Judaism

Parsha Re’eh: Choose wisely

Moshe warns us about seductive influences, those ideas or voices that pull us away from Hashem’s path. This is not about shutting out the world but about protecting the spiritual compass that keeps us whole. It’s no accident the parsha begins, “See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse.” Blessings if we walk in Hashem’s ways, curses if we stray [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Shurat HaDin Urges Jerusalem Mayor to Change Name of Paris Square

This week, the Shurat HaDin Law Center submitted a formal request to Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion urging him to rename the city’s well-known Paris Square. The move comes in response to France’s recognition of a Palestinian state—an act that, we argue, rewards Hamas terrorism and undermines Israel’s security. [Nitsana Darshan-Leitner]

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Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Anita Satlof Lawson (Oct. 31, 1947-Aug. 8, 2025)

In 1976, the Lawsons settled in San Diego, where Marty became the then-assistant rabbi of Temple Emanu-El. As a rabbi’s wife, Anita was an essential part of temple life-raising her children while actively participating in Sisterhood and countless programs. [Family-provided obituary]

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Israel, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, San Diego County, Travel and Food, USA

Beleaguered Ukrainian Jews Enjoy Weeks of Respite in Poland

As the war in Ukraine continues to displace thousands and disrupt daily life, Chabad of Poland has remained a lifeline to Jewish communities throughout the region. Since 2022, they have provided emergency housing, kosher meals, medical assistance, legal support, education, childcare and spiritual services to tens of thousands of Ukrainian Jews. The summer retreat is a key part of this effort. [Press Release]

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

Sephardic and Mizrachi Jews Have Stronger Connection to Israel Compared to Ashkenazi Jews

The research, directed by Dr. Mijal Bitton and based at the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Research, includes recommendations for community leaders, educators, and researchers to better include Sephardic Jews in the community. The myriad specific recommendations in the report are informed by five new recommended frameworks to approach diversity work in the Jewish community. [Press Release]

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International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Press Release, USA

C-Span Interviewee Lies About Israel’s Founding

Sheline spoke as a research fellow for the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Turns out she quit the Biden administration because it would not act to block weapons to Israel because of its heavy-handed response to the Oct. 7, 2023, slaughter of 1,200 Israelis. [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Bruce Ticker, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Red String Bracelets Used as Amulets

Red string bracelets have been worn to protect against the evil eye and keep bad luck away. Madonna made these bracelets popular, and they were being sold at the Kabbalah Centre. [Cailin Acosta]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

OpEd: Real Goal of PA and Hamas is the Killing of Israeli Jews

It’s a fact that more than 71% of Israelis, and our terrorist antagonists, do not want “two states side by side living in peace.” It’s a Western delusion to think Muslim terrorists will settle for that. Hamas and the PLO both insist on the extirpation of Israel – their topmost goal. [Steve Kramer]

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Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Steve Kramer

Jewish Biography: Semyon Frank, Religious Philosopher

In the collection Landmarks (1909), which became an important event in the history of Russian philosophical thought, Frank published an article The Ethics of Nihilism, where he criticized the “nihilistic moralism” characteristic of the Russian radical intelligentsia and opposed it with a call for “creative, culture-building religious humanism.” [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Wikipedia

American Jewish Group Supports New Zealand Memorial to Airmen Imprisoned at Buchenwald

Upon arriving at Buchenwald, the Allied prisoners were not placed in the main camp.  They were destined for special treatment.  The Nazi Commandant sent them to the “Little Camp,” the Jewish Camp.  They slept on the ground for days, no food, clothing – rags like Jewish prisoners. [Jerry Klinger]

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Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors