By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In this week’s parasha, Naso, we are introduced to the Birkat Kohanim, the “Priestly Blessing.” We’re all familiar with it. We’ve heard it said, recited it ourselves, and given it to others, many times: “May the Lord bless you and watch over you. יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָֹ֖ה וְיִשְׁמְרֶֽךָ: May […]
Parashat Naso: The Blessings Inside of Adversity Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — I understand that Jewish laws are valuable because they help us learn how to behave and improve ourselves and society. “Values in Halakha” is by Rabbi Dr. Aharon Lichtenstein (1933-2015). He was an eminent rabbinic scholar and teacher who served as one of the heads of
What is the Value of Jewish Laws? Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
There is much to read in addition to the shelved books at the Rancho San Diego County Library. From now until next May 21, which will be the one-year anniversary of a Holocaust exhibition curated by Sandra Scheller, visitors can read on standing panels a brief timeline of the Holocaust and the experiences of some victims who suffered through it and later settled in San Diego County. [Donald H. Harrison]
Year-Long Holocaust Exhibition Features Survivors Who Settled in S.D. County Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Fred Kropveld, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, San Diego County
By Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel — There was a time when an invitation to a wedding or even a party would arrive in the post, artistically embellished, in an envelope with a stamp, plus a smaller card on which to confirm one’s participation in the event, and information about the time, date, and place.
Ceremonies and Celebrations Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles
At the dedication on Sunday, considerable symbolism was found in a Cohen (believed to be descended from the priests of ancient Judaism) to have built an Ark at a synagogue named after “Betzalel,” which in addition to being the name of Rabbi Trestman’s father also was the name of the person identified in the Book of Exodus as the man who built the Ark of the Covenant, with the help of Oholiab. [Donald H. Harrison]
Eagle Scout Builds an Aron Kodesh for Chabad Congregation Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, San Diego County
It is a playhouse with good yichus. It was started in 1947 by three movie stars – Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer—with the financial backing of movie producer David D. Selznick, who was then best known for his 1939 blockbuster Gone With the Wind. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Philanthropist Mandell Weiss Gave Famed La Jolla Playhouse Its Home Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, San Diego County, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
Elkins was one of three presenters at a Tikun Leil Shavuot, a Shavuot night study session at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. The others were Marcia Tatz Wollner, who spoke about book banning and burning through the ages, and Dr. Seth Krosner, M.D., a critical care surgery specialist, who discussed what Jewish texts have to say about decisions concerning end of life and abortions. [Donald H. Harrison]
Of Robots, Banned Books, Dying, and Abortions Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Technology
When an acquaintance suggested that she try yoga, Gadd was skeptical at first. “How can that help me?” she asked. “Just come and see,” counseled the acquaintance. Moving her body in specific ways, according to the directions of her yoga instructor, “led to clarity of thought,” she said. Mindfulness helped her “dissipate the stress, the mental shpilkes, something like giving your dog exercise so it can calm down,” Gadd recalled. She found that she left the yoga sessions feeling better, without need for medications. “Deep breathing and so forth can create physiological changes,” she explained. [Donald H. Harrison]
Popular Instructor Says Judaism and Yoga are Complementary Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Fred Kropveld, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions
Five members of the Rożeńek family were pulled from their hiding places in 1944 by armed members of a militia, forced to jump from a second-story window, and riddled with bullets on their way down. One member of the family, who was hiding in an outbuilding, observed the massacre and escaped into obscurity. [Donald H. Harrison]
American Investigative Reporter Probes Cases of Jews Murdered by Poles Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History
By Kayla Swartzberg San Diego Hebrew Day School’s Head of School Rabbi Simcha Weiser says it best: “Without a Jewish day school, continuity of Jewish life would not be sustainable.” “Now, this clarity is obvious to all.” This past week, the Jewish day school celebrated its 60th anniversary hosting a Diamond Jubilee Gala. With good
Shining Bright at San Diego Hebrew Day School’s Diamond Jubilee Gala Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education
By Alex Gordon HAIFA, Israel — The Jewish people have a long experience of functioning in absurd situations. The very creation of the State of Israel was an unthinkable event, the realization of an unattainable dream. This is what the struggle between Soviet Jews and the Soviet authorities for the right of repatriation in the
Eugene Ionesco: Rhinoceroses Read More »
Alex Gordon, International, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion
By Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin BOCA RATON, Florida — Dr. Avigail Rock’s book (1971-2019) “Great Biblical Commentators,” is a very informative, eye-opening, thought-provoking introduction to 24 of the many rabbis and scholars who commented on the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible. All of the many who did so could not be listed in the 426 easy-to-read
An Introduction to Jewish Biblical Commentators Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
Soul Doctor: Journey of a Rockstar Rabbi is a filmed stage show about the friendship and mutual support between Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach and African-American singer Nina Simone. Starring Josh Young as Carlebach and Nya as Simone, the musical will be shown in more than 600 theatres across the country at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, including selected AMC’s and Regal Theatres in San Diego County. [Donald H. Harrison]
Sadie Weiner — beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to members of the San Diego Jewish community — passed away on May 15 in Perth, Australia. She was 96 and lived independently until the final few weeks of her life. She was born Sadie Navias on August 9, 1926, in Johannesburg, South Africa, before living in
In Memoriam: Sadie Weiner, 96 Read More »
Obituaries & memorials