President Donald Trump’s apparent willingness to extend a lifeline to Iran’s Ayatollah, despite the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) being on the brink of collapse, represents a grave misjudgment, arguably surpassing even the strategic errors of President Barack Obama’s Iran policy. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Reports from earlier this month indicate that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the Secretary of the Navy to rename the USNS Harvey Milk during national Pride Month as part of the Administration’s broader efforts to demonize American citizens it does not like. Milk was a veteran, political leader, and a Jewish advocate for the LGBT community. [Press Release]
Rep. Scott Peters Introduces Bill to Protect Name of USNS Harvey Milk Read More »
Jewish History, Press Release, San Diego County, USA
The film is a dark comedy that asks the timely question of how Frank can be marketed to the Gen Z generation. [Cailin Acosta]
Making Gen Z Aware of Anne Frank’s Story Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
LA MESA, California – On Wednesday, June 11, The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation shared the good news that Lake Murray will remain open on weekdays. The San Diego City Council has approved modifications to the FY2026 budget that includes a restoration of weekday access to Lake Murray. This means Lake Murray will remain open
This year it was all about Syria. I found it fascinating, not only to learn about the Jewish communities of Syria but also learning that some people I know from our local Jewish community are of Syrian descent- for example Morah Rachel Tawil Abraham whom I know from Hebrew Day … (Sandi Masori)
Syrian Jewish History, Music and Food Wrapped into One JFest Night Read More »
Jewish History, Lifestyles, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
He blames Democratic Presidents Carter, Clinton, Obama and Biden, the New York Times, non-governmental agencies such as Amnesty International, and political liberals generally for forcing upon Israel a policy of accommodation for the Palestinians prior to Oct. 7, 2023. [Donald H. Harrison]
A Political Conservative’s View of Israel vs. the Palestinians Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Jennifer Coburn told a Tifereth Israel Synagogue audience Thursday, June 5, she long has been fascinated with Nazis and concentration camps. She is the author of The Girls of the Glimmer Factory. [Cailin Acosta]
Author of Holocaust Novel Spent Research Time at Theresienstadt Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The character Arnold Beckoff is a drag queen and torch singer who Fierstein described in the stage directions as a “kvetch of great wit and want.” What is Beckoff’s drag name in the show? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Harvey Fierstein Read More »
Jewish History, Mark D. Zimmerman, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
In 1886, the first match in history for the title of World Chess Champion took place in the USA. Steinitz’s opponent was the strongest player of that time, Johannes Hermann Zukertort. Zukertort was a German and later British chess player, the son of a Prussian Lutheran pastor, a baptized Jew, and a missionary who spread Protestantism among the Jews. [Alex Gordon]
Jewish Biography: Wilhelm Steinitz, First World Chess Champion Read More »
Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Keysor had won Britain’s highest military honor for heroism, the Victoria Cross, as a bomb thrower (hand grenade) during the Battle of Lone Pine, Gallipoli, August 1915. … {Jerry klinger}
Honoring Defensive Jewish Hand Grenade Hurlers, Then and Now Read More »
International, Israel, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors
San Diego County is home to countless remarkable women whose often quiet dedication enriches our community. This year, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center hosted the 16th Women of Valor celebration by shining a light on six such individuals, recognizing their profound impact. Accompanied by inspiration and images, their individual stories came alive in the Garfield Theatre through the music and spoken words of Ali Viterbi. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Celebrating Inspiring Legacies of San Diego’s Women of Valor Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
When I first heard of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition (ZRC), I wondered, “Is it necessary to have an organization for Zionist rabbis?” According to ZRC founder Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, Rabbi Emeritus of B’nai Tzedek Congregation in Potomac, Maryland, I am not alone. He gets that question a lot. (Lisa Rothstein Goldberg)
A Report from the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition’s Conference Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAWhen I had my twins, I never played “kiddie music” as I called it. I wanted them to grow up listening to the rock classics found on 101.5 KGB and of course my favorite 91.1 91X. [Cailin Acosta]
Accustoming Young Teens to Appreciate Popular Rock Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
Beyond the culinary delights, the evening was a heartfelt homage to the JCC’s rich history. Engaging speeches and a captivating visual presentation chronicled the JCC’s evolution, tracing its roots from the 54th Street location in San Diego’s Rolando area to its vibrant present-day home in La Jolla. The success of the event was a testament to the dedication of its leaders, including event chairs, Adam and Amy Jacob, who addressed the gala guests, and Kira Finkenberg, who also spoke. [Barrett Holman Leak]
JCC: Celebrating 80 Years of Growing Community Together Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Ben Dishman, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA