Judaism

His ‘Life as a Jew’ is an Introspective Search for Definition

In lengthy, brilliant, and painfully introspective essays, he examines not only conflicts between Jews and their non-Jewish detractors, but also delves deeply into the sometimes- internecine divisions among Jews themselves. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

The Year Passover Died

The biblical holiday Passover, a significant event in Jewish history, disappeared entirely when the Romans destroyed the temple in 70 CE. This cataclysmic event marked the end of an era and led to a significant shift in religious practices. However, its name, Passover, was resurrected and given to the holiday Chag Hamatzot, symbolizing the resilience and adaptability of Judaism. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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

Two Whose Memories are Blessings: Joel Cohen, Ellen Fox Lorang

One of our beloved humor columnists, Joel Cohen, has died in New York City, his children have informed me. The news came just two days after I had attended the funeral in San Diego of Ellen Fox Lorang. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Joel H. Cohen, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Fiction: Another American Passover

The haroset is a mixture of fruit, especially those things with laxative qualities such as prunes, nuts and wine. It is very sweet and quite enjoyable. Is this really what the Rabbis intended to convey? The sandwich of Matzah, bitter herbs and cement is actually a tasty appetizer. Let me get this straight, the symbols of slavery are tasty? [Jerry Klinger]

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Jerry Klinger, Jewish Fiction, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Today’s Jewish Birthday: Uriah P. Levy

He was a veteran of the War of 1812 and the first Jewish Commodore of the United States Navy.[note 1] He was instrumental in helping to end the Navy’s practice of flogging, and during his half-century-long service prevailed against the antisemitism he faced among some of his fellow naval officers. [Wikipedia]

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Antisemitism, Jewish History, Today's Jewish Birthday, USA, Wikipedia

Holocaust Rescuer Nicholas Winton Profiled in ‘One Life’

One Life is a film about the selfless heroism of Nicholas “Nicky” Winton (1909-2015), a self-effacing humanitarian. He directed the rescue of 669 Jewish children in Prague in 1938. The story moves soul searchingly back and forth between the events of 1938 and 1988 when Winton was honored by a BBC television special that brought together, a reunion of sorts, of several hundred rescued children, their children and grandchildren. [Oliver Pollak]

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Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Nordot, Oliver Pollak, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

History of American Jewish Historical Societies Plumbs Differences Between Amateurs and Professional Historians

It is an exciting history of the alliances of American lay and scholarly commitment to their history in the wake of the Holocaust. They sought to save the past for the future. Volunteers and professionals faced similar hurdles, establishing a presence, membership, leadership, volunteers, location, visibility, funding, establishing archives, crafting exciting programs and exhibits that bridged diverse interests, education, and producing, newsletters, journals and websites. [Oliver Pollak]

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California, Jewish History, Oliver Pollak, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

The Lion’s Trail Through Biblical Israel: First in a Series

  By Jerry Klinger BOYNTON BEACH, Florida — Benny Kashriel, the mayor of Ma’ale Adumim, a bedroom community of 30,000 just over the Green Line from Jerusalem, shared with me in November 2022 that Ma’ale Adumim is mentioned in the book of Joshua 18:17. The mayor presented me with a special recognition.  Judy and I

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Israel, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Music and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Biographer of Abe Cahan Illuminates a Bygone Era

The newspaper also taught new immigrants about American folkways—dishing out advice on such diverse topics as how baseball is played, how Americans set their tables, and to sneeze into handkerchiefs to avoid spreading germs in crowded tenements. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Business & Finance, Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Our Shtetl San Diego County: Pearl Takes Over as JCF’s President and CEO

Jeremy Pearl: “Since the October 7th attacks on Israel, our donors have directed $10,606,324 to 99 organizations supporting needs from crisis management to mental health support.” (SDJW staff)

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast