Jewish Religion

Student essays on antisemitism have chance to win $2,500 scholarship

B’nai B’rith has invited college students to share their experiences of antisemitism at their school by entering its 2026 “None Shall Be Afraid” Essay Contest. Winners will earn scholarships as well as the opportunity to have their essays published. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, USA

A full schedule of events

Jewish Federation of San Diego invites the community to join Jewish Federations of North America for its webinar “Briefing: Israel and the United States at War with Iran” at noon, Wednesday, March 4. [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, California, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA

The Purim Spiel: An explanation and an example

Beyond the surface-level parody, the Spiel functions as a sophisticated tool for the mastery of terror. By transforming a genocidal antagonist—whether the biblical Haman or his modern iterations—into a buffoonish, pitiable caricature, the community performs a collective “reclamation of power.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA

Jewish Federation urges ‘situational awareness’ at Purim events

While there is no local threat, global events can have ripple effects. As Purim celebrations and other gatherings approach, we encourage you to participate fully, and to practice heightened situational awareness and adherence to all security protocols. [Press Release)

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Press Release, San Diego County, USA

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]

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

‘Tis the season for hamantaschen, megillah readings, and mishloach manot

Purim is celebrated by exchanging mishloach manot, donating to charity, eating a festive meal, and listening to the reading of the Megillah. Other traditions include wearing costumes, parades, drinking wine, and eating hamantaschen. So many fun ways to celebrate as a community that our ancestors survived. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

A new standard Jewish Bible or a noble compromise?

This edition presents Sacks’ own modern English translation of the Torah, a compiled commentary drawn primarily from his Covenant & Conversation series, along with books, lectures, and other writings—with the sections for Shemot through Bo newly adapted for this project. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi

Suit filed against California and its agencies for not protecting K-12 students from antisemitism

The State of California, the California State Board of Education, the State Department of Education, and Superintendent Tony Thurmond are being sued on behalf of Jewish parents whose children have been, and continue to be, the subjects of cruel, persistent, and pervasive antisemitism in their California public schools. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Opinion: Three pro-Jewish politicians embarrass themselves

A Jewish state assemblyman from the southwestern edge of Long Island was denied a rare opportunity to question New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani about Jewish fears while a first-term Jewish congressman voiced a preference for dogs over Muslims. Plus, President Trump’s man in Belgium intervened in the country’s health policies as they apply to mohels. [Bruce S. Ticker]

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Antisemitism, Bruce Ticker, International, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, News Media, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Conservative Jews urge protests against eliminating egalitarian prayer from the Kotel

The Conservative/Masorti Movement has stood with Israel for generations, and especially since October 7. We have answered the Prime Minister’s call to “fight” for Israel’s future. Now we must insist that Israel stand for us — and for the religious freedom of all Jews. [Press Release]

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International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Press Release, USA