Judaism

Jewish Biography: Leonid Solomonovych Pervomaysky, Ukrainian Author

Jewish themes were constantly present in Pervomaysky’s work. In the early “everyday” stories and novels they occupy a leading place. They were in the center of the story of The Promised Land, the stories The Umbrella of Pinchus-Moti (1926), In the Bookbinder’s Room (1928), From the Song of Songs (1935), and One Night of Ilyusha’s Childhood (1937). [Alex Gordon]

Jewish Biography: Leonid Solomonovych Pervomaysky, Ukrainian Author Read More »

Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘That’s The Shul I Don’t Go To?’

Young Israel, Chabad East County, Beth Jacob—each a long-standing wellspring of Torah and inspiration. Together, they could become a beacon of unity, proving that our differences are not barriers but opportunities to strengthen each other. The Torah was given to us as one at Sinai. Let us live that way, too. Let’s do more than sing, “Acheinu Kol Beit Yisroel,” (“Our Brethren, the entire House of Israel”) let’s take visionary action and live this. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

‘That’s The Shul I Don’t Go To?’ Read More »

Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

The Jewish Citizen: Chabad Rabbi Slain in the United Arab Emirates

The body of murder victim Chabad Rabbi Zvi Kogan was recovered Sunday in the United Arab Emirates, and that nation’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of three suspects, giving no further details. [Donald H. Harrison]

The Jewish Citizen: Chabad Rabbi Slain in the United Arab Emirates Read More »

Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Obituary: Rabbi Jonathan Stein, z”l

Rabbi Jonathan Stein passed away on Shabbat, November 22, 2024 with his family at his side. He spent the last 50 years in service to the Jewish community, but his family always came first. He served at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation from 1974 to 1994, at Congregation Beth Israel from 1994-2001, and Temple Shaaray Tefila in New York City from 2001-2014. [Family Statement]

Obituary: Rabbi Jonathan Stein, z”l Read More »

Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Press Release, San Diego County, USA

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Discusses Science and Holiday Treats

“Growing up, both of my grandfathers were engineers, and I was always told we needed more women in all areas of STEM,” Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego) told 3rd to 8th grade girls who attended the All-Girls STEM Society meeting at the Mission Valley Branch Library on Saturday, Nov. 23. [Cailin Acosta]

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs Discusses Science and Holiday Treats Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Baruch Spinoza

Courtesy of Wikipedia Baruch Spinoza (November 24, 1632 – February 21, 1677), was a philosopher of Portuguese-Jewish origin. A forerunner of the Age of Enlightenment, Spinoza significantly influenced modern biblical criticism, 17th-century rationalism, and Dutch intellectual culture, establishing himself as one of the most important and radical philosophers of the early modern period. Influenced by Stoicism, Thomas Hobbes, René Descartes, Ibn Tufayl, and heterodox Christians,

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Baruch Spinoza Read More »

Jewish Fiction, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Today's Jewish Birthday, Wikipedia

Rescuing Judaism in a Post-Apocalyptic World

In this novel, which was adopted from author Shorr’s unrealized screenplay, Abe Katz, a civil engineer, was imprisoned after he told New Dominion interrogators that yes, he was a Jew, even though he had stopped practicing Judaism following his bar mitzvah and had adopted the regime’s rigid secularism. [Donald H. Harrison]

Rescuing Judaism in a Post-Apocalyptic World Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Fiction, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

When Do Jews Wish Each Other a ‘Shabat Shalom?’

Recently I read an interesting article on myjewishlearning.com debating when it’s best to wish someone a good Shabbat.  Immediately thought, “Duh? It is sundown Friday night until sundown Saturday night, right?” Not necessarily, this article gave an interesting perspective acknowledging the middle of the week as the focal point of Shabbat. [Cailin Acosta]

When Do Jews Wish Each Other a ‘Shabat Shalom?’ Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Israeli Scholar Explains Religious Conflicts Between Jews and Muslims

Kedar emphasized that Islam views Judaism as having been nullified twice—first by Christianity and then by Islam itself. This ideological framework, Kedar argued, underpins much of the hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people in the Middle East today. According to this belief, the existence of Jews with their own land, military, and rights is an incomprehensible anomaly to the Islamic world. [Miriam Gershenson]

Israeli Scholar Explains Religious Conflicts Between Jews and Muslims Read More »

Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Shabbat Market Brings Variety of Goods, Unity of Purpose

Every other month, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) comes alive with the buzz of community, culture, and preparation for Shabbat at the Shabbat Market. This unique event offers a perfect blend of practicality and festivity, giving attendees the chance to shop for Shabbat essentials, connect with friends old and new, and immerse themselves in the warmth of local Jewish life.  [Miriam Gershenson]

Shabbat Market Brings Variety of Goods, Unity of Purpose Read More »

Albert Kreimerman, Business & Finance, Israel, Jewish Religion, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Elie Wiesel Was Fascinated by Joshua, Elijah, Saul, Jeremiah, and Jonah

Wiesel was convinced that the power of literature lies in its ability to galvanize human action. This includes the Bible. “The text is not – cannot be – neutral, nor is it an end in itself: it must serve to humanize our society.” Wiesel shows this in his discussions of Joshua, Elijah, Saul, Jeremiah, and Jonah’s lives and actions. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

Elie Wiesel Was Fascinated by Joshua, Elijah, Saul, Jeremiah, and Jonah Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

StandWithUs Gala Draws 750+ San Diegans in Support of Israel

Israeli-American actress, producer, author and social media influencer Noa Tishby told over 750 StandWithUs supporters on Sunday night that the fight against anti-Israel haters is “a marathon not a sprint” but predicted that “at the end of the day we’re going to be okay.” (Donald H. Harrison)

StandWithUs Gala Draws 750+ San Diegans in Support of Israel Read More »

Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

International Shabbat Prompted Jewish Mingling Among Four Cultures

On a memorable evening at the JCC this past Friday, community members gathered to celebrate Shabbat in a unique and vibrant way, honoring four distinct Jewish cultures: South African, Mexican, Israeli, and American. Organized by SAJAC, KEN, IAC, and the JCC, the event brought together about 150 people—adults and children alike—for a potluck-style gathering full of music, fun, and fellowship. [Miriam Gershenson]

International Shabbat Prompted Jewish Mingling Among Four Cultures Read More »

International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Miriam Gershenson, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA