Shifra and Puah looked at a royal murder command and decided: Human life > Pharaoh’s ego. Righteous Gentiles, version 1.0. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Torah tells of the original civil disobedience Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office has released the top 10 baby names for 2025, based on birth records filed throughout San Diego County. The list reflects both enduring favorites and the county’s rich cultural diversity, highlighting the names parents most often chose for their newborns last year. [Cailin Acosta]
‘Emma’ and ‘Noah’ most popular names for newborns in San Diego County Read More »
Cailin Acosta, International, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
Exodus 13:17-18 states: “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, ‘Lest the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.’ But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.” [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Interesting interpretations of early Bible stories Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Talia’s cousin recites the Four Questions in Hebrew and English. But Talia has her own Four Questions: Who gets hugs? When do we hug? Where do we hug? And most of all—why is this book called the Hug-gadah? [Cailin Acosta]
Children’s book review: Talia waits through the seder for a hug Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsImagine opening a book that doesn’t just sit on your shelf gathering dust—it walks with you through the chaos of everyday life, whispering (and sometimes shouting) that holiness isn’t reserved for mountaintops or monasteries. It’s right here, in the messy, miraculous grind of being human. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Rabbi Heschel as interpreted by an ex-con turned rabbi Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
This weighty tome comprising almost 1,500 pages of closely-printed text, is in fact four novels combined, and took the author some 17 years to write before it was first published in German in 1944. The translation into English by John E. Woods, reads fluently and convincingly, presumably mirroring the original German. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
Thomas Mann’s ‘Joseph and His Brothers’ well worth the long time it takes to read Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This idea connects loosely to the value of kavod hatzibbur (respect for the community). Our personal choices matter not only because they shape who we become, but because they affect the dignity, strength, and wholeness of the collective. [Betzy Lynch]
There’s an empty chair at the Lawrence Family JCC Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsIt is the second day of 2026, and the gym is busier than usual with new faces, new clothes, and shoes, as people dedicate themselves to a healthier lifestyle. [Cailin Acosta]
Keeping healthy in 2026 is a matter of keeping that resolution Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
[A]s the plane took off for Santiago, a young family in the row across from us brought out electric candles and began singing the holiday blessings with their toddlers. We sang along, and everyone wished each other a chag sameach. The mother looked over at me and said, “We all need to do everything we can to bring light into the world today.” I felt a weight lift, and off we went. [Heidi Gantwerk]
A trip to Chile and spreading the light here in San Diego Read More »
Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and FoodMaimonides describes the three steps that lead to behavioral change. First, recognize that what you are doing is wrong. Second, decide to change the behavior to a proper one. Third, begin practicing the new practice and make it a habit that you continue. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
An excellent New Year’s resolution Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food
We often look outward when we want to fix the world, but the wisdom of the Mussar movement, founded by Rabbi Israel Salanter, teaches us a different path. He famously reflected that as a young man, he set out to change the world, only to realize his reach was too small. {Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Parsha Vayechi: Inner influence, humility and Hashem Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
David Bocarsly, executive director of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC), hailed a ruling in federal court on Wednesday upholding the constitutionality of AB 715, California’s law attempting to end antisemitism in the public schools. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 Read More »
California, Donald H. Harrison, Israel, Jewish Religion, News Media, Shanda File, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Smokey Robinson spoke with reverence and gratitude, his words shaped by decades of friendship and shared purpose. Stevie Wonder sang directly to Berry, offering Happy Birthday and You Are the Sunshine of My Life, transforming performance into offering. Otis Williams stood nearby, a living thread connecting generations of sound, discipline, and excellence. [Michael Adam Cohen]
Going Forward With Intention: Berry Gordy, Legacy, and the Jewish Art of Living Well Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Adam Cohen, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors2025’s chapter is ending, and 2026’s new chapter is about to start. Did anyone have a good year, or are we looking for more positive and less dramatic, healthy vibes? [Cailin Acosta]
New Year’s Wish and Events Planned for 2026 Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, News Media, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food