The seventh weekly biblical portion in Numbers is Balak (22:2-25:9). It is the tale of the non-Jewish prophet Balaam, whom the non-Israelite King Balak hired to curse the Israelites, hoping the curse would weaken them. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
What was one piece of Jewish wisdom which Reb Zalman gave the Dalai Lama at that meeting? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: The Dalai Lama Read More »
International, Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
In Glastonbury, England, a British punk band called Bob Vylan led thousands of fans in chanting “Death, death to the IDF” on Saturday, June 28, the first time this hostile slogan was publicly uttered. [Bruce S. Ticker]
Antisemitic Rhetoric Begets Global Violence Read More »
Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, International, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Adolf Joffe (alternatively spelled Yoffe and Ioffe) was born on October 10, 1883 in the Crimean capital Simferopol, in the family of the merchant of the 1st guild Abram Joffe, a millionaire who owned the post office and transport of the Crimea and was the owner of a large amount of real estate in the Russian Empire, including a house in Moscow. [Alex Gordon]
Jewish Biography: Adolf Joffe, Communist Theoretician and Diplomat Read More »
Alex Gordon, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Former Congresswoman Lynn Schenk (D-San Diego) has released her correspondence with the San Diego County Bar Association prompted by that organization’s continued support of the Pride Festival even after San Diego Pride refused a request to disinvite Kehlani, a public antisemite. [SDJW staff report]
As my “super cool teens” enjoyed the rides at the San Diego County Fair, I stepped into the “Student Showcase” section to look for any Jewish gems, or other inspirational pieces, among the collection. [Cailin Acosta]
Lots of Tchotchkes for Purchase at San Diego County Fair Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
The unique character of the American system, built into the Constitution, is its ability to change, to grow. [Jerry Klinger]
Jewish Reflections from Mt. Rushmore Read More »
Antisemitism, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
“The OBBB is big and complicated, but one thing is simple: the largest ever federal school choice program is about to be signed into law by President Trump,” said Nathan Diament, Executive Director of OU Advocacy. “This has been an OU Advocacy goal for decades, and we will continue to work to make sure every Jewish child can access an affordable Jewish education.” [Press Release]
Arm of Orthodox Union Hails Federal School Choice Provision of Trump’s BBB Read More »
Jewish Religion, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
The Torah introduces this ritual with the words “zot chukat haTorah,” this is the decree of the Torah. Not just any mitzvah, but the chok, the archetype of divine commandments that transcend human logic. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Chukat: The Red Heifer and the Psychology of Sacred Imperfection Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
In one case, the brief alleges that Concord-Carlisle administrators proposed removing the Jewish student from the classroom and all social settings under a so-called “safety plan” that would have placed the student in independent studies and virtual classes while leaving the perpetrators in place. And in another instance, the school’s DEIB director downplayed concerns about the use of a word “kike”– a well-known antisemitic slur – as merely a “microaggression.” [Press Release]
Students Form ‘Team Auschwitz’ and ‘Team Hamas’ to Bully Jewish Classmates Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
The performance’s creator and writer, Becca Myers, welcomed the audience with witty verses, setting a delightful tone before the musical journey began. The show then opened powerfully with the ensemble singing Irving Berlin’s iconic “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” immediately building an energetic and celebratory atmosphere. From there, the show skillfully navigated the rich landscape of American musical theater shaped by Jewish talent. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Broadway Musicals Proven to be One Place for Us Jews Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Holocaust, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USAWhy did these sources, which were accepted as accurate by many Jews, teach that there are Torah laws that people are unable to understand?
Unfortunately, this mistranslation is necessary. It acknowledges that many Jews cannot understand even some very sensible laws. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Why Did Judaism Mistranslate an Important Word? Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Perhaps one of the most important places where feminism and marriage equality have reshaped traditions is in the ketubah, or Jewish marriage contract. [Samira Mehta, The Conversation via The Moderate Voice]
The Changing Customs of Jewish Marriages Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles
Alexander Kimel, who survived the Holocaust, initially wrote a memoir brimming with anecdotes. To this work, his son, Martin Kimel, appended extensive annotations compiled from histories, oral testimonies, and contemporary memoirs. The result is a grander work that has academic rigor and a personal touch. [Donald H. Harrison]
Holocaust Memoir a Cut Above Others Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors