The punishment that follows is striking: God’s response to Miriam’s spoken outrage and disdain is to afflict her with what we know as leprosy, turning her skin “white as snow”—a chilling, and perhaps ironic direct contrast to the Cushite woman’s dark skin, strongly suggesting that Miriam’s complaint was indeed rooted in prejudice related to appearance or origin. [Barrett Holman Leak]
The La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, under the direction of Chorus Director, Arian Khaefi, delivered an impressive reading of Felix Mendelssohn’s Oratorio, Elijah, in the final program of their 2024-25 season at Mandeville Hall on June 8. [Eileen Wingard]
‘Elijah,’ Mendelssohn’s Oratorio, Impressive in La Jolla Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Rav Kook teaches that humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself. It means knowing that your worth is inherent, and that your strengths are gifts—not achievements of ego, but expressions of divine kindness. In this view, humility is a form of spiritual clarity. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Behaalotecha: Redirected, Not Rejected Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
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
The two words of the Friday night poem/song “Shalom Aleichem” are a traditional Jewish greeting, meaning “may you have peace.” The poem has the reciters and singers greet angels and ask them for blessings of peace and protection. [Rabbu Dr. Israel Drazin]
A New Translation of the ‘Shalom Aleichem’ Prayer Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined ContributorsSince Shavuot is over, finish up that cheesecake before it goes bad, get a haircut/trim, and embrace the upcoming summer months. Here in San Diego, the “June Gloom” is in full force. I do not think I have seen my shadow, meaning no peek-a-boo from the sun in a few days. [Cailin Acosta]
Post-Shavuot Weather and Holiday Report Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share
For her, giving back is an important part of how she practices Tikkun Olam. She continues, “We share our resources with many individuals and organizations through food and financial and time donations, as well as by creating jobs and opportunities for many diverse individuals from all walks of life. …” (Mimi Pollack)
Volunteer of the Month: Olga Worm Brings the Community Together Read More »
Jewish Religion, Mimi Pollack, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
In response to San Diego Pride’s decision to keep Kehlani as a headliner despite their repeated promotion of violent, antisemitic rhetoric, all participating Jewish organizations and synagogues — many of which have supported or marched with Pride for years — are withdrawing from the 2025 event due to serious safety concerns. [Debbie L. Sklar, Times of San Diego]
Prominent Jews in Pride Organization Quit to Protest Kehlani Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Times of San Diego, USAOne might initially see Naso as solely a parsha of separation: careful Levite duties for Tabernacle sanctity, the removal of the impure, and the Nazirite’s vow of withdrawal. However, I think it is a comprehensive guide for engaging with the world, for living a holy and meaningful life within its realities, rather than in isolation from it. [Barrett Holman Leak]
Contemporary Torah: The Value of Temporary Separation Read More »
Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, 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
“I have a story to share with you all that happened before Passover which gave me the idea to make mezuzah’s a topic to educate you all on,” said Rebbetzin Chaya Andrusier of Chabad of East County at the Torah and Tea event on Thursday, June 5. [Cailin Acosta]
Women’s Group Instructed About the Proper Use and Care of Mezuzahs Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThis isn’t about ignoring contradiction. It’s about becoming spacious enough inside to carry it. Where our minds seek resolution and certainty, our hearts—when open—can hold paradox without panic. It can live with tension without demanding it to dissolve. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Naso: Making Room in Your Heart for Opposites Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
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