Judaism

Parsha Beha’alotecha: Light one candle for the strength that we need

The Sifrei explains that the flame had to rise independently, teaching that genuine spiritual growth cannot be forced externally; it must awaken from within. The role of a leader, parent, teacher, or friend is not to control another person’s flame, but to help kindle it until it can sustain itself. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

‘Essentials of Judaism’ will please life-long Jews and those studying for conversion

The authors created a text that speaks simultaneously to the intellectually curious reader, the seeker of religious inspiration, and the conversion student searching for a reliable and comprehensive guide. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin}

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

Forgotten video provides insights into Holocaust survivor Edith Eger’s life, philosophy

Dr. Edith Eger, who was a Holocaust survivor, author, psychologist, and longtime resident of La Jolla, California, passed away on April 27.. Her family recently came across one of the last videos she recorded, which shows her wise, warm, fierce, and full-of-joy message. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Michael Tilson Thomas and the Yiddish Theater: A Firsthand View

The extraordinary Michael Tilson Thomas (1944–2026), known to his public and colleagues alike as MTT, succumbed in April to an aggressive brain cancer. Conductor, pianist, composer and educator, he was a musicians’ musician, one of dazzling brilliance who was somehow still performing — conducting Mahler symphonies, no less — well beyond anyone’s expectation of what was possible with the grim prognosis he faced. [Ronald Robboy]

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Jewish History, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

JCC presents June 4 musical program in honor of Jerusalem

I will be hosting the program and my guest will be Jerusalem-born Sari Esserman, who will introduce several of the songs and tell us about her early life in the Kiryat Moshe neighborhood. Currently a resident of La Jolla, Sari is a respected artist, working in pottery and producing vibrant paintings in oils and pastels. [Eileen Wingard]

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Cantor Sheldon Foster Merel, z"l, Eileen Wingard, Israel, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

NEA accused of antisemitism in federal complaint; Richard Barrera is largest beneficiary of NEA affiliate spending

When the National Education Association, the nation’s largest teachers union with more than 3 million members, is charged with discriminatory practices in violation of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, voters should take notice. [Marsha Sutton]

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California, Jewish History, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

The Baal Shem Tov and modern-day visitors from Sha’ar HaNegev

Before the Baal Shem Tov, Judaism was often centered on texts, scholarship, and institutions. The Baal Shem Tov shifted the focus toward people. He taught that G-d could be found not only in study halls, but also in conversations, melodies, shared meals, acts of kindness, and human connection. [Betzy Lynch]

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Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Spider-Noir’s’ deep Jewish and San Diego roots

Tthe premiere of Amazon Prime Video’s new live-action series “Spider-Noir” proves that the two are inextricably linked. Dropping its entire eight-episode first season on Wednesday May 27, 2026, the series arrived as a cinematic triumph that can be watched in standard color or a gorgeous, authentic, high-contrast black-and-white film noir cut that honors the golden age of cinema. (Barrett Holman Leak)

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Barrett Holman Leak, International, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

JDCA works to restore Jewish trust in the Democratic party

Trump’s blatant corruption and abuse of power, enabled by the Supreme Court’s elimination of guardrails on the presidency, have created unprecedented threats to our democracy and freedom. A Democratic win in 2026 is essential to restoring checks and balances, transparency, and accountability in government. [Halie Soifer]

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Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA