Northbound Interstate 5’s last exit in San Diego County is Cristianitos Road, Spanish for ‘the Little Christians.” How did it get such a name, and what might Jewish history have to do with such a place? [Donald H. Harrison]
I have learned that coming into Passover many of you feel depressed. Some feel angry with the world. Many are unemployed and too many are seeking someone to love of find someone to love them. My thoughts are with those who have health problems. [Rabbi Bernhard H. Rosenberg]
OpEd: Optimism Required Before Passover; Pessimism Can be Self-Fulfilling Read More »
Bernhard H. Rosenberg-Rabbi, Jewish Religion, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
This past month, in response to antisemitic and anti-Zionist curricular resources published by the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Equity and Belonging and Ethnic Studies departments, AJC San Diego’s Education Committee mobilized. [Sara E. Brown, Ph.D]
Jewish Community Unified in SDUSD’s Ethnic Studies Dispute Read More »
California, Israel, Jewish History, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors
The movie explores the concepts of “freedom to” and “freedom from;” Passover customs; unplugging on Shabbat; why Orthodox Jewish men refrain from touching women who are not part of their families; Torah attitudes towards homosexuality; why Orthodox women cover their hair; and sexual practices within an Orthodox Jewish marriage. [Donald H. Harrison]
Contest Will Provide Input for Jewish Movie’s Sequel Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA
Sefaria will add more than three dozen volumes by Rabbi Sacks to the library, released in stages over several years. The April 2024 release is the first batch of these works. The entire collection of Rabbi Sack’s writing that will be accessible on Sefaria is made possible through the support of the William Davidson Foundation. [Press Release]
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ Works to be Digitized, Disseminated for Free Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish Religion, USA
Eventually, Ferdinand became a Prussian-German jurist, philosopher, socialist and politician who is best remembered as the initiator of the social-democratic movement in Germany. [Wikipedia]
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Ferdinand Lassalle Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Wikipedia
In an era where the lessons of history risk being forgotten or distorted, the theme of this year’s program, “Coming Together in Strength & Unity,” underscores the importance of community solidarity in standing against rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial. Only together can we ensure that the commitment to “Never Again” remains unwavering. [Press Release]
Community Yom HaShoah Observance Set for JCC on Sunday, May 5 Read More »
Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Press Release, San Diego County, USA
After the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 and Portugal in 1495, the two largest migrations were to North Africa and to the Ottoman Empire. It was when I first traveled to Romania and Bulgaria (initially researching klezmer) that I met Jews who traced their heritage back to the Iberian Peninsula. Some of these Jews sang songs in Ladino and others played Sephardic music. [Yale Strom]
The German historian, philologist and jurist Theodor Mommsen, author of The History of Rome and winner of the 1902 Nobel Prize for Literature, however, gave a rational explanation for the satanic design of antisemitism: its main cause was rooted in “envy and primal instincts, […] a barbaric hatred of education, freedom and humanism.” [Alex Gordon]
Envy, Jealousy Aroused by Jews Prompted ‘Protocols of the Elders of Zion’ Forgery Read More »
Alex Gordon, International, Israel, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Emile Zola received tremendous backlash for his letter, but he managed to bring the French people to their senses, stopping the wave of antisemitism that was then ravaging France. [Jose Galicot]
In Emile Zola’s Famous Rebuke to Antisemites: ‘J’Accuse!’ Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA
This past Sunday, Tifereth Israel Synagogue hosted its First Annual Artists’ Showcase. Many talented artists came out to proudly display their creations which ranged from art, books, music, photography, woodworking, other crafts and Israeli stamp collecting. The event was jointly sponsored by the Tifereth Israel Synagogue Men’s Club and Sisterhood. [Mimi Pollack]
Artists’ and Artisans’ Show Lures Her to a Synagogue Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Donald H. Harrison, Fred Kropveld, Israel, Jewish Religion, Mimi Pollack, Music and Visual Arts, News Media, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors, The World We Share, USA
Thirty-five Jewish men and women contributed short essays to stimulate participation. One points out that Moses tried to persuade God not to send him to Egypt by saying, “I am not a man of many words.” However, tonight, we read how he led the Israelites from slavery. Doesn’t this show that limited words can achieve great things? Can you think of examples? [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
A Very instructive Haggadah Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Believing that you “go up” when you “put another down,” speaking lashon hora, reflects on your unhealthy ego. Speaking lashon hara about another is like wearing a glowing sign that shouts, “I’m emotionally unhealthy!” [Michael R. Mantell]
Parsha Tazria: Guarding Against Gossip Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors
Leon Blum, the three-time prime minister of France, was born April 9, 1872 and died March 30, 1950. Our Jewish biographer, Alex Gordon, profiled him recently. Please see https://www.sdjewishworld.com/2024/03/25/jewish-biography-leon-blum-natural-socialist/ Tomorrow: Joseph Pulitzer
Today’s Jewish Birthday: Leon Blum Read More »
Antisemitism, International, Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors