By Rafael Medoff/JNS.org WASHINGTON, D..C. — “We didn’t know you couldn’t organize a mass rally in four days, and sometimes if you don’t know, then you just plunge ahead—and you do it.” So says Glenn Richter, one of the organizers of the rally in New York City, 50 years ago on May 1, which […]
Civil rights movement inspired rally for Soviet Jews Read More »
International, Jewish History, USA
By Noah Hadas SAN DIEGO — As a teacher of Jewish history, I’ve often been asked about the historical veracity of the Exodus (the biblical account not the movie with Paul Newman.) In preparation for Passover, I’d like to summarize the opposing views and provide my own insight. Those who claim the story is mythical
Can any parts of ‘Exodus’ be verified? Read More »
Jewish HistoryWASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)–U.S President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry were among the public officials who have sent Passover greetings to the Jewish community. President Obama said in a statement: “Michelle and I send our warmest greetings to all those celebrating Passover in the United States, in Israel, and around the world.
Obama, Kerry send Pesach greetings Read More »
Jewish Religion, USA
By Rabbi Nadav Caine POWAY, California — When I arrived in San Diego County in 2007 to serve Ner Tamid Synagogue, it didn’t occur to me to lead a First Seder at my synagogue. “Doesn’t everyone already have plans with family for the First Seder?” I presumed. It never occurred to me
Coming soon: Hilarious, play- acting seder at Ner Tamid Read More »
Jewish Religion, Trivia, Humor & SatireBy Rabbi Ben Kamin ENCINITAS, California — When Thomas Cahill wrote his insightful book, The Gifts of the Jews, several years ago, he made the case that a group of Hebrew nomads changed the value system of this world. If you ask Jewish people who really understand that this is more of people of ideas than
Passover, like freedom, belongs to everybody Read More »
Jewish Religion
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — ‘Let all who are hungry, come and eat.’ This invitation, part of the traditional Passover seder, inspired a call for Congress to provide nutrition support for seniors at the 6th annual National Hunger Seder in the U.S. Capitol. The event, organized by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and MAZON:
Seder in Capitol calls attention to the hungry Read More »
Jewish Religion, USABy Rabbi Baruch Lederman SAN DIEGO — A General will sometimes need to sacrifice a battle in order to win the war. An expert chess player will sometimes sacrifice a chess piece in order to win the match. The manager of a baseball team will sometimes sacrifice a runner in order to win the game.
Don’t overdo the pre- Pesach cleaning Read More »
Jewish Religion
By Regina Brett/JNS.org CLEVELAND — That first Passover was a tough one. I had been dating a Jewish man for the first time in my life and he invited me to celebrate Passover with a few dozen friends. He didn’t warn me about the four cups of wine. (I don’t drink.) He didn’t tell me
The seder that brought her to the Jewish people Read More »
Jewish Religion
KAIFENG, China (Press Release) – Nearly 100 members of the ancient Jewish community of Kaifeng, China, are expected to attend a first-of-its-kind traditional Passover Seder that will take place next Monday, April 14, at the start of the holiday in Kaifeng. The Seder, which is being sponsored by the Jerusalem-based Shavei Israel organization, will be conducted
Kaifeng Jewish descendants to observe Pesach Read More »
International, Jewish Religion
Editor’s Note: The Christian Broadcasting Network, in comment below the following story, says Pat Robertson was quoting Daniel Lapin’s book, and not voicing his own opinion. By Joe Gandelman SAN DIEGO — Televangelist Pat Robertson has struck again, recently saying Jews never fix their cars because they’re too busy polishing diamonds. Note that Robertson often
Pat Robertson and a Jewish stereotype Read More »
Jewish Religion, Joe Gandelman, USABy Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California –This past week, I watched the new movie Noah with considerable interest. The newest book of my Genesis commentary deals largely with the story of Noah and the moral questions raised by the Noah narrative. Naturally, whether a person writes a script or a commentary on a biblical story,
‘Noah’ departs in many ways from biblical narrative Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-RabbiBy Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal SAN DIEGO — A few years ago our congregation participated in a “Torah for the Troops” campaign that was spearheaded locally by Gary Jacobs. After making a lead gift, Gary encouraged San Diego Synagogues, the Jewish Federation, and the Jewish Community Foundation to contribute funds to commission the writing of a
Bringing Torah to the troops Read More »
Jewish Religion, San Diego County, USA
NEW YORK (WJC) – The World Jewish Congress welcomed a statement by the Polish Parliament, the Sejm, saying that kosher slaughter of animals is permitted in Poland if performed for the needs of Jewish communities. Last July, the Sejm had voted against a government proposal that would have granted a general exemption for kosher and
Polish Parliament okays shechita Read More »
International, Jewish Religion
SAN DIEGO (SDJW) –Aboard the retired Air Craft Carrier USS Midway, a new Torah was presented Tuesday evening, April 1, by the Jewish community of San Diego to the JWB, previously called the Jewish Welfare Board, for use by Jewish chaplains. Carried under a chuppah by San Diego philanthropist Gary Jacobs, the Torah a few hours before had its
A new Torah for the military Read More »
Jewish Religion, USA