Jewish History

Reactions to joint Israel-U.S. bombing of Iran, killing of the ayatollah

Here, alphabetized by sender, are some of the Jewish reactions sent to San Diego Jewish World following the bombing of Iran and the killing of its top leaders by the United States and Israel: [Donald H. Harrison]

Reactions to joint Israel-U.S. bombing of Iran, killing of the ayatollah Read More »

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

‘Hostage’ is a first-hand account of a hijacking

She boards the plane like anyone else, and suddenly she’s in the middle of a nightmare. Now, as a retired cultural anthropologist and professor emerita from the University of Arizona, she brings this incredible mix of lived experience and scholarly eye to the story. She doesn’t just recount what happened—she digs into how it messed with her head and heart for decades. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

‘Hostage’ is a first-hand account of a hijacking Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Knesset Caucus for Israel-U.S. Relations convenes with dignitaries from both nations as onlookers

Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation, said: “The relationship between Israel and the United States goes far beyond a strategic alliance. It is a deep partnership rooted in shared democratic values, and that partnership is a cornerstone of Israel’s security and national resilience …”

Knesset Caucus for Israel-U.S. Relations convenes with dignitaries from both nations as onlookers Read More »

Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, USA

Tifereth Israel Synagogue celebrates its 120th anniversary in style

The party planning committee of Judy Rosenthal, Seth Krosner, Phil Johnson, and Lisa Berman-Hernandez shared heartfelt words about their love for the community and the importance of celebrating together as a congregational family. [Cailin Acosta]

Tifereth Israel Synagogue celebrates its 120th anniversary in style Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

JCPA says Trump administration has normalized extremism

WASHINGTON. D.C. (Press Release) – A year into the second Trump administration, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) on Tuesday released a detailed assessment of its actions and policies as it relates to antisemitism and anti-democratic extremism. The report, “One Year In: A Look at the Administration’s Approach to Antisemitism,” enumerates instances of the government’s move to curtail or

JCPA says Trump administration has normalized extremism Read More »

Antisemitism, Jewish History, Press Release, USA

Religious Zionists sacrifice their lives in the IDF well beyond their proportion in Israel’s population

Young men and young women — some not so young — responded

full-heartedly to the military call-ups after October 7. Yet although the

religious Zionist community comprises roughly 20–22% of Israel’s population, its sons account for approximately one-third of the fallen in this war — far beyond their demographic share. [Stephen M. Flatow]

Religious Zionists sacrifice their lives in the IDF well beyond their proportion in Israel’s population Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Bar-Ilan University to research impact of Oct 7 and aftermath on Israelis

The new center will conduct large-scale research on the diverse populations affected by the war, including former hostages and their families, soldiers, evacuees from Israel’s southern and northern regions, as well as professionals such as medical teams, emergency responders, and journalists. [Press Release]

Bar-Ilan University to research impact of Oct 7 and aftermath on Israelis Read More »

Israel, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education

Diplomats from 26 countries tour Auschwitz

The delegation, led by Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon included 21 ambassadors and five deputy permanent representatives to the United Nations from Albania, Australia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Haiti, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Micronesia, Moldova, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Romania, Rwanda, Samoa, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu and Zambia. [Press Release]

Diplomats from 26 countries tour Auschwitz Read More »

Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food

A Jewish archeologist exults over evidence that Jews resided in Kiev since its 10th century founding

“I just found out that a great archeological discovery has been made,” he began. “Don’t ask how I found out about it. It’s a big secret. Our authorities do not like such stories very much. A letter written in the 10th century in Kiev was discovered in the old Cairo synagogue. The letter was written in Hebrew. It mentioned Kiev for the first time in history. …” [Alex Gordon]

A Jewish archeologist exults over evidence that Jews resided in Kiev since its 10th century founding Read More »

Alex Gordon, International, Jewish History, Lifestyles, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Roddy Edmonds to receive a Medal of Honor for protecting Jews in a POW camp

In January 1945, the Nazi Commandant of the camp ordered Edmonds to have all of the Jewish POWs report to the assembly grounds the next morning at 6 a.m.  The next morning, the Commandant was surprised and angered. [Jerry Klinger]

Roddy Edmonds to receive a Medal of Honor for protecting Jews in a POW camp Read More »

Holocaust, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Congregations, schools, plan unique Purim programs

For example: Beth Jacob Congregation announces its “British Purim Invasion” at 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 3. The event will include horse-drawn queen’s carriage rides, professional portraits, scavenger hunt, bounce castle, Megillah reading, fish and chips shoppe, pub food including shepherd’s pie, bangers, and mash, tearoom, gin cocktails, and scones. [Cailin Acosta]

Congregations, schools, plan unique Purim programs Read More »

Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Contemporary Torah: Crazy poems, gold, stories and time

I, like many, many people, have experienced a type of generosity that no bank account can quantify. I remember a moment when my little girl decided to “give back” to me. She didn’t have money, but she gave me her resources: She went into her room and emerged later with a crinkled drawing and a polished stone she had picked with a ribbon. [Barrett Holman Leak]

Contemporary Torah: Crazy poems, gold, stories and time Read More »

Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors