Judaism

Plaque donated for grave of mass murderer’s teenage Jewish victim

With the help of a remarkable West Haven, Connecticut, genealogist, John Doe’s unmarked burial site was identified.  JASHP’s obligation was clear.  The boy deserved a stone of memory.  No longer, unintentionally, would feet stand on his grave. [Jerry Klinger]

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Antisemitism, Holocaust, International, Jerry Klinger, Jewish History, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Congressional candidate advocates tightening rules on campus antisemitism

Mandate complete transparency of foreign funding to universities and nonprofits under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, with severe financial penalties and loss of tax-exempt status for nondisclosure. Congress must close loopholes that allow foreign governments and entities to influence American education. [Stan Caplan]

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Antisemitism, California, Israel, Jewish History, Opinion, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

Jewish Biography: Emmerich (Imre) Kálmán, operetta composer

When three Jews in a troubled, hostile-to-their-people Vienna put on a jester’s cap and write an operetta with a happy ending, one might think they were indulging in wishful thinking or trying to drown their fears, to dissolve their worries in the desired joy. [Alex Gordon]

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Alex Gordon, Antisemitism, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Nationwide antisemitic incidents occur inside and outside synagogues

Of the 6,274 antisemitic incidents recorded across the United States in 2025, 671 targeted synagogues specifically. The overwhelming majority (85%) were harassment, with verbal and written threats comprising the largest single category. But the threats were not only words: nine were physical assaults, two of which involved a deadly weapon. [Press Release]

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Antisemitism, Jewish Religion, Press Release, USA

Parsha Behar: Schnorrers are unsung MVPs of Jewish history

The Hebrew language is gloriously rich in words for “poor person.” We’ve got dal, evyon, oni, rash — a whole thesaurus of poverty. Yet when the Torah lays down the laws about helping the poor, it refuses to use any of them. Instead, it keeps repeating one single word: achicha — “your brother.” [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]

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Business & Finance, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-Rabbi, Philanthropy & Volunteerism, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Holocaust van will take education to students instead of vice versa

We realized that if we truly wanted to reach students where they are at scale, we needed to rethink the entire model. So, we asked: what if, instead of waiting for students to come to us, we brought the experience directly to them? [Heidi Gantwerk]

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

Life cycle events make me reflect on how good it is to live openly as a Jew in America

Jewish Americans established a critically important place in our nation’s history because of the strength of our democracy, which has ensured our voices and views are heard. [Halie Soifer]

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International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Obituaries & memorials, Opinion, Staff and Bylined Contributors, USA

AJC San Diego publishes resource for Jewish American History Month

AJC San Diego has developed a set of mini-lessons about notable Jewish San Diegans throughout the city’s history. Click here to view the lessons, three of which are narrated by this publication’s publisher and editor, Donald H. Harrison. [Cailin Acosta]

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Business & Finance, Cailin Acosta, California, Israel, Jewish Religion, Opinion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors, Travel and Food, USA

Israel’s President Herzog promotes integration of science and Torah

Rabbi Rimon told President Herzog. He added that, as someone engaged in the intersection of Torah and science, he is well-acquainted with the teachings of President Herzog’s grandfather, Rabbi Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, who served as the first Chief Rabbi of Israel and previously as Chief Rabbi of Ireland. [Press Release]

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

Parshiot Behar & Bechukotai: Do you have that shmittah feeling?

We live in a world that rarely stops. There’s always another email, another obligation, another goal. Even when we “rest,” we’re often scrolling, consuming, distracting ourselves. Stillness can feel uncomfortable. Slowing down can feel like falling behind. And over time, we begin to internalize a dangerous equation: I am what I produce. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.]

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Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Mantell, Science, Medicine, & Education, Staff and Bylined Contributors

Rabbi Leon Morris describes why the Jewish people have always remained hopeful

Morris explained that optimal hope allows people to continue striving even when success seems unlikely. Rather than being driven only by expectations of fulfillment, optimal hope is fueled by wishes, aspirations and determination. [Cailin Acosta]

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Antisemitism, Cailin Acosta, Israel, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined Contributors