Jewish Religion

Various forms of flight examined at art exhibit

The La Mesa Arts Academy library hosted the Master Arts Fireside Gallery’s Welcome to Flight exhibit on Thursday, April 23. “Flight” explored the many ways of flying—from airplanes and kites to birds. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Former Druze Israeli diplomat Reda Mansour tells Technion’s story

Fluent in five languages, he was both the youngest ambassador and the first non-Jewish individual appointed as an Israeli diplomat. His career included postings as Israel’s ambassador to Ecuador, Brazil, and Panama, and as consul general in San Francisco and Atlanta, among other roles. [Press Release]

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California, International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Judaism, Middle East, Press Release, Technology, USA

Yom Ha’atzma’ut celebration in San Diego scheduled for Sunday, April 26

Jewish Federation of San Diego’s celebration of Yom Ha’Atzma’ut will be highlighted by a music festival at noon, Sunday, April 26, at the Lawrence Family JCC. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Bill introduced to ban demonstrations within 100 feet of Houses of Worship

The SACRED Act would create federal penalties for targeted harassment and engaging in conduct intended to intimidate or obstruct people exercising their right to religious worship within 100 feet of a place of worship, while simultaneously protecting the First Amendment rights of those who seek to protest, picket and/or demonstrate. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Press Release, USA

Violently attacked Jewish groups lobby Congress for protection

ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) on Wednesday brought together Jewish leaders from four communities directly impacted by violent antisemitic hate crimes to urge members of Congress to act on critical legislative priorities in the face of an unprecedented wave of attacks against Jewish institutions. [Press Release]

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

Who is more meritorious? An angel in heaven or a human struggling with conscience?

This Midrash beautifully underscores the Jewish preference for the wrestler over the effortless saint. Angels may be flawless, but they cannot truly fulfill mitzvot that demand overcoming desire. Only flesh-and-blood people, locked in Sartre’s No Exit with their own cravings, can achieve the profound moral heroism the Torah celebrates. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Multiple celebrations in San Diego County of Israel’s Independence Day

Yom Ha’Atzmaut is Israel’s Independence Day, which began in 1948, when Israel was declared a state. On the Hebrew calendar, it lands on the 5th of Iyar, which this year begins at sundown on Tuesday, April 21, and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, April 22. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Innovative exhibit teaches children and neighbors about Judaism

Guests sampled a variety of traditional foods tied to Jewish holidays. Passover offerings included matzo ball soup, charoset, matzo, and gefilte fish. Chanukah favorites featured latkes served with sour cream and applesauce, along with hummus. Rosh Hashanah treats included apples with honey, while a classic Jewish brunch spread offered bagels with cream cheese and lox. Beverages included Dr. Brown’s sodas and tea served with sugar cubes. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Just wars: Pope ignores Thomas Aquinas, Maimonides

When a religious leader pours the “milk” of unconditional pacifism into the “meat” of a life-and-death military struggle, the result is a curdled moral confusion. This mixture makes it impossible to digest the hard reality of defense, leading to a “forbidden” policy that benefits neither the state nor the soul. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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International, Israel, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA