By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — In the enchanting pages of Toldot this week, we uncover a love story that stands as the very first chapter in the sacred book of Torah. It’s a tale that ignites the flame of passion and unity, reminding us that in love, we’re destined to become one.
Parshat Toldot: The Unity of Love Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
Most identify the Book of Psalms as a collection of Jewish hymns, prayers, and poems mostly focusing on praising and adoring God. Rabbis Jack Riemer and Elie Spitz, co-authors of Duet on Psalms, with their long careers as pulpit rabbis recognize for too many, reciting psalms is a perfunctory exercise, spoken without passion and devoid of their intrinsic meaning. [Fred Reiss, Ed.D]
The Hidden Passion and Joy of Psalms Described by Two Rabbis Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Fred Reiss, EdD, Jewish Religion
Growing up, Wunder had a mixed set of experiences – a family that loved him and was very protective of him versus schoolmates and authority figures who singled him out because he was Asian. “It was anything from kids making fun of your eyes to the food that you eat, or assuming you speak another language and making fun of it, even if you don’t,” recalled Wunder, who works today as Director of Community Engagement for Temple Solel in Encinitas. Wunder is also one of 15 persons across the nation chosen in 2022 for a Wexner Field Fellowship. [Donald H. Harrison]
Terry Wunder: Rejoicing in a Jewish Identity Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Fred Kropveld, Jewish Religion, San Diego County
Julius Katz shared the story of his friend who spoke fluent German and was in WW II stationed at a camp in Europe near the end of the war, He was awakened from a deep sleep and summoned into the main room where there about a dozen Nazi soldiers fully armed. He and his troops were quite frightened, and his friend spoke to them in German asking them what they wanted, they responded to him in German that they came to surrender, and he told them in German to drop their arms and raise their arms which they did . [Bill Sperling]
Jewish Vets Share Their Military Experiences Read More »
Jewish History, San Diego County, USA
Editor’s Note: The executive summary of the demographic study of San Diego’s Jewish population is published below. A community meeting will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3rd at the Lawrence Family JCC to gather, interpret the results, and gain community insight. As space is limited, registration via this website is
Who Are We? San Diego County Jewish Demographic Study Released Read More »
Judaism, San Diego County
A “celebration of life” for the late former Assemblyman Howard Wayne (D-San Diego) has been scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, at Elijah’s Restaurant, 7061 Clairemont Mesa, according to his wife Mary Lundberg. [Donald H. Harrison]
‘Celebration of Life’ Ceremony Scheduled Nov. 18 for Former Assemblyman Howard Wayne Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County
Shabbat Chayei Sarah 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Our great matriarch, Sarah Imeinu, had an exceedingly challenging life. The trials and tribulations she faced are evident when one reads the basic text of the Torah: First, she had to leave to a far off unknown land. Then she endured a famine.
Living a Life of Faith Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Press Release) – The Shabbat Project – an international movement that brings together Jews from all walks of life and all levels of observance to keep one Shabbat, celebrated in a spirit of global Jewish unity– took place on Nov. 3-4, 2023, in more than 100 countries and 1,500 cities, with more
Like my father, I was presented as a traitor to the homeland and an enemy of the USSR. Although my immigration to Israel was legal, I was honored with the title of “traitor to the homeland.” My father was labeled a “traitor to the homeland” in 1949, although he loved the USSR and socialism. I was labeled a “traitor to the fatherland” 30 years later. In that country, any Jew could be a traitor – one who loved the homeland, as my father did, and one who did not love it, as I did. [Alex Gordon]
The Melody of Zionism Read More »
Alex Gordon, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Israel, Jewish HistoryBy Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D. SAN DIEGO — Sarah lived to be 127 while Abraham lived to be 175. Chayei Sarah, can be translated as “The Lifetime of Sarah.” From the Talmud we learn, “the righteous are called living even after death.” Perhaps this is why the prominence of Sarah’s life is highlighted in the
Parashat Chayei Sarah: The Benefits of Aging Young Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
It was coincidence that two artisans who exhibited their work at Temple Emanu-El’s artisans festival on Sunday, Nov. 5, both had scientific backgrounds. Jonathan Rosenberg had worked prior to retirement as an immunologist at PharmaGen and at Becton, Dickinson (BD) during 16 years of his career. Anita Hettena was a biology professor, specializing in the teaching of anatomy, at San Diego City College. [Donald H. Harrison]
Science, Art, Religion Mix at Temple Emanu-El’s Artisans Festival Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, San Diego County
Editor’s Note: This is the 7th chapter in Volume 3 of Editor Emeritus Donald H. Harrison’s 2022 trilogy, “Schlepping and Schmoozing Along the Interstate 5.” All three books as well as others written by Harrison may be purchased from Amazon.com. Schlepping and Schmoozing Along the Interstate 5, Volume 3, Exit 38 (Manchester Avenue): Temple Solel
Rabbi Alexis Berk: ‘Sacredness Is Everywhere’ Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, San Diego County
By Jerry Klinger Boley, Oklahoma, Creek Nation, Indian Territory, was established as an all-Black town on the land of Creek Indian “Freedwoman” Abigail Barnett in 1903. When the Five Tribes, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminoles, were forcibly removed from their homelands in the 1830s–40s, people enslaved by the tribes also made the long
Okfuskee County, Rosenwald Schools, and Boley Read More »
Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Opinion, USA
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Press Release) – The Shabbat Project, an international movement that brings together Jews from around the world to keep one Shabbat, is gearing up for its most important year yet. In the wake of the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks, this year’s message is “Keeping it Together for Israel.” From sundown on November