The Internet is being used for good, bad, and terrible as attested to by the messages, news releases, and articles that reach our in-box at San Diego Jewish World. [Our Shtetl San Diego County by Donald H. Harrison]
Internet: the good, bad, and appalling Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
In the wake of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations against systemic racism and police brutality, San Diego Repertory Theatre decided to ask itself a hard question. How can we do better? Theatre folk are generally progressive, but we all have cultural blind spots. And there’s always room for improvement. [Eric George Tauber]
Listening to uncomfortable theatre conversations Read More »
Eric George Tauber, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
Israel’s Coronavirus cases seem to be growing. It comes in response to increased testing, as well as crowds without masks at several points: outside stadiums (where they are not allowed to cheer inside), in bars and social clubs, some prominent bar mitzvahs, and on streets and the beach. [Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D]
Coronavirus cases in Israel resurging Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Lifestyles, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
Judging by the names San Diegans for Justice lists as supporters of its call for an Independent Commission on Police Practices, tomorrow’s hearing before the San Diego City Council “to end meet-and-confer with the police union and to pass a resolution of intent to move forward with our proposal” ought to be a slam dunk. [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]
S.D. City Council considers Commission on Police Practices Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, San Diego County, USA
Leave them up? Or tear them down? As the recent decision by the American Museum of Natural History in New York City attests, to remove a statue of Theodore Roosevelt in the company of a Native American and an African American, we have entered a time of monumental decision making. [Op-Ed by Donald H. Harrison]
The making of monumental decisions Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, USA
In the early-1940’s, B’nai Emunah, a synagogue that was a hybrid of Orthodox and Conservative practice, built a new building, only to learn that many women protested and refused to sit upstairs in the women’s balcony. How did the synagogue resolve that dispute? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish trivia quiz: Tulsa, Oklahoma Read More »
Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
I hope that this final appeal will awaken you to the reality that you can no longer ignore. Time has just about run out and your immediate decision to agree or refuse to enter into new peace negotiations with Israel will determine the future of your people for generations to come. They will either live in peace and harmony with Israel, growing and prospering, or remain a shattered nation despairing for a ray of hope that has eluded them for seven decades – with you sealing their fate. [Alon Ben-Meir, Ph.D]
An Open Letter to Mahmoud Abbas Read More »
Alon Ben-Meir, International, Middle East, USA
Michael Hopkins, the chief executive officer of Jewish Family Service of San Diego, has issued a call for volunteers who can deliver meals to seniors who are required to shelter-in-place because of the Coronavirus pandemic. [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]
JFS issues call for food delivery drivers Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USASo much time, so much passion, and so much heat is wasted arguing about labels, while what is needed is to understand the urgent feelings and dreams behind the labels.
Let’s start with the obvious: “Black Lives Matter.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Examining the slogans for the thoughts behind them Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, USA
While protests and demonstrations supporting the Black Lives Matter movement are taking place across the world, the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing – limiting sources of support to worthy organizations. However, if you are so inclined and financially able, charitable giving is a great way to support this growing movement and effect real change in our community. Below is a list of organizations you might consider. [Sheryl Rowling]
Supporting racial justice during the pandemic Read More »
Business & Finance, Sheryl Rowling, USA
By Bruce S. Ticker PHILADELPHIA — Jamaal Bowman, a candidate in a New York Democratic primary election for Congress, on Friday disqualified himself in the eyes of many pro-Israel voters, when he revealed disingenuous views about Israel in an opinion piece published by The Riverdale Press, a Pulitzer-Prize winning neighborhood weekly. Bowman, 44, is trying
Bowman v. Engel: Progressive Democrats’ seek takeover Read More »
Bruce Ticker, Middle East, USASunday being Father’s Day, I couldn’t help but think about a conversation held approximately 111 years ago between a son and his father. The father’s first name was Velvel, the name he had been given in Lithuania well before he immigrated to the United States during the 1880s when American ports were open to all who were healthy and wished to work hard. The first name of the son was Meyer. He was born in the United States, was a talented draftsman, a good student, and in 1909, earned a university degree as a professional architect. [Donald H. Harrison]
Reflection, introspection on Father’s Day Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, USAIt is six days shy of a full month between the killing of George Floyd on May 25 by a Minneapolis police officer and today’s ‘Juneteenth’ celebration. It has been a time of daily marches and national protests for racial justice, and a time for deep reflection throughout America. Many communities, including our fellow Jews, have been reflecting on such questions as “in what ways can we help to bridge gaps and create understanding and unity in our country?” “How can Jewish tradition and values guide us in our search for societal harmony?” and “In what manner do we best start?” [Our Shtetl San Diego County column by Donald H. Harrison]
Juneteenth and Jewish community reflection, action Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
It was five years ago, summer 2015, that Sandra Bland, driving while black, was wantonly pulled over by police very close to her home. In the dimness of our prevailing sadness, the malevolent passing of one young American woman in a Texas jail cell stands out in its grim narrative. Sandra Bland, in her consuming desperation and misfortune, must never be forgotten–especially in this summer of racial reckoning. [Ben Kamin]
On Juneteenth, remembering a woman snuffed out five summers ago Read More »
USA