BEER-SHEVA, Israel (Press Release) — In honor of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, American Associates, an Israeli flag created by Rebecca Affachiner, often called “the Betsy Ross of Israel,” has been donated to the Ben-Gurion Archives at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev on the Sede Boqer Campus. Rebecca Affachiner […]
BGU accepts flag by Israel’s Betsy Ross Read More »
Jewish History, Middle EastEditor’s Note This is a transcript of Edwin Black’s April 11, 2018 keynote address in the Michigan Capitol Rotunda for that state’s official Holocaust Commemoration. By Edwin Black LANSING, Michigan — Today, I come not just to mourn nor to scorn but rather to warn our world, that is, the world of today whose memories
Censoring Holocaust memory Read More »
Edwin Black, International, Jewish History, USA
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law (LDB) on Friday applauded the South Carolina General Assembly for being the first state to pass legislation that will help tackle the rising anti-Semitism plaguing U.S. college campuses. The legislation, which was included as part of a larger state spending package,
South Carolina tackles campus anti- Semitism Read More »
Jewish History, USABy Dorothea Shefer-Vanson MEVASSERET ZION, Israel –In recent years it has become customary in Israel, in addition to the official ceremonies marking Holocaust Day, for small groups of people, whether survivors, descendants of survivors, or simply those who feel a connection to the subject, to gather together in private homes and talk about their own
Memory in the Living Room Read More »
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, International, Jewish History, Middle East
By Sandee Wilhoit Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation SAN DIEGO — America has always been the land of immigrants and opportunity. This was especially true during the 19th century when Horace Greeley’s philosophy that the road to success was paved with hard work and perseverance was the inspiration for many seeking a better and more prosperous
A Gaslamp Tale of Fox and Lion Read More »
Jewish History, San Diego County
By Martin Miller LOS ANGELES — The first time George Berci heard a siren, he was 23 years old. It was the summer of 1944, on the outskirts of Budapest, he was one of hundreds of Jewish conscripted laborers who were packed into a railroad car as human freight. They were bound for a concentration
Cedars- Sinai surgeon tells of Shoah survival Read More »
Jewish History
© Oliver B. Pollak RICHMOND, California — Kippot are among the dozen or so things I have mindlessly acquired over the years. Orthodox Jews cover their heads in public and in worship as a sign of humility before God. Conservative Jews and increasingly Reform Jews cover their heads in synagogues and temples. We acquire skullcaps,
Keeping the kippot Read More »
Jewish Religion, Oliver Pollak
Beyond the Instant by Rabbi Mark Wildes; Skyhorse Publishing © 2018; 141 pages. By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO – I read this book with great enthusiasm, possibly because I agreed with almost everything Rabbi Mark Wildes writes about such subjects as happiness, love, sex, success, blaming, taking charge of one’s life, understanding one’s place
A Jewish guidebook for life’s big questions Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish ReligionBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 24:17, “Though a righteous person may fall seven times, he will arise.” In more contemporary words, “Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit.” Does this mean that when you fall you just get up again and keep going?
Psychology and benefits of prayer Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
Editor’s Note: This is the fourth and final article in a series about Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s centennial celebration, and eight women who will be honored at the organization’s gala on April 21. To see previous stories please click on the number in the series: 1, 2, 3. By Donald H. Harrison SAN
JFS, looking back a century, recalls Rose Neumann Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, San Diego County
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) – Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik, Orthodox rabbi and spiritual leader of the oldest Jewish congregation in the U.S., is the 2018 Canterbury Medalist for his public defense of religious liberty for people of all faiths. The Canterbury Medal, Becket’s highest honor, recognizes an individual who has demonstrated courage and commitment to
Medal for Shearith Israel rabbi Read More »
Jewish Religion, USABy Eileen Wingard SAN DIEGO — A world premiere will be featured at Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra’s concerts Saturday evening, April 7, 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Unetane Tokef by composer John Michael Luther, will feature the East County Mormon Chorale and shofar soloist, Steven Ovitsky. Ovitsky, who recorded Hugo Weisgall’s
World premiere of ‘Unetane Tokef’ April 7, 10 Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual ArtsBy Rabbi Dow Marmur JERUSALEM — The phrase, סלח לעווננו כי רב הוא in one of the Jewish penitential prayers is normally translated as, “Forgive us our iniquity for it is great.” However, with a little mischief it can also be rendered, “Forgive us our iniquity for he is a rabbi.” This second version seems
Save Israel from its chief rabbis Read More »
Jewish Religion, Middle East
Story by Donald H. Harrison; photos by Shor M. Masori VALLEY CENTER, California – Not being an incorporated city, Valley Center is not so well known as neighboring Escondido, located about nine miles to its southwest. But, perhaps surprisingly, this rural town has lots of Jewish history—and U.S. presidential history as well. The Lilac Ranch,
Eleanor Roosevelt’s Valley Center days Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, San Diego County, Shor M. Masori, USA