I had the honor of speaking at San Diego City Council following a proclamation recognizing Chanukah earlier this month. During my remarks, I offered a message that seemed to resonate with the councilmembers: our tradition marks the moments when we Jews refuse to disappear. [Michael Rabkin]
Michael Rabkin: ‘We Jews Refuse to Disappear’ Read More »
Antisemitism, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
In the fictional film ending, the Israelites hear of David and Batsheva’s adultery and murder of her husband, and huge crowds gather to stone Batsheva. David tells God he is entirely to blame (as if he could fool God) and tries to commit suicide to save the woman he loves. God accepts his plea, and he is forgiven. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Beware of Movies about the Bible Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food
We stand at the threshold of a new year
with open hands and unsteady hearts. … [Betzy Lynch]
Poetry: On the Threshold of a New Year Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
I was curious about how the show came about and especially about Ari’s and Maya’s creative contributions. The Gimbels and Cherlin-Baird graciously spent some time with me on zoom and told me all about their process. [Sandi Masori]
A Hanukkah Musical Composed and Performed by Jewish Youth Read More »
Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast
Collaborations with Tara Kemp and Niki Haris arrived not through strategy, but alignment. In Jewish mysticism, souls recognize each other across lifetimes. These partnerships feel like that. Voices that carry history, strength, and survival. Together, they are not chasing relevance. They are restoring lineage. [Michael Adam Cohen]
The Perry Twins: Rhythm, Resonance, and the Revolution of Joy Read More »
California, Jewish Religion, Michael Adam Cohen, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Opinion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Provisioned with a variety of tamales, bañuelos (crispy-thin dough sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, a typical Mexican holiday dessert, muy delicioso!), and my father-in-law’s “famous rum cake,” my family and I are heading back to “somewhat sunny” San Diego from El Paso. (Cailin Acosta)
Our Shtetl: Thoughts on a Drive Back to San Diego Read More »
Cailin Acosta, California, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
This Yosef is profoundly different from the young man we met years earlier in Vayeishev, the one who brought negative reports about his brothers and spoke without sensitivity. Twenty years later, shaped by betrayal, suffering, responsibility, and faith, Yosef has grown into someone emotionally wise and spiritually grounded. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]
Parsha Vayigash: Joseph’s Story is One of Emotional Growth Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
There is a Hasidic teaching that every soul enters the world carrying its own melody, and the task of life is not to invent it, but to remember it. When Averginos speaks of music arriving beyond his conscious knowledge, of harmonies flowing through him that exceeded his formal training, he is describing this remembrance. The self does not lead. It relaxes. And something greater moves through. [Michael Adam Cohen]
Paul Avgerinos and the Gentle Art of Remembering: Listening for the Still, Small Sound Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Adam Cohen, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Many Jewish fathers and mothers take their children to sit on Santa Claus’s lap—just like the author Rabbi Joshua Eli Plaut did, when he was only seven years old. I laughed at the picture because I remember my father, Leo Israel Samuel—a Holocaust survivor from Auschwitz—did the same for me when I was about the same age [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
Book Traces History and Humor of Jews and Christmas Read More »
Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
After our interview, my impression was that her passions are/were her time in the Navy and her deep Jewish faith. She is a proud veteran who wears her Navy cap everywhere as well as a Star of David around her neck. [Mimi Pollack]
Volunteer of the Month Charlotte Freifeld’s Life: Navy and Judaism Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Mimi Pollack, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Marks said “The Rally for Light today on the final day of Hanukkah is our community’s response—showing that even in moments of darkness, San Diego chooses unity, courage, and light over hate. By coming together, we are committing to carry this light beyond the holiday and to stand unwaveringly against anti-Semitism and all hate. When we stand together, light wins.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USAAs we made it past the Franklin Mountains above the University of Texas at El Paso, there was an illuminated star on the mountainside. I don’t remember the star having been lit as blue prior to this occasion. [Cailin Acosta]
El Paso Lights Up Ceremonial Star in Celebration of Hanukkah Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
There is one Chanukah song by a New York rock band, the LeeVees, which somehow manages to work what unexpected words into the lyrics? [Mark D. Zimmerman]
Jewish Trivia Quiz: Chanukah Songs Read More »
Jewish Religion, Mark D. Zimmerman, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
Herzog commented: “The rise in Jew hatred across the world is a global emergency. The battle against antisemitism, must be everyone’s battle against antisemitism. This is an urgent call to action to prevent the next catastrophe.” [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish Political Briefing: Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 Read More »
Antisemitism, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, News Media, San Diego County, Shanda File, Staff and Bylined Contributors