Judaism

UCSD panel on antisemitism provided valuable information

The extra security at the event made it clear why many academics and administrators might refuse such an elephantine gift: the dangers of conflict and protest on our campuses could far outweigh the benefit of an academic panel discussion. [Eran A. Mukamel]

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Antisemitism, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish biography: Lina Stern, Soviet trailblazer in biochemistry

The main scientific achievement of Lina Stern was the discovery and detailed study of the blood-brain barrier, the hemato-encephalic barrier—a protective mechanism that regulates the exchange of substances between the blood and the brain. [Alex Gordon]

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

The importance of Jewish camping

Long before phrases like “immersive engagement” and “experiential Judaism” became common communal language, Jewish camp was already doing that work. Camp created environments where Judaism was not confined to a classroom or a single hour each week. Judaism became woven into the rhythm of daily life through songs, Shabbat under the stars, Hebrew cheers, Israeli dancing, storytelling, friendship, color wars, mentorship, and shared memories that would last a lifetime. [Betzy Lynch]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

New York Times and antisemitism: the Jewish enemy within

Coverage of Israel often portrayed it as a destabilizing force rather than a necessary refuge for a shattered people. By the 1970s and 1980s, legitimate policy critique sometimes slid into rhetoric about excessive Jewish power and dual loyalty. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Israel, Jewish History, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Middle East, News Media, Shanda File, USA

The coming of Shavuot spawns many local celebrations

The seven weeks of counting the Omer are coming to an end soon, and we celebrate with receiving the Torah on Shavuot. Many celebrations include dairy products. Many celebrations include dairy products.  The Israelites didn’t have time that night to kasher their non-dairy foods. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food

Last letters of Israeli soldiers poignant, witty, and even joyous

The emotional range is extraordinary and serves as a splendid message and lesson for readers. One page may have readers smiling at a soldier’s wit; the next may be almost unbearable because of its honesty. No letter romanticizes war. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]

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Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Israel, Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Lifestyles, Obituaries & memorials, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Parsha Bamidbar: People count as individuals and as part of a group

From a psychological standpoint, recognition is one of the most powerful reinforcers of identity. When we believe that we are truly acknowledged, our internal sense of ourselves becomes more stable, more resilient. When we do not feel or think this way, something begins to erode. We can be physically present yet feel emotionally invisible. [Michael Mantell, Ph.D.]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Grossmont College exhibit highlights Holocaust survivors who made their homes in San Diego County

Every survivor’s story is unique, each one a miraculous testimony to the resilience of the human spirit. Holocaust survivors have spent decades rebuilding their lives in the United States — raising families, starting successful businesses, and daring to celebrate life again after unimaginable loss. [Cailin Acosta]

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Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

A hidden Jewish angle to Arthur Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman’

In the late 1990s, on the 50th anniversary of his 1949 play, Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller confessed to an interviewer that Willy Loman and his family were intended to be Jews. Further, he said, the title character was inspired by one of his uncles and a suicidal colleague of his father’s, both of them salesmen. [Susie Rosenbluth]

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Jewish History, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, USA

Comedian Alex Edelman jokes about different streams of Judaism at JFEST opener

After greeting the audience Edelman, who grew up Orthodox, opened with a groaner. “What’s the difference between a reform Rabbi and Donald Trump?” He asked. The answer, “Donald Trump has Jewish grandchildren.” As the crowd groaned in unison, he noted that yes, it was a bad joke, and yes, everyone would be repeating it.  He wasn’t wrong on either count. [Sandi Masori]

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Jewish Celebrities, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego County, Sandi Masori, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Traveling Holocaust exhibit asks what Americans knew and how they responded

Important questions about morality, responsibility, and public awareness are at the center of the “Americans and the Holocaust” exhibit at Grossmont College. [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Holocaust, International, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

President Trump calls on Jews to celebrate America’s 250th birthday by observing National Shabbat May 15-16

Prinz’s address is remembered for its contention that in the face of discrimination, “the most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful and the most tragic problem is silence.” [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Obituaries & memorials, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA