Judaism

OU Gala Marks Organization’s 125th Anniversary

From its beginnings as a kosher certification agency to its ongoing enrichment of Jewish life, advancement of community-driven solutions, and building a growing, religiously vibrant, and caring community, the OU’s achievements were showcased at a recent gala celebrating its 125-year legacy and honoring the people behind its success. [Press Release]

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Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Press Release, USA

The Soille Family Hides During the Holocaust

Esther Soille decided to go up the ladder through the back window to the apartment, for she believed that if the Nazis found a man up there, they would shoot immediately but would hesitate for a woman. [Avraham Dimenstein]

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Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

An Ethical Will from a Fallen IDF Soldier

Inside was an ethical will written by Staff Sgt. Shachar Fridmann, who was killed in Gaza in action defending the state of Israel. He was only 21 years old. In his own words, “Be Good People. Smile. Strive to make every person you meet smile too. ..”

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Researcher Assembles Biographies of the Late Rabbi Henry & Rebbetzin Esther Soille

All the Jewish fundraisers knew they could count on a sizable donation by stopping by the second floor of the mustard-colored apartment building at 4501 Ohio St. in the North Park district of San Diego.  This had been the residence of Rabbi Henry and Esther Soille (pronounced Swall) since the early 1960’s. [Avraham Dimenstein]

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International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Biography: Semyon Semkovsky, Ukrainian Philosopher

The only philosopher in Soviet Russia who spoke in defense of quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity and proved that the new theories do not contradict Marx’s philosophy, was Semyon Semkovsky, Doctor of Philosophy, Academician of the All-Ukrainian Academy of Sciences. [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Adrien Brody Speaks Out about Antisemitism

“I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and the repercussions of war and systematic oppression and of antisemitism and racism and I believe, and I pray for a healthier and a happier and a more inclusive world. And I believe if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked.” [Cailin Acosta quoting Adrien Brody]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Parsha Tetzaveh-Zachor: Don’t Let the Light Go Out

What are these psychological lessons that we can learn from the Torah this week? Tetzaveh teaches that true spiritual growth requires a combination of humility, intentionality, and consistent inner work. Through this, people can elevate themselves and bring divine light into the world. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

God Gives Writer a Tour of Past, Present and Future in This Novel

However, unlike the movie, this is not a comedy.  It is an exploration of the many myths that impede people’s thinking about the Earth’s fragility as well as their responsibilities to each other. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Jewish Women of the Bible: Esther Was a Courageous Queen

One of my favorite times of the year is coming soon. Each year, I volunteer at the annual Temple Emanu-El of San Diego’s Purim Carnival. I serve my community by handing out tickets and dispensing snacks and drinks to the colorfully costumed and joyful children and their adults. [Barrett Holman Leak]

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Barrett Holman Leak, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Google Urged to Restore Holocaust Remembrance Day and Jewish American Heritage Month to its Standing Calendar

Members of the Congressional Jewish Caucus (CJC) sent a letter to Google urging the company to reverse its decision to remove International Holocaust Remembrance Day and Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) from its default calendar display. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Press Release, USA

Agreements and Disagreements with Dennis Prager

He wrote many books, including a series called The Rational Bible. I find much in them interesting, but I differ from him because he takes Bible stories literally and is usually convinced that the events really happened. I see many events as parables and read many statements as metaphors, hyperbole, and poetry. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, News Media, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors

‘The Origin Story’ Provides Online Information for People Seeking to Learn More About Their Jewish Roots

American Jewish University’s (AJU) Maas Center announces the launch of The Origin Story, an online platform dedicated to supporting and educating individuals exploring their Jewish ancestry, culture, and community. [Press Release]

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California, Jewish Religion, Press Release, Science, Medicine, & Education