Judaism

Parsha Vayigash: Joseph Found Divine Meaning in Adversity

– This week, as we read וַיִּגַּשׁ (Vayigash), we encounter what many consider to be one of the most emotionally powerful moments in the entire Torah. We witness the remarkable story of Joseph—the first person in the Torah to teach us how to heal and transform the way we think, feel, and respond to life’s challenges. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

A Vegan Celebration of the New Year

My family and I have a tradition of staying in on New Year’s Eve and I do a Thanksgiving repeat of the Tofurkey surrounded by veggies and my mushroom gravy, salad, macaroni and cheese and Julian apple pie for dessert. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Could There Have Been Two Columbuses? One Italian and One Jewish?

Last year, forensic expert Miguel Lorente said a test of the bones on view at Seville Cathedral indicated that Christopher Columbus was a Sephardic Jew from Western Europe. But what of another cache of bones also said to be those of the controversial 15th century explorer that are kept in a mausoleum at the Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic?  [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Children’s Book Teaches Kindness to Animals in an Exotic Jewish Locale

The story, intended for children between the ages of 4 and 9, teaches several lessons.  Author Kierzenblat’s main message reinforces the ethical concept of being kind to animals.  Another is the fact that Jews lived throughout the Diaspora, incorporating into their daily lives the customs of the people around them. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share

Elmo and Friends Celebrate Chanukah at Sesame Place

After the kids took some rides, we made it to the Menorah Candle Lighting Ceremony with Elmo at Big Bird’s Wave Pool Lawn. Courtney Adams, Assistant Supervisor of Talent Operations, sang the brachot and since Oscar the Grouch was not invited to the lighting, he unplugged the menorah. A quick fix from the crew, the menorah was lit for the sixth night celebration. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Judah Personified What Jews Should Be

Judah steps forward in the biblical portion of Vayyiggash, Genesis 44:18-47:31, which means “steps forward.” Judah stepped forward near Joseph  to defend his younger brother Benjamin, whom Joseph was threatening. The Torah likes Judah, as do most Jews and some Christians today. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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

La Jollan Jagoda Coached Jimmy Carter for Debate with Gerald Ford

In 1976, Jagoda coached former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter for his presidential debates against incumbent U.S. President Gerald Ford. Later, Carter became the 39th U.S. president. Carter won the popular vote (40,831,881 to Ford’s 39,148,634) and garnered 297 electoral votes to Ford’s 240. [Rick Griffin, Times of San Diego]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, USA

The Eitingon Saga, Part 2: Nahum Eitingon, Soviet Assassin

He was engaged in the organization of espionage and sabotage operations, among which stand out the assassination of the leader of North China and Manchuria Zhang Zolin (1928), the kidnapping of prominent members of the White movement, Generals Alexander Kutepov (1930) and Eugene Miller (1937) in France, and an unsuccessful attempt and then the murder of Lev Trotsky in Mexico (1940). [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

The Mitzvah of Donating Blood

A week ago, I donated another pint of my O negative blood as my eight weeks had passed which made me eligible. I like to post it on my Facebook page to remind me when I donated and all those that I am friends with know I have their backs if they ever need me to save their lives. Or to also remind them to be extra nice to me as I recover and rest and hydrate. Sometimes the effects can last one to two days after. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Rabbi Leads Chanukah ‘Candle Lighting’ aboard Azamara’s Onward

A life-long learner, Ham radio operator, ardent Zionist, Reconstructionist rabbi whose wife Ilene Schneider also is a Reconstructionist rabbi, Gans welcomed between 40 and 50 people to candle lighting ceremonies on the first night of Chanukah on Wednesday, Dec. 25, in the Cabaret Lounge, the ship’s main showroom.  Azamara’s Onward had just completed a Christmas Day transit through the Panama Canal. [Donald H. Harrison]

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

Claims Conference to Host Star-Studded Salute to Holocaust Survivors

The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) announced that the 8th annual International Holocaust Survivors Night (IHSN) will be held globally – and virtually – on the fifth night of Chanukah, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at 11 a.m. Pacific Time. [Press Release]

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Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Press Release