At the entrance to the park, a plaque carries the message Laurie and John wanted the world to know: this was created in memory of their brother, not for publicity, but for purpose. The fact that Paul had no children, the family writes, was “a deep sadness in his life”—one that Laurie and John are determined to transform into something meaningful. [Jacob Kamaras]
This book explores the biographies of eight remarkable women who gave thousands of innocent children caught in the horrors of World War II a chance to live. They did not act for fame or glory, but simply because it was the right thing to do. [Cailin Acosta]
Female rescuers of children from the Holocaust profiled Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors
What sets Christian Zionism 101 apart is its vitality: short, punchy chapters, bold headings, scripture sidebars, and over 200 footnotes for depth. At 206 pages, it’s ideal for individuals, study groups, or newcomers. Early feedback, including Amazon’s 4.5-star average, praises its humble, bridge-building tone. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
10 Reasons for Christians to be Zionists Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Deborah Lipstadt, a former special envoy to counter antisemitism in Joe Biden’s administration, and Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, were offended by reports that Kamala Harris’ vetting team for her potential vice presidential running mates asked Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro if he had ever been a double agent for Israel. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the News: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Read More »
Business & Finance, California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
When Rabbi Leberman asked whether another rabbi might step in to offer the benediction in his place, that request too was denied. With the exclusion of Rabbi Leberman, so too came the elimination of any Jewish clergy from the All People’s Celebration. [Rabbi Jason Nevarez]
Open Letter from the San Diego Board of Rabbis and Cantors Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
American-Israeli Rabbi Hanan Leberman of Tifereth Israel Synagogue was disinvited from delivering a closing message at the All People’s Breakfast in Balboa Park that will honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday, Jan. 19, causing shock, outrage, and protest from San Diego’s Jewish community. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the news: Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
The play’s subject and the incident it depicts are based on true events. In 1983, beloved children’s author, the 6’6” Roald Dahl, reviewed a book about the siege of West Beirut by the Israeli army during the 1982 Lebanon War. That review was widely viewed as antisemitic. [Karen Galatz, The Matzo Chronicles]
Tackling a legend and antisemitism, ‘Giant’ comes to Broadway Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish History, Karen Galatz, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
He founded Beit T’Shuvah in Los Angeles, a pioneering recovery center that fuses Jewish spirituality with addiction treatment. Residents don’t just talk recovery; they live it through Torah study, Shabbat observance, and honest confrontation with their souls. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Walking through a year of your life with two rabbis Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
A day of national mourning for the 15 slain victims of the Bondi Beach massacre will be observed in Australia on Thursday, Jan. 22. The preceding Monday at 9:30 a.m. Australian time (2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, San Diego time) the federal Parliament will consider a condolence motion. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the news: Thursday, Jan. 15. 2025 Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Golda Meir, drenched in cold sweat, knows exactly what that call means: war is coming, lives are hanging by a thread, and the weight of a nation rests on one trembling hand reaching for the receiver. Do you answer? Or do you let it ring, pretending the nightmare hasn’t begun? [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
History that reads like a heart-stopping suspense novel Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, News Media, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Pharaoh embodies the classic addict’s cycle, swearing after every devastating “hangover” (plague) that he’ll change—”I swear I’ll never do it again!”—only to relapse the moment the pain subsides, as he did time after time. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
‘Disabled’ people throughout history have been the most able Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Peter Wertheim, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, welcomed the proposed legislation as a first step toward creating a safer, more unified Australia. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jews in the news: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, International, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
None of the participants really oozed machismo by discussing sports, firearms or strippers. However, they all admitted to repressing vulnerable emotions to meet society’s expectations of manhood. And yet Kutner related how men making a minyan to say the Mourners’ Kaddish is a profound way for Jewish men to cry. [Eric George Tauber]
‘Mama’s Boys’ podcast explores Jewish masculinity Read More »
Eric George Tauber, Jewish History, Lifestyles, News Media, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
The first terrorist acts against the leaders of the newly established Soviet government were carried out on August 30, 1918, by Jews Leonid Kannegiesser and Fanny Kaplan. (Alex Gordon)
Jewish Biography: Fanny Kaplan, would-be assassin of Vladimir Lenin Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA