make a Deal’

Trump behaves as though decades of deep-seated theological fervor, regional subversion, and nuclear ambition can be resolved simply by finding a transactional middle ground. It treats a fanatical, apocalyptic regime not as an existential threat to be decisively dismantled, but as a difficult business partner holding out for a better contract. (Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel)

Trump may imagine himself as Monty Hall of ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ Read More »

Israel, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

‘Fit’ bars many Black, Queer rabbis from congregational posts

The rabbi at the margins must possess every credential the listing demands, and then, on top of that, perform fit. The rabbi at the unmarked center gets to be a fit by default. Everyone else has to earn it on top of the job. You can be twice as qualified and half a candidate. [Rabbi Sandra Lawson]

‘Fit’ bars many Black, Queer rabbis from congregational posts Read More »

Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Introducing Shahar Masori and his children’s books

I persuaded him to write a column for San Diego Jewish World to offer an Israeli-American perspective on the news.  As he did so, the writing bug must have bitten him.  He poured himself into writing some books for children, and now books for adults are in the works. [Donald H. Harrison]

Introducing Shahar Masori and his children’s books Read More »

animals, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, Sandi Masori, Shahar Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

San Diego’s Jewish executives forge bonds with Sha’ar HaNegev counterparts

Last week, our Israeli counterparts visited here to understand what it means to be Jewish in America today, and how Jewish organizations are working to ensure that we are safe and that Jewish life thrives in San Diego. [Heidi Gantwerk]

San Diego’s Jewish executives forge bonds with Sha’ar HaNegev counterparts Read More »

Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Love, marriage, and sex as told by my father, a rabbi

The controversial reception to Dad’s Marriage Made in Heaven stemmed primarily from its explicit and frank discussion of sexual intimacy, which many in the Orthodox rabbinate in 1958 considered inappropriate for public consumption. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

Love, marriage, and sex as told by my father, a rabbi Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Leibman to step down in 2027 as President and CEO of Mazon

“…For 15 years, it has been my privilege and my responsibility to lead MAZON in these efforts – work that has allowed me to demonstrate not only how crucial it is for our country to ensure that no one goes hungry, but to show our policymakers just what is possible if we ensure our policies reflect our values. …” (Press Release0

Leibman to step down in 2027 as President and CEO of Mazon Read More »

Press Release, USA

Van Hollen’s OpEd in NYTimes forgets Barak & Clinton offer to Arafat

President Clinton hosted a summit at Camp David where Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak offered Arab leader Yasser Arafat a plan for an independent state covering all of Gaza, eastern Jerusalem and 93 percent of the West Bank. [Bruce S. Ticker]

Van Hollen’s OpEd in NYTimes forgets Barak & Clinton offer to Arafat Read More »

Bruce Ticker, Israel, Middle East, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA