Judaism

A Rose by any other Name is a ‘Thorn & Petal’: Dramedy Depicts Early San Diego

The story follows German-Jewish immigrant Rose’s arrival in San Diego in the mid- 1800s, and his experience being an integral part of the early days of San Diego. He faced plenty of antisemitism in the process, but thanks to his geniality he was elected to myriad public offices including the presidency of the city’s board of trustees and the county’s board of supervisors. [Sandi Masori]

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Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Apples for Rosh Hashana Grown Locally

his past weekend was opening day of apple picking in Julian, located in the picturesque Cuyamaca Mountains in San Diego County. Although it was a very warm afternoon in the mountains and not much wind was blowing, we picked our crop of varieties of apples, ranging from Jonathan’s, Empire, Gala, and Golden Delicious from Volcan Valley Apple Farm. They do not need any honey since they are just so wonderful by themselves. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Technology, Travel and Food

A Tour of the Machpelah and the Jewish Section of Hebron

Today the tomb is divided between Jewish and Muslim sectors and is used as a place of worship and gatherings. Inside the Jewish areas are six large memorial markers for the three couples (patriarchs and matriarchs) buried far below. It has special opening hours. “Isaac’s Hall” is normally reserved for Muslim prayer but ten days a year, on Jewish special holidays, it’s reserved for Jewish worship. Wherever there is enough space, there are worshippers saying prayers. [Steve Kramer]

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Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer, Travel and Food

StandWithUs Urges Travel Boycott to Spain; Cancels its own Trip There

Since 2022, antisemitic incidents in Spain have reportedly risen by 567%. In the aftermath of the October 7th atrocities by Hamas, the Spanish government has fanned the flames of antisemitism by falsely accusing Israelis of genocide, participating in lawfare against Israel, and seeking to impose arms embargoes that would deny the world’s only Jewish state the ability to defend itself. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Press Release, Travel and Food

Halakhah Challenged by Space Travel, Documentary Explains

Before Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon on July 21, 1969, Jewish religious authorities were debating whether Jews were permitted to go to space. Naysayers cited Psalms 115:16 which is rendered by the Stone edition of the Tanach: “As for the heavens, the heavens are Hashem’s, but the earth He has given to mankind.” [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Two Years Since Oct. 7 Massacre to Be Commemorated Oct. 9

Jewish Federation of San Diego, together with the Lawrence Family JCC and the Israeli American Council, will present an evening of remembrance and resilience marking two years since the October 7 attacks on 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9 at The Sound at Del Mar Fairgrounds. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share

Ki Tavo: The Value of Remembering History

Jews are not the only humans who recognize the importance of remembering the past.  Many ancient wise people recognized the role of history as a guide, its ability to illuminate, the responsibility to remember, and the consequences of forgetting history. Cecero advised us, “To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born will keep you always as a child.” [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Adat Yeshurun’s Blue & White Zone: Where Torah and Longevity Meet

Perhaps the most powerful reminder was that healthy living is not only about diet or exercise, but about how we move through life with meaning, relationships, and balance. Communities that thrive emphasize walking, gardening, social connection, stress reduction, and a shared sense of purpose. It’s striking how closely this mirrors the Torah’s blueprint: Shabbat, family, mitzvot, gratitude. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

‘The Shabbat Effect’: A Weekly Reset to Restore the Soul

As a Rhodes Scholar, anthropologist, filmmaker, and founder of The Mussar Institute—author of acclaimed works like Everyday Holiness and Climbing Jacob’s Ladder—Morinis presents Shabbat not as a burdensome ritual but as a vital, rejuvenating pause amid modern life’s chaos. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors