Chaya Ann Tober is a fourth grader growing up in New York City. Her initials, C.A.T., seem almost destined for her because Chaya is fascinated by cats. She loves her family’s cat, Ollie, and spends time wondering what cats do when people are not around. [Cailin Acosta]
A Jewish kid’s fantasy about a cat Read More »
animals, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
I sometimes wonder what might have happened if Cain had simply paused at the door. What if, rather than immediately following the impulse his jealousy created, he had been able to ask himself: What am I feeling right now? What story am I telling myself about what happened? What is this feeling asking me to do? And, perhaps most importantly, is that the person I want to be? [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D,]
Bereishit: The Psychology of Becoming Read More »
California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
” … On Oct. 7, Hamas-led attackers murdered civilians, committed sexual violence, mutilated bodies and took hostages. You are weaponizing a day meant for mourning the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust to recycle your usual antizionist talking points. … (SDJW staff roundup)
The fight against terrorism and antisemitism: Oct. 7, 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Opinion, Press Release, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
“Three years after Hamas’s October 7 massacre against Israel, we remember those who were murdered and stand with the survivors and people of Israel who will forever carry with them the indelible scars of that day…” (SDJW roundup)
Jewish community’s diverse reflections concerning Oct. 7, 2023 Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Press Release, San Diego County, USA
Three years after the October 7 massacre, the final victim killed in the attack at Moshav Yakhini has been brought to rest after his family opened a bedroom that had remained locked since the morning he was murdered. (Press Release)
Elitzur Hajbi, sealed in his room since 2023, given a proper burial Read More »
Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Middle East, Press Release, San Diego County
Tomorrow is October 7th. A day that will never be the same for the Jews of the World. We all remember where we were when we heard about the Hamas attacks. We continue to feel the loss of those taken from us on that horrible day and the days after. [Cailin Acosta]
Tomorrow is October 7th. A day that will never be the same for the Jews of the World. We all remember where we were when we heard about the Hamas attacks. We continue to feel the loss of those taken from us on that horrible day and the days after. (Cailin Acosta)
San Diegans commemorate the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
I have thought about that message many times since he shared it with me. Ever since then, like Lior wrote, we have gotten through it together. We have focused on recovery, rebuilding, on hope. [Heidi Gantwerk]
Two contrasting Simcha Torah memories Read More »
Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Moses had every reason to feel cheated. For 40 years, he served as tour guide, complaint department, and mediator for several million chronically vocal travelers wandering through a desert. Whenever they ran out of water or missed the onions of Egypt, Moses took the heat. (Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel)
Parsha Zot HaBracha: Moses is denied the chance to step foot in the Promised Land Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodIn 70 CE, with the destruction of the Second Temple, Shemini Atzeret was previously devoted to the ritual cleansing of the altar. In the present day, it marks the beginning of the rainy season in Israel, so it includes the year’s first prayer for rain. [Cailin Acosta]
The changing meaning of a Jewish holiday Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Sports & Competitions, Travel and Food
I suppose the underlying message of this book is don’t procrastinate until the last minute, lest your Hanukkah treats be sold out and invited company will be disappointed. [Donald H. Harrison]
Hanukkah parties usually take some preparation Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Fiction, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The California Legislative Jewish Caucus announced on Thursday that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed all six of the 2026 Jewish Caucus Priority Bills that passed the Legislature. (Press Release)
All 6 Jewish priority bills signed by Governor Newsom Read More »
Antisemitism, California, Jewish Religion, News Media, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & EducationShemini Atzeret literally means the “eighth day of assembly,” and the rabbis describe it as a uniquely intimate day, almost as though Hashem says, “Stay with Me a little longer.”
The psychological wisdom of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors
When the appropriate time comes, a holder of a ‘Nudge” or “Nudgie” will approach the usher and give them their name. That name will be cross-referenced in the “Book of Nudgies,” the time will be checked on the golden watch, and the individual will be let in to partake in the traditional apple juice and bar of Elite Chocolate. [Joshua Kail]
Bring your congregation into the black Read More »
Business & Finance, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Rabbi Cagen urged me to read the English translations during the service because I couldn’t follow the Hebrew. I had never thought of doing that. It changed everything. (Joe Gandelman)
The long way home: My journey back to Judaism Read More »
Jewish Religion, Joe Gandelman, Lifestyles, News Media, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast