Jewish Religion

Irv Elson: Retired Navy Chaplain Advocates for Jewish Service Personnel as Jewish Welfare Board’s Director

Not far inside the main entrance of the 125,000-acre Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the Camp Del Mar headquarters for the storied I Marine Expeditionary Force. There, from 2012 through 2014, Navy Capt. Irv Elson worked as a Force Chaplain on the way to his ultimate assignment in uniform as the Deputy Chaplain of the Marine Corps, the first Jew to achieve that rank. [Donald H. Harrison]

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

Injection of Purim Joy So Needed in Our Lives

As we head into Purim this weekend, I am reminded that being Jewish is a gift; one that has so much to offer and brings such meaning and purpose to my life. It can also bring so much joy. So, this year, although I’m stretched, stressed and wildly busy, it feels more important than ever to make room for joy. [Heidi Gantwerk]

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Antisemitism, Heidi Gantwerk, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

OpEd: During Purim Especially, Jews Should Speak Up for Israel

There is a chilling exchange in the Megillah when Mordechai charges Esther to intercede with the King. Esther demurs, fearing for her own life. Mordechai warns her, “Do not imagine that you, of all the Jews, will escape with your life by being in the king’s palace. On the contrary, if you keep silent in this crisis, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another quarter, while you and your father’s house will perish.” [Misha Galperin]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Demystifying the Paradox of Animal Sacrifices

So how do we reconcile animal sacrifices with the Torah’s directive to have compassion for animals? In biblical times the Jewish ritual of animal sacrifices was considered tame in comparison to the prominent pagan practice of human sacrifice. According to Maimonides, animal sacrifices helped wean the Jews away from these barbaric pagan rituals. Furthermore, sacrifices were permitted only in the Temple, where its holiness promoted reverence for animal life. [Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz]

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Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Why Coca-Cola Sells Soda Made With Real Sugar Once A Year: It’s Back, Look For Yellow Caps

Published by Benzinga It may be hard to notice anything at the grocery stores other than higher prices. But, astute observers may wonder why some Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO) products have yellow caps instead of the typical red ones. Well, the answer isn’t something you’ll want to pass over. Why Some Coke Bottles Have Yellow Caps:

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Business & Finance, Jewish Religion, Nordot, Travel and Food, USA

Larry Kornit: Cantor in Shul, Social Justice Advocate Outside

Four areas of interest have shaped the life of Cantor Larry Kornit of Congregation Beth Tikvah: Religion, music, politics, and sports. In addition to serving as a spiritual leader of what he described as his Conservative/ Reform/ Eclectic congregation, he also has volunteered as a member of the City of Oceanside’s nine-member Housing Commission.  The commission meets in the City Council chambers the fourth Tuesday of each month. [Donald H. Harrison]

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California, Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Music and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Our Shtetl San Diego County: Purim Preparations

Purim 2024 begins at nightfall Saturday, March 23, and ends after sunset Sunday, March 24.  A list of Purim activities may be found in our San Diego County Jewish Calendar.  Anticipation of Purim is keeping the rabbis and rebbetzins of the many Chabad Houses in San Diego quite busy. [SDJW staff]

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Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, Trivia, Humor & Satire

San Diegan to Develop Programs for Reform Judaism’s Outreach to Underrepresented Groups

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ),  has announced the hiring of San Diego native Sarah Norton as Assistant Vice President of a new venture within the URJ which makes it possible for more individuals to engage with Judaism on their terms. [Press Release]

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California, Jewish Religion, Press Release, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA