StandWithUs strongly condemns Assembly Bill 2159 (AB 2159), introduced by CA Assemblymember Robert Garcia. This bill would gut key provisions from AB 715, California’s landmark law aimed at fighting antisemitism in K-12 schools. [Press Release]
Entries will be accepted through Friday, May 15. Up to $30,000 in scholarships will be awarded. Winners will be recognized at a JAHM reception in San Diego in May. [Press Release]
Jewish history contest announced for 11th and 12th graders Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Jewish History, Press Release, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, USA
Many English Bibles translate the words “help meet” or “helper suitable for him.” This translation demeans the wife’s position in the marriage; she is only a helper. The original Hebrew conveys a more profound sense of strength and equality than these translations suggest. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
The Torah concept of ‘ezer kenegdo’ reveals a proper marriage Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Torah teaches that although the Divine voice was powerful, it was Moses who truly received it. This is not because he had special ears, but because he cultivated inner humility and spiritual awareness. He made space within himself to listen. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Vayikra: God’s invitation to draw close Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Whenever I read the Book of Leviticus, I find myself asking: What is the purpose of sacrifices—especially for people living in the 21st century? Leviticus may not have the excitement of Genesis or Exodus, but I do believe there is much we can learn from its lessons and laws. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Sacrifice’ in Judaism not transactional; it’s transformational Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The Times article flirts with his negative views of Israel as a Jewish state, but it fell short of quoting some of his more hostile statements that should antagonize any pro-Israel person. {Bruce S. Ticker}
Mayor Mamdani’s dad participated in a teach-in at an illegal Columbia encampment Read More »
Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
It started with the Playing Together Project, bringing together African American and American Jewish neighbors over Shabbat dinners to heal communal divides, and evolved into pitching a Jewish Solidarity Tent at the local Juneteenth Freedom Festival in San Diego. These moments were my “Small Alephs”—quiet calls to serve. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Thoughts at the conclusion of a district convention of Women of Reform Judaism Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Here is a summary of upcoming Jewish community events. Other pending events, previously reported in this column, may be found in our Jewish community calendar. [Cailin Acosta]
Calendar of Upcoming Jewish Events Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
To accompany these stacks of books, I’ve got reading glasses, highlighters, and lately, in a charming, stylish touch, reading lamps that I plop on my head to illuminate the pages. On the rare occasion I lift my head to engage in conversation, I blind my husband from the glare of the light. [Karen Galatz, The Matzo Chronicles]
The Matzo Chronicles: I be bookish Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Karen Galatz, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Assembly Bill 2159 by Assemblymember Robert Garcia … would gut key provisions of AB 715, California’s landmark antisemitism law signed by Governor Newsom five months ago and upheld by a federal court in December. [Press Release]
Legislative effort afoot to undo protections for Jewish community Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Jewish History, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education
“Protecting houses of worship is necessary but not sufficient. We need to attack the root cause – anti-Jewish hatred – by educating ourselves and holding our leaders accountable.”
Protection of Jewish sites goal of Wasserman Schultz’ forum Read More »
Antisemitism, Jewish Religion, Press Release, USA
Seferlis pleaded guilty to 17 counts of mailing threatening communications and eight counts of obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs. (Press Release)
Man who systematically threatened Jewish community sentenced to prison Read More »
Antisemitism, Jewish Religion, Press Release
On January 31, 1950, with President Truman’s permission, Teller was given carte blanche to develop the hydrogen bomb. It was detonated on one of the Marshall Islands on November 1, 1952 – the mushroom cloud rose to a height of 37 kilometers, and the diameter of the “cap” exceeded 160 kilometers. [Alex Gordon]
Jewish biography: Edward Teller, nuclear physicist Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish History, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Birds have also been used as symbols of peace, such as in the story of Noah and the Ark, when a dove returned carrying an olive branch to show that land was beginning to emerge after the flood. [Cailin Acosta]
Judaism’s healthy regard for birds Read More »
animals, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors