The biblical portion Mikkets, Genesis 41:1-44:17, is fascinating. It reveals some different, more mature, and intelligent acts by Jacob’s son Joseph than the 17-year-old youngster who tormented his brothers who sold him into slavery. Still, there are some questionable, even troubling, behaviors. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
The Life and Education of the Biblical Joseph Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The slogan “Coolest Fest in the Southwest” has been coined by the El Paso WinterFest organizers who have welcomed the holiday season with holiday tree lighting, the Scherr Legate WinterFest Lights Parade and concerts. [Cailin Acosta]
Chanukah Lights Included in El Paso’s WinterFest Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA
For the December 15 Hanukkah concert at the Carmel Valley Library, the 17 members of the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir were greeted by an overflow audience. Coming early and waiting in line, I was one of the fortunate to find a seat for this standing-room-only event, with many needing to listen from outside the hall. [Eileen Wingard]
SRO Crowd at San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir Hanukkah Concert Read More »
Eileen Wingard, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
On the heels of a firebombing of a synagogue in a Montreal suburb, a Jewish elementary school for girls – Bais Chana Mushka – in Toronto was the target for gunfire in the early hours of Friday. Although there was damage, students were permitted to return to school at its regular time. {SDJW Staff Compilation}
“It’s the Final Countdown!” All those who celebrate Chanukah and/ or Christmas, we are all in high stress mode! Five days until it all comes down. [Cailin Acosta]
Count Down to Chanukah Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Looking back over my past columns, I found my column for Hanukkah 2014. Since I’m always accused of being too partisan (guilty as charged), I want to reprint it in the spirit of Hanukkah which is ultimately about fighting for tolerance. [Laurie Baron]
Satire: What I Won’t Do for Chanukah Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lawrence Baron, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Trivia, Humor & Satire
As December unfolds, the spirit of giving glows warmly around us. This is a time to embody the word hineni – “here I am” – and to bring light and safety to our community. [Jewish Federation of San Diego]
Jewish Federation of San Diego got into the Chanukah spirit by meeting up for the “8 Crazy Flights of Chanukah” Wednesday evening, Dec. 18 at Bivouac Cider Works and Adventure Lodge in North Park. [Cailin Acosta]
Federation Kickstarts Chanukah with 8 Crazy Flights of Cider Tastings Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Travel and Food
Yosef received a life-changing lesson about purpose and focus. When Yosef was wandering, searching for his brothers, the Angel Gavriel appeared and asked him a powerfully insightful and transformative question: “Mah Tevakesh?” – “What are you seeking?” Read and repeat that to yourself. “Mah Tevakesh?” – “What are you seeking?” Do you know? [Michael R. Mantell, PhD]
Parsha Vayeishev: ‘What Are You Seeking?’ Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Boxes of Chanukah candles – check; chanukiyot cleaned and ready – check; oil, potatoes, sour cream, applesauce bought and ready – check. Phew, getting everything ready for the Eight Crazy Nights is a tough job, but someone has to do it, and in this house that someone is ME. [Cailin Acosta]
We Prepare for Chanukah Read More »
Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
Ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim) who decide to leave the community and disaffiliate are at a stressful crossroads in their life. Many leave close-knit communities for an initially lonely path in a world they may not be very familiar with. One of the new aspects of that life may be social media. Studies show that less than 20% of ultra-Orthodox individuals in Israel are exposed to social media. [Press Release]
How Haredim Cope with Loneliness after They Break Away Read More »
Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & EducationPresident Joe Biden, at a White House pre-Chanukah party, said, “Next week you’ll light the eight candles on your menorahs. My final Chanukah message to you is this: As president, this is to hold onto that hope. Shine your light. Shine the light of optimism. And above all, keep the faith.” [SDJW staff]
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff Vows to Keep Fighting Antisemitism Read More »
International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, USAThe Torah generally reveals little or no information about women. We are told that Jacob had a daughter named Dinah, but there is no more about her than what is mentioned in the drama. It does not tell us that Jacob had other daughters. It only reveals this in Genesis 37:35, where it states, “All his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him (Jacob),” and 46:15, where it states Leah, Jacob’s wife, bore thirty-three children with Jacob among “his sons and daughters.” [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Comparing Dinah and Joseph Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsIt was a festive occasion, but unfortunately, I did not find any decorations or events that had a Chanukah theme, so I focused on the Winter excitement. I will be mentioning this to the La Mesa Village Association that our holiday was not represented. Many Jewish residents live in La Mesa. [Cailin Acosta]
La Mesa’s Annual Holiday in the Village Seems to Ignore Chanukah Read More »
Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food